What is eye strain?
Eye strain, or asthenopia, is a common phenomenon in people who spend long hours in front of a screen. Most often, symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dry, irritated eyes
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating
These symptoms can have an impact on your productivity and general well-being. Eye strain is often caused by a lack of eye rest and excessive screen brightness.
How do anti-fatigue lenses work?
Anti-fatigue lenses are designed to ease eye strain by reducing the visual effort required, particularly during near activities such as reading or using a computer. Unlike conventional corrective lenses, they have a specific correction that helps the eyes to relax. In concrete terms, they feature a slight additional power at the bottom of the lens, similar to that of progressive lenses, reducing the need for accommodation.
The main advantages of anti-fatigue lenses are:
- Preventing and reducing eye strain: These lenses reduce the effort made by the eyes, especially during prolonged reading. This helps to reduce visual stress and prevent the symptoms associated with eye strain.
- Visual comfort: Anti-fatigue lenses improve visual comfort, so you can spend more time in front of the screen without discomfort.
Who can benefit from anti-fatigue lenses?
Anti-fatigue lenses are often recommended for people aged 18 to 45, who don’t yet need progressive lenses. They are particularly beneficial for students, office workers and anyone exposed to screens for long hours. However, even if you don’t spend all day in front of a screen, these lenses can help reduce the eye strain caused by near activities.
Anti-fatigue lenses and blue light filtering: A great team
Exposure to the blue light emitted by screens is another major cause of eye strain. Fortunately, a blue-light filter can be combined with anti-fatigue lenses. The filter blocks part of the blue light, protecting the eyes from the harmful effects of this artificial light. Combined lenses therefore offer complete protection for your eyes, reducing both the effort of accommodation and the impact of blue light.
How to choose anti-fatigue lenses?
To make the right choice, it’s essential to consult an eye care professional who will be able to assess your visual needs and guide you towards the most suitable type of lens. Various options and treatments can be added to anti-fatigue lenses, such as blue-light filters, anti-reflective coatings and scratch-resistant coatings.
Three tips for adapting to anti-fatigue lenses
Janie Trottier, optician associated with the Terrebonne boutique, gives us three tips on how to limit discomfort while getting used to anti-fatigue lenses:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes of screen time, look away at something at least 20 feet (about 6 metres) away for at least 20 seconds. Shifting your focus allows your eyes to rest. Taking a break every hour is also recommended.
- Blink frequently: When we stare at a screen for a long time, we tend to blink less, which leads to dry eyes and visual discomfort. Make a conscious effort to blink more often to keep your eyes hydrated.
- Activate the night mode on your screens: By reducing the blue light emitted by your screens, you will improve your eye comfort. It’s also a good idea to stop using your screens at least an hour before bedtime, for a more restful night’s sleep.
Remember: Always opt for visual comfort! To make an informed choice, don’t hesitate to consult our in-store opticians to discuss your options and find the lenses that best suit your needs and the health of your eyes.
