The proper eyewear can be a game-changer for IT professionals who spend their working life in front of screens. In a recent interview Anthony Czajkowski, a licensed optician and an eyewear industry veteran for more than 30 years with his optometry practice at the Omega Eye Center in Coral Springs, Florida, offers his opinions.
Progressive lenses, the basis for technology lenses, have a long history. In 1959, multifocal technology was revolutionized when French engineer Bernard Martinez invented the first progressive lens, the Varilux, and it was the first no-line bifocal of its kind. Czajkowski notes that progressive lens tech "didn't become mainstream until probably at the end of the 80s." The initial lens quality of the Varilux was not that great. Over the years, the lenses have evolved significantly. "The progressives today are much easier to use, you have far less distortion on your peripheral, and they're much better," says Czajkowski. This improvement in design and functionality has made progressives a preferred choice for many people because the lenses offer a seamless and more natural visual experience than their predecessors.[1]
One of the primary reasons individuals turn to progressive lenses is due to natural changes in vision associated with aging. Czajkowski explains: "Usually, it's an age-related phenomenon... you get to around 40, and you need a little more help up close because that (eye) lens gets tighter and doesn't pull." This condition, known as presbyopia, affects almost everyone as they age, necessitating lenses that can accommodate weakening near vision while still providing clarity for distance.
Progressive lenses offer a multifaceted solution to vision changes. Czajkowski elaborates on their versatility: "With progressive lenses, you can do the same thing; you can specialize... it gives you the vision up close, intermediate, and distance." This adaptability makes them an invaluable tool, especially for professionals in fields like IT, whose visual demands vary significantly from looking at a computer screen to viewing something at a distance.
This optimization is key. Regular bifocals and reading glasses do not cut it for computer work, as Czajkowski explains: "If you want to give your eyes a real treat and take off some of the strain, you get computer glasses or a technology lens." This advice resonated with me; the conventional options often led to uncomfortable, strained postures, resulting in neck and shoulder discomfort.
Technology lenses, however, address this discomfort head-on. They are crafted to alleviate the strain by correctly correcting the distance we most frequently use. Czajkowski underscores their ease of use: "With a technology lens, your head movements aren't going to be as extreme as they are in regular progressive." For someone like me, engaged in detailed tech work, this adjustment is not just about visual comfort; it's also about maintaining peak performance in an increasingly digital workspace.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety confirms this perspective, noting that these glasses are designed for computer work. They focus on a screen far from typical reading material, offering clarity where it matters most.
Despite their significant benefits, many people are unaware of technology lenses. The common misconception that general progressive lenses or over-the-counter reading glasses are sufficient for all tasks leads to this oversight. As Czajkowski notes, "There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all pair of glasses," emphasizing the need for specialized solutions for specific tasks, such as prolonged screen use. This fact is especially true for IT professionals, whose visual demands can differ significantly from the average person's.
When choosing technology lenses, the focus should extend beyond the lens to include the frame. For extended screen time, comfort is paramount. The design should prioritize functionality and fit, not just style. As Czajkowski advises, "You don't want to go too small on these types of lenses." The right size and fit are essential to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness. Selecting the ideal pair of technology lenses requires expert guidance. "You want to go to a licensed optician," Czajkowski emphasizes. This professional input is crucial, as licensed opticians offer tailored solutions, unlike commercial chain stores that might prioritize sales over individual needs.
The cost of technology lenses typically ranges between $400 and $600, varying with the necessary prescription strength and chosen frames. While this may seem steep for a secondary pair of glasses, the investment becomes justifiable considering the extensive hours spent in front of a computer, anywhere from 30 to 60 hours a week. This expense is a small price for the significant difference these lenses can make in your digital life.
This article is presented at no charge for educational and informational purposes only.
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[1] https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/this-is-why-it-pros-over-50-should-switch-their-glasses-to-technology-lenses/
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