We all know the feeling: after a long day of staring at screens, our eyes feel tired, our heads are throbbing, and we just want to close our eyes and rest. Spending hours on computers, tablets, and smartphones has become a part of our daily routine. While there’s no avoiding digital devices in this day and age, too much screen time can take a toll on our eyes. Prolonged screen time can often lead to digital eye strain, causing symptoms like headaches, blurry vision, and general eye discomfort.
But there’s a solution gaining popularity: computer glasses. If you’re struggling with frequent headaches from too much screen time and are considering computer glasses, we’re here to help you decide if it’s the right option for you! In this blog post, we talk about computer glasses and how they can help reduce the headaches and discomfort that often come with long hours at the computer.
Understanding digital eye strain
Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, happens when you spend too much time looking at screens. It’s not just about feeling tired after a long day at the computer; this condition involves a range of symptoms that can significantly impact your comfort and productivity. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Eye strain and discomfort
- Blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Neck and shoulder pain
These symptoms occur because of the high-energy blue light screens emit, glare, and the constant focusing and refocusing your eyes need to do. Incorrect screen positioning, improper lighting, or poor posture can also worsen these symptoms. For instance, screens that are too bright or too dim, or positioned too close or too far away, can force your eyes to work harder.
How computer glasses help with headaches
Computer glasses are not your average eyewear. They come with lenses specifically made for the way we use screens. Unlike regular glasses, these lenses are often optimized for intermediate and close-up distances to provide more comfortable vision while working on devices. They typically include features like anti-glare coatings and blue light filters to help keep your eyes comfortable and reduce headaches and eye strain.
Computer glasses usually include lens tints that improve contrast and reduce eye strain, making it easier to focus on the screen without straining your eyes. This can help prevent the fatigue and discomfort that often lead to headaches. Good posture also goes hand in hand with comfortable vision. When your eyes aren’t straining to see the screen, you’re less likely to hunch forward or sit in awkward positions that can lead to neck and shoulder pain. Computer glasses help with this by making it easier to see your screen clearly, which can encourage better posture and reduce overall strain.
Other ways to manage digital eye strain
Managing digital eye strain involves both preventive measures and eyewear solutions. Along with wearing computer glasses, you can try following these tips to prevent or reduce eye strain:
- Regular breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule to give your eyes regular breaks and reduce strain. This rule states for every 20 minutes spent in front of a screen, you should look away for 20 seconds and focus on an object 20 feet away.
- Proper lighting: Adjust your screen’s brightness and contrast to match the surrounding light and reduce glare with screen filters or anti-glare coatings.
- Screen positioning: Position your screen about 20 to 30 inches away from your eyes and ensure it’s at a comfortable viewing angle.
- Blinking exercises: Remind yourself to blink more often to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
Computer glasses can be a valuable tool in reducing digital eye strain and headaches associated with prolonged screen use. At Spectrum Eye Care in Colorado Springs, CO, our experienced optometrists can help determine if computer glasses are right for you. We offer comprehensive eye exams in Colorado Springs and personalized advice to help you protect your vision and reduce discomfort from digital eye strain. Schedule an appointment with us today and find the solutions you need to make long hours in front of a screen more comfortable.
