Computer Glasses

Computer glasses (sometimes called "computer reading glasses" or "reading glasses for computer use" or "blue light glasses") have become a popular topic in the eyeglasses world due to some new companies that are promoting special coatings. To understand what computer glasses are, we must first understand the problems they are trying to solve. Computer glasses are designed to relieve digital eye strain, blurred vision, red eyes, dry eyes, and other computer vision syndrome symptoms. If you need a prescription to read the computer, then you could benefit from Anti reflective coating and Blue light glasses for computer use. If you do not need prescription glasses for computer use, then you would only benefit from blue light glasses.

Do Blue Light Glasses Work?

There has been a lot of buzz about blue light glasses in recent years and their purported ability to protect us from blue light exposure. Blue light from our devices increases energy levels, sleep disruption, and even eye strain. Thus the idea that blue light glasses can give us relief seems tempting. However, whether blue light glasses really work is still debatable. Studies have not conclusively proven that blue light glasses effectively reduce exposure to blue light. Thus, checking with your healthcare provider before trying these glasses is best.

How To Use Blue Light Glasses

Blue light-blocking glasses are fitted with a lens filter that can block or absorb some of the blue light which is everywhere. Some designs additionally block UV light, similar to sunglasses, although this is still being studied. Once you have your prescription, you can add a blue light-blocking coating to your lenses to make blue light glasses. We always recommend Crizal Prevencia, which blocks blue light, has an anti-reflective coating, a super hard coating, and a two-year anti-scratch warrantee. There is no finer way to treat your eyes than Crizal Prevencia.

Reduce Blue Light Exposure

Wearing blue light filtering glasses with these lenses can reduce – by a small amount – the total amount of blue light that enters your eyes while looking at digital screens – good and bad blue light. But blue light is natural and a necessary part of the light spectrum, and blue light blocking glasses only block blue light in small amounts entering your eyes.

What Is Blue Light?

“Blue light” is everywhere, and it is a general term that refers to all the light that falls in the range of 400-495nm. The “bad” light is only in the 400-430nm range. The “good” blue light is in the 430-490nm range, and we need that to stay healthy and survive. Companies claim that we may get more blue light than we need from television screens, laptops, mobile devices, and other electronics on the market. The average American will spend up to half of their waking lives (42 percent) in front of screens. 

Medical Research

Studies show that too much screen time can harm the mind and impact your eye health. For example, adults who spend hours in front of a computer screen to perform work-related tasks increase the risk of headaches and migraines. However, recent claims by companies that sell blue light filtering glasses imply that this light is the leading cause of this and other hazards to people’s eyes.

On a clear, sunny summer day, there’s no avoiding the bright blue sky. While humans have evolved under light from the sun, it was common practice to avoid looking directly into it to preserve eyesight. Nowadays, new technologies are emitting various wavelengths of light, and people are staring directly into them for prolonged periods of time.  The concern about excess blue light comes from the long-term effects of screen exposure, the close proximity of viewing, and the length of time in front of these screens. 

Where Does Blue Light Come From?

Blue light emanates primarily from the sun and from fluorescent lights, Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs, flat-screen TVs and screens, LED Lights, computer monitors, smartphones, and tablet screens.

Are LED Lights Harmful?

Right now, LEDs are becoming the market's most popular type of lighting. Chronic exposure to LED lights can have a photo-toxic effect on people’s eyes. A statement from the Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety report says, “accelerate the aging of retinal tissue and contribute to a decline in visual acuity and certain degenerative disease such as age-related macular degeneration.”

While LED lights may have concerns due to blue light, it may be misleading to believe this is the same issue with computer screens and mobile devices. 

Does Blue Light Impact Sleep?

Good blue light is required to maintain optimal health. The body uses light to regulate its circadian rhythm, the natural wake and sleep cycle. If you are exposed to blue light during the day, this helps maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. Too much exposure late at night, such as looking at your smartphone in bed, can disrupt the sleep cycle and cause problems or drowsiness.

Overuse Of Devices Is the Main Problem

Blue light filtering glasses do block some bad light, as well as the good blue light. So it is theoretically possible that blue light filtering glasses may help you; it is equally possible that blocking blue light could hurt you. There is no research either way. The main problem is not with the good or bad light but with our overuse of these devices.

