Computer Vision Syndrome
Presbyopia and Dry Eye

Summary of Testing and prescribing
for presbyopic computer users

 

1)			Always determine distance Rx and near add (40 cm) as usual
2)			Determine whether their current computer working distance is appropriate or needs modification
3)			Determine add requirements at computer working distance
			a)	Early presbyopes
				i) Is an add needed for the intermediate computer distance?
				(1)	No
					(a)	They may be able to use general wear PAL or bifocal lenses at the computer
					(b)	Can wear a low power add in single vision lenses for near work—make sure the computer distance is clear with add
					(c)	Can wear occupational progressive with low add, top of lens will have close to the distance power. Make sure that lens design does not cause a negative prescription in the top of the lens
				(2)	Yes
					(a)	Normal bifocal or PAL will likely not work
					(b)	Single vision lenses may work if one low power add provides intermediate and near clarity—test range of clarity
					(c)	Consider an occupational lens design or bifocal with intermediate power in the top and near power in the add
				b)	Mid to late presbyopes
					i)	Normal bifocal or PAL will likely not work
					ii)	Single vision lens may work if one low power add provides intermediate and near clarity—test range of clarity
					iii)	Consider an occupational lens design or bifocal with intermediate power in top and near power in the add