Are Computer Glasses Worth It?

Anyone who spends a lot of time staring at screens could benefit from a pair of computer glasses. Here’s why.

The average adult spends roughly seven hours a day looking at digital screens, and around half of that time is devoted to a computer. Research has proven that too much screen time can be detrimental to your health, including your vision. Fortunately, there are glasses that can alleviate the negative side effects of long-term screen usage. Here are four reasons why computer glasses can benefit your eyes.

Reason #1 – Diminish Eye Strain
A common symptom of prolonged computer use is called digital eye strain. Also known as computer vision syndrome, digital eye strain occurs when your eyes are unable to maintain focus on an overload of visual stimulation. Due to the constant scrolling, flickering and reflecting of screens, your eyes need to work much harder to concentrate.

Additionally, we tend to blink less when we’re staring at a screen. This means that your eyes aren’t being lubricated as often as normal, leading to more dryness and strain. Computer glasses have lenses coated with anti-reflective and blue-light blocking filters to protect your eyes from glare and diminish digital strain.

Reason #2 – Reduce Chronic Headaches
For some, lengthy computer use may result in chronic headaches. The Vision Council of America estimates that over 27% of people experience headaches as a symptom of digital eye strain. By wearing computer glasses, you can diminish your chances of developing digital eye strain and its symptoms, including headaches.

Reason #3 – Optimize Your Vision
When you sit at your computer, you’re using what’s known as your intermediate vision. Your intermediate vision falls between your near vision (used for tasks like reading) and your distance vision (used for tasks like driving). Traditional reading glasses don’t usually provide enough support for this intermediate zone of your eyesight, but computer glasses often have magnified lenses to optimize your vision throughout a session at a PC.

Reason #4 – Minimize Sleep Interruptions
Staring at a digital screen in the hours before bed can have a negative impact on your sleep. This is because the blue light emitted by these screens suppresses your body’s creation of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. When you wear a pair of computer glasses, you reduce the suppression of melatonin, allowing you to fall asleep faster and attain a better night’s rest.

If you or someone you know spends a lot of time in front of a computer, then a pair of PC glasses might be the perfect Christmas gift. Sterling Vision’s optical shop offers a broad selection of eyewear, including lenses with anti-glare and blue light coating. To schedule an appointment with us, call 541-262-0597 or schedule online.