Computer Glasses VS Reading Glasses - Which Do You Need?

There can be a few differences between computer glasses and reading glasses. Which once is best for you? Dr. EyeGuy explains the main reasons why you might need computer glasses vs reading glasses.

OVER-THE-COUNTER COMPUTER AND READING GLASSES GUIDELINE:

READING GLASSES
40-42 Years Old: +0.75 (Reading Power)
43-45: +1.00
46-47: +1.25
48-49: +1.50
50-52: +1.75
53-55: +2.00
56-57: +2.25
58+: +2.50

COMPUTER GLASSES
Under 40yrs Old: +0.25/+0.50
40-42: +0.50/+0.75
43-45: +0.75
46-47: +1.00
48-49: +1.00
50-52: +1.25
53-55: +1.50
56-57: +1.75
58+ : +1.75/+2.00

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IN THIS VIDEO:
Who actually would benefit from computer or reading glasses? Most people would actually benefit from near glasses to help with eye strain. People who have a refractive error like hyperopia (farsightedness) or astigmatism would need computer or reading glasses. Those who have presbyopia and can't focus at near objects very well would also benefit. The distance or visual demand is what determines if you need computer glasses or reading glasses. Reading glasses have a higher power, and computer glasses are usually around 60% of that power, because the screen is usually farther away. The exact power of your glasses can be determined by your eye doctor at an eye exam. You could also follow a guideline based on age (seen above). Computer glasses can also have AR, anti-reflective coding, as well as blue light blocking coating.

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Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:21 Who needs computer or reading glasses?
2:06 What is the difference between computer and reading glasses?
4:02 Can you use over-the-counter reading glasses?
5:01 Computer and reading glasses options

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#computerglasses #readingglasses #dreyeguy

[JuliaEllsworth-mkki]

Thank you for including the general rule of thumb difference between readers and computer glasses in your description! So helpful!

[iangondos]

Huge difference is that with multis you will have to constantly hunt by move your head to focus on a computer screen because the focal spot is so small. With computer glasses you just have to move your eyes.

[brianwade]

I'm 57 and only have small progressive lenses that do not seem to work well at computer distance. I'm going to get a pair of computer/reading glasses to keep at the computer after seeing this video.

[alex-sd]

Excellent explanation of computer glasses. I tried using my progressive glasses for computers but it was very annoying to have to tilt my head up or down. I didn't realize how slightly blurry my computer screen looked while using my regular prescription glasses/contact lens until I tried computer glasses. Since I started using computer glasses about 2 years ago, I have found my regular prescription became better and more stable instead of getting worse year after year. Also, I don't feel my eyes getting strained and tired from using the computer glasses when used for that purpose.

[cynthiah]

I use progressive glasses, but I don't love them because sometimes to read a computer screen I need to tilt my chin up to find the sweet spot and that messes with my neck. I also have an astigmatism. Thank you for your very informative videos. :)

[reneebodily]

Loved learning more about reading glasses. I absolutely love my transition glasses. It's been a game changer for me. I was so tired of trying to find my cheap reading glasses all over the house.

[nassikaelmechrafi-davila]

I’m 45 and had been using over the counter reading glasses until my recent second eye exam and picture suggested trying progressive lenses for everyday use and also computer glasses since I’m at my computer all day.

I just started using the progressive glasses, but not really liking the blurry spots, and when I saw that you suggested to have the upper as computer glasses and lower for reading, I think that is exactly what I would need because that is all I do is look up on my computer and then look down on paper. I didn’t know this was an option.
Thank you!

[kemaila]

I need glasses for reading/computer use (all dang day) and this really helped me pick the right lens for my needs! Thanks so much!

[Wonkabar]

I've always preferred varifocals for driving and prescription reading glasses for the chromebook, but then I started using the YouTube subtitles when watching videos, because I like to have music playing on my pixel buds, it's tricky as the chromebook screen is sharp but the subtitles are slightly off focus, I find pulling the chromebook a little closer helps when using YouTube subtitles.

[christinacastaneda]

I’m 48, have astigmatism, I am near sighted, having hard time seeing up close with my contacts or glasses on. I’m not sure if I need reading glasses or computer glasses.
At the computer or reading long hours each day.
Thank you for your video!!!!❤😊

[Morbidin]

No glasses, I just think your videos are fantastic. Very informative and fascinating.

[jondstewart]

I wondered about this before. I was prescribed reading glasses around 42 that were +1.25, but only needed them for my IPhone or small print. On a computer, no issues, except maybe small print distinguishing a 0 from an 8. At 55, I need +2.75 and +1.50 for computer. Holding things at a distance doesn’t make any difference now; I have to squint to see it up close.

