Computer and office glasses · Liverpool
Glasses for screens and office work
If you spend hours at a screen in varifocals, a dedicated office lens gives you a much wider view of your screen and desk than an everyday varifocal can. We recommend Varilux Digitime from Essilor or eLife Pro from Nikon, as a second pair for work. They are not for driving.
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Signs your glasses are not right for screen work
- You tip your head back or lean in to read the screen
- Only a narrow strip of the screen is sharp
- Neck or shoulder ache after a day at the desk
- Tired eyes or headaches by the afternoon
A too-narrow screen area is one of the most common reasons we see people struggling with varifocals bought elsewhere. See varifocal problems.
Your options
Office varifocals
Varilux Digitime (Essilor) and eLife Pro (Nikon) are built around your screen distance, with versions for mainly desk work or for moving around a room. Clear for screen, keyboard and papers; not for driving.
Single vision for the screen
If you do not wear varifocals, a single vision lens set to your screen distance can be simplest. Younger screen users may suit a lens with a little extra help at near, such as Essilor Eyezen or Nikon Relaxsee Z.
Your everyday varifocals
For lighter screen use, a well-measured everyday varifocal is often enough. We measure every varifocal on the Essilor Visioffice X in your chosen frame. See which varifocal lens.
What about blue light?
There is no good evidence that blue light from screens harms your eyes, or that blue-light filtering lenses reduce eye strain or help sleep; that is the position of the College of Optometrists and the AOP. What helps is the right lens for the distance, and the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Screen work and your employer
If you use a screen regularly for work, your employer must pay for an eye test when you ask, and for basic glasses if you need them only for screen work. See how often you should have an eye test.
Common questions
Computer glasses, answered
What are computer glasses?
Glasses set up for the distances you work at: your screen, your keyboard and papers, and often the room around your desk. For people over about 45 that usually means an office lens, which gives a much wider screen area than an everyday varifocal.
Why can’t I see my screen properly in my varifocals?
An everyday varifocal has to cover distance, screen and reading in one lens, so the screen area in the middle is narrow. Many people end up tipping their head back to find it. An office lens gives that distance most of the lens.
What office lenses do you recommend?
For people who spend hours at a screen in varifocals, a dedicated office lens: Varilux Digitime from Essilor or eLife Pro from Nikon. They come in versions for mainly desk work or for moving around a room or office.
Can I drive in office lenses?
No. Office lenses are for indoor work and do not give clear distance vision. Keep your everyday glasses or varifocals for driving and walking about.
Do blue light glasses help with screen use?
The College of Optometrists and the AOP say there is no good evidence that blue light from screens harms your eyes, or that blue-light filtering lenses reduce eye strain or improve sleep. Tired eyes at a screen usually come from focusing, blinking less and posture.
Will my employer pay for computer glasses?
If you use a screen regularly for work, your employer must pay for an eye test when you ask, and for basic glasses if you need them specifically for screen work. They do not have to pay for upgrades, so ask them before you order.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Measure how far your eyes are from your screen when you sit normally, and tell us how many screens you use and what else you look at while you work. That lets us choose the right office lens.
Blue light positions from the College of Optometrists and the AOP. Employer rules from the Health and Safety Executive.
Struggling at your screen?
Bring your glasses and your screen distance. 252 Park Road, Dingle, opposite Tesco Extra, free parking. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Or call 0151 726 0622
Written by Gavin Winstanley, who has been making eyewear on Park Road since 1998 and fits the varifocals himself. Last updated .