Choosing the right glasses for different professions

Different situations place a range of demands on our eyes, especially in the workplace. Whether your job involves hours of screen time, travel and transit or night work, choosing appropriate glasses ensures the strain on your eyes is minimised and you can remain comfortable throughout your shift. Here, we explore a few professions and discuss which glasses are best suited to them.

Office-based professions

Office environments place various types of strain on your eyes. Many office workers’ jobs involve being in a brightly lit space and looking at a screen for extended periods of time. As such, glasses with an anti-reflective coating are essential for reducing glare from both the overhead lights and your screen. In addition, you might choose lenses with a blue light filter to minimise strain and discomfort throughout the day. It’s also important to incorporate eye resting techniques - such as regular breaks from your computer - to maintain good eye health in an office environment. 

Outdoor professions

Outdoor professions present a selection of challenges, from changes in weather and temperature to the potential for damage to glasses. Jobs such as tree surgery, high rise window cleaning and roofing, for example, will require well-fitting, durable eye frames with polarised lenses that have a UV filter. This will ensure glare reflected from flat surfaces is reduced and your eyes are protected against the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays.

Those working in dusty or sandy environments may also benefit from a scratch-resistant coating, which helps to minimise damage from tiny particles in the air. Meanwhile, those working outdoors in all weathers can request an anti-fogging treatment when they order glasses; this works to repel and disperse moisture as it makes contact with the lens. 

Travel and transit

Bus, train and taxi drivers, couriers and other vehicle operators have a unique set of needs when it comes to choosing new glasses. Many of these professions include both daytime and night work, meaning photochromic lenses are a good option. These remain transparent indoors and in low-light conditions, but darken when exposed to higher levels of UV light. This negates the need to carry a second pair of glasses or sunglasses. 

Another option for drivers and vehicle operators is polarised lenses. These significantly reduce light reflected from road surfaces and headlights, reducing eye strain and improving comfort. 

Night work

Without the appropriate eyewear, working in low-light conditions can put enormous strain on the eyes. While many manufacturers are experimenting with night-specific glasses, lenses with an anti-reflective coating are a good option in the meantime. It may also be worth investing in frames that are brightly coloured or reflective, making them easy to find if they are put down or mislaid. 

Choose your perfect glasses at The Eye Establishment

If you’re looking for new glasses that meet the requirements of your profession, speak to the specialists at The Eye Establishment. In addition to comprehensive sight tests and eye health assessments, we offer a wide range of premium glasses and sunglasses to ensure your eyes remain comfortable throughout your working day. Browse our products online or visit our Kensington boutique today.