The Truth About Eyewear for Prolonged Computer Use

When it comes to prolonged computer use, the debate about the best eyewear often overshadows the most fundamental solutions: periodic rest and proper sleep. Many people believe that specific glasses can solve the issue of eye strain, but this is a misconception. In reality, the quality and type of eyewear are secondary to how often you take breaks and the quality of your sleep.

Periodic Rest and Sleep are Key

After every 20 minutes of computer use, it is crucial to look away and blink to rest your eyes. This simple act can significantly reduce eye strain. In my personal experience and based on insights from various articles, such as Nav's "The Real Cure for Eye Strain," it is essential to prioritize these rest periods. Special glasses and eye drops often fall short when proper rest is not prioritized.

The 20/20/20 Rule

Incorporating the 20/20/20 rule can further prevent eye strain. This rule advises looking at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds, every 20 minutes. This technique helps prevent the muscles around the lens in your eye from going into a spasm, which can lead to permanent tightening and discomfort.

Do You Really Need Eyewear?

While spending long hours in front of a computer screen is a significant challenge, you do not necessarily need special eyewear just to see the screen clearly. However, close-up viewing can cause or exacerbate nearsightedness. As an example, if you can see the screen sharply already, you might not need glasses. But if you frequently view things up close, consider using reading glasses that make the screen appear slightly blurry. This helps train your eyes to maintain focus without straining.

The blink and focus technique can also be effective. By blinking more frequently, you can help maintain or even improve your vision. This is especially useful for those who spend extended hours on the computer.

Precorrecting Your Eyewear

If you already have a prescription for glasses, it might be worth considering specifically designed glasses for computer use. These glasses are tailored to intermediate distances, which is where your computer screen typically falls. For instance, if you are short-sighted, you might find that bifocal or trifocal glasses can provide you with the best visibility for both distant and near work. Many people also benefit from using different glasses for different activities, such as playing sports or doing close work like reading.

It is important to consult with an optometrist to get the right prescription and lenses for your needs. In my case, as a short-sighted individual, I found it necessary to use bifocals for both normal distance and computer work. For reading, I use separate reading glasses. Additionally, when I play basketball, I need glasses that are purely for distance correction.

In conclusion, the best approach to prolonged computer use is a combination of regular breaks, proper rest, and possibly targeted and well-suited eyewear. By prioritizing these factors, you can significantly reduce eye strain and maintain your overall eye health.

Resources:

Read more about natural eyesight improvement at EyeHealthGuru. Learn more about the real cure for eye strain from Nav.