Eyeglasses for computer use and reading?

[Anonymous]

My ophthalmologist prescribed me my regular glasses for nearsightedness (-4.0) and also a prescription for 1 diopter lower (-3.0) for computers and reading. I hadn't heard of this before, but is it common? Does it mean I'm close to needing bifocals?

[Anonymous]

My eye doctor prefers 2 classes - one for nearsightedness and one for reading/computer. He has told me that bifocals aren't great for computer work because the angle you hold your head and he thinks two glasses do a better job of addressing my needs rather than one that does a mediocre job at each. As time has gone on - my nearsightedness had decreased and my reading/computer has gotten worse. While only having one pair of glasses would make life simpler - I do like have a pair that does its job well.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like a good idea. You can switch back and forth and see which you like better

[Anonymous]

My optometrist offered them to me about 15 years ago (I'm 58) when I first got progressive lenses but I didn't have any issues while in front of a computer screen - until about 7 years ago. I needed a new prescription and when I got it, everything was great except for when I was in front of a computer screen. I thought something was wrong with the prescription. I was wrong. I'd finally gotten to the age that I needed 4 different lenses (distance, computer, intermediate and distance). The computer glasses I have are good for computer/intermediate. I can take them off to read and use different glasses/contacts for distance.

They aren't cheap but I've been using the same computer glasses I got 7 years ago. I could use a new pair but don't need a new pair. I have to update my progressive lenses more frequently.

[Anonymous]

Omg I got these and it’s like being 20 years longer. Everything in my workspace is so clear, easy to read screen and papers.

Not expensive, just get the script and order from Warby Parker, Costco, or Zenni.

[Anonymous]

Recommend that you don't get bifocals. I've known people who got bifocals for such situations and several have developed neck issues because the bifocals made them hold their heads in bad positions for the neck muscles in order to see the screens well.

Get two glasses and switch when you need to use the computer or read.

[Anonymous]

I have one set of glasses for driving, and then 1 for computer (arm's length) use (looking straight ahead) that transition to reading, as I glance down to see material.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have one set of glasses for driving, and then 1 for computer (arm's length) use (looking straight ahead) that transition to reading, as I glance down to see material.

Are your computer/reading glasses bifocals? They sound compelling as it would be nice to have fewer pairs but I worry about the "looking down" for regular reading.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have one set of glasses for driving, and then 1 for computer (arm's length) use (looking straight ahead) that transition to reading, as I glance down to see material.

Are your computer/reading glasses bifocals? They sound compelling as it would be nice to have fewer pairs but I worry about the "looking down" for regular reading.

I really wanted to love my progressive lenses. I struggled with feeling off-balance and nauseated from looking through the different sections of the lens- especially when walking. I did like the ability to see distance and the dashboard while driving though.

[Anonymous]

Do you get the blue light protection on the computer glasses? And do you use the computer glasses when reading on your phone?

[Anonymous]

I love my workplace progressives (reading plus computer). Try them!

[Anonymous]

Probably. Can you see well working on your computer and reading? At some point I realized that I was straining too much my eyes when working on the laptop and just couldn’t find a good distance. I got bi-focals. You don’t seem to be where I was when I switched, but yes, could be getting there.

[Anonymous]

I have a pair of medium distance lenses that are for indoor tasks. They are progressive, just less so. My distance vision is around 20/40 with them. However, they have a better field of view for working on screens. My regular distance lenses are difficult to use with screens because the area I need to look through for clear vision at that distance is small.

[Anonymous]

I am not nearsighted, but I buy 2.75 strength glasses at the Dollar Tree store for PC and reading. I keep pairs all around the house.

Try a cheap pair first and see how it feels. It is a nuisance to position the glasses on top of my head when I don't need them (otherwise they get lost).

[Anonymous]

I have progressives, and had the problem of neck strain from trying to find that sweet spot when working on my computer. I was in constant pain, and I looked like a bobblehead all day.

My eye doctor wrote me a prescription for progressives with just the bottom 2/3 of my prescription. So now the computer-distance spot is at eye level when I’m looking straight ahead, and I can still see to read or write something lying on my desk. My vision isn’t terrible, so I can still tell who’s walking into my office across the room.

I wear my regular progressives in meetings, but for extended computer work (most of my day, the computer ones are perfect.