Do you recognize fatigue, headaches, tension in your neck and shoulders, or dry eyes when you spend time in front of a computer screen? If so, you might want to consider investing in a pair of screen glasses – also known as blue light glasses. Screen glasses can be a great idea if you spend a lot of time in front of a computer or phone screen during the day.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of screen glasses and what to consider.
Also, check out our blog post on how we conduct a vision test at Democratic Eyewear.
What are screen glasses, and what do they do?
Today, most people’s work involves spending increasing amounts of time in front of a computer screen, which can negatively affect our eye health. It often causes tension and, in the worst case, potential damage to the retina in the long run.
Screen glasses – also called blue light glasses or computer glasses – are a type of glasses specially developed to relieve your eyes when spending time in front of a screen. This can be during computer work, but also if you spend a lot of time on your phone. Especially if you use your phone in the evening before bed, the blue light from the screen can negatively affect your sleep.
Screen glasses have a specific filter that blocks some of the blue light from the screen, helping to relieve your eyes and reduce eye strain. In this way, you can avoid tired eyes and potential tension caused by blue light.
What is blue light?
Blue light is the light emitted from our computer screens and phone screens when we spend time in front of them. Long-term exposure to blue light can cause eye strain and even disrupt your sleep pattern.
Blue light glasses can help reduce this strain, allowing you to stay focused and avoid tired eyes and headaches when working in front of the screen. By reducing exposure to blue light, you can maintain your eye health.
What are blue light glasses?
Blue light glasses are specially developed glasses to relieve your eyes when using screens such as a computer at work, your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. They have a specific filter that blocks some of the blue light from the screen, helping to alleviate eye strain. This filter helps reduce eye strain caused by prolonged exposure to blue light.
Blue light glasses come in two main categories:
• With prescription
Blue light glasses with prescription can be ideal if you need to work in front of a computer screen without being disturbed by blue light. They allow you to work efficiently without the discomfort caused by blue light.
• Without prescription
Blue light glasses without prescription are perfect for those who do not need vision correction but still want the benefits of screen glasses. They are suitable for anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of blue light filtering without altering their vision.
Whether you work a lot in front of a computer or just want to maintain good eye comfort, blue light glasses could be the solution you need.
If you need screen glasses, one of our opticians in our stores is always ready to help you find the right pair for you. We always recommend that you have a vision test with us before choosing your new blue light glasses to ensure you get the perfect pair for your needs.
What do screen glasses cost?
The cost of screen glasses varies depending on which type you choose. Screen glasses without prescription are generally cheaper than those with prescription. If you choose a pair with advanced multifocal lenses, they are usually more expensive than those with single vision lenses or no prescription at all.
What’s the difference between screen glasses and reading glasses?
The difference between screen glasses and reading glasses is that screen glasses, unlike reading glasses, block the blue light emitted by our digital screens. They are specifically used for focusing when working in front of a screen, and they are customized for the reading distance to your screen and the direction of your vision. Reading glasses, on the other hand, are used for reading from a book, newspaper, or paper.
How do I know if I need screen glasses?
If you spend many hours a day in front of a screen, screen glasses can be a good idea as they help alleviate many of the tensions caused by too much screen time.
If you experience headaches, tension in your neck and shoulders, or irritated eyes when sitting in front of a computer screen, it may be a sign that you need screen glasses.
Some signs you can look for include:
• Blurry vision when you look away from your screen.
• Your vision seems blurry after a long day in front of the screen – it may last for a while, but will usually go away the next day.
• Tense and tired eyes that may feel red and stinging.
• Heavy eyes and light sensitivity.
• Short-term double vision when looking away after prolonged screen use.
Learn more about symptoms and causes of eye problems in our blog: Pain behind the eye and headaches: Why do I experience this?
The 20-20-20 rule
If you want to avoid tired and strained eyes, there is a tip you can use when spending time in front of a computer or phone screen. The Eye Association has developed a simple rule called the 20-20-20 rule. It simply means that every 20 minutes, look away from the screen for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away (i.e. far away).
This rule is great for when you spend many hours in front of a screen, such as during work. It will help protect your eyes as much as possible.
Screen glasses agreement at Democratic Eyewear
If you need new screen glasses and are eligible for employer-paid glasses, you can benefit from an agreement with Democratic Eyewear for both you and your company.
Learn more about our screen glasses agreement and find out how to get employer-paid screen glasses from Democratic Eyewear.
If you are unsure which screen glasses are right for you, we are here to help you in one of our four stores. We always offer free help and advice so you can find the perfect screen glasses for your needs.