Are reading glasses and computer glasses the same?

When looking at different types of glasses, it seems that reading glasses and computer glasses each fall under a specific category, leading many to wonder are reading glasses and computer glasses the same?

While on the surface reading glasses and computer glasses appear very similar, their specific purposes are different. This doesn’t mean the two are mutually exclusive. It’s possible to have the benefits of reading glasses and computer glasses in one lens.

Below, we lay out the differences between reading glasses and computer glasses, and explain why you don’t have to settle for just one of them for your eyeglasses.

What are reading glasses?

Reading glasses have lenses with a predetermined magnification strength and are used to assist with up-close reading/viewing. Typically, reading glasses are worn by individuals who experience vision changes due to presbyopia. Presbyopia is a natural, age-related decline in near vision.

You do not need a prescription for reading glasses. Instead, you determine which magnification strength (the numbers following a plus sign (+) on the glasses) works best to help you read up-close. There is some level of trial and error when finding your particular magnification. We recommend using a reading glasses strength chart as a guide. 

Once your proper reading glasses prescription strength is determined, tasks like reading a menu, text messages and food labels should become clearer and easier to perform.  You can typically fin Reading glasses at your local drug store or bookstore. Better yet, shop our vast inventory of reading glasses to find frames that fit your personal style.

What are computer glasses?

Computer glasses, also known as blue light glasses are equipped with a specially designed coating that limits the amount of blue light that reaches your retinas. Blue light is a harmful portion of light projected from digital screens like TVs, smartphones, tablets and computers.

While the harm blue light causes to your retinas is small when measured incrementally, damage sustained by your eyes is cumulative. This means, similarly to skin damage, the harm done to your eyes builds over time. This can lead to future vision issues for individuals who consume a lot of screen time, either because of work or recreation.https://www.dlsunglasses.com/presbyopic-eyeglasses/

Because a blue light coating is exactly that: a coating placed on top of the lens, it can be applied to most prescription strengths and frame styles. However, you can’t add a blue light coating to your existing glasses; you must request the coating when ordering new lenses.

Computer glasses vs reading glasses: Which is right for you?

There are many instances in life where you must choose between one or the other. Luckily, choosing between computer glasses and reading glasses is not one of them.

It’s very possible to have your reading glasses equipped with a blue light coating. This gives you the best of both worlds. Having computer reading glasses will not only solve the problem of straining to read up-close but also protects your eyes by limiting blue light exposure.

Reading glasses with blue light filtering lenses are perfect for when you’re on your phone, tablet, or laptop. However, because the blue light coating is unnoticeable, you can enjoy the convenience of your reading glasses even when you’re not in front of a screen.