Helen wrote:
I wear progressive lenses. I am 60. I do a lot of computer work and I have blurry vision reading the computer screen or printed material.
I also have astigmatism and a strong near-sighted prescription.  If I take off my glasses and look at the computer or printed page from pretty close up, then it is much better.   I also think I have dry eyes. I think my prescription is okay because for distance I can see well. Is there a special computer or reading glasses that will help me?  Thanks.

ANSWER

Helen,
Dry eyes are a real concern for many people who work long hours on a computer. Often artificial tears can help the dryness.  Regarding the design of the glasses - yes there are special kinds for the computer.  They are made in Progressive format as well as lined bifocals and sometimes just plain computer readers.  In a Progressive or a bifocal, the top part of the lens is focused on the computer monitor and the bottom is focused on paper closer to you.  Readers are only focused at the computer monitor distance.  Ask your Optometrist to recommend the lens type right for you.
Dr. Joan Hansen, Optometrist for CAO

Joyce wrote:
I have always been slightly near sighted, but not enough to wear glasses all the time. As I have aged I have started to use prescription reading glasses, and one optometrist said I had Astigmatism.
My problem is that after watching TV, reading (with glasses) or working on the computer, my vision seems blurry and I can’t seem to refocus my eyes. If I do none of the above, I am fine. Any recommendations?

ANSWER

Dear Joyce:
If you are not wearing your glasses full time, it is not uncommon to experience blur when your glasses are removed. If you are wearing accurately prescribed and well fitted glasses full time (and based on your description of your eye condition these glasses would have to be multi-focal) it is not normal to experience the blur that you describe.
It is also possible that your symptoms are caused by ocular surface dryness, or “dry eye syndrome”. Symptoms of dry eyes are often more pronounced after periods of watching TV,  reading or using a computer. If this is the case, then you may find that using artificial tear supplements will be beneficial. You may need to see your optometrist to determine what might be the underlying cause of your current symptoms.

Dr. Smit

Joe wrote:
Several months ago after getting my eyes checked and being told I needed to wear bifocals (at 50+). I was issued computer glasses and new bifocals.

Since then I have continued to struggle with wearing the bifocals. I thought maybe it was vanity or just me being strange about all of this.

I had maintained all along that I could read fine without glasses, but now after wearing these bifocals sometimes it’s blurry to read without them.

I do understand that the concept here was that with the bifocals you can see distance and close up, but I still find (at times) that the distance of the print has to be “just so” in order to read. Oftentimes the glasses end up on the top of my head or on the counter. At work the computer glasses work best as the bifocals are useless.

I guess my biggest adjustment (or lack thereof) has been that the bottom part is almost always in my field of vision. There are times when I don’t see it, but they are few and far between. I’ve even worn my old prescription on occasion to see if I’d really like just the old fashioned glasses again.  I have not been able to come to a definitive conclusion.

I guess I’m reaching out because I just don’t know what to do. Is it worth it to try to adjust the bifocals to see if the lower part could be lowered more? Or should I just “stick to it” and try to adjust? Are “no- lines” better?  I know I had a bad experience with progressives some years ago which was discussed at my initial visit to my opticians. It was probably just an improper fitting at that time. Would progressives be better?

On one of my last visits, the optician suggested having a regular pair made for $99.  I kind of balked at that because to me, if I happen to like the “regular” glasses, the bifocals would stay in their case and I’d just be out more money! I also have been experiencing a pain in my neck on the right side.  I have been wondering if it could have been caused by looking through the bifocals.

Today I went to my opticians and explained all this again.  I end up walking out with nothing solved.

Thanks for listening to my venting! I’d appreciate your opinion and assistance.

