We are living in a digital world where most of the people spend their hours daily on the screens of smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc. All this screen time can harm our eyes, causing dryness, fatigue, blurred vision and even headaches. Consequently, to shield their eyesight, more individuals search for solutions in order to computer glasses and analyze glasses.
This is more pronounced in the UAE, particularly in the key cities of Dubai. With many residents expanding time spent working in offices, studying on the web, or consuming for entertainment on digital devices eye strain has turned into a medically relevant condition. Additionally, the population here consists to a significant degree of older adults, many of whom are now encountering common age-related vision issues such as presbyopia, which makes reading at close range increasingly challenging.
Due to these changing habits and lifestyle needs, setting aside a moment to remind ourselves, what is the difference between computer glasses and reading glasses has become more necessary than ever. The right type of eyeglasses can make a difference in how effectively eye strain is minimized, how comfortable we are, and even how healthy our eyes stay in the long run.
What Are Computer Glasses?
Computer glasses are specialized glasses made with the intention to avoid eye fatigue created by prolonged use of the screen. Not like your normal Rx or reading glasses, these lenses are designed for the intermediate distance from your face—20 to 26 inches from your eyes, or the normal distance between you and a computer;
This may involve the use of blue light filters or anti-reflective coatings, that are common with these types of glasses. Blue light filters mitigate the glare and harsh lighting that come from digital screens, which can cause eye fatigue and interfere with sleep. Anti-reflective coatings are used to minimize reflections from man-made light sources, providing better comfort and clarity during screen time.
Computer glasses can help people in Dubai who spend longer hours working in offices, studying online or browsing their phones during the commutes. It means that they come in prescription and non-prescription versions, making them ideal for those who have existing vision problems and for those who do not.
Computer glasses not only add comfort during screen time, they also safeguard your long-term eye health. Many people experience dry eyes, headaches, and other issues when they face screens for extended periods of time, sometimes due to the blue light emitted from screens, and in those cases, computer glasses can certainly help you out with that!
What Are Reading Glasses?
Reading glasses allow you to see objects clearly at a near-distance, approximately 12-16 inches away from your eyes. Most people that use them are over 40 years of age and are starting to face presbyopia, an age-induced condition in which the eyes lose the ability to focus on surrounding objects.
These glasses are for magnification purpose and helps you to read the books, newspapers or mobile screen or any small text. They do not fix your distance vision nor are they to be utilized for long range vision use. Reading lenses are available in many dioptric powers usually ranging from +1.00 to +3.50 for lower reading power.
Reading glasses can be found in optical shops, pharmacies, and even supermarkets in Dubai. There are a variety of styles, including full-frame, half-frame, and even collapsible or pocket-sized styles for convenience. Some wear reading glasses on top of contact lenses, while others are prescribed special reading glasses by an eye specialist.
This also means that, if you are holding your phone or book further away to read it without trouble, it is a good sign that you may need reading glasses. These cater to easy, economical solutions to enhance near-vision and minimize strain while reading.
The Difference Between Computer Glasses and Reading Glasses
Computer glasses and reading glasses both aim at reducing the eye strain and creating comfort to the eyes but they work differently. Being aware of these differences can help you select the right pair depending on your lifestyle and vision requirements.
Purpose and Use
Computer glasses are designed specifically for intermediate vision, which is the distance from your eyes to a monitor or screen. They are perfect for those who sit at a computer or use some sort of digital device for several hours of the day. In contrast, reading spectacles are designed primarily for near vision tasks like reading books, mobile phones, or crafting.
Lens Design
Computer glasses usually come with blue light reduction and anti-reflection coatings to help cut back glare from blue light emitted from the screen or digital eye strain. They can even be made with your everyday prescription. While here are different types including reading glasses that utilize magnifying lenses to enhance the clarity of close-up text and items, they typically do not protect against screen light.
Viewing Distance
Computer glasses are for intermediate distances — approximately 20 to 26 inches from your eyes. Reading glasses are for a much closer distance, about 12 to 16 inches. That is the reason we wear reading glasses too poorly when we shift a little distance out to a screen.
Eye Strain Protection
Computer glasses prevent screen glare, flicker, and blue light exposure, which leads to less eye fatigue. They are very useful in preventing dry eyes and headaches, even within office environments. Reading glasses alleviates strain from looking at small text for long periods of time, but does not offer protection against the screens themselves.
