Can anti-glare glasses protect against the strain from using a laptop screen?
When you're working with a laptop or computer screen for much of your day, as many Australian employees do, you might notice that the brightness emitted by the machine can cause your eyes to feel strained. The symptoms of eye strain include blurred vision, tired or 'burning' eyes and a headache. If you are experiencing these signs, it's important to see your optometrist for a recommendation as to what may help ease and prevent the strain. In some cases, the solution can be as simple as adding an anti-reflective or anti-glare coating to your glasses.
How does anti-reflective coating work?
Thanks to modern technology, today's anti-reflective coating can eliminate almost all reflection of light from the lenses of your glasses. This allows you to see clearly and without having to squint when it comes to using a laptop screen so your eyes are more comfortable. In addition to this, anti-reflective coatings can also help when you are driving at night. Many people who wear glasses tend to see a 'halo' effect around the headlights of oncoming cars in the darkness. This is distracting and can make it more difficult to drive, but an anti-glare layer on your glasses can combat this problem by eliminating the reflection from your lenses. The coating can make glasses more susceptible to becoming scratched or showing the marks left by oily fingerprints, so you will usually need to clean it with a special type of cloth. Some coatings come with an added 'hydrophobic' or 'oleophobic' surface that aids in preventing skin oils, smudges and water spots from lingering on the lens.
Anti-glare glasses can certainly help you work from your laptop screen more comfortably, but you can also protect your eyes by adjusting the screen so it's in a good position for your eye line. Remember to give your eyes a break every now and then by focusing on something in the distance.If you have any more questions about anti-glare coatings or what you can do, talk to a qualified optometrist.