Extended screen time from computers, smartphones, and tablets can lead to eye fatigue and discomfort. One of the major contributors to digital eye strain is exposure to blue light. Blue light wavelengths have been shown to disrupt natural circadian rhythms and slow the secretion of melatonin when viewed at night. Computer eyewear that blocks blue light has gained popularity in recent years as a way to reduce eye strain from digital devices. However, computer eyewear offers protection and benefits beyond just blue light filtering. This blog post will explore the causes of computer eye strain and how high-quality computer eyewear can reduce glare, enhance focus, provide UV protection, and more.
Understanding Computer Eye Strain
Several factors contribute to computer eye strain from heavy screen use. Blue light exposure has drawn much attention, but glare from screens and poor posture while working at a computer are also culprits. When the muscles around our eyes work harder to focus on a screen for extended periods, it leads to fatigue. Squinting or straining to see in suboptimal lighting conditions also adds stress to the eyes. Taking microbreaks and following the 20-20-20 rule (looking away from screens every 20 minutes and focusing on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) can help reduce eye strain. Computer eyewear helps address these causes of eye strain through anti-glare coatings, enhanced optical clarity, and reminders to rest one’s eyes.
Beyond Blue Light Blocking: What Computer Eyewear Can Do
Reduce Glare
Anti-glare coatings work to diffuse reflected light off screens more evenly across the lens surface. This prevents harsh spots of glare that can cause discomfort. Some computer lenses even have mirrored or gradient coatings that shift depending on light sources to minimize glare in various settings.
Improve Focus
Subtle tints or filters in some computer eyewear enhance contrast and depth perception while working at a screen. This makes text and images appear sharper, reducing eye strain from having to work harder to focus. Certain lenses also filter out ambient light sources that compete with the screen for focus.
Enhance Contrast
Similar to improving focus, some lens options enhance the contrast between screen elements and backgrounds. This makes it less tiring for the eyes to distinguish screen content and keeps users more engaged in their work for longer periods.
Provide UV Protection
Look for computer eyewear that blocks 100% of harmful UV rays, both UVA and UVB wavelengths. Digital devices still expose eyes to UV indoors, and computer eyewear with full UV protection benefits eyes both at work and play outside of the office.
Choosing the Right Computer Eyewear for You
Prescription vs. Non-Prescription
If you require prescription lenses, computer glasses offer the benefits described above along with your corrective prescription. Non-prescription computer glasses or clip-on lenses provide blue light protection without adding a prescription.
Lens Tints and Coatings
Consider your lighting environments and typical screen usage patterns to determine if clear, photochromatic, mirrored, or other specialized lens options best meet your needs. Some people prefer single-tint lenses while dual-tint or progressive lenses may also provide versatility.
Style Considerations
Factors like frame material, size, and color allow finding a flattering and comfortable pair of glasses that suit your personal taste and work attire. Computer eyewear is available in both full-frame and clip-on styles.
Conclusion
By choosing computer eyewear tailored to your prescription needs, work environments, and personal preferences, you gain maximum eye health protection and performance enhancement. Look for a reputable brand that specializes in occupational eyewear utilizing the latest lens technologies. Prioritizing eye care is especially important for those whose professions involve extensive computer use. Computer eyewear enables you to work comfortably and efficiently at a digital workstation for prolonged periods.
