The Pros and Cons of Wearing Computer Glasses

Once the pandemic hit, computer glasses became a hot commodity. It’s really not surprising. Social distancing made it easier to socialize and work through computers, tablets, and smartphones. If you are considering whether or not you want to purchase computer glasses, it makes sense to look at the pros and cons. To make it easier, we’ve assembled a list for you!

The Computer Glasses “Pros”

Reduce Headaches

Computer glasses can help reduce the headaches associated with eye strain and squinting. This is especially important as you age and your eyes start losing the ability to focus as easily, even if you have 20/20 vision. This natural part of the aging process is called presbyopia. It’s unavoidable, especially after the age of 40.

Increase the Time You Can Spend Looking at Screens

The muscles that control the lenses of your eyes are like any of the others in your body. They get tired, especially after repetitive actions. Under ordinary circumstances, your eyes will shift focus from near to far frequently. But when at a computer screen, you’re the muscles of your eyes are often trying to sustain one position for extended periods.

Computer glasses can help reduce the muscle strain associated with maintaining focus for extended periods. They give your eyes a chance to rest and let the glasses do the work. The good news is that support for your eyes doesn’t damage your vision in any way!

Sleep Better

Your body has natural sleep cycles. Some things, like computer screens, have been shown to have the ability to throw them out of whack. Blue light can trick your brain into thinking it’s daylight because of the association with blue skies.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, computer glasses can be a good tool to help you sleep better and still live life on your terms. The alternative, if you want good sleep, would be to stop using all screens at least 2-3 hours before going to bed. But who wants to do that?

Improve Your Brain Function

Did you know poor sleep quality can hurt your memory? Because computer glasses can make it easier for you to sleep well after using screens, they also improve your brain function. Think more clearly and enjoy greater recall.

Protect Your Health

Let’s face it, poor sleep quality can harm your immune system. But if you’re struggling to focus on a computer screen for extended periods, it can also cause you other physical health problems. Because computer glasses function like reading glasses, you can enjoy all the same benefits. Reduce your neck, shoulder, and back pain by not hunching close to the screen and squinting.

Play More

Computers, phones, and tablets aren’t just for work. For some of us, they’re also one of our favorite outlets for recreation. But when your eyes are tired of looking at a screen for work, sometimes it can be difficult to do the activities you love. Computer glasses help alleviate that strain and give you more energy to focus on unwinding. Read an ebook. Use your gaming system. Watch a movie. Don’t let eye fatigue keep you from the activities that bring you joy.

Computer Glasses Work Outside Too

Most of the time we associate computers with artificial light in our offices and homes. But computer glasses can be a great investment for your life outside in the sun. The best sources for computer glasses usually make lenses that offer 100% protection from UV light. This means your computer glasses can be fashionable sunglasses all year round.

The Computer Glasses “Cons”

Your Colors are Filtered

The blue light filter on your computer glasses can make colors appear different to your eyes. It will give a yellow/orange tint to your vision. If you’re doing graphic design or photo editing work, this can be a problem. But, for most uses, it’s not a serious issue. The good news is you still have the option of using regular reading glasses if you need to see your colors accurately.

Computer Glasses Won’t Protect Your Eyes from Blue Light

The idea that computer glasses protect your eyes from blue light has been debunked. But, before you panic, it’s not as bad as it sounds. In reality, a 2015 study printed in the National Library of Medicine shows blue light is not damaging to the eyes.

Are Computer Glasses Right for You?

There really isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends upon your lifestyle. If you don’t use a computer much, you can probably get by with regular reading glasses. However, they make sense for people who spend a lot of time looking at screens for both work and recreation. And, if screen use is negatively impacting your ability to sleep, your benefits will make a huge difference to your life.