Do your eyes feel tired after a long day at the computer? Does your head hurt after hours of screen time? You’re not imagining it. Around 80% of Americans who use digital devices for two hours or more each day experience digital eye strain.
The right glasses can help. Computer glasses reduce strain, filter harmful light, and make screen time more comfortable. Here’s everything you need to know about protecting your eyes with the right eyewear.
Why Computer Screens Can Hurt Your Eyes
Staring at screens all day puts stress on your eyes. Digital text isn’t like printed text. The characters are less defined. The contrast is lower. Glare makes things harder to see.
Your eyes work overtime trying to focus. This extra effort leads to discomfort and fatigue.
The Science Behind Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain, also called computer vision syndrome, happens when your eyes get tired from screen use. Several factors contribute to this:
Reduced blinking: You blink less when looking at screens. Normal blinking keeps your eyes moist. Less blinking causes dryness and irritation.
Focusing effort: Your eyes constantly adjust focus when reading on a screen. This tires the muscles in your eyes.
Poor positioning: Screens that are too close, too far, or at the wrong angle make your eyes work harder.
Glare and brightness: Light reflecting off your screen or overly bright displays strain your vision.
What Is Blue Light and Why It Matters
Blue light is a type of light that screens emit. It has a short wavelength and more energy than other colors of light.
Some research suggests blue light may contribute to eye strain and fatigue. It can also affect your sleep cycle by making your brain think it’s daytime.
While blue light from screens won’t permanently damage your eyes, it can make them feel tired and uncomfortable during long work sessions.
How Glasses Can Help Protect Your Eyes
Special glasses designed for computer use can reduce eye strain and improve comfort. Here’s how they work.
What Are Blue Light Glasses?
Blue light glasses have lenses that filter out some of the blue light from screens. They reduce the amount of blue light reaching your eyes.
These glasses often have a slight yellow tint, though many newer versions look clear. The tint or coating blocks blue light while letting other light through.
Many people who wear eyeglasses report less eye fatigue and better e when using screens before bed.
Difference Between Blue Light Glasses and Computer Glasses
Blue light glasses and computer glasses aren’t quite the same thing:
Blue light glasses focus mainly on filtering blue light. They may not have any magnification or special lens design.
Computer glasses are designed for the specific distance you view screens. They often include:
- Anti-reflective coating to reduce glare
- Slight magnification for comfortable mid-range viewing
- Blue light filtering
- Lens tints that reduce eye strain
Computer glasses provide more complete protection for screen use. They’re made for the 20 to 26 inch distance most people sit from their monitors.
Do Prescription Lenses Help?
If you need vision correction, wearing your proper prescription is the first step to comfortable screen use.
Uncorrected vision problems make digital eye strain worse. If you’re squinting or straining to see clearly, your eyes get tired faster.
Your optometrist can add computer-specific features to your prescription lenses:
- Anti-reflective coating
- Blue light filtering
- Optimized focus for screen distance
- Slight magnification for intermediate viewing
Some people need different prescriptions for computer work than for distance or reading. A comprehensive eye exam helps determine what you need.
Other Ways to Reduce Eye Strain While Using Screens
Glasses help, but they work best when combined with good screen habits.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple rule gives your eyes regular breaks from focusing on your screen.
Set a timer on your phone to remind yourself. This habit makes a big difference.
Adjust Your Lighting and Workstation
Position your screen to reduce glare:
- Place your monitor so windows are to the side
- Avoid bright lights directly behind or in front of you
- Use blinds or curtains to control natural light
- Turn down harsh overhead lighting
Your screen should be about as bright as your surroundings. If your screen is much brighter than the room, it will tire your eyes.
Position your monitor 20 to 26 inches from your eyes. The top of your screen should be at or slightly below eye level.
Blink More and Use Artificial Tears
Staring at screens reduces your blink rate. You might blink only half as often as normal.
Make a conscious effort to blink more. Every 20 minutes, blink slowly 10 times. Close your eyes fully with each blink.
If your eyes still feel dry, use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops. Keep them at your desk and use them as needed.
What to Look for in Computer Glasses
Not all computer glasses are created equal. Here’s what makes a good pair.
Anti-Reflective Coating
This coating is essential for computer glasses. It reduces glare from your screen and surrounding light sources. Less glare means less strain.
Anti-reflective coating also makes your lenses clearer. Other people can see your eyes better when talking to you.
Lens Tint and Magnification
Some computer glasses have a slight yellow or amber tint. This tint filters blue light and can reduce eye strain.
Clear lenses with blue light filtering coatings are also available. They look like regular glasses but still block blue light.
Slight magnification helps if you’re over 40. As you age, your eyes have a harder time focusing on close objects. Computer glasses with light magnification make screen text easier to read without strain.
