Computer & Blue Light-Blocking Glasses: How They Work, Best Brands and Where to Buy

Early studies show that blue light-blocking glasses have a positive effect for wearers who have concerns about their eyes because they spend so much time using digital devices like laptops, tablets, and smart phones.

The computer glasses are designed to help stave off eyestrain, blurred vision, double vision, and dry eyes.

There are a variety of computer glasses on the market, from over-the-counter models to prescription models.

What Are Computer Glasses?

Computer glasses are built with special lenses for viewing content on digital screens like laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Besides protecting your eyes, the eyeglasses can correct vision problems that may contribute to computer-related eye eyestrain.

Computer glasses are different from traditional reading glasses in that their lenses are designed to address the poor contrast or blurry text that may compromise vision when working at a computer. 

Unlike reading glasses, computer glasses usually support intermediate viewing distances.   

Types of Computer Glasses

There are different types of computer glasses you can wear to correct vision problems or make your screen time more comfortable. These include prescription glasses, over-the-counter glasses, single-vision glasses, bifocals, trifocals and progressives.

Prescription Glasses

If you have farsightedness or astigmatism (blurred distance and near vision), you may experience difficulty viewing content on digital screens. This problem is also common in people with poor focusing or presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision).

By wearing prescription glasses for computers, you can improve your vision when typing or using an application. You may undergo the following tests to get the right glasses for digital screens:

• Visual acuity test
• Refraction tests (to determine the necessary lens focusing power needed to correct your astigmatism or near/distant-vision problem)
• Eye focus test

Over-the-Counter Glasses

You may buy computer glasses from an online or local store, but these aren’t usually therapeutic. But there are OTC options with protective features for the eyes like anti-glare or blue light-blocking coatings.

Blue Light Glasses

Wearing blue light glasses protects your eyes from the effects of light from the digital gadgets you interact with day-to-day. The eyewear may include an anti-reflective film for glare protection when working at a computer.

Single-Vision Glasses

Single-vision computer glasses have fixed focusing power within the range of 20 to 26 inches.

Bifocals

Computer glasses with bifocal lenses support reading distances (near vision) and intermediate-range vision for viewing digital screens. Through the lower part of the lens, you have enhanced near vision, while the upper portion enhances your mid-range eyesight.

Progressives

Progressive lenses for computers help improve eyesight at all distances and can improve your vision comfort when working at a PC. Wearing these glasses can eliminate those uncomfortable head movements as you repeatedly shift eye focus between your digital screen, manual files, and other areas in your office. 

Why Wear Computer Glasses?

Computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain is one of the most common side-effects of prolonged screen time. About 90% of people who view a digital screen for 3 hours or more a day have this problem.  

While you may not feel it right away, viewing a computer display strains your visual system more than does reading a book. Blurry text, contrast issues, glare, and screen reflections can compound this problem, with adverse effects on your vision comfort.

Also, your viewing distances and angles when working at a computer may change multiple times on an average day at the office. With the constant eye movements and changes in focusing distances, your eyes are overworking. 

These issues, along with any underlying vision problems and poor ambient lighting, can trigger side-effects such as:

• Eyestrain 
• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Dry eyes

With eyeglasses that satisfy your mid-range vision requirements for digital screens, you can reduce your risk of eyestrain. Even better, get glasses that correct any existing distance or near vision problems with anti-glare and blue light-blocking treatments. 

How Computer Glasses Work

Computer glasses have special lenses that can ease your eyes’ accommodative strain as the focus shifts from distance to near vision and in-between. It minimizes the pressure on your visual system when viewing digital devices.

Some designs include blue light and anti-glare coatings, while others can correct refractive errors like longsightedness and shortsightedness.  

While computer glasses are a worthy ergonomic upgrade for your workspace, they are only one part of the recommended digital eyestrain management plan. They usually work alongside other preventive measures like:

• Eliminating any glare in your room or office 
• Using larger fonts on your smartphone or computer screen 
• Observing the 20/20/20 rule (Every 20 minutes, take your eyes off the screen and look at something 20 feet away from your desk for 20 seconds)
• Blink a lot to keep your eyes moist when working at PC for long hours

A 2017 randomized, crossover study by the American Academy of Optometry indicated that blue light-blocking glasses can mute the negative effects on visual acuity, night vision, glare, sleep, and mood.

Best Computer and Blue Light Blocking Glasses 

Do you regularly spend long hours in front of a digital screen and are concerned about eyestrain? You are not alone, and eyeglass makers know it. There are a wide range of blue-light filtering glasses on the market. Your goal is to find the pair that work best for you.

Here are some of the best computer glasses you can try out right away: 

Blue Light Glasses (Warby Parker)

These blue light glasses are not Warby Parker’s traditional polycarbonate or high-index lenses, but they boast superior-quality blue light filters. Available with or without a prescription, the glasses come with five try-on frames that can be shipped to your location for free. 

Unity Via OfficePro

Try the Unity Via OfficePro computer glasses if you need a versatile ergonomic solution for your digital workspace. The customizable lenses include options like advanced fit to more dynamically support near and intermediate vision at your most comfortable reading distance. 

Jackie Ohh Blue-Light Clear

The Jackie Ohh Blue-Light Clear glasses are ideal for outdoor and digital experiences with their 100% UV blocker.  The Shinny Havana frames make for a stunning retro vibe, thanks to the cat-eye shape.   

Workspace Progressives 

Zennet offers a range of progressive lens options for those who work long hours at a computer desk. Their near-vision progressives provide vision clarity from three feet away, while the mid-range options enhance vision clarity within 14 feet.

For better distance vision, try their standard progressive lenses with limited near and mid-range vision support. This is a versatile lens design for many applications, including driving. 

FAQs

Do computer glasses really work? 

Wearing computer glasses can reduce eyestrain from extended staring at a digital screen. They are recommended to enhance your vision comfort and performance if your average screen time per day is more than just a few hours. 

What glasses are best for a computer screen?

It all depends on your specific vision requirements. If you have no underlying vision problem, computer glasses with anti-blue light and anti-glare treatments may do the trick.

People with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or any other refractive errors require computer glasses that can repair their focusing problem.

References

1. Computer vision syndrome. American Optometric Association.

2. Computer glasses. Eyewear Insight.

3. Treating the digital eye. (2016). American Optometric Association.

4. Blue-light filtering spectacle lenses for visual performance, sleep, and macular health in adults. (2019). Cochrane Library.

5. Blue Light-Blocking Glasses May Help, Study Suggests. (2017). American Academy of Optometry.