Computer Reading Glasses for Boomers and Seniors
Reading the Computer Screen is Easy with Computer Glasses
Jan 31, 2009
Traditional glasses are not the best solution for computer work. Boomers and seniors often wear glasses for distance or close-up reading (readers) or both (bifocals). These can cause vision problems. Specialty computer reading glasses are a hybrid of medium-distance lenses and close-up readers.
An older person who uses traditional reading glasses or bifocals while reading a monitor will end up with a sore neck from tilting his or her head back and forth, finding the magnification either too strong or too weak.
Computer Glasses, a Hybrid
All computer glasses are designed to be functional for reading a monitor clearly. Specialized computer reading glasses for boomers and seniors are suitable for computers but also for standard reading magnification of books and papers. These are a newer type of glasses for computer work. The breakdown:
- Computer Glasses: Range of 20 – 30 inches.
- Reading Glasses: Range of 14 – 18 inches.
- Bifocal Computer Glasses: Main lens for a range of 20 – 30 inches. Small lower lens for a range of 14 – 18 inches.
Boomers or seniors who wear bifocals will readily see the advantages of specialty bifocal glasses for computers. The glasses can also be trifocals with a very small portion of the upper lens dedicated to distance. Thus, the computer user can also see the boss coming or read a clock on the wall.
Computer Vision Syndrome and Eye Fatigue
Up to 90% of computer users suffer through the discomforts of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) after only 2 hours of reading from a monitor. People over 40 are likely at risk as their older eyes have difficulty changing focus. One good way to avoid CVS is to have dedicated glasses for computer work.
Computer Vision Syndrome may sound like something “invented” to sell yet more reading glasses but it is not a fabrication, it is a true condition. The symptoms are:
- Eyestrain (non-specific discomfort)
- Eye fatigue
- Dry, irritated eyes
- Headache, neck ache or backache
- Blurred near or distance vision
- Double vision
Clip On Computer Glasses for Current Specs
Computer clip-ons are made to be used with one’s current prescription eyewear. These will add intermediate correction (for computer distance) and are worn on top of traditional bifocals. Pros and cons:
- Cheaper
- Available in different powers / strengths
- Can be flipped up out of the way
- Can be removed when leaving computer
- Not customized
- May need different powers / strengths for each eye
- Wrong strength may cause worsening vision
As many older people begin to use computers there are also many computer users who are growing older. One must use the latest eyeglass technology to keep up with younger, fledgling adults. Also, seniors and boomers should use every means available to keep their eye health up to speed. Check this out to learn Googling skills.
Resources:
Computer Vision Syndrome Symptoms. Aoa.org.
Making the Web Accessible for Seniors. Workshop on Universability of Ubiquitous Computing: Providing for the Elderly. 2001.
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