According to the American Optometric Association, 175 million people use a computer every day, including 61 million children.  While computers enable us to be more efficient and more productive, this can come at a price. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a condition which can occur in individuals viewing a computer screen as little as two hours per day.

Symptoms of CVS include:  Eyestrain, headaches, slow focusing near and far, tired eyes, burning eyes, blurred vision, and neck and shoulder pain.  These symptoms can be alleviated and even avoided if proper eyeglasses are prescribed. 

Computer glasses are necessary regardless if you need vision correction for distance or not.  Computer glasses can also be worn with contact lenses in place. The prescription needed for computer use can vary significantly from the prescription needed for distance vision.

There are two basic types of computer lenses available.  Single vision lenses are usually chosen for individuals under the age of 40.  If one is over the age of 40, presbyopia is usually a factor and near-variable focus lenses may be a better choice.  Near-variable focus lenses vary in focus from about 8 to 10 feet up to 16 inches for reading. 

All computer lenses should be reflection-free.  Anti-reflective treatment is added to the lenses to allow 99.5% of light to be transmitted through the lenses.  More transmittance of light equals clearer, more comfortable vision.