Glasses by need
Computer & Screen Glasses
Prescription lenses optimised for intermediate distances — screens, monitors and desk work. Reduces eye strain caused by using distance or reading glasses for screen use.
About computer glasses
Why your distance or reading glasses may not work for screens.
Computer and screen glasses are prescription lenses optimised for intermediate vision — the distance between near (reading) and far (distance). Most screens sit at 50–70cm, which falls into this intermediate zone.
What is intermediate vision?
Vision is broadly split into three distances — near (reading, around 30–40cm), intermediate (screens and desk work, around 50–70cm) and distance (driving and general outdoor use, 6 metres and beyond). Most prescription glasses are optimised for one of these distances. Computer glasses are optimised specifically for intermediate, giving the sharpest, most comfortable vision at screen distance.
Why don't distance glasses work for screens?
Distance glasses are focused at 6 metres and beyond. When you sit in front of a screen at 50–70cm, your eyes have to work harder to maintain focus at a closer distance than the lens is optimised for. Over a long session this causes fatigue, eye strain and headaches. The lens is not defective — it is simply not designed for that distance.
Why don't reading glasses work for screens?
Reading glasses are typically optimised for around 30–40cm. A screen at 50–70cm is further away than a reading lens is designed for — meaning the image is slightly out of focus. Wearing reading glasses for screen use causes forward head posture as people lean in to find the clearest zone, leading to neck and shoulder strain over time.
Choose your lens type
Which lens is right for screen use?
Three lens types address intermediate vision. Your choice depends on whether you need correction at screen distance only, or across multiple distances.
Screen only
Single vision intermediate
One prescription optimised entirely for intermediate distance — the clearest and widest field of view for screen use. A dedicated pair for desk work.
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Optimised for 50–70cm screen distance
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Widest clear zone of all three options
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No adjustment period
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Not suitable for driving or reading without a separate pair
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Next-day delivery on standard 1.50 orders before 3pm
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Available in all four indexes
Screen + all distances
Varifocal
Includes an intermediate zone alongside near and distance correction. One pair for all distances — though the intermediate zone is narrower than a dedicated single vision lens.
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Covers near, intermediate and distance in one pair
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Intermediate zone included as standard
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Narrower screen zone than single vision intermediate
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Requires an adjustment period of 1–2 weeks
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Available in all four indexes
Office specialist
Occupational Office
A specialist varifocal designed specifically for desk and office environments. A wider intermediate zone than standard varifocals — not suitable for driving.
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Widest intermediate zone of any varifocal option
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Also covers near and arm's-length distances
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Designed for indoor desk environments only
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Not suitable for driving or general outdoor use
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Available in all four indexes
Key benefits
Why computer glasses make a difference
Reduced eye strain
A lens optimised for screen distance means your eyes are not constantly working to compensate for the wrong focal point — significantly reducing fatigue over a long day.
Fewer headaches
Eye strain from using the wrong glasses for screens is a common cause of headaches. Intermediate lenses remove the root cause rather than masking the symptom.
Better posture
People who lean forward to find the clearest zone in their reading glasses develop neck and shoulder problems over time. Intermediate lenses let you sit naturally at your desk.
Wider clear zone
A dedicated single vision intermediate lens gives a wider field of clear vision at screen distance than the intermediate zone of a varifocal — covering the full monitor with less head movement.
Lens index
Available across all four indexes
Computer and screen lenses are available in all four indexes. Choose based on your prescription strength.
How to order
How to order computer glasses
1
Choose a frame
Browse our full range from £10. Any frame can be glazed with an intermediate prescription across all three lens types.
2
Select your lens type
Choose single vision for a dedicated screen pair, varifocal for all-distance correction, or Occupational Office for a wider intermediate zone in an office environment.
3
Enter your prescription
Enter your prescription values at checkout. Your optician can provide a specific intermediate prescription, or our glazing team will use your standard prescription to calculate the correct intermediate power.
✓ Next-day delivery on standard 1.50 single vision orders before 3pm
Ready to order your computer glasses?
Prescription screen glasses from £10. Next-day delivery on standard 1.50 single vision orders placed before 3pm. All lenses glazed in-house by our qualified technicians.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between computer glasses and reading glasses?
Reading glasses are optimised for close-up distances — typically 30–40cm. Computer glasses are optimised for intermediate distances — typically 50–70cm. Using reading glasses for a screen that is further away than their focal point causes blurred vision and forward head posture. Computer glasses are focused at the correct distance for screen use, giving sharper vision and a more comfortable working position.Do I need a separate prescription for computer glasses?
Your optician can write a specific intermediate prescription for screen use, particularly if you have an ADD value for near vision. If you do not have a specific intermediate prescription, our glazing team can calculate the appropriate intermediate power from your standard prescription. If you are unsure, it is worth mentioning screen use specifically to your optician at your next eye test.What is the difference between single vision intermediate and Occupational Office lenses?
Single vision intermediate lenses have one focal power optimised entirely for screen distance, giving the widest possible clear zone at 50–70cm. Occupational Office lenses are a type of varifocal with a wider intermediate zone than standard varifocals — they also cover near and arm’s-length distances but are not suitable for driving. If you only need screen correction and are happy to use a separate pair for everything else, single vision intermediate is the clearer option. If you also need near correction for desk work without switching glasses, Occupational Office is worth considering.Can I drive in computer glasses?
No. Computer glasses — whether single vision intermediate or Occupational Office — are not corrected for distance vision. They should not be worn for driving, walking outdoors or any situation where clear distance vision is required. They are designed specifically for desk and screen environments.Will varifocal lenses work for screen use?
Yes, varifocal lenses include an intermediate zone and will provide some correction at screen distance. However, the intermediate zone in a standard varifocal is narrower than a dedicated single vision intermediate lens — meaning more head movement is needed to find the clearest point on screen. For people who spend most of their day in front of a screen, a dedicated intermediate pair or Occupational Office lenses often give a more comfortable experience.
