A Computer Glasses Buying Guide

Glasses with lenses intended for screen use are becoming essential eye protection as adults and children spend more time on computers, smartphones and tablets. These specialized lenses can block a significant portion of the high-energy blue light emitted by backlit screens. Prescription computer glasses can also improve clarity and focus in your intermediate field of vision. This buying guide will point you toward the best eyewear for your digital lifestyle.

Consider Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Extended exposure to blue light from backlit screens can cause computer vision syndrome. Most heavy users of computers and mobile devices experience eye fatigue after hours of use. Staring at a bright screen in low-light conditions may intensify these symptoms. Blue light can also affect the circadian rhythm, and nighttime screen use may disrupt natural sleep and waking patterns.

Glasses for screen use may be fitted with lenses that block anywhere from 10% to 90% of blue light. Blocking too little light may not significantly reduce eye strain, particularly in a bright working environment. Lenses that block too much blue light can make it more difficult to see a screen, especially when ambient lighting is dim. Most vision experts recommend eyewear that blocks 50% or more blue light for reducing eye strain.

Select Prescription Lenses for Screen Use

The near-to-immediate range of vision is most important when using computers. The standard distance between the face of a computer user and the screen of a desktop or laptop computer ranges from 20 to 26 inches. There is probably less distance between a user's eyes and a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.

Measure the layout of your desk at home or work area in an office or classroom to determine the best lenses for reducing eye strain and promoting productivity. Single-vision or multifocal glasses prescription computer glasses emphasize the intermediate range of vision. Wearing conventional bifocals may lead to posture problems if the wearer bends his or her head or neck when shifting between near and intermediate fields of vision. Trifocals and progressive lenses may only have a limited area of functional focus.

Occupational vision specialists often recommend single-vision glasses for computer use with lenses that provide about 60% of the magnifying power of reading lenses. Depending on your work or school environment, you may benefit most from multifocal lenses with a near-to-intermediate or intermediate-to-far range.

Customize Occupational Eyewear

If you work on a computer in an office, you may prefer different lenses than home users or students. Choose lenses based on the percentage of blue light blocked. Lenses that block over 50% of blue light may be preferable for bright environments and too dark for workplaces with dim or indirect lighting. Lenses that block less than 50% of blue light may expose a wearer to eye strain and the possibility of sleep cycle disruption.

It is also possible to select computer eyewear with tinted lenses. Amber and yellow are the most common tints for glasses intended for screen use, as these shades enhance contrast. An anti-reflective coating is also helpful for environments with fluorescent or other bright lighting sources. Choose frames compatible with lenses for reducing eye strain during screen use.