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Eye Strain and Non-Prescription Computer Glasses
Violette wrote:
I use the computer a lot, whether it is for gaming, surfing the web or doing homework. Occasionally, my eyes will feel tired and get bloodshot, and I'll even get a headache. Recently, I heard of non-prescriptive computer glasses (the brand is Gunnar Optiks), and I was wondering whether or not I should buy a pair. I would rather not get prescriptive computer glasses because as I don't want to get dizzy each time I focus on something else. Furthermore, I was wondering what would be optimal settings on a computer to prevent eye strain. Thank you!
Dr Henry Smit's response:
Dear Violette
If you are experiencing eye fatigue and headaches when you use the computer, you may have an uncorrected refractive error – that is, you might be somewhat farsighted or nearsighted, or you may have some astigmatism. All of these conditions can contribute to the symptoms you describe, and can all be corrected with a pair of prescription eye glasses. The GUNNAR glasses you are considering would not correct any of these conditions. Your bloodshot eyes may be an indication that your eyes are becoming dry. This occurs frequently because, as a number of studies have shown, our blink rate decreases with periods of intense computer use.
There appears to be a lot of self generated hype and marketing around the GUNNAR eyewear products, but it seems to me that the hype outweighs the science. The lenses have a slight amber tint which will give an appearance of enhanced contrast and that might be somewhat more comfortable for some viewers. They are also touted as creating a moist microclimate between the back surface of the lens and the front of the eye – this is claimed to help keep the eyes more moist. As to this claim, they are not likely to be any more effective than regular prescription glasses.
I think your first step should be to have a thorough eye examination from your optometrist to determine if there are underlying issues such as uncorrected refractive error or dry eye syndrome. Treating these conditions, if they exist, can make you more comfortable at the computer.
As for how to best set up your computer, I recommend that you visit the CAO web-site for additional information. There is an excellent article at http://opto.ca/en/eye-health-info/eye-health-library/vision-computers.html that I am sure you will find informative.
Hope this is helpful,
Dr. Smit
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