Prescription Compatibility
Computer glasses can be prescription or non-prescription lenses, often personalized with tweaks based on your current vision correction. Reading spectacles are most commonly offered in common powers (from +1.00 to +3.50) and lots of people buy them over the counter. But if you have astigmatism or differing vision in either eye, then the existence of this technology even raises further questions and is better left to specialised eye doctors.
Style and Availability in Dubai
Both types are available in Dubai in a variety of styles and price ranges. You can find plenty of options in opticals like Magrabi, Yateem, and even online on platforms like Eyewa and Noon. Computer glasses are typically a bit pricier since they offer enhanced features in the lens, whereas reading glasses are less expensive, more widely available.
You Can See this Comparison Table
| Feature | Computer Glasses | Reading Glasses |
| Primary Purpose | Designed for screen use at intermediate distances | Designed for close-up reading and small text |
| Viewing Distance | 20–26 inches (e.g. desktop, laptop screen) | 12–16 inches (e.g., books, smartphones) |
| Lens Features | Often includes blue light filter, anti-glare coating | Usually, magnifying lenses, no blue light protection |
| Eye Strain Reduction | Helps reduce digital eye strain, dryness, and headaches | Helps reduce strain from close-up tasks |
| Prescription Options | Available in both prescription and non-prescription formats | Mostly available in standard powers (+1.00 to +3.50) |
| Customization | Can be customized based on existing vision correction | Limited customization; off-the-shelf options common |
| Common Users | Office workers, students, professionals using screens daily | Adults 40+, individuals with presbyopia |
| Use Over Contacts or Glasses | Yes, it can be used with contacts or as an additional prescription | Yes, often used over contact lenses |
| Availability in Dubai | Available at optical stores and online | Widely available at pharmacies, supermarkets, and optical shops |
| Price Range | Moderate to high, depending on lens features | Generally affordable and widely accessible |
Who Should Use Computer Glasses?
These eyeglasses are recommended for those who work in front of computers for long periods. Computer glasses have become an important and sometimes essential accessory in a city like Dubai, where many professionals are engaged in office work and students take their classes online, using tablets and laptops regularly.
Dubai Office Workers and Students
There is a good chance that if you work in an office (specifically in locations such as Downtown Dubai, Business Bay or Media City), you are looking at a screen at least 6 to 8 hours a day. This leads to digital eye strain and results in dry eye, blurry vision, headaches, and more. Computer glasses can help diminish these effects by filtering bad blue light and providing better focus. These glasses will also be beneficial for students who study online or work on their tablets for longer periods, especially during exam times or while working on a project.
Digital Eye Strain (DES) sufferer
Desk Eye Strain (DES), or Computer Vision Syndrome, is increasing in the UAE because of increased screen time. If you frequently have dry eyes, trouble focusing, or discomfort when using your phone or computer this could be DES. Computer glasses are designed specifically for minimizing this strain. They increase contrast, but a decrease in glare helps your eyes relax when staring at a screen for hours.
Prescription vs. Non-Prescription Users
Computer glasses can be used by those who already wear a prescription overlay as well as by those who have no prior vision correction. You can have computer glasses made with your prescription if you already wear glasses for nearsightedness or farsightedness and add options such as blue light filtering and anti-reflective coating, as well. If you don’t wear glasses at all, you can purchase non-prescription computer glasses to alleviate blue light exposure and glare from screens. Optical stores in Dubai, such as Magrabi, Rivoli EyeZone and Eyewa, offer both fashionable frames and tailored lenses.
Who Should Use Reading Glasses?
Reading glasses are primarily meant for those individuals who find it difficult to see near objects clearly. This is most often the result of a normal age-related condition called presbyopia, in which the eyes gradually lose their ability to focus strongly on nearby objects. Reading glasses offer an easy and affordable way to help improve daily comfort in Dubai, where many people live frenetic and technology-driven lives.
Adults Over 40 in the UAE
If you are over the age of 40 and are finding yourself holding your phone, newspaper, or book farther away in order to see it, then you are probably noticing early signs of presbyopia. This is perfectly fine and occurs with almost everybody as you grow older. It assists you to keep focused on near activities such as reading, texting, sewing, or even surfing on your smartphone.