ANSWER

Joe,
I am becoming presbyope like you and I fully understand what you mean. First of all, a bifocal pair of glasses is certainly not the best way to correct presbyopia nowadays. Modern progressive glasses are certainly more appropriate and will give you more “natural” vision. My preference is the Hoya lenses (Hoyalux ID) which is probably the best progressive lens in the market. It took me less than a minute to get use to them and I feel comfortable to see at all distances with them.  Essilor Physio 360 and Nikon Seemax are other great lenses that provide comfort and ease of use. However, they are not cheap. But it takes what it takes to see well. Cheaper progressive lenses are made from an old technology and it is not unusual to see patients struggling to get use to them for several days or weeks. For that reason, I do not prescribe them anymore. I rely on the 3 other very good, up-to-date, state-of-the art progressive lenses (Hoya, Essilor and Nikon).  For computer work, computer glasses are the best for sure. The problem with the progressive lenses is that you have to look at the inferior part and this causes neck problems. In that area, Nikon “on-line” products are probably the best.

Once prescribed, make sure to wear your glasses on a full time basis for the first few days in order to optimize the outcome. Once you are used to them, you can wear them as needed.

A last piece of advice would be to get your glasses from the professional who examined you. Optometrists know your eyes better than any other professionals and can help you to design the appropriate glasses for your need. If there is a problem, it is always easier to go back to the professional who did the exam and treatment (glasses) – If you consult 2 places they share the responsibility and you can be stuck in the middle of the battle between them.

Hoping that this will help you,
Langis Michaud
Associate professor – U de Montréal

Rick Schwartzburg wrote:
I have been told by my optometrist that my best bet are digressive lenses - rather than the progressive lenses I have now. As I understand it, digressive lenses are the opposite of progressives. That is the typical hourglass shape or progressive lenses are reversed in digressive lenses giving better near and middle distance viewing. However, I cannot find any information on any lens manufacturers web site about this type of lens. Can you help? Who manufactures them? Is my understanding of them correct? Where can I go to find more information?

ANSWER

Hi Rick,
You are definitely on the right track.  Digressive lenses are often times called computer progressive lenses.  They are used specifically for intermediate and near tasks such as computer use and reading.  With Progressive lenses the distance prescription is at the top of the lens and then the power changes into intermediate and then into near at the bottom of the lens.  These are not ideal for a lot of intermediate work such as using a computer as you generally have to tilt your head back slightly to make the computer screen clear.  Also with progressive lenses because there is such a large power shift all the way from distance to near there is more distortion in the periphery and a narrower field of view.  With digressive lenses they start with the reading power at the bottom of the lens and then the power digresses toward the top of the lens to the intermediate power.  These lenses allow you to have a wider field of view and less peripheral distortion because the power change is substantially less. They are better ergonomically as you don’t have to tilt your head at all to see the computer.  If you are trying to find websites regarding these types of lenses you may want to search for computer progressives or intermediate progressives.  Pretty much every lens manufacturer has a version of this type of lens.  As far as I am aware every optometrist office or optical sells these types of lenses.  The best place to find out more information is at your optometrist’s office.  If your optometrist recommended this type of lens their staff is likely very knowledgeable in this area.

Dr. Carol Doman

Priya wrote:
I am a 30 year old female with two small children, living in India. I underwent LASIK treatment 7 years ago and everything was alright but when I conceived two years back I felt that my vision blurred! I went to an eye doctor and found that second time pregnancy had affected my vision and now I wear glasses.

The problem now is different. My present job requires me to sit several hours in front of the computer. I keep taking frequent breaks and even relax my eyes. But still I feel very, very tired at the end of the day, and the vision is funny and strained! My eyes are itchy and sometimes watery when I am in front of the computer.

What should I do? I have a habit of applying a pain relieving balm on my temples and eyes before sleeping, otherwise I can not get sleep. Could that be the cause? Please help me. I sleep well but always feel tired in the eyes just an hour after getting up.