[Orlanzepol]

I will see an eye doctor because of this video. I didn’t know they could design glasses with just reading magnification on the bottom and no prescription on the top so that I don’t have to keep taking them off to look at objects from a distance. I only have a problem such as reading food product labels and looking at my iPhone screen from about a 12 inch distance which is what prefer. Thank you for the info.

[aaaciesiel]

I am a carpenter and a musician. I am 62 years old. I am farsighted. So I do not use glasses to drive. I use about a 3 diopter for reading. Reading sheet music is a problem and many of the music symbols are very small. The music distance is similar to a computer distance about 26 to 28" away. Cutting and hammering outside in daylight is not a problem. But woodworking indoors with limited light is becoming more and more of a problem. Carpentry work is farther than reading but not as fare as a computer.

[rogerstenstromkmow]

I use reading glasses when I have my contacts in and going to read more then a few minutes.

[amyprzekop]

So thankful I found your video tonight. I have an eye Drs appointment in the morning. I already have progressives but I absolutely cannot see the writing on my 26 inch computer screen without wrenching my neck up. I have bought an arm for it and moved it every direction possible. I need to read lines on it from the top to bottom for work. It's gotten so bad I just bought a laptop and I lay the front part of it below me and open it almost like a book. I will be asking for computer/reading lenses along with progressives tomorrow. Thank you !

[blairtaylor]

Computer distance won't just be trickier with a standard bifocal, it basically will be non-existent. But then you do go on to say one can set up a bifocal with intermediate at the top and reading at the bottom, if one is willing to do away with any distance correction. It takes a lot of teaching to let patients know that a bifocal can be set up 3 different ways: Distance/Near;
Distance/Intermediate; or Intermediate/Near. Or of course, the trifocal (Very few seem to desire those). Having had Vertigo, I can't stand progressive or even office lenses, so I can relate to
how much friendlier single vision of bifocals can be. At the heart of being a good optician, is asking lifestyle questions and what they need their glasses for during their day!

[nikaa]

I haven't been able to find a good pair of glasses. I have progressives with astigmatism and have no problem with everyday routine tasks. But I can't use them for the computer and instead use reading glasses for the computer screen. I haven't been completely happy with the results since I'm noticing that I'm leaning forward therefore causing incredible neck pain. The optometrist has recommended computer glasses so I'm going to try a pair. Fingers crossed.

[tywald]

I'm using 1.25D SPH weaker glasses for the computer (distance ~75cm / 29.5 inches), using a 27" 1440p monitor. I still see the screen clearly.

I wish someone could have told me like 25 years ago to not use full prescription (I'm myopic with astigmatism) for close-up which would've reduced accommodation (it's a good thing to reduce). Better late than never I guess.

[nukedathlonman]

45 years old, single vision glasses - I'm near sighted. I take my glasses off when reading, writing, seated at the computer or doing work near me. I sit about 2.5 feet away from my screen, no trouble at all seeing it. I keep I keep my computer screens set to about 120nits - never measured what my phone is doing. 3 ft is about the limit of my vision with out glasses. I do practice the 20-20-20 rule at the computer, and I do spend very long hours on the computer - job has a lot of computer work and I'm a big computer nerd. I put on my glasses for everything else (bicycling, driving, etc). I have no troubles seeing the screen with or with out glasses on with out feeling strain, though I just choose to not wear them. I can look at things near me like a book with glasses on, and have no troubles quickly focusing on close objects with glasses on - but it's not comfortable as I can feel my eye's start to strain. Expected given SV glasses.

My Dr. has said I might want to start considering progressive lenses, but I don't like the distortion that occurs with those, and since I don't have problems seeing anything near me or focusing quickly, I'm just not willing to go down that rabbit hole at this time. So off with the glasses is a good solution currently.

I don't wear computer glasses nor do I have blue light coatings - though holy crow is there a push on big time for that pricey coating. I'm not overly concerned or convinced at this time that blue blockers are necessary (at least not for me) given how much blue light the various screens emits vs a sunny day outside mountain biking. I want to see a large scale and consensual agreement that blue light causes eye damage first and foremost (I'm aware it does cause sleep problems). I also look at and use warmer LED and florescent bulbs (I don't need 6500K studio lights - so I buy warmer (more red oriented) 4500K lights). I don't do things like take my phone to bed - give me a proper book thank you. On the other hand, I do have concerns with the HDR push (TV, computer screens, etc) that has requirements for screens hitting 1000 nits (or more) brightness, esp. since my eye's are light sensitive (thankfully most don't and the ones that do are rather pricey).

My sunglasses are polarized and have the usual anti-glair coatings, etc.

Don't see anything on my prescription for anything beyond a simple focal length correction. I do suffer on occasion dry eye, but I use drops to help with that.