In a patient’s ideal world, one pair of glasses would perfectly meet all their visual needs.
As eyecare professionals, we know that isn’t the case, and the recommendation of owning multiple pairs of glasses is far more of a benefit to the patient than an upsell/economic incentive for the optical.
In the increasingly demanding nature of our lifestyles, task-specific lenses are rising to the occasion to offer a tailored focal length for the task at hand. This makes the experience of wearing a task-specific lens superior, offering greater visual acuity when traditional single-vision or progressive lenses are coming up short.
These lenses enhance comfort and ease of use, providing a wider field of vision with less peripheral distortion than progressive lenses. While their styles might at first glance be limited to certain activities, these lenses can be a great alternative for patients who struggle with adaptation to a traditional progressive lens layout, especially when a minimum or no-distance Rx is required for an emerging presbyope or presbyopic patient.
The challenge with single-vision distance and progressive lenses is that they focus on achieving visual clarity at a distance of 20 feet and beyond in the majority or whole of the lens layout. Task-specific lenses offer different layouts for a more customized, occupational tool to enhance performance and the enjoyment of time spent in front of a screen. These lenses are ergonomically designed and positioned to ensure optimal comfort and posture.
The correct style of task-specific lenses will prevent users from needing to bend their necks or adjust their seating while interacting with their devices. Task-specific lenses designed with digital device use in mind are treated with blue light coatings or filters to alleviate or aid in reducing computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain, a condition that results from the high visual demands of computer and digital screen use.
Computer and office lenses are commonly available in three distinct-yet-versatile focal length styles, each designed to enhance vision, modified to specific tasks, workspace, or occupational needs. Available as blended lenses, these styles are typically categorized as near, mid, and room distance (names may vary by brand), offering optimal clarity and comfort for various viewing ranges.
Near Design
This design is optimized at a near focal length to a maximum length of 59 inches.* This layout offers the benefits of a more flexible “reader” style of lens, allowing for greater visual comfort and flexibility of reading materials. It’s ideal for reading books or e-readers and interacting with smartphones, where the screen is typically closer to the user. It’s also a great choice for hobbies like embroidery, knitting, or model building. The variation in Rx within the lens also ensures no compromise in visual acuity when reading on a tablet, laptop, or other materials held at a farther-away position. Ideal for:
→ Aestheticians
→ Jewelers/watchmakers
→ Tailors/seamstresses
→ Writers
→ Researchers
Mid Design
This design is ideal for desktop and laptop use, where the screen is slightly farther away, and is optimized for an intermediate focal length to a maximum distance of 84 inches.* These lenses are designed to be ergonomically positioned to ensure optimal comfort and posture, especially at a desktop computer with a large or multi-monitor setup.
They eliminate the need for users to bend or elevate their necks or adjust their seating awkwardly while interacting with their desktop devices, because the position of the intermediate zone is at a natural straight-ahead-gaze direction. With an increase in add power toward the lower part of the lens, similar to a progressive lens, this lens style is ideal for computer and tandem paperwork use. Ideal for:
→ Lab technicians
→ Pianists and/or violinists
→ Accountants
→ Data-entry clerks
→ Graphic designers
→ Home cooks
Room/Office Design
Designed for an environment where the wearer may be required to work in a boardroom, use multiple screens at varying distances, or converse across a desk or room distance. This lens style extends clear vision between 6 feet and 10 feet,* facilitating fluid movement and focus within a larger workspace. This lens layout is perfect for individuals who need to interact with colleagues or move around their work environment throughout the day—it is a great choice for those who work from home or presbyopes looking for glasses that are versatile in and around the house. Ideal for:
→ Florists
→ Salesclerks
→ Doctors + nurses
→ Chefs
→ Receptionists
→ Opticians
→ Teachers
→ X-ray technicians
*Each brand can vary slightly in optimized focal length. Refer to the lens specs sheet.
While computer or office lenses are not suitable for tasks requiring clear distance vision, such as driving, they excel in providing relief and improved functionality for near, intermediate, or room distances, and they create a visual oasis of relaxed vision at a desk or cubicle or in an office space.
