If you spend a lot of time on digital devices or engage in tasks like reading or driving long distances, you may experience eye strain. This condition can occur when your eyes are focused for a long time without taking adequate breaks.
Anti-fatigue eyeglass lenses are a vision correction option designed to help reduce and prevent eye strain. Read on to learn about eye strain symptoms and the benefits of using anti-fatigue lenses.
Eye strain is a common, often temporary condition. While it can be uncomfortable, it’s usually not serious. Symptoms of eye strain include:
Eye strain can occur alongside other issues in the body, such as headaches and pain in your neck, back, and shoulders. It can also affect your ability to concentrate on certain tasks.
Activities outside of reading, driving, and using digital devices can also lead to eye strain. Some of these include:
You’re also more likely to experience eye strain if you’re tired or feeling stressed.
Digital eye strain, also called computer vision syndrome, is caused by the extended use of digital screens. With the widespread use of computers, smartphones, and tablets, digital eye strain has become increasingly common. A recent survey found that nearly 60% of U.S. adults have symptoms of digital eye strain, including:
One reason screen use can contribute to digital eye strain is that people generally blink less when using these devices. Blinking helps distribute tears on the surface of the eye to keep your eyes comfortable and help you see clearly. Not blinking enough can lead to dry eyes. This can make it harder for your eyes to focus, which contributes to eye strain.
Other factors that increase the risk of digital eye strain include glare from computer screens, sitting too far away from or too close to your screen, and viewing digital screens in low light.
Anti-fatigue lenses are single-vision lenses that are suitable for people who need to focus on things up close for several hours at a time. They have a small boost of reading power that is less than the amount in a typical bifocal lens (which has two vision correction zones) or a progressive lens (which has three vision correction zones).
If your eyes feel tired and irritated after prolonged digital screen use, consider wearing anti-fatigue glasses with blue-light* filtering lenses.
Most blue-violet light comes from the sun, even in indoor environments. However, the screens on your computer, smartphone, tablet, and other digital devices also emit blue light.
The human eye is not very effective at blocking blue light. Anti-fatigue lenses with blue light filtering can help decrease the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes. This may increase your comfort when using digital devices.
Anti-fatigue lenses ease the strain on your eyes by providing slight magnification and focusing power that makes it easier to see nearby objects. This results in sharper, more comfortable vision.
Wearing these lenses can also improve or prevent eye strain symptoms when performing close-up tasks or using digital screens for prolonged periods of time. Reducing eye- and vision-related discomfort may help enhance your overall concentration and focus.
Anti-fatigue lenses could be a valuable investment, especially if you spend long hours doing close-up tasks. Your eyes work hard to focus and to give you clear, sharp vision. If you’ve experienced any of the symptoms above, anti-fatigue lenses could help provide relief.
Anti-fatigue lenses with a blue light filter can give your eyes some relief if you spend a lot of time in front of a computer or viewing other digital screens.
The best way to know what anti-fatigue lenses are right for you is to see your eye doctor. They can provide a comprehensive eye exam and determine the precise vision correction for your needs so you can see clearly and comfortably.
Anti-fatigue lenses may be a good option if you:
Another option to explore is computer glasses, which are designed to help filter blue light. Your eye care professional can help you choose the right lenses for your lifestyle and vision requirements.
When you’re ready for glasses, shop our wide variety of lenses and frames. We know you’ll find your perfect pair.
*Blue-violet light is between 400 and 455nm as stated by ISO TR20772-2018. (ISO: International Standards Organization – “Ophthalmic optics – Spectacles lenses – Short Wavelength visible solar radiation and the eye, FD ISO/TR 20772”)