Many people spend long hours each day on the computer, often making it necessary to designate a special pair of computer glasses solely for this use. Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a relatively recent term used to describe the various symptoms associated with being on the computer for prolonged periods of time: eyestrain, dry, burning or itchy eyes, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain.
Computer Glasses: Why Do You Need Them?
Computer vision syndrome is a temporary condition that is alleviated when we stop computer use, but it is often difficult to reduce the time we spend in front of the screen at home, school or work. For this reason, computer glasses are a viable option for many people. Good posture at the computer is also important in order to reduce back and neck pain.
Our eyes have trouble properly focusing on pixels on a computer screen, and general purpose eyeglasses don't address this problem. People who wear regular bifocals find that they are constantly tilting the head back while looking through the lower part of the lenses, which can cause neck, back and shoulder pain. Unlike conventional eyeglasses, computer glasses are task-specific.
How to Get Computer Glasses
If you suffer from computer vision syndrome and are considering computer glasses, the first thing you should do is visit your optometrist. The type of computer glasses your optometrist will recommend depends on a number of factors, including the lighting conditions at your computer, the distance between your eyes and the monitor, and your line of work. Your optometrist may recommend monofocal or single-vision computer glasses, which account for the working distance between your eyes and the computer screen, or special bifocals, trifocals or progressive addition lenses that are designed specifically for your screen distance. Your optometrist will measure your prescription during your eye exam.
If you're experiencing symptoms of CVS, getting customized computer glasses can greatly increase your comfort level at the computer, and reduce or eliminate eyestrain and other associated symptoms.
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