Prescription Computer Glasses

Get The Distance Right

Computer glasses can only resolve vision problems if you have the right prescription strength. No blue light blocking lenses will help you if your computer glasses are not tuned to the distance of your computer screen from your eyes. correction needs of your eyes. If you pick a pair of reading glasses that "seems" right to you from a drugstore, you will not solve the distance problem and will continue to experience digital eye strain and its effects. Doing it right requires a visit to an eye doctor near you. Your eye doctor can prescribe blue light filtering lenses for reading glasses, near, intermediate, and distance vision. You can then decide what types of reading glasses you need for your lifestyle.

Types Of Lenses

For example, single-vision, progressive, and bifocal lenses can be used for computer glasses. Single-vision lenses are the most common and are also named "reading glasses; the new computer glasses brands were developed this way, primarily as gaming glasses. Gamer glasses are "off the shelf," meaning they do not require a prescription. Again, if you "self-diagnose" the power of computer glasses for yourself, you will not be solving your problems and may spend more money. Prescription computer glasses are a much more effective way to handle digital eye strain and computer vision syndrome.

Progressive Lenses

Progressive lenses are computer glasses with blue light filtering lenses. These blue light filtering glasses contain a special coating that filters out the harmful blue light emitted by digital devices and artificial lighting, allowing extended exposure to the computer screen or mobile device without straining your eyes. They also provide clearer vision for the computer screen, compared to regular glasses because each lens has a different focusing power, making it easier to switch focus between near and far objects. With progressive lenses, you can enjoy all the benefits of reading glasses and distance glasses while having extra protection from blue light exposure. Progressive lenses are an ideal choice for anyone who spends a lot of time using digital devices.

Photochromic Lenses

In addition to regular progressive lenses, transition lenses or Photochromic lenses and glare-reducing lenses are available on the market as reading glasses or any other type of lenses. Transition lenses change from clear indoors to dark outdoors in the sunlight while preserving UV protection, making them great for outdoor activities. And glare-reducing lenses protect from light glare, making them great for driving.

No matter which type of progressive lenses you choose, they will all help protect your eyes from blue light during extended periods of time. They are an excellent way to ensure you stay comfortable and healthy using digital devices.

Anti-Reflective, No Glare Computer Glasses

Anti-reflective coating added to computer glasses helps to reduce glare that enters your eyes from the computer screen and any other light sources in the room. For example, if your computer room has many windows, during the day, it will be filled with ambient light bouncing around, and no-glare glasses will help to reduce that light from entering your eyes. Glare entering your eyes causes eye fatigue and reduces visual acuity because it blocks your eyes from seeing clearly.

By reducing glare, this coating makes it easier to focus on what’s in front of you without squinting or straining your eyes. Anti-reflective coatings can be applied to any type of lens material, including plastic and polycarbonate lenses, making them ideal for people who need extra protection against bright lights while working on computers daily.

Photochromic Lenses Work As Computer Glasses Too

Photochromic lenses are eyewear designed to reduce eye strain and fatigue. They can tint or darken when exposed to UV light, protecting them from the sun's harmful rays. This feature makes them ideal for outdoor activities such as driving, playing sports, running, etc. Additionally, they provide superior clarity in various lighting conditions due to their ability to adjust their darkness level automatically depending on the amount of sunlight present. As a result, these computer glasses offer wearers enhanced visual comfort and performance without manually switching between different types of glasses throughout the day.

In addition to their photochromic properties, these glasses also filter out blue light emitted by digital screens like computers and phones. By blocking this blue light, this form of computer screen glasses can help reduce eye fatigue associated with prolonged exposure to digital screens. These transitioning lenses provide versatile protection against sunlight and blue light while allowing you to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities without worrying about harmful UV rays or uncomfortable glare.

When selecting a pair for yourself, it is important to consider some important features. Quality glasses should be scratch-resistant, have excellent UV protection, and provide superior clarity in all lighting conditions. Additionally, they should be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use without becoming easily damaged or scratched. When selecting a pair of transitioning tinted lenses, it is important to consult an optometrist or eye care professional for the best fit and recommendation. With a quality pair of these transition lenses, you can enjoy the convenience, comfort, and style of photochromic technology.