People Who Only Need Help with Close-Up Tasks
Reading glasses are for short-range vision as opposed to prescription glasses that correct distance vision. If your vision at distance is okay, but you struggle to read or work at things that are near, you may just need reading glasses. You only need to wear them when doing near-vision tasks (not all the time!).
Occasional and Daily Users in Dubai
Others wear reading glasses only when the situations call for them such as when reading menus at restaurants, looking at their phone, or reading labels at the store. Some like professionals of different types like teacher, tailor, accountant etc. uses them for whole day. Reading glasses can be easily found in pharmacy, optical shops, in supermarket, and even online shopping platforms like Eyewa, Noon and Amazon UAE in Dubai.
Can You Use Both?
Of course, you can wear computer glasses and reading glasses at the same if your vision requirements and day to day schedule demands. In fact, a lot of the UAE population does this, particularly those who balance their screen time with reading and other close range activities.
Wearing Computer Glasses over Contacts or Accompanied by Prescriptions
Computer glasses can still help you if you regularly use contact lenses or prescription glasses for distance sight. In such a situation, it gives you two methods. You can put computer glasses over your contact lenses (no prescription lens needed). This also works as a barrier to blue light and glare when looking at your phone. Option two is to have your prescription glasses made into custom computer glasses. Inspired by the short sentence mentioned above, these will not only fix your sight but also reduce digital eye strain.
If you are at an office in Dubai Marina or taking an online class in a common area in Al Barsha, wearing computer glasses over your contact lenses will let you concentrate more without straining your eyes from long hours of staring into a screen.
A Smart Solution in the UAE for Multifocal or Progressive Lenses
A common choice used by many in Dubai, mainly for over 40s needing help with both near and intermediate vision-are multifocal or progressive lenses. These lenses could incorporate multiple prescriptions into one pair of glasses, usually for reading, computer work, and distance. What that means is you no longer have to switch back and forth between reading and computer glasses.
Progressive lenses. The progressive lenses are great for those with an emphasis of screen, reading of paperwork, or needing to engage with clients at varying distances, coming in and out of focus — therefore, a staple for many professionals, educators, and business owners throughout Dubai. Progressive lenses with blue light protection. Many local optical stores offer these blue-blocking solutions with added convenience anda modern touch.
Where to Buy in Dubai
It is easy to find a place to buy a computer or reading glasses in Dubai, as there are plenty of trusted optical shops along with hassle-free online stores available in the city. So choose a material and price range that suits you; Dubai has it all, from budget to luxury brands.
Best Optical Shops and Online Stores
Check out some best optical shops in Dubai – Magrabi Optical, Rivoli EyeZone, Yateem Opticians, and Grand Optics. They offer tons of options for glasses in general, from blue light computer glasses to chic reading glasses. They also provide eye examinations and offer professional fitting.
For those who like to shop online, there are some decent options available at Eyewa, Noon and Amazon UAE too. Then again, you can also find customer reviews and a virtual try-on feature for selecting the right frames and lenses from the comfort of your home that online stores offer.
Cheap Reading Glasses, Cheap Computer Glasses
If you are tight on a budget, there are plenty of pharmacies and supermarkets in Dubai selling basic reading glasses at low prices. You can even get non-prescription computer glasses at reasonably priced prices, especially with an internet purchasing location. Watch out for seasonal sales and promotions, which are quite common during the Dubai Shopping Festival and many other events.
Choosing The Right One For Your Needs
Consider how frequently you will be using the eyeglasses and what your requirements and use cases are before selecting one. If you have a job that gets you working on the computer for a long period, you should buy your computer glasses with blue light protection. Simple reading glasses may do for infrequent tasks that need to be done up close.
Always seek a professional eye test before purchasing, especially if you have problems with your eyesight or experience discomfort. Several Dubai optical shops provide free consultation and can guide you in the selection of lenses that suits your lifestyle.
How To Keep Your Eyes Healthy in the Digital Era
And, if you are not safe, staying in front of the screens for long hours can be detrimental to your eye health. Luckily, some simple habits and slight changes in your lifestyle can avert eye strains and ensure better protection against ur eye problems, which is essential in most busy city life and due to increased usage of digital devices today, especially in Dubai.
Use the 20-20-20 rule and change your lifestyle
The 20-20-20 rule — which is one of the simplest methods to alleviate eye fatigue. This goes for getting up every 20 minutes, staring at something 20ft away for at least 20 seconds. Naturally, this serves to relax the eye muscles and prevents mounting fatigue.
