Excellent question. Depending on the underlying cause of your discomfort, glasses may be able to help relieve symptoms of eye strain, but not everyone needs them.
✅ You might need glasses for eye strain if:
- Myopia, or nearsightedness
- Hyperopia, or farsightedness
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia (near vision loss associated with aging, usually after 40)
Your eyes will have to work harder at the computer if you have even a slight refractive error.
2. You use screens for extended periods of time
Computer glasses might be helpful if using a screen causes your eyes to feel dry, sore, or exhausted. These are specifically made to:
- Cut down on glare
- Improve your intermediate-distance focus, which is where most screens are located.
- Blue light filter (optional feature)
3. You’re older than forty
To view screens comfortably after the age of forty, you might require progressive lenses or reading glasses, particularly if you notice that you’re squinting or leaning forward.
❌ If you don’t have any eye-related health conditions and your vision is already perfect (20/20), you might not need glasses.
Environmental factors like bad posture, glare, or inadequate lighting are the cause of your eye strain.
🧠 In summary, glasses are not necessary for eye strain alone, but they can be beneficial, particularly if vision correction or visual support is a contributing factor.
The wisest move? Make an appointment for a thorough eye examination. Your optometrist can ascertain if:
Prescription lenses are necessary.
Computer glasses would help you.
Something else is causing your strain (e.g., dry eye, ergonomics).