You sit at a computer all day, it is good to get computer glasses. They protect your eyes from the screen. But what magnification should you get?
It really depends on what you need. You can get computer glasses with no magnification but still provide protection or you can get glasses with some magnification.
There are many things to consider when you are looking at computer glasses. Here is what you need to know so you can find the perfect fit for you.
How Do I Know What Magnification I Need For Computer Glasses?
If you don’t use reading glasses or have no eye sight problem, you can buy computer glasses that have little to no magnification. These are perfect for you and will still protect you from the blue screen.
But there are instances that you will need to get magnification. If you have reading glasses, it is best to get computer glasses that have magnification to help with your eyesight.
But what magnification do you need? Here are a few ways you can figure out what magnification you should get for your computer glasses:
- Take the eye test.
- Use your age.
- Compare with your reading glasses.
- Test out different magnifications
These methods are simple and can be easily done at home or you can go to a store and test out a few glasses.
Take The Eye Test
You can try a simple eye test. You can print off the eye test and perform it yourself or you can go see your doctor. It really is up to you, but a simple eye test can determine which magnification you need.
Use Your Age
As you age, your eyesight starts to degrade. Yes you can try to prevent it but it will happen. It is a normal part of aging.
So this means as you get older, you may need magnification. Look at the chart below to see the recommended magnification for your computer glasses based on your age:
| Age | Magnification |
| 40 to 45 | +0.75D to +1.00D |
| 45 to 50 | +1.00D to +1.50D |
| 50 to 55 | +1.50D to +2.00D |
| 55 to 60 | +2.00D to +2.50D |
| 60 to 65 | +2.50D to +3.00D |
| 65 to 70 | +3.00D to +3.50D |
| Over 70 | +3.50D to +4.00D |
Now these are not set in stone. You may need a more powerful magnification or a less and your age isn’t within those categories.
These numbers are merely to give you a starting point to what magnification you should look into when looking for computer glasses. You may have to try out a few to see what is best for you.
Compare With Your Reading Glasses
If you already have reading glasses, you can simply refer to your reading glasses to see if what magnification you should get.
Whatever your reading glasses magnification is, that should be your computer glasses magnification. There isn’t any difference in the magnification numbers or measurement.
Test Out Different Magnifications
If you aren’t sure what magnification you need, you can always test out different levels to see what best fits you. Always start with lower magnifications and then move to higher ones.
Wearing glasses that isn’t strong enough will not bother you like wearing glasses that are too strong. You will know the glasses are too strong by the following symptoms:
- Everything is blurry.
- Your eyes have to adjust.
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Light headed
If you are feeling any of these symptoms, try to reduce the magnification. Wearing too strong of glasses can be uncomfortable and can put more strain on your eyes.
Why Can’t I Use My Reading Glasses
You can use your reading glasses as your computer glasses but it may not provide the protection you need. Reading glasses aren’t always designed for viewing a computer.
Your computer gives off a blue light that can put strain on your eyes especially for those who are in front of a screen for long periods of time. Computer glasses are designed to protect you from such.
There are some reading glasses out there that can protect you from blue light. You will need to ask the manufacturer or look at the product details to see if your reading glasses does protect you.
If you are unsure if your reading glasses protect you from this, then you may want to go ahead and get computer glasses. You may be surprised at how much blue lights effect your eyesight.
Outro
Figuring out what magnification you need for your computer glasses is pretty straightforward. You will learn through trial and error what best fits you.
You don’t have to settle for enlarging your text or getting really close to your screen to read what’s on your computer. Computer glasses are widely available and fairly affordable. Yay!
