We live in a world where digital devices are central to daily life, whether it’s working on a laptop, checking your smartphone, binge-watching a favourite show, or scrolling through social media. While technology has certainly made life more convenient, our eyes often pay the price. If you’ve ever experienced headaches, blurred vision, or dry, irritated eyes after screen use, you’re not alone. These symptoms are signs of digital eye strain, a common condition affecting both children and adults alike.
This is where screen glasses come in. Also known as computer glasses or blue light glasses, these lenses are specially designed to help reduce the visual discomfort that comes with extended screen time. By filtering out blue light, cutting down on glare, and enhancing visual contrast, screen glasses offer an easy way to support your eye health, especially if you work or relax in front of screens for hours each day.
Understanding how screen glasses work, and whether they truly make a difference, can help you decide if they’re the right solution for your eyes and lifestyle.
Understanding Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain, sometimes referred to as computer vision syndrome, is a group of eye- and vision-related problems that result from prolonged use of digital devices. Common symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Dry or irritated eyes
- Headaches
- Difficulty focusing
- Neck and shoulder pain
What Do Screen Glasses Do?
Screen glasses are specially coated eyewear designed to:
- Filter out a portion of blue light emitted by digital screens
- Reduce glare from monitors and ambient light sources
- Improve contrast to enhance visual clarity
- Encourage proper focus and reduce squinting
Do Screen Glasses Really Work?
Research on the benefits of blue light filtering lenses is ongoing, but many wearers report reduced eye strain and improved comfort. While screen glasses may not be a cure-all, they can contribute to an overall strategy for healthier screen use, especially when paired with good screen hygiene, such as the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Who Should Consider Screen Glasses?
Screen glasses may be helpful for:
- Office workers who spend 6+ hours per day at a computer
- Students who frequently use tablets or laptops
- Gamers who log long hours in front of monitors
- Anyone experiencing eye fatigue related to screen use
Children and teens, whose eyes are still developing, may also benefit from protection when using devices for school or recreation.
Types of Screen Glasses
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to screen glasses. Options include:
- Non-prescription blue light glasses for those with perfect vision who want to reduce glare and eye fatigue
- Prescription screen glasses tailored for intermediate distances, offering clarity for computer use
- Progressive screen glasses with a wider intermediate zone to accommodate screen work and reading
How to Choose the Right Pair
Choosing the right screen glasses depends on your individual needs. Consider the following:
Get a Professional Eye Exam
An up-to-date prescription ensures your lenses will provide optimal clarity and comfort. A comprehensive eye exam can also rule out any underlying vision problems that could be contributing to your discomfort.
Know Your Work Habits
Do you spend most of your day reading spreadsheets? Video editing? Writing emails? The type of screen work you do, and how far you sit from your monitor, can help determine the best lens type for your needs.
Tips to Reduce Digital Eye Strain
In addition to screen glasses, there are other strategies to help protect your vision:
- Position your screen so it’s 20–28 inches away and slightly below eye level
- Adjust lighting to reduce glare and improve contrast
- Use artificial tears if you notice dryness while working
- Take regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule
- Increase font size or zoom to avoid squinting
Your environment and daily habits play a big role in overall eye comfort, so it’s worth making small adjustments that support long-term visual health.
Commonly Asked Questions About Screen Glasses
If you’re considering screen glasses but still have a few questions, you’re not alone. Below are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask optometrists.
Are Blue Light Glasses and Screen Glasses the Same Thing?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, blue light glasses and screen glasses aren’t always the same. Blue light glasses are specifically designed to filter out high-energy, short-wavelength blue light emitted by digital screens.
Screen glasses may incorporate this feature but often include additional elements like anti-reflective coatings, magnification, or prescription lenses tailored for computer use. An eye care professional can help determine which type of lens is most appropriate based on screen habits and visual needs.
Are Screen Glasses Covered by Insurance?
In many cases, prescription screen glasses may be eligible for coverage under extended health or vision insurance plans. Non-prescription options are generally not included, but policies vary. Patients are encouraged to review their individual coverage or speak with their insurance provider.
Optometrists can also assist by providing the documentation needed for reimbursement during a routine eye exam.
Can Screen Glasses Improve Sleep?
One reported benefit of blue light filtering glasses is improved sleep. Evening exposure to blue light can disrupt the body’s natural melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Wearing screen glasses in the evening, or reducing screen time before bed, may help support more restful sleep by minimizing this disruption.
Find Comfort in Front of the Screen With Vivid Eye Care
Whether you work from home, play games in your spare time, or just spend a lot of time scrolling, screen glasses can offer comfort and support for your eyes. Even if you don’t have a prescription, they can be a useful addition to your digital wellness routine.
Vivid Eye Care in Calgary, AB offers a range of high-quality screen glasses for both prescription and non-prescription wearers. Our team can help assess your visual needs, discuss your daily screen habits, and recommend lenses that align with your lifestyle.
Schedule your next eye exam at either our Meadows Mile or Cranston Market location or stop by to learn more about how screen glasses could benefit you.
