Quite often we hear heated debates about what effect monitors have on our vision. Doctors strongly recommend limiting the time spent in front of screens, and also advise purchasing special glasses that protect against harmful influences. It’s worth figuring out once and for all whether TVs, computers and phones are really harmful to the eyes, and whether it’s worth taking care of protecting your eyes.
How does a computer (laptop) affect vision?
In the modern world, people have to spend more and more time in front of screens. This is not only the work process at the computer, but also everyday life: TV, telephone.
Many people with prolonged contact with these devices complain of eye fatigue, sometimes dryness and burning, short-term “dullness” of vision and a gradual decrease in its acuity over a long period of time.
These complaints do not arise out of nowhere.Any doctor, especially an ophthalmologist, will confirm that spending a long time in front of monitors without eye exercises will lead to a gradual deterioration in eye health.
The thing is that the human eye is very strained by the constant bright glow, which is accompanied by electromagnetic radiation and rays of the blue and violet spectrum. If you don’t periodically take a break from work, don’t do gymnastics, or don’t protect yourself with special glasses, then visual acuity will begin to fall.
Also, “computer fatigue” may cause short-term but very unpleasant headaches in the frontal region, a general feeling of weakness, a burning sensation in the eyeball, and increased intracranial pressure.
But don’t be afraid of the above facts. One way or another, almost everyone constantly faces similar problems, and nothing critical happens. But science does not stand still; there has long been a special coating for glasses that protects the eye from most harmful radiation.
The benefits of computer glasses
Computer glasses are distinguished by a special coating on the lenses that does not transmit harmful electromagnetic and ultraviolet radiation. The benefits of such glasses are obvious - the eye practically does not get tired in them, and receives a minimum of harmful electromagnetic radiation on the retina. And this is a very modern solution to all problems.
Not every person is ready to constantly be distracted from working at the computer for the sake of some kind of gymnastics. Sometimes people forget, some simply don’t know about the need for this, and some simply don’t have the time or desire to do this. However, you need to take care of your own health.
Types of computer glasses
At the moment, there are several types of computer glasses; they perform different functions. To make the right choice, you need to understand their classification, consider the main differences, advantages and disadvantages.
Monofocal
This option is suitable only for people who have good eyesight, i.e. no nearsightedness or farsightedness. With these glasses you can work at the computer for a long time without causing stress to your eyes. The advantage is that the entire optical zone is designed to work in front of monitors. This is the simplest option that can be found in optics, so the price won’t be too high.
Bifocal
An interesting, more complex option for those who work with a computer and, for example, paper records. The lens is configured in such a way that its upper part is intended for working in front of the monitor, and the lower part is for viewing close objects. It seems that each lens has another lens mounted underneath, smaller in size.
Trifocal
As the name suggests, the lenses of these computer glasses have three focuses: in the center for the middle distance, down for the near distance, and up for the far distance. This is very convenient for office work; the eye feels comfortable even under prolonged strain. Sometimes this type of glasses is confused with varifocal, which is described below.
Progressive (varifocal)
This type of glasses differs in that the lenses combine several optical zones (as is the case with bifocals, where there are two zones), which perform different functions. Outwardly, they are similar to conventional monofocal optics, however, their purpose is completely different.
The central “corridor” of the lens helps you work safely in front of screens, the upper areas help the eye focus on distant objects, and the lower areas help you look at close objects. Peripheral zones are also involved, unlike trifocal lenses. This option is the most comfortable; the eye feels as relaxed and natural as possible.
Also, such lenses help the eye to better perceive the color spectrum. However, the disadvantages of such computer glasses include difficulty in manufacturing, which results in a very impressive price.
How to choose the right glasses for your computer?
Selecting optics is always a very complex and responsible process. Glasses must be selected individually, according to your own eye; for this, it is strongly recommended to consult a professional ophthalmologist.
Important! When the issue with diopters has been resolved, the specialist has issued the appropriate recommendations, you can begin to choose the type of glasses and their appearance.
If the buyer’s vision is in ideal condition, then in order to save money, you can choose ready-made computer glasses from an optical shop. They are always available per unit and will cost slightly less than ordering. However, if you don’t like any of the styles, you should make an individual order. Below are some tips for choosing the right computer glasses.
When it comes to choosing a frame, you should choose a reliable and simple material. Strong plastic will be an excellent option over thin metal. You definitely need to know your vision in diopters; to do this, you need to check with an ophthalmologist at the nearest clinic or find an optician where there is a private specialist, who will also help you choose glasses.
Advice! It is also worth consulting on issues related to your type of activity. If you mainly work with texts at the computer, then it is better to order a lens that increases contrast. If the work is related to color rendering, then the choice should fall on the appropriate glasses.
Expert advice on how to work with computer glasses
Professional ophthalmologists are unanimous in their opinion that even with computer glasses, the eye needs rest. Try to distract yourself from work for a few minutes every hour, look into the distance, and do simple gymnastics: rotational movements of the eyeball in different directions, strong blinking with a sharp opening of the eyelids, rapid blinking.
You can massage your closed eyes a little, but very carefully! After this procedure, the eye muscles will warm up a little, and the eye itself will rest.
As for diopters, if a person does not have ideal vision, then it is necessary to choose glasses according to the direction of an ophthalmologist. Lenses must be selected so that image clarity is maximum at all distances.
Otherwise, the eye will be overstrained, which may impair vision.
As you can see, your eyes need care - only then your vision is preserved. However, if you get into the habit of doing eye exercises, and also think about protecting your vision with the help of computer glasses, visits to an ophthalmologist will become exclusively preventive.