What are computer glasses?

Computer glasses are eyeglasses specifically designed for viewing computers, tablets and smartphones. Computer glasses are intended for close-up tasks only. They should not be worn for driving or general purpose use.

Computer glasses relieve focusing stress from computer use that can cause digital eye strain. Some computer glasses also help filter blue-violet light emitted by the screens of digital devices.

Why wear computer glasses?

It’s common to experience signs and symptoms of digital eye strain when viewing screens for extended periods of time. These include:

Digital eye strain is also called computer vision syndrome.

Our eyes (and bodies) aren't made for staring at a near object — like a glowing computer screen — for long periods of time. This causes strain and fatigue of the ciliary muscle inside the eye that controls the shape of lens and the focusing power of the eye. It also tires the extraocular muscles surrounding our eyes that control eye position and alignment. The tiring of these muscles leads to discomfort and visual symptoms.

Wearing computer glasses can reduce the risk of eye muscle fatigue and discomfort caused by prolonged screen time.

Some computer glasses also filter the blue light emitted by digital devices. Clear blue light filtering glasses (also sometimes called blue light blocking glasses or blue blockers) filter high-energy blue-violet light. Darker tinted glasses may be required to filter a broader range of blue light, such as blue-turquoise light. It is best to discuss your individual needs with your eye doctor. These will depend on your work requirements, screen usage, device specifications and display settings.

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