If you sit in front of a computer screen for hours daily, you've probably experienced some form of eye strain or fatigue. Computer glasses can alleviate this as they feature magnification power to relieve eye strain while looking at a near object that's about the distance between you and your computer screen.

Computer glasses are similar to reading glasses, and some also feature lenses that can block out blue light. Of course, there is more to the story here. Here, we'll discuss the pros and cons of using computer glasses, so you can figure out if they are worth it for you.

The Pros of Using Computer Glasses

Before we get into the discussion, it's important to make the distinction between computer glasses and gaming glasses that block out blue light. Some computer glasses will have lenses for blue light protection, but you'll have to check that thoroughly, depending on the model. With that said, here are some of the benefits of using computer glasses:

1. Reduce Eye Strain and Fatigue

Sufferings from eye strain and fatigue

Computer glasses work best when your computer screen is about 25 inches away from your face. Reading glasses are usually more dialed-in for up-close objects, closer to 15 inches. Like reading glasses, computer glasses feature a magnification power that can vary depending on your prescription.

This magnification relieves a lot of muscle tension in the eye and around the muscles outside the eye. If you're constantly struggling with eye strain, feel pressure on the outside of your temples, or get light headaches after sitting in front of your desk, it may be time to try out computer glasses.

2. Improve Your Vision

Focused and improved vision

You may notice a gradual improvement in your vision if you buy a pair of computer glasses. If you often squint at your screen and find that text or icons can be blurry sometimes, your vision is likely weaker than you think. Besides reducing eye strain and fatigue, computer glasses can help improve vision.

This is because the magnification power of the glasses makes text easier on your eyes. Your eyes don't have to work as hard, and since there isn't much strain, your vision will slowly start to improve over time. So, if you spend a lot of time at your desk and are worried that your vision is degrading, picking up a pair of these glasses can help you solve that problem to some extent.

3. Protect Your Eyes From Blue Light

While there is a difference between computer glasses and blue light glasses, the lines can be a bit blurry. Essentially, any pair of computer glasses can function as blue light glasses as long as they have filtered lenses or an anti-reflective coating that reduces the intensity of blue light. This is why the terms are somewhat interchangeable.

Blue light messes with your circadian rhythm and can affect your sleep cycles. This is why doctors recommend staying away from screens near bedtime. So, using computer glasses that can block out blue light will improve your melatonin production, allowing you to sleep better.

4. Reduce Glare and Reflections

Eye protection from glare and reflections

Glare and reflections from your computer screen can decrease your visibility. Fortunately, most computer glasses feature an anti-glare or anti-reflective coating that can tackle this problem. Computer glasses with an anti-glare coating usually have a thin layer that can block reflections and increase visibility.

This helps you see the screen more clearly, and reduces eye strain by quite a bit. Glare can also cause eye strain and headaches, but computer glasses are capable of protecting you from both.

The Cons of Using Computer Glasses

While computer glasses go a long way in improving your vision and avoiding eye strain, there are some obvious downsides that come with owning a pair. Below are the drawbacks of buying or using a pair of computer glasses:

1. Expensive

Computer glasses are expensive

Computer glasses are certainly worth it if you need them. However, they can certainly get a bit expensive. There are a few generic options that you can find on Amazon or with other retailers, and those are usually cheaper. The problem is that if you want to go the safer route with a prescription, be prepared to spend a considerable amount of money.

Prices will vary depending on what you want from your glasses. So, if you want a pair with a blue light filter, higher magnification, and anti-glare coating, be prepared to pay a premium. Sure, it's a worthy investment in the long run, but one that will cost you quite a bit.

2. Difficult to Find the Right Fit

Like other glasses, it can be a bit difficult to find the right fit for computer glasses. This is especially true if you don't usually wear glasses. In these cases, chances are that you don't know what will fit you right and what shape will look better on your face. Fortunately, you can try glasses on your photo online to find the perfect frames.

Even if you already own a pair of regular glasses, computer glasses are a bit different in terms of lenses, so it will take a bit longer to find the right shape. Of course, consulting an ophthalmologist and getting prescription glasses is a better idea in this again. However, that again brings us back to the point that the entire process will cost you more money.

3. Difficult to Keep Them Clean

Keeping the glasses clean

If you eventually buy a pair of computer glasses, you'll realize that they're just another accessory you'll have to maintain and keep clean. It's not just about dirt or grime, either. Glasses can get dirty if you have oily skin and also if you happen to wear makeup. Dust can also build up on the lenses overnight.

Furthermore, most glasses these days (including computer glasses) come with an anti-glare coating. While this works well for reducing glare and reflections, these types of lenses are more prone to smudging, and some of the cheaper ones will degrade more often.

Protecting Your Vision Should Be Your Top Priority

Buying a pair of computer glasses is one of the best ways to avoid eye strain from screens. Sure, it could be an expensive investment, and you'll have to take good care of them. However, the benefits might outweigh the drawbacks if you frequently suffer from eye strain.

We spend a lot of time in front of screens, so protecting our vision is important. While you should invest in computer glasses if you need them, you should also be aware of other tips and tricks when using screens at night. Turning on Dark Mode on your iPhone is a good example.