Dear Priya,
It is possible that your eyes have changed again in the two years since you were last examined, and this might be the reason that your vision is funny and feels strained. As you may know, undergoing lasik correction does not prevent future changes to the “prescription” of your eyes in the years to come. Many people experience changes in their refraction (prescription) over time – not uncommonly if there has been a change in the visual environment such as taking on a new job requiring long hours of close-up work at a computer.

Dry and itchy eyes may also be symptom of ocular dryness or allergies. Both of these conditions can be diagnosed by your optometrist and usually respond favourably to appropriately prescribed eye drops.
Hope this is helpful.

Dr. Henry Smit

Steve wrote:

Is it possible to see 3D without using those cheap disposable glasses with red and blue cellophane plastic lenses?

I first noticed this effect about 7 years ago with the purchase of a new 17 inch CRT computer monitor.

It seems when I visit a web site that uses an all black background with bright fire engine red text and deep navy blue text on the screen and I’m sitting more then about 500mm back from my computer monitor (19 inch LCD at home these days) the red text appears to be about 12mm in front of the blue text.

I notice this effect at my place of employment too which also uses software with an all black background. It’s interesting to note that the software at my employer uses an all black background with multiple colors. These other colors seem to sit in a depth somewhere behind the red text and in front of the blue text. I’ve not dwelled much into this but I think the depth of the colors might follow the colors of a rainbow?

This used to be a bit annoying years ago but I guess I’ve learned to live with it. Is there a name for this condition?

I am in good health, age 47, not on any medication, and have never taken any strikes to the head. I do wear glasses with mild corrective lenses to see far away.

Thanks

ANSWER

Steve,

This is an interesting question in fact. Many thanks to bring it on this forum.

The condition is called chromatic aberrations.  This refers to the dispersion of a point of color as seen by our visual system. When many colors are superposed these aberrations can overlap and a 3D effect could appear.

By nature each color is defined by a wavelength, specific to its components. Red are considered longer wavelengths and blue-purple are considered shor waveleghts colors. This is why reds are seen anterior (in front) of blue or black colors having shorter waveleenghts.

It is not considered appropriate (visually speaking) to use software with a black background and coloured letters. You can surely adjust your screen to be on a white or grey background (which is preferable) with black letters. The contrast will be better and you will alleviate chromatic aberrations you actually experience.

If you use filters like in 3D glasses, the 3D effect will be reduced by elimination of the colour that is opposite to the colour of the filter. The red filter will eliminate green letters by making them black (on a black background these letters will disappear). Same thing for the green filter that will eliminate the red prints. Therefore one eye is seeing some letters, the other other letters. Considering that you see at this moment one eye at the time, you eliminate 3D effect but you also affect your binocular vision which can create discomfort over time.

This is why I recommend to modify your screen and background to come back to a more natural environment (black and white)

Hoping that this will help.

Langis Michaud
Associate Professor - U of Montreal

I rulehard wrote:

I am short sighted and wear prescription glasses(1.0L & 1.5R). So you can see that my eye condition isn’t that bad. So I’m kind of a gamer and I hate wearing my glasses, and only wear them when I need them (at school). But my parents keep bothering me if I don’t wear my glasses when I’m on the computer gaming. My mom says that if I dont wear them they (while on computer) will stress my eyes and make em worse. And my parents have already limited my gaming time. (Since I got glasses). Since I’m NOT far sightedness, will someone please explain to my parents that wearing glasses in front of computer will have no effect whatsoever, and that HAVING GLASSES IS A NORMAL THING AND YOU DONT HAVE TO WEAR THEM 24/7…

ANSWER
Dear rulehard:
You are correct when you say that your condition is not that bad. Because you are shortsighted (myopic) and your prescription is rather mild, you can safely use the computer without wearing your glasses – this will not cause any long term damage to your vision. As a reference, it might help you to know that a person with a –1.00 prescription can see clearly up to one meter, a person with a –2.00 prescription can see clearly up to one half meter (50 cm) and a person with a –3.00 prescription can see clearly up to one third of a meter (33 cm) etc. Based on your current prescription, you should be able to see your computer clearly without having to rely on glasses. Your prescription is slightly different in each eye, and this may occasionally cause some discomfort if left uncorrected. However, if you are comfortable using your computer without using your glasses, you may safely continue to do so.

