Best Contact Lenses for Computer Use and Eye Strain

What are the best Contact lenses for Computer Users?

Whether for work or for pleasure, many people spend hours and hours every day in front of a computer screen. The way human eyes focus on a screen and the type of light that they emit can have an effect on our eyes over time. For people who wear contact lenses, this effect can be even more drastic. In order to counteract these effects, it's worth considering contact lenses that offer certain features.

The effects that prolonged use of computer screens can have on the eyes include reduced blink rate, dryness, irritation, redness, eye strain and fatigue, and blurred vision. Anyone who uses a computer for much of the day is going to likely experience one or more of these issues eventually. For those that already are, and are also looking for a way of limiting these effects, consider some of the changes below.

As technology becomes more and more prevalent in our day to day lives, this problem will become unavoidable for many people. For those with vision-related problems, these symptoms may be even worse than they would be otherwise, especially for those wearing contact lenses.

When it comes to contact lenses for computer use, the top three for 2024 are:

• Myday
• Dailies Total 1
• Biofinity

The best contact lenses for computer vision syndrome are one's containing Silicone hydrogel as these are particularly good for dry eyes.
Silicone hydrogel contact lenses come in daily monthly or continuous wear lenses we would recommend choosing daily silicone hydrogel contact lenses as these are refreshed daily they prevent build up of deposits which can reduce moisture exchange, so they are great for dry eyes.

Daily silicone hydrogel contacts may not be as expensive as you think, Clarity 1 Day is just £40.00 per month that's approximately £1.35 per day! 

Why Are Computers bad for your eyes?

Staring at computer screens, mobile phone screens, tablets and e-readers may cause Computer vision syndrome but will not permanently damage the eyes.

Many of the issues that our eyes have when staring at a computer monitor stem from blinking, or in this case, a lack thereof. Under normal circumstances, people typically blink once every 5 seconds or so. Blinking is how the eyes replenish tears and keep themselves clean. As the eyelids sweep across the surface of the eye, it spreads a thin film of tears that allow the eye to stay healthy and function properly.

When using a computer, not only do people blink far less frequently, barely twice a minute, but not as completely, either. The eyelids don't close all the way, and the tear film is not fully replenished across the entire surface of the eye. This alone leads to much of the discomfort associated with prolonged computer use.

Another source of discomfort stems from the muscles around the eyes that allow them to track and focus. The eyes may have to move from side to side to read text or watch a video, but the screen remains at a fixed distance from the eyes, and the focal distance remains the same. Holding this position is very tiring for these muscles, and will become fatigued over time.

How to choose the right contact lenses for Computer Users 

If you are a programmer, number cruncher or a professional gamer, hopefully, some of these tips will assist you.

Moisture: 

Look for contact lenses that are designed to keep eyes moist such as silicone hydrogel contact lenses (SiHy). While using electronic devices, the average person blinks less frequently, as well as less completely, meaning eyes only close part-way. Less blinking means less lubrication, and that leads to dry, irritated eyes. By wearing contact lenses that hold on to moisture, this becomes less of a problem. Those still experiencing dryness after switching contacts may want to consider rewetting drops, and making a conscious effort to blink more frequently.

Texture: 

Some lenses are made to be as smooth as possible. A slicker lens has less friction when moving across the surface of the eye, which will also cause less irritation. Smooth lenses are great for reducing the feeling of tired eyes at the end of the day, which is a common feeling for people who use a computer for a living. Dailies Total One by Alcon has a soft surface gel, for a silky feel, with a silicone middle for 6x the amount of oxygen passing through to your eye.

Permeability:

One of the newest developments in contact lens technology is the use of silicone hydrogel. This new material is designed to allow much higher levels of oxygen through the lens, which helps keep eyes feeling fresh. More oxygen reaching the eye also has the added benefit of reducing the risk of infection.

How to Avoid Digital Eye Strain When Using Computers

• Make sure your eye prescription is up to date Dr. Matthew Gardiner, an ophthalmologist with Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary says that "The proper glasses can reduce eyestrain," the same goes for contact lenses.
• Place the computer screen at the appropriate level. The top of the display should be just below a level, forward gaze. Looking slightly downward toward the screen is a more relaxed position for the eyes, and will make them less likely to get tired.
• Sit approximately 2 feet away from the computer screen.
• Use the 20-20-20 rule - after every 20 minutes of looking at the computer, look at something that is at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Try blinking more frequently.
• Stay hydrated, your eyes will thank you for it. 
• Try blinking more frequently. - It may sound easy, but it may prove to be more difficult than it sounds. Blinking is such an automatic reflex that doing it consciously can be challenging, especially when it needs to be done so frequently. It may not be possible to remember to blink every 5 seconds, but taking a few long blinks every minute or two will help immensely.

If you continue to have dry eyes or experience digital eye strain after following these few steps it's worth speaking with your Optometrist who can check your vision and make sure you have the correct prescription and the best contact lenses for computer use.