Computer Glasses

If you are over 40 you might need separate pair of glasses for computer use. Special glasses removing Ultraviolet light or having antireflective coatings will not solve your problems. However, if your over 40 and your arms aren't as long as they use to be, you may need specially designed glasses to see clearly and comfortably. During your early 40s simple reading glasses will probably work on the computer. As you get older your current reading or standard progressive lenses might not work. Reading and computer work are often at two different distances, different enough so that simple reading glasses will not keep both distances in focus. Also, traditional progressives have an intermediate area that is too small or low for computer work. You may need a special lens whereby the intermediate area is raised and larger.  Also, see Computer Eye Strain.

The best way to determine which lens is actually right for you is have Vita evaluate your specific needs:

Single Vision Glasses - Simple single vision glasses are often the answer in the patient just becoming presbyopic or when the computer terminal is at approximately the same distance as the computer terminal. They are easy to use and relatively in-expensive. They have minimal flexibility having only one focal distance.

Traditional Bifocals - May be a problem. The segment may be to low and set for 16". There is a range of clear vision with a bifocal and the computer may be too far away.

High Fitting Bifocals - Excellent sedentary glasses. Better for reading, computer work etc. Top to watch TV or see people coming in your office. If reading distance and computer viewing distance are at the same distance this design will be effective. However, as you get older and loose more of your focusing and/or the computer and reading distances are different distances, this design may not work. The bifocal must be large and fit high.

Specially Designed Bifocals - Top of the lens is set for the computer and the bottom is set for reading. The bifocal segment should be low. Great compromise over the single vision lens. If made the frame should be on the small side, so that you can slide them down your nose to see at a distance. Disadvantage: noticeable line, no distance vision. Advantage: excellent optics with large field of vision.

Occupational Trifocals - Top of the glasses are for distance. Large intermediate area for the computer. "Bifocal segment" in the bottom for reading. These glasses are for working only. Removes the disadvantage of the preceding lens. Disadvantage: line is seen by you and others Advantage: excellent optics, large field of view

Progressive Lenses - Normal progressive glasses might work on the computer but they have similar problems as traditional bifocal. They are not designed to maximize computer use. The reading and intermediate area may not be high enough. More importantly the reading channel may not be wide enough and it may be too low for your computer viewing. The result: stiff neck.

Occupational Progressive Lenses - Our favorite for the baby boomer. Office or occupational lenses differ from normal progressives in that they have a narrow channel at the top designed distance viewing up to 15 feet; a large progressive intermediate zone for the computer; and a large area for reading. There are no lines, thus, it is cosmetically acceptable and very functional in an office environment. Various manufacturers produde different occupational progressives which have different designs and advantages/disadvantates. We will match the right progressive to your needs.
Best to leave at your desk. Note the traditional progressive has a large distance area and a smaller, lower intermediate and reading area.