The Pros and Cons of Using Computer Glasses

If you sit in front of a computer screen for hours every day, you’ve probably experienced some sort of eye strain or fatigue. Computer glasses can reduce this because they feature magnification power to relieve eye strain when viewing an object close to the distance between you and your computer screen.

Computer glasses are similar to reading glasses, and some even have lenses that can block blue light. Of course, there’s more to the story here. Here, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of using computer glasses, so you can find out if they’re worth it for you.

advantage of using computer glasses

Before we get into the discussion, it is important to differentiate between computer glasses and gaming glasses that block blue light. Some computer glasses have lenses for blue light protection, but depending on the model you’ll need to double check this. With that said, here are some of the benefits of using computer glasses:

1. Reduce eye strain and fatigue

Computer glasses work best when your computer screen is about 25 inches from your face. Reading glasses are usually more dialed-in for items closer to 15 inches. Like reading glasses, computer glasses have a magnification power that can vary depending on your prescription.

This magnification greatly relieves the tension of the muscles in the eye and around the muscles outside the eye. If you’re constantly dealing with eye strain, feel pressure on the outside of your temples, or get lightheadedness after sitting in front of your desk, it might be time to try computer glasses.

2. Improve Your Vision

You may notice a gradual improvement in your vision if you buy a pair of computer glasses. If you often look at your screen and find that text or icons can sometimes be blurry, your vision is likely weaker than you think. In addition to reducing eye strain and fatigue, computer glasses can help improve vision.

This is because the magnifying power of the glasses makes text easier on your eyes. Your eyes don’t have to work as hard, and since there isn’t as much strain, your vision will gradually improve over time. So, if you spend a lot of time at your desk and are worried that your vision is degrading, then getting a pair of these glasses can help you solve that problem to some extent.

3. Protect your eyes from blue light

While there is a difference between computer glasses and blue light glasses, the lines can be a bit blurred. Essentially, any pair of computer glasses can serve as blue light glasses as long as they have filter lenses or an anti-reflective coating that reduces the intensity of blue light. This is why the terms are somewhat interchangeable.

Blue light messes with your circadian rhythm and can affect your sleep cycle. That’s why doctors recommend staying away from screens while sleeping. So, using computer glasses that can block blue light will improve your melatonin production, helping you sleep better.

4. Reduce glare and reflections

Glare and reflections from your computer screen can reduce your visibility. Fortunately, most computer glasses have an anti-glare or anti-reflective coating that can combat this problem. Computer glasses with an anti-glare coating usually have a thin layer that can block reflections and increase visibility.

This helps you see the screen more clearly, and reduces eye strain to a great extent. Glare can also cause eye strain and headaches, but computer glasses are able to protect you from both.

Disadvantages of using computer glasses

While computer glasses go a long way in improving your vision and avoiding eye strain, there are some obvious downsides that come with owning a pair. Below are the drawbacks of buying or using a pair of computer glasses.

1. Expensive

Computer glasses are definitely worth it if you need them. However, they can definitely be a bit pricey.

There are some common options you can find with Amazon or other retailers, and they’re usually cheaper. The problem is, if you want to go the safe route with prescriptions, be prepared to spend a lot of money.

Prices will vary depending on what you want from your glasses. So, if you want a pair with a blue light filter, higher magnification, and anti-glare coating, be prepared to pay a premium. Sure, it’s a worthy investment in the long run, but one that will cost you dearly.

2. Difficult to find the right fit

As with other glasses, finding the right fit for computer glasses can be a bit tricky. This is especially true if you don’t usually wear glasses. In these cases, chances are you don’t know what will look right on you and what shape will look better on your face. Luckily, you can try on glasses on your photo online to find the perfect frame.