Introduction
Ever since the digital revolution, we have been spending more and more time in front of a screen. Whether it is working on a laptop or enjoying a Netflix and chill session on TV, our eyes are working overtime. This constant exposure to digital devices has led to the rise of blue light glasses, a.k.a. computer glasses.
While regular glasses are designed to correct a person’s vision, computer glasses are engineered to protect our eyes from blue light. Although blue light is known to boost alertness and elevate mood, prolonged exposure to it can cause digital eye strain (DES). It can also affect your natural sleep cycle, which can further lead to insomnia and mood disorders.
The Basics: What are Computer Glasses?
Computer glasses are specially designed to minimise digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome (CVS). If you think that this is just another marketing fluff, ask any software developer, How’s work? And they will talk about DES for hours.
As compared to regular glasses, computer glasses are built differently. They are typically made of
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Blue Light Filtering Lenses
The lenses used in the computer glasses are called digital lenses. They are meant to reduce the exposure to high-energy visible (HEV) blue light emitted by screens. That is why these glasses are also called blue blockers.
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Anti-Reflective Coating
The anti-reflecting coating is a thin, invisible layer applied to the lenses to eliminate the glare from screens. Whether you are in an endless Zoom meeting or have to go through a marathon coding session, this small feature can give your eyes the big comfort they deserve.
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Custom Lens Magnification
The custom lens magnification refers to adjusting the working distance of the lens to ensure the best image quality at a particular magnification.
In simple words, blue light glasses are designed for screen-specific comfort and should be used by people with high screen time.
What Are Regular Glasses?
Regular glasses are your standard prescription eyewear designed to correct eyesight problems such as:
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Nearsightedness (Myopia)
Myopia is a condition in which a person can see nearby objects clearly, but distant ones look blurry. This happens because the light falls in front of the retina instead of on it. Regular glasses correct this by refocusing the light onto the retina, improving the distance vision.
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Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
On the contrary, hyperopia is a condition in which a person can see distant objects clearly but the closer ones look blurry. This happens because the light falls behind the retina instead of on it. Hence, it becomes difficult to read books or texts on the phone. Regular glasses adjust the focus to make near vision sharper and more comfortable.
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Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a vision condition in which you see the world like those blurry Instagram pictures. This is due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. Glasses with special cylindrical correction help focus light properly, giving you a clear and comfortable vision.
So if you think that everything around you is vague, you need to correct your vision by consulting an ophthalmologist. Because blurry pictures might look aesthetic on Instagram but not in real life.
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Presbyopia
No matter what we do, age catches up with everyone. You can delay ageing but cannot avoid it. Presbyopia is one such age-related condition where the eyes gradually lose their ability to focus on close objects. Reading glasses, bifocals, or progressive lenses are used to correct it.
Regular glasses help you see clearly but don’t come with built-in blockers to reduce blue light unless customised.
The Key Difference
|
Features |
Computer glasses |
Regular glasses |
|
Main purpose |
Reduce digital eye strain. |
Correct vision problems |
|
Blue-light filtering |
Yes |
No but can be customised |
|
Anti-glare coating |
Present |
Optional |
|
Prescription |
Can be non prescription |
Required for vision correction |
|
When to wear |
During screen time |
As per vision support. |
The Digital Eye Strain (DES) epidemic
The digital revolution has made life easier, faster, and more connected. But behind every glowing screen lies a threat to our eyes. Ever since Covid made the whole world go online, we have been glued to our screens for everything. Whether it is professional or personal, screens have become our constant companions. This constant exposure to screens has led to digital eye strain (DES)
According to American Optometric Association, symptoms of digital eye strain include
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Eyestrain
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Dry eyes
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Blurred vision
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Headaches
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Neck and shoulder pain
Did you know?
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Nearly 65% of Americans report experiencing the symptoms of DES.
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33% of children use digital devices for 3 or more hours each day.
These stats clearly state the need to protect our eyes against this digital age epidemic.
Healthy Habits For Better Vision
Although blue light glasses can help minimise digital eye strain and improve your circadian rhythm, it is always better to practice healthy habits for better vision. Here is a list of few habits you can adopt
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20-20-20 Reset Framework
Whether you are creating the next presentation on your laptop or doomscrolling on YouTube, take frequent breaks from the screen. You can use the 20-20-20 framework to give your eyes a chance to reset. All you have to do is, after every 20 minutes, look at an object that is 20 feet away for a minimum of 20 seconds.
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Blink More Often
Yes, it is that simple. Since we tend to blink less while using digital devices, you need to blink more often. This simple hack will protect you from having dry eyes.
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Dim It For Better Vision
Although bright colours make everything seem brighter, it is better to dim your screen brightness for better vision. Especially at night. It will be even better to not use any digital device before going to bed.
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Use Digital Wellbeing
Our smartphones seem to be both the cause and the solution to our problem. The digital wellbeing feature in your smartphone can help you keep track of your screen time, enable bedtime mode, and send screen time reminders. This simple tool can help you build healthier phone habits and reduce eye strain.
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Increase Your Distance
This one remedy is from the 90s, which still works. When you are working on your laptop or using your smartphone, ensure you are at least arm’s length away from the screen.
Specsmakers
Specsmakers is a leading eyewear brand in India that offers style with functionality. We are renowned for being South India’s largest retail optical chain with 250+ stores. At Specsmakers, you get a wide range of stylish and affordable eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses for all age groups.
The endless aisle model makes it easy for customers to shop and drop in the cart. The website offers a 3D try-on feature, which helps the customers to make a proper decision.
Conclusion
In the face-off between computer glasses and regular glasses, the key difference lies in the purpose and lens features. If you are someone who is constantly surrounded by screens, whether at work or in your house, blue light glasses will be your best buy. They offer protection from high-energy visible blue light and help improve your sleeping habits.
However, if you are looking to correct your vision, regular glasses are ideal for you. Whatever the case may be, don't forget to practice healthy habits for a better vision.
FAQs
1. What is the main difference between computer glasses and regular glasses?
The main difference between computer and regular glasses lies in their purpose and design. The computer glasses are specifically designed to reduce the impact of blue light so as to minimise digital eye strain. Whereas regular glasses are used to correct a person’s vision, like myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
2. Do computer glasses have prescription lenses?
Yes, computer glasses can be made with or without a prescription. You can get blue light filtering and anti-reflective coating added to your regular prescription lenses.
3. Are computer glasses really effective?
Although the debate has not yet been settled by scientific data. Studies suggest that computer glasses can help reduce the symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS) and help improve the quality of sleep.
4. Will computer glasses help me with myopia or other vision problems?
Computer glasses do not correct vision issues like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism unless you get them customised with your regular glasses.
