Locations:
SearchThe short answer from an ophthalmologist
Image content: This image is available to view online.
View image online (https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/35b537a2-dc71-4e56-9232-af23ec9cab56/elderReadingGlasses-1151007846-770x533-1_jpg)
elderly man with glasses reading on iPad
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
Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more.
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
UV protection blocks harmful rays to protect your eyes and the skin around them
A correct prescription helps your eyes see clearly — but as natural changes occur, you may need stronger or different eyeglasses
It usually takes anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks to get fully adjusted
The lifespan of contact lenses depends on whether you have reusable or disposable lenses
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
While it may seem harmless, showering — or even swimming or washing your face — with contacts in can cause sensitivity to light, irritation and even an infection
Even napping with contacts in can lead to eye infections, lens displacement and dry eyes
This ‘harm reduction’ approach to sobriety involves subbing one substance for another — a method that isn’t backed by research
Educate your child about body image, expectations and skin care first
A true chlorine allergy is extremely rare — it’s far more likely that you have a damaged skin barrier
