Digital Lenses Explained: A Comparison of Top Brands and Benefits
In today’s digital age, it’s no surprise that many of us are spending longer hours on screens, whether for work, school, or leisure. While technology keeps us connected, it also brings a new challenge: digital eye strain. This condition can cause discomfort such as dry eyes, headaches, and blurry vision. Thankfully, digital and anti-fatigue lenses are designed to reduce these symptoms and enhance your visual comfort.
What are Digital Lenses?
Digital anti-fatigue lenses are specialty lenses that optimise the lower portion of the lens for digital screens and near work. This helps ease the strain that comes from looking at close objects for extended periods. Digital lenses are recommended for students, young adults and pre-presbyopes to reduce eye strain during prolonged near work.
A typical digital lens design include a "boost" at the bottom of the lenses. This is also known as an addition power, and this value typically ranges from +0.4D to +1.25D. A stronger addition value is typically recommended for adults experiencing significant eye strain or for adults around age 40 who are beginning to experience early symptoms of presbyopia (aka "Lao Hua" / 老花眼).
How Are Digital Lenses Different from Progressive Lenses?
Digital anti-fatigue lenses are designed with an optimised near zone to reduce eye strain, while progressive lenses provide seamless correction for near, intermediate, and distance vision.
Progressive lenses are designed for adults with presbyopia who need correction for both near and distance vision, typically experienced by those age 40 onwards. It often requires a stronger addition power, generally ranging from +1.00D to +3.50D.
Now, with so many digital lens options on the market, how do you choose the right lens for your needs?
Here’s a guide to six popular digital/anti-fatigue lenses to help you make an informed decision.
1. ZEISS SmartLife Digital
For those who want a seamless transition between near and far vision, ZEISS SmartLife Digital lenses are a great option. These lenses provide extra support for comfortable near vision, by applying boost powers at the bottom of the lenses, with addition powers ranging from +0.50D to +1.25D. Whether you're reading a book or working on a computer, these lenses provide the added support your eyes need to stay comfortable.
These lenses feature ZEISS's proprietary SmartView 2.0 technology with HV C.O.R.E, which includes:
- Smart Dynamic Optics: for all-day visual behaviour
- Age Intelligence: Lenses optimised based on your actual age
- Clear & Thin Optics: For optimised clarity at every point
As for lens options, you can choose from UVProtect, BlueGuard (anti-blue light) and PhotoFusion X (photochromic) options for added protection.
Key Features:
- Customizable boost powers (+0.50D to +1.25D)
- SmartView 2.0 technology with HV C.O.R.E for wider fields of clear vision
- Lens material upgrades available: BlueGuard, PhotoFusion X with BlueGuard
- Customisations available: SmartLife Digital Individual or SmartLife PRO Digital
2. Essilor Eyezen Start
If you’re constantly shifting between near and far tasks, Eyezen Start lenses by Essilor are designed to help you see clearly at both distances without the added strain.
Although these lenses do not offer a boost, they utilise Eyezen's DualOptim technology, taking into account two reference points of distance and near vision. The lenses are optimised according to object distance and gaze direction, to ensure the right correction and to reduce lens aberration & distortion.
Key Features:
- Optimized for near & distance vision
- Eyezen DualOptim technology
- No boost power
- Available blue light coatings: Crizal Blue UV Capture, Crizal Sapphire, Crizal Prevencia
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Also available with: Crizal Drive / Transitions Gen 8 / XTRACTIVE polarised
- Further customisations available with Eyezen FIT
3. Essilor Eyezen Boost
For those who experience greater eye fatigue or need a little extra help with near vision, Eyezen Boost lenses may be the perfect fit. These lenses include a vision boost (+0.40D to +1.1D) that supports accommodation and helps with small text and digital screen usage.
If you're seeking a greater relief from eye strain, Eyezen Boost may offer more comfort compared to Eyezen Start.
Key Features:
- Vision boost (+0.40D to +1.1D)
- Enhanced comfort for digital screen users
- Available blue light coatings: Crizal Blue UV Capture, Crizal Sapphire, Crizal Prevencia
-
Also available with: Crizal Drive / Transitions Gen 8 / XTRACTIVE polarised
- Further customisations available with Eyezen FIT
4. HOYA Sync III
For individuals who need a bit more near-focus support, HOYA Sync III lenses offer Ultra Boost technology that enhances focus when engaging in close-up tasks like reading or using devices.
With boost options of +0.57D, +0.95D and+1.32D, these lenses are customisable based on your specific needs. Whether you're working on a laptop or reading a book, HOYA Sync III helps reduce strain and improve visual comfort.
Key Features:
- Ultra Boost technology
- Multiple boost levels (+0.57D to +1.32D)
- Photochromic options available: Sensity, Sensity Dark, or Sensity Shine
5. Shamir Relax
Shamir Relax lenses are tailored to support young adults and digital device users by offering a boost in the near zone. These lenses provide age-specific boosts (+0.50D for ages 18-29, +0.65D for ages 30-39, and +0.80D for ages 40-45) to optimise visual comfort for daily activities like screen usage and reading.
For added convenience, Shamir Relax lenses also offer express service for a quicker lead time (under Shamir's INOTIME service as the company has a local lab right here in Singapore!). This is a great option for those who need the lenses urgently, such as tourists, high myopes who broke their sole pair of glasses, or anyone who is travelling soon.
Key Features:
- Age-customised boost powers
- Blue Zero and Transitions Gen 8 options
- Express service available (*4 hours to 2 days)
- *Subject to availability & the cut-off order time of 3pm on weekdays*
6. Nikon Relaxsee Neo
Nikon Relaxsee