Reading glasses for Computer Screen use

ericpode

I recently lost my ordinary reading glasses (for reading books and mags), so I need to get a new pair. I was tested about 4 months ago when I got some distance glasses - they seemed to test me for reading aswell, so could I just take take that prescription in to any optician and order ordinary reading glasses without having to pay for a new test?

Secondly, I found that my ordinary reading glasses were fine for reading books and mags, but I do a lot of computer work and the extra distance of the screen threw it out of focus. So I found myself leaning forward a lot which caused a lot of neck and shoulder ache. So I think I also need a pair of computer reading glasses that are tuned for the extra distance of the LCD screen.

Is an optician likely to be able to produce a pair of computer glasses from my past prescription, or will I need to take a new test? And do opticians even test for computer reading glasses?

Are there any opticians which will give me one pair of ordinary reading glasses and one pair of computer glasses without breaking the bank? (Specsavers do a second pair free but I think they have to be the same specification lenses).

cajef

ericpode wrote: »

Secondly, I found that my ordinary reading glasses were fine for reading books and mags, but I do a lot of computer work and the extra distance of the screen threw it out of focus.

Had the same problem just bought a cheap pair of of reading glasses for computer use from Boots.

Mind you I have never bought prescription reading glasses anyway, I wear contacts for short sight and cheap reading glasses never had a problem.

Raksha

I had a similar problem, except my reading glasses were fine for computers, but meant I couldn't see my boss across the room. I went back to my optician and explained the problem, I now have a pair for reading and are ok for watching telly and a seperate pair for driving.

Just go back and explain your problem.

ericpode

Had the same problem just bought a cheap pair of of reading glasses for computer use from Boots.

I tried the cheap reading glasses a while ago (not sure if it was boots) but found that they seem optimised for book-reading distances. I found a pair that looked OK at book distance, but at computer screen distance it was too much out of focus.

I notice that Boots seem to do a 2 pairs mix and match between distance, reading and sunglasses. I think I'll ask if they can do 1 pair ordinary readers and the other pair as computer readers.

http://www.boots.com/en/Get-two-different-looks-or-even-two-prescriptions-for-one-great-price_1248237/

noelphobic

It might be worth checking if you can get any financial help with this from your workplace. I work for a large organisation and we get the price of an eye test refunded and usually a contribution towards the glasses as well, depending on the type prescibed. You get more if the optician signs the form to say they are solely for computer use.

tanith

I find using my old glasses (the ones I used before getting these new ones) are perfect for screen work I keep them right by my computer as they are useless for reading a book.. I did ask the optician if that was ok and he said he often recommends that to people who have a similar problem

ericpode

Thanks for the tips. The lost pair of readers was my first pair, so no old pair to try out.

pattycake

I wear varifocals for normal every day use. When I had my routine test in September, I did not want or need new everyday glasses. I find using the varis for the computer to be hard work so I told the optometrist who tested my eyes that I wanted a cheap pair of specs solely for the computer.

That is what I got. I actually paid £45 for them although there were cheaper frames I could have chosen. They are only good for the screen although I can read in them. I cannot see across the room though!