Comfort for Long Use
Comrputer glasses should feel comfortable for hours at a time. Look for:
- Lightweight frames
- Proper fit that doesn’t pinch or slide
- Lenses sized for your viewing needs
- Quality materials that don’t irritate your skin
Try on different styles to find what works best for you.
When to See an Optometrist
If you have persistent symptoms despite using computer glasses and following good habits, schedule an eye exam.
Signs You Might Need Specialized Glasses
See an optometrist if you experience:
- Frequent headaches during or after screen use
- Blurry vision that doesn’t clear with blinking
- Difficulty focusing between your screen and other distances
- Eye pain or burning
- Double vision
- Neck or shoulder pain from poor head positioning
These symptoms may indicate you need a different prescription or specialized lenses for computer work.
You might also have an underlying eye condition that needs treatment. Conditions like dry eye, astigmatism, or focusing problems can worsen with screen use.
Vision Therapy for Screen Fatigue
Some people struggle with screen work due to binocular vision problems. Their eyes don’t work together efficiently, causing strain and fatigue.
Vision therapy can help. This is a program of eye exercises that improves how your eyes focus and work together.
At Barnes Talero Eyecare, Dr. Barnes specializes in vision therapy. With over 40 years of experience treating binocular vision problems, she can help if standard blue light glasses aren’t enough.
Get the Right Glasses at Barnes Talero Eyecare
Finding the right computer glasses starts with a proper eye exam. Dr. Maria Barnes and her team provide personalized care for Nashville patients dealing with computer vision syndrome.
Personalized Eye Exams and Screen-Specific Lens Fittings
We don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions. During your comprehensive eye exam, we:
- Check your vision at multiple distances
- Test how your eyes focus and work together
- Assess your current prescription accuracy
- Discuss your work habits and screen time
- Recommend lenses suited to your specific needs
We offer lenses with anti-reflective coating, blue light glasses, and optimized focus for computer work. Whether you need prescription computer glasses or non-prescription options, we help you find the right fit.
Bilingual (English + Spanish) Care in Nashville
Barnes Talero Eyecare serves Nashville’s diverse community with fully bilingual care. Our entire team speaks English and Spanish fluently.
You can discuss your symptoms, ask questions, and understand your treatment options in the language you’re most comfortable with. No communication barriers. No confusion.
Se habla español. Ofrecemos atención ocular completa para usuarios de pantallas.
Why Local, Independent Eye Care Matters
As an independent practice, we make decisions based on what’s best for you, not corporate quotas. Your appointments aren’t rushed. Dr. Barnes takes time to understand your needs and find real solutions.
With 40 years of experience, Dr. Barnes has helped thousands of patients find relief from digital eye strain. She combines advanced diagnostic tools with personalized care.
We serve Nashville, South Nashville, Antioch, Brentwood, and nearby Tennessee communities. We accept most major vision and medical insurance plans.
FAQs
Do I really need glasses to protect my eyes from computer screens?
Not everyone needs computer glasses. If you experience headaches, blurry vision, or eye strain from screen use, they can help. Even if you don’t need vision correction, blue light glasses may reduce fatigue.
What are the best glasses for eye strain from screen use?
The best glasses depend on your individual needs. Computer glasses with anti-reflective coating and blue light filtering work well for most people. If you need vision correction, prescription computer glasses optimized for screen distance are ideal.
Are blue light glasses actually effective?
Research on blue light glasses is ongoing. Many people report less eye strain and better comfort when wearing them. They may also help with sleep if you use screens before bed. Even if the benefits are partly due to reduced glare, many users find them helpful.
Can kids benefit from computer glasses?
Yes. Children who use tablets, computers, or phones for schoolwork can experience digital eye strain too. Kids’ glasses with blue light filtering can help, especially for children doing online learning.
How does Barnes Talero Eyecare help with screen-related eye strain?
We provide comprehensive eye exams to identify the cause of your symptoms. We recommend appropriate computer glasses, suggest workspace improvements, and offer vision therapy if needed. Our goal is to make screen time comfortable again.
Do you offer glasses with anti-fatigue or blue light protection?
Yes. We offer lenses with anti-reflective coatings, blue light filtering, and designs optimized for computer use. We’ll help you choose the right features for your needs and budget.
Is this service available in Spanish?
Absolutely. Our entire team is bilingual in English and Spanish. You can receive all services, from eye exams to eyewear selection, in Spanish.
Protect Your Eyes Today
Computer glasses can make a real difference in your daily comfort. Combined with good screen habits, they help you work longer without pain or fatigue.
If you’re tired of dealing with eye strain, headaches, or tired eyes, we can help. Barnes Talero Eyecare provides personalized solutions for digital eye strain.
Call (615) 485-6251 to schedule your eye exam. You can also register online. We’re located at 390 Harding Place, Suite 104, Nashville, TN 37211.
Hablamos español. Your eyes deserve better. Let us help you see comfortably all day long.