Don’t forget to blink to prevent dry eyes as well. Your workspace should be well-lit yet not glaring. Keep your screen at eye level and at an arm’s distance, adjusting the height and the distance of your screen accordingly.
Regular Check-Up Your Eyes
Eye Exams — regular eye exams are critical, especially if you use computers or reading spectacles regularly. Dubai also has a lot of clinics and optical centers that provide affordable eye exams. However, with early treatment, symptoms won’t worsen, and you can get the right pair of glasses.
Comprehensive eye exams for all age groups are available in eye care centers such as Magrabi Hospitals & Centers, American Eye Center, and Al Noor Optics.
Take care of your screen settings and eye drops
It reduces eye strain by changing the settings(saturation and brightness) of the screen. Adjusting screen brightness, increasing text size, and turning on “night mode” or blue light filters on your devices can greatly help.
You can use lubricating eye drops — just make sure they have been approved by an eye care professional — if your eyes are dry or feel irritated. You should always consult an optometrist in Dubai before undergoing any eye treatment.
Conclusion
Wearing the right eyewear will significantly influence the comfort level of your eyes day after day. You need to know that reading glasses and computer glasses are meant for two different purposes, and this knowledge allows you to better protect your vision.
Given that the vast majority of us in Dubai are spending countless hours in front of screens, nabbing the right pair of glasses is key to eye health — not just for those over 40, but also for those experiencing changes in their vision due to age. Computer glasses are designed to minimize eye fatigue or strain from digital screens, whereas reading glasses help with close-up tasks, such as reading a book or using a smartphone.
For those who split their time between near and distance vision, multifocal or progressive lenses can be an option that provides the best of both worlds. Get periodic eye examination and follow good screen habits for comfortable and healthy eyes.
So, whether you are at work, home, or discovering the lively city Dubai has to offer, a pair of well-suited spectacles combined with eye care will facilitate greater eyesight and lesser strain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use computer glasses throughout the entire day?
You can wear computer glasses all day, particularly if you do your best work in front of a screen. To alleviate eye strain and block blue light, ideal for long hours in front of a computer. But if you feel it’s better to go through with the eye specialist.
Are reading glasses good for the computer?
Reading glasses is designed for near vision tasks such as reading a book or using your phone. However, they usually do not work for computer use, where the screen is likely much further away than a reading distance. Computer glasses are more effective for long-lasting computer usage to avoid eye strain.
How much does a computer and reading glasses cost on average in Dubai?
Somewhere between AED 50 to AED 150 for basic reading glasses in Dubai. Bluetick Computer glasses generally start from AED 200 and can go up to AED 600 or above based on the brand and customization. Most optical shops have packages and seasonal offers; thus, it is a good idea to compare prices.
If you don’t wear prescription lenses, can you still make use of computer glasses?
Yes, a lot of computer glasses are sold without prescription lenses. They safeguard you from disruptive blue light and provide anti-glare protection to minimize digital eye strain without a prescription.
If you wear computer or reading glasses, how frequently do you need an eye examination in Dubai?
Each year or two, an eye exam is usually advisable. If you have any change or discomfort in your vision, then visit the eye specialist earlier than regular intervals.
How effective are blue light blocking glasses?
Blue light blocking glasses can reduce eye strain and help you sleep by minimizing the damaging blue light emitted by screens — especially in the evening.
Computer glasses for kids: Can kids actually benefit from them
Yes, children who spend many hours using computers, tablets, or smartphones should also be protected from the screen and be able to wear computer glasses.
What styles of reading glasses to wear in Dubai?
Dubai locals tend to gravitate towards stylish and lightweight frames, including full-rim, half-rim, and rimless options. Numerous optical outlets serve modern, stylish wear appropriate for every age range.
Are multifocal lenses better than having separate reading and computer glasses?
If you require vision correction for both nearsightedness and farsightedness, multifocal or progressive lenses allow you to see at varying distances without needing to switch out your eyewear. It’s handy, but you will have to get used to it. Ask an eye care professional if they are right for you.
Can I wear computer glasses with reading glasses?
You can do both depending on what you are doing. While others wear computer glasses when spending time in front of a screen and change over to reading glasses when doing work up close, like reading books.