Dr. Henry Smit

Kara wrote:
Hi, 
I am a 25 year old female and for a couple of weeks now… I have been experiencing headaches, sore eyes and eye tiredness …. I have been told I might need eyeglasses (farsightedness and shortsightedness run in the family). I do not have blurry vision … is it worth going to the eye doctor at this stage and if so, would I possibly need eye glasses?

Regards
Kara

ANSWER

Hi Kara,

With the symptoms you are experiencing I would definitely recommend making an appointment with an optometrist. It is possible that you may need glasses for certain tasks and this would decrease your symptoms. Although your vision is not blurry your eyes may have to exert too much effort to keep things clear, which would cause them to feel tired. The glasses would help your eyes focus and make them feel less tired. However there may be another cause of your symptoms. Do you use the computer a lot?  Computer use can cause eyestrain and dry eyes which may account for your symptoms. Sometimes taking more frequent breaks on the computer or blinking more often may improve your symptoms. Your optometrist can advise you of what the best steps are for you.

Dr. Carol Doman

Arnold Jech wrote:
Have had irritated, sore eyes for some time.  Taking allergy shots, no help that I can tell. Have had sinus surgery one side. Spend much time in front of computer.  Eyes feel much better when closed, like I need to sleep-but getting enough sleep.  Wear glasses, have had eyes checked but no indication of needing new glasses.  This seemed to start immediately about 2 years ago after having moved from the country to town.  Wonder if an additive to city water has anything to do with it.  Thanks and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

ANSWER

Dear Arnold,
Your description sounds as if you have dry eyes - in other words you are not able to produce tears fast enough to keep up with evaporation.  When one is reading a computer (or regular paper) for long periods of time, the rate at which one blinks slows down along with the concentration.  Add to that the likelihood that this computer time is spent indoors in a dry (air exchanged) environment, and there is a perfect combination for classic dry eyes. I would suggest that you ask your Optometrist to check your eyes to determine if they are indeed dry or if there is another problem.  In the meantime, you might try using some artificial tears - just tears and not the drops that “make eyes less red”.  Also try the 20-20-20 rule for computer use..  Every 20 minutes take a 20 second break and look 20 feet away (6 meters).  

Dr. Joan Hansen

I rulehard wrote:

I am short sighted and wear prescription glasses(1.0L & 1.5R). So you can see that my eye condition isn’t that bad. So I’m kind of a gamer and I hate wearing my glasses, and only wear them when I need them (at school). But my parents keep bothering me if I don’t wear my glasses when I’m on the computer gaming. My mom says that if I dont wear them they (while on computer) will stress my eyes and make em worse. And my parents have already limited my gaming time. (Since I got glasses). Since I’m NOT far sightedness, will someone please explain to my parents that wearing glasses in front of computer will have no effect whatsoever, and that HAVING GLASSES IS A NORMAL THING AND YOU DONT HAVE TO WEAR THEM 24/7…

ANSWER
Dear rulehard:
You are correct when you say that your condition is not that bad. Because you are shortsighted (myopic) and your prescription is rather mild, you can safely use the computer without wearing your glasses – this will not cause any long term damage to your vision. As a reference, it might help you to know that a person with a –1.00 prescription can see clearly up to one meter, a person with a –2.00 prescription can see clearly up to one half meter (50 cm) and a person with a –3.00 prescription can see clearly up to one third of a meter (33 cm) etc. Based on your current prescription, you should be able to see your computer clearly without having to rely on glasses. Your prescription is slightly different in each eye, and this may occasionally cause some discomfort if left uncorrected. However, if you are comfortable using your computer without using your glasses, you may safely continue to do so.

Dr. Henry Smit