Reading glasses for computer use

Can you use reading glasses for the computer?

You can, but your normal reading strength is usually too strong. Readers are chosen for 14 to 16 inches. A laptop sits at about 20 inches and a desktop monitor at 24 to 28. Through full-strength readers the screen is only sharp when you lean toward it, which is how computer users end up with a sore neck.

What strength for a computer screen

The farther the screen, the less strength you need.

The figures come from the focus each distance needs. For your own distance, measure from your eyes to the screen and use the strength calculator.

Options that cover both

• Two pairs. One for the screen and one for print. Cheap and simple.
• Computer or office lenses. Prescription lenses that are sharp from the screen down to the desk.
• Progressive lenses. Distance at the top, screen in the middle, reading at the bottom. They need a prescription and a few days to get used to.

Setting up the screen

• Put the top of the monitor at or slightly below eye level.
• Sit at arm's length from it.
• Enlarge the text in your system settings rather than leaning in.
• Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to rest your focus.

What about blue light lenses?

Blue light coatings do not change the focusing power of a lens. Choose computer glasses by strength first. Whether to add a coating is a matter of preference.