Ultimately, these glasses are a great choice for those who want a convenient, stylish, and comfortable eyewear solution to digital eye strain and sensitivity to things like overhead lighting. With these, you can enjoy the convenience of not switching between different glasses throughout the day while protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays and potentially harmful blue light. Additionally, these glasses are available in various colors and designs, allowing wearers to customize their look according to their personal style. Ultimately, photochromic lenses offer wearers the best of both worlds regarding comfort, convenience, and style.

Can Blue Light Computer Glasses Protect Your Eyes

For people with a sensitivity to potentially harmful blue light, having a pair of computer glasses that block blue light may reduce any adverse effects on your eyes, like eye strain and itchy eyes. However, any claims that blue light-blocking glasses for the computer can improve sleep, reduce headaches, and prevent eye problems may be misleading due to a lack of evidence to support it. 

Even so, blue-light computer glasses are a great option for those who spend long hours in front of the computer or other digital devices. While there is still much research on the true benefits of blue-light computer glasses, many people have reported positive outcomes. Blue light computer glasses may be worth considering if you’re looking for a way to protect your eyes while working with computers and other digital devices. With proper use and care, this specialized eyewear can make it easier to stay productive without sacrificing clear vision or eye health.

If you want to protect your eyes and avoid symptoms of eye strain, the best advice would be to:

• Reduce the amount of time spent in front of a screen: to further reduce computer eyestrain, it is important to take regular breaks away from digital screens. This can be done using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Doing this will help your eyes adjust and alleviate eye fatigue. Additionally, it’s helpful to adjust your computer settings so that emails and websites' text sizes are larger than usual. You can read them more easily without having to strain your eyes. Turning up the brightness in a dimly lit area while working on the computer can also help reduce eyestrain. Lastly, ensure you get plenty of sleep each night, as tired eyes often feel strained after hours of computer use. By following these tips, you'll be able to protect your eyes from the damaging effects of computer use and prevent eye strain over time.

• Wear the appropriate eyewear, especially for any prescription glasses: wearing prescription glasses is important to protecting your eye health and vision. Regular prescription lenses are designed to correct any refractive errors in the eye, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, which can cause blurred vision and headaches. A regular eye exam will ensure you have the right prescription for your eyes to enjoy clear, comfortable vision all day long. Wearing prescription glasses also helps the natural ability to protect your eyes from further damage caused by ultraviolet rays and blue light emitted from digital devices. By wearing the right prescription glasses tailored to suit your individual needs, you can keep your eyes healthy while enjoying sharp, clear vision throughout life.

With all the hype in the media, blue light-blocking glasses for computers may provide a placebo effect. The answer is unclear; some people swear by them, while others say that any benefits are minimal at best. However, research suggests that there may be some truth to the claims about these glasses and their ability to reduce eyestrain and improve sleep quality. So if you’re looking for a way to combat fatigue from too much time spent in front of your computer screen, it might be worth giving computer glasses a try.

Computer Vision Syndrome

People who look at computer screens, phone screens, or tablets for an extended period may suffer from Computer Vision Syndrome. The symptoms associated with this syndrome include eyestrain, tired eyes, redness, irritation, blurred vision, double vision, headaches, and neck pain.

While the amount of harmful light radiation from these devices has not been linked to any degenerative eye diseases, the blue light from screen devices suppresses melatonin production, resulting in sleep disturbances. The National Library of Medicine published a study that found no measurable UVA or UVB radiation from monitors.

To reduce screen time-related eye strain and improve overall eye health, limiting screen use and taking frequent breaks when using digital devices are important. Additionally, specialized computer glasses with anti-reflective coatings and blue light filters can be worn to reduce screen glare and block out harmful light. Computer glasses, in combination with screen time limits, can help protect the eyes from the negative effects of prolonged screen use.

Finally, it’s important to remember that screen time should always be balanced with plenty of outdoor activities and social interaction. Regular breaks from screen devices can significantly impact your overall physical and mental well-being. So, it’s important to remember to unplug every once in a while. Doing so will help you remain productive without compromising your health. It will also give you the time to properly hone skills that do not require screen time or digital devices. Be mindful of your screen time and take action to protect your eyes from the negative effects of mobile devices and screen time.

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Author of this article: 

Mark Agnew
CEO of Eyeglasses.com, which he founded in 1999.  For over twenty years, he has educated consumers, improved their vision choices, and reduced costs in eyewear.  Mark authored The Eyeglasses Buying Guide, the most comprehensive and best-selling glasses buying guide in the world.
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