You may be wondering if a computer goggles would be something for you. Who are these glasses really for, and what benefits do they offer? Whether you often have tired eyes after a long day at the computer, or have headaches and a stiff neck, computer glasses may be the solution you're looking for. In this blog, we'll discuss who computer glasses are suitable for, what complaints they can alleviate, and how you can find out if you need one too.

Symptoms that indicate that you need computer glasses

The first signs that your eyes are having trouble working at the screen for a long time are often not immediate problems with vision, but rather subtle complaints such as:

• Tired eyes
• Headaches
• Neck and back problems
• Sensitivity to light
• Dry or red eyes
• Burning or stinging in the eyes

These symptoms occur because your eyes have to constantly adapt to different distances, for example from the screen to papers on your desk or colleagues around you. The combination of an unnatural working position and prolonged focus on a screen worsens these symptoms.

Who are computer glasses suitable for?

Employees with heavy screen use

Compter glasses are valuable for anyone who works intensively with screens, regardless of the number of hours per day. Employees who spend several hours a day in front of a screen, such as office workers, are at increased risk of symptoms such as eye fatigue, headache and neck pain. Even if someone sits in front of a screen for less than 6 hours a day, computer glasses can help prevent eye strain and poor posture at work.

Research by the CBS shows that 44% of the Dutch employees work 6 or more hours of screen work every day, and 23% even 8 hours or more. Working behind a screen for a long time increases the risk of arm, neck and shoulder complaints (KANS). These complaints can negatively affect work comfort and productivity. (Source: Factsheet Veldwerkwerk 2023, TNO)

Computer glasses help prevent these symptoms by optimizing the view at the typical screen distance (usually between 50 and 60 cm), so that the eyes don't have to work as hard. Even with shorter working hours, this can make a big difference in preventing symptoms of digital eye strain, such as blurred vision and eye fatigue.

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People over the age of 25, but also younger

Although complaints such as presbyopia (long-sightedness) often starting at the age of 40, younger people can also suffer from eye problems due to prolonged screen use. Anyone over the age of 25, who works intensively with a computer, may notice that the eyes focus less well at short distances after a while. Younger employees are increasingly experiencing complaints from watching screens for long periods of time, especially when they don't take breaks or their workplace isn't optimally organized. Computer glasses offer a solution in these cases, because the lenses are designed to relieve eye fatigue and other complaints.

Also read: More and more young people are myopic through screens

Employees with varying working distances

Some people regularly switch between different distances while working, such as a screen, documents, and colleagues. In these cases, multifocal computer glasses can make a big difference. The glasses offer smooth transitions between different vision areas, so that the eyes can switch comfortably between near and further away without the annoying side effects of reading glasses.

Workers who are sensitive to light

Working at the screen can lead to light sensitivity, especially when you're sitting in front of a screen for long periods of time during the day. Computer glasses can be equipped with an anti-reflective coating or a blue light filter to protect the eyes from intense radiation from screens. Although blue light filters are an optional addition, they can be useful for people who have additional problems with tired or sensitive eyes.

FAQs

When do I need computer glasses?

If you regularly have eye fatigue, headaches, or a stiff neck after a day of work behind a screen, it's a good idea to get an eye exam. These symptoms indicate that your eyes have trouble focusing at the distance of the screen for a long time.

Are regular reading glasses sufficient for computer work?

No, reading glasses are usually not sufficient for computer work because they are designed for shorter distances, such as when reading a book. Computer glasses, on the other hand, are optimized for the specific distance between your eyes and the screen, usually between 50 and 60 cm. A clear difference between reading glasses and screen glasses so.

What is the difference between multifocal glasses and screen glasses?

Multifocal glasses are designed to focus at different distances (near, middle, and far), but are often less comfortable for intensive computer use. Monitor glasses offer smooth transitions between short and medium distances, making them ideal for people who sit at a computer for long periods of time.

How do I test whether I need computer glasses?

You can do a quick and easy online test to find out if screen glasses are right for you. Answer a few questions about your screen habits and symptoms, and get personalized advice. Take the test here.

Are computer glasses for you?

Whether you notice eye fatigue or just want to work more comfortably without having to focus all the time, computer glasses can be the solution. These glasses are designed to address exactly the problems that many computer workers face. So are you still unsure? Get an eye exam or do the online test and find out if a monitor goggles can make a difference for you.