Getting glasses for computer usage

vorbis · 01-03-2005 2:26pm #1

Hi, don't know if anyone else has the same problem. I've found that my eyes are getting a bit sore from being in fron of a computer most of the day (am a software engineer). Has anyone ever got a pair of glasses just for using computers? I'm done some googling about it and it seems you can get lenses for coumputer vision syndrome. I already wear glasses since i have far sighted vision and an astigmatism in my right eye. Would like to hear from other people.

bp_me · 01-03-2005 2:48pm

I have this problem if I am using a CRT for any length of time (especially in office lighting conditions).

However I have no such difficulties with LCD moitors, thats why I have an lcd at home, and use the newer pcs here in the college with the lcds whenever possible.

flyz · 01-03-2005 3:00pm

vorbis, I used to have this problem before when I was working with editing images for a while.
They improved when I finished working on the task.

However the lighting here at the moment isn't the best and I feel my eyes starting to get sore again. Must get them to replace some of the bulbs.

Some things you should do first before getting glasses:

1. Ensure the monitor is at a correct height. The top of the monitor should be at eye level.

2. Ensure that you have correct lighting.

3. If you are sitting near a window get some blinds. I used to get frequent headaches in the winter when the sun was low.

Tobias Greeshman · 01-03-2005 3:08pm

yeah crt monitors are really bad on your eyes, should use lcd/flatpanel monitors as much as possible.

In general I would be against getting glasses just for computer usage, as your eyes tend to become dependent on them. Before you know it, your using them for reading and everything else, happened to a few people I know.

vorbis · 01-03-2005 3:23pm

well I already wear a pair of glasses full time anyways :-) I also have a 15" LCD monitor. The overhead lighting isn't the best though, white flourescents. Don't think I'd be able to change them though. trust no one did the glasses help your friends with regards to computer usage?

Tobias Greeshman · 01-03-2005 3:28pm

vorbis wrote:

trust no one did the glasses help your friends with regards to computer usage?

Yeah it helped out them a lot in regards to using the computer, however they then needed it for tv, then reading, then had to wear glasses fulltime.

I currently dont wear glasses, and Im in front of a pc 7-8 hrs a day, but I would only get glasses for a PC as a last resort!

vorbis · 01-03-2005 4:08pm

Normally wearing glasses shouldn't introduce greater dependency on them. They might have needed glasses for the other activites anyways and only found out when they went to the opticians. Is it normal glasses they got or the ones designed for computer usage?

Tobias Greeshman · 01-03-2005 4:26pm

I assume there ones for computer usage, when they went to the opticians, they prescribed the glasses to them for this usage, after a period of time i guess there eyes depended on the glasses more (Im talking over the course of at least a year here).

ChRoMe · 01-03-2005 4:27pm

I used to work as an optical fitter (I choose what type of lenses should be put in the frame aswell as actually cutting and fitting them in). The best advice I could give is bring your specs in to a indepdendent opticians (not some **** like specsavers or vision express) and get them UV protected and then ask for a 5% grey tint. That should give your eye's some relief

seamus · 01-03-2005 4:30pm

Still have to laugh when we get people complaining about headaches and eye fatigue when using their laptops, looking for screen filters for the laptops.

I've gotten into the habit of telling them that we don't have them because nobody makes them, and a better person to consult would be their optician.

vorbis · 01-03-2005 4:32pm

fair enough, though since i already wear glasses I won't be too worried about that :-)

Chrome, can I get that work dfone to my current lenses? How much woudl that cost normally?

kasintahan · 01-03-2005 4:32pm

Get a bigger monitor, switch the res down and sit further back.

I use a 19" CRT @ 800*600 @ 90Hz and sit 5 feet back.

With the same monitor up closer I feel the soreness you describe.

WhiteWashMan · 01-03-2005 4:57pm

i am slightly far sighted as well, and i have a pair of glasses for computer work only.
dont need them for anything else.

if i dont have them on, i get a splitting head ache within about 3 minutes.

vorbis · 01-03-2005 5:00pm

what type of lense is in them?

WhiteWashMan · 01-03-2005 5:13pm

not sure what you want here?
are you looking at strength, or actually what the lenses are physically made of?

but i'll give both answers

the lenses on both my pair of glasses (i have one for the office, and one for home) are glass, with anti scratch and anti glare coatings.

the strength is 1.25 and 1.75

ChRoMe · 01-03-2005 5:14pm

you should be able to but it depends on what lenses are in allready. If the lenses have been coated you cant. Well technically you could but it isint worth it.(you can tell if they are coated by holding them up to the light and tilting them slightly if they are coated you will get a slight colour usually green or light red).

It is also possible that you are using hi-index lenses (or polycarbonate). If this is the case it wont be possible to do on the lenses without a fair amount of work (would be better off just getting a whole new pair).

If you can post your script and approx how thick the lenses are at the very edge and centre I'll be able to give you a near definitinte answer

WhiteWashMan · 01-03-2005 5:17pm

by the way, just in case you were wondering, i figured it was better to go for the expensive lenses rather than the plastic ones. im sure theres little difference (oh yeah, i got slightly high index as well), but i figured since it was my eyesight, that there was no way in hell i was going to be a cheapskate about it.

on hind sight, for a simple pair of glasses, i probably should have gone to spec savers

they are not for any other use, so there is no fashion accessory need there. didnt stop me from getting two expensive frames though. sometimes, i am an unusally stupid person, but hey, at least i can look really good in specs in the office.
where i work on my own

the_syco · 01-03-2005 5:20pm

trust_no_one wrote:

Yeah it helped out them a lot in regards to using the computer, however they then needed it for tv, then reading, then had to wear glasses fulltime.

I currently dont wear glasses, and Im in front of a pc 7-8 hrs a day, but I would only get glasses for a PC as a last resort!

Sounds to me like they suddenly relaized that being half-blinf wasn't "normal". Unless you know what "good sight" is, untill you experience, you wouldn't know. I always wear glasses. Got new ones there a few months ago. BIG FRIGGIN DIFFERENCE! Could see very clearly.

I don't wear glasses for reading, but I'm blind besides that :rolleyes:

seamus · 01-03-2005 5:25pm

the_syco wrote:

Sounds to me like they suddenly relaized that being half-blinf wasn't "normal". Unless you know what "good sight" is, untill you experience, you wouldn't know. I always wear glasses. Got new ones there a few months ago. BIG FRIGGIN DIFFERENCE! Could see very clearly.

Indeed. When I was a kid, I must have been walking around squinting for two years before I finally got glasses, and the difference!

Firesuite · 01-03-2005 5:58pm

What's the story with those glasses that change with the light? I was considering getting them because the doctor said they will protect my eyes from the light thats causing my headaches (which is coming from screens and the sun). They're really expensive though. There's not much point me getting them if they won't help with the whole painful computer thing - anyone know exactly why someone would get glasses like that?

Getting glasses for computer usage

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