The short answer from an ophthalmologist
A: Many people who reach the age where they require bifocals or reading glasses find their regular glasses don’t work well when they’re at their computers. The explanation is simple.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Most eyeglasses are designed to optimize distance vision — usually defined as 20 feet away and beyond. Most bifocals and reading glasses are designed to give focused vision — about 14 inches from the eye. A computer monitor sits farther away than where your bifocal can focus but is too close for distance correction.
If you use a computer for long periods of time, you could consider “computer glasses.” These focus at the specific distance at which your computer monitor sits.
Alternatively, you could consider progressive bifocals. These glasses focus at multiple distances. With a slight change in head position, you can often find the spot in your glasses where you can clearly see the computer.
— Ophthalmologist Richard E. Gans, MD
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Expect to be seeing clearly just 24 hours after LASIK surgery
Your eyes may sting or burn for a few hours after surgery — that’s why your surgeon will recommend a nap
The first three days can be tough — but easier days are ahead
The lifespan of contact lenses depends on whether you have reusable or disposable lenses
PRK and LASIK are both laser eye surgeries that can help you see better, but they’re different in technique, recovery time and who can benefit
Eye exams are recommended once a year, especially if you have risk factors like vision loss, diabetes or a family history of eye disease
While rare, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to materials used in contact lenses or ingredients found in contact solution
Keep your eyes healthy by not sleeping in your contacts, properly caring for your lenses and wearing eye protection when necessary
If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help
If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style
If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods