A quick briefing on blue light and eye strain.

How do Computer Glasses Differ from Reading Glasses?

Computer glasses differ from reading glasses by focal length, variable focus options, and blue light protection. 

A typical “reading” prescription from your eye exam will correct for a focal length from about 1-2 feet. This allows us to see smaller fine print, but requires us to hold the media that we look at closer to our face. A typical “computer” prescription from your eye exam will be roughly half of your “reading add” total power. Sometimes your doctor will divide this number into multiple prescriptions, sometimes your optician will interpret this prescription. The reduction of total add power by half allows the wearer to experience less magnification, and use their computer glasses at a focal length from 3-5 feet. 

Computer Glasses with Variable Focus

Computer Glasses can also include progressive or variable focus options. This means that as you look through the bottom of your computer lens, you get a boost in power that allows for your 1-2 foot focal distance. This type of lens is called a workplace or office progressive. These dedicated work lenses allow for versatility. Blue light protection is another key factor for computer glasses. To understand how this benefits the wearer, we must first talk about blue light.
 

What is Blue Light?

Blue light is “visible light” on the color spectrum. It has the shortest wavelength of all visible light at 380-500 nanometers, and is considered “high energy” visible light. Blue light is present during the daytime through sunlight and in the evening through artificial light sources such as computer screens, phones, televisions and fluorescent lights. Blue light in appropriate levels can stimulate alertness and awakeness when observed from the sun in the morning time. When we continue to observe blue light into the evening hours because our jobs require it (computers, fluorescent lights etc) it can have an adverse effect on our sleep cycle. 

Digital Eye Strain

Digital eye strain is pain in the eyes or headache after prolonged computer use. Doctors believe that this is due to dry eyes from blinking less while using the computer. Computer eyeglasses with prescription from your doctor can help with straining of the eyes and blurred vision at the computer. Blue light blocker glasses on their own have little effect on digital eye strain, but when combined with prescription lenses can help reduce the overall discomfort at the screen.

Final Thoughts

Computer eyeglasses help with with the "intermediate" zone for seeing fine print. These glasses are more of a necessity than they have ever been due to our continued reliance on computer screens and our cell phones. Using a a combination of variable focus progressive lenses, blue light filters, and the correct refraction, we can get a more comfortable work experience. Come by our Santa Barbara or Goleta location today and ask me about which computer lens may be right for you!