Specific ophthalmic lens prescriptions can be designed to reduce the demands on your eyes during computer use. These lenses are prescribed to function at the distance that you work on your computer, which is typically different than your normal reading distance. A number of specialized lens designs have been developed to create the most comfortable work environment for you, thus allowing you to work more efficiently at your computer with far greater comfort. Some of the lens designs we use include:
- Single Vision Lenses – specially designed for your specific computer working distance
- High Fitting Bifocal Lenses – allows you to see your computer through a large diameter bifocal section (we set the bifocal power for your computer distance), and also allows you to look above “the line” to look at distance on occasion (to view TV or other people in your office location)
- Occupational Bifocal Lenses – fit to give you computer screen vision through the top section of the lens, and closer reading material vision in the bifocal portion.
- Progressive Lenses – regular progressive lenses are generally wonderful for everyday use and for those that spend very limited periods of time on the computer. The area that provides computer vision however is relatively narrow and can be problematic for many of those who spend great amounts of time at the computer.
Specialized Computer Progressive Lenses – are designed to provide very large areas for computer distance and near vision, but a smaller and narrower area towards the top of the lens (designed for limited distance use). These lenses are great at the desk, at the computer, for reading, and for limited distance viewing (out to about 15 feet or so) around the office. It is suggested that these only be used in the office and switched out for traditional progressive lenses when you leave the office.
Lens Coatings and Tints for Computer Use
Although many eye care professionals have suggested the use of strange and unusual lens tints to help with computer vision syndrome, generally speaking the most appropriate lens treatment is an anti-reflective lens coating (AR coating). As light passes through a lens there are numerous surfaces of the lens where reflection occurs (front, internal, and rear surface reflections). The result is increased glare and reduced vision quality. AR coatings greatly reduce reflections at all surfaces. The typical result is less glare symptoms, improved comfort and improved cosmetic appearance (based on elimination of the reflections people see on the front surface of your glasses when they look at you!). Other tints and coatings that may be useful while working at the computer are all very individual in terms of preference. They include neutral density grey tint, pink tint, polarization and others.
Our board certified opticians at Vision Care Consultants are highly trained and experienced to give you the best advice on what type of lens designs and lens surface treatments may be most appropriate for your individual circumstance.
Eye Exercises or Vision Therapy for Computer Vision Problems
Many vision problems that lead to symptoms while working at the computer are treated successfully with Vision Therapy. If your symptoms at the computer are associated with dysfunctions in accommodation, convergence, or tracking, then vision therapy may provide a long term solution, possibly without the need for glasses! Depending on your specific circumstance, therapy may be office based or home based. We utilize some of the newest methods in vision therapy including computer based eye exercises! Our binocular vision and vision therapy specialists at Vision Care Consultants are the people to talk to if you suffer from “Computer Vision Syndrome.“
What about the influence of computer screens?
A computer monitor can be a big deal! Newer flat screens provide the best resolution and least amount of glare. The size of the screen that is most appropriate is based on working distance. Larger screens work best when viewed from further distances. You must consider the appropriate prescription in your computer glasses based on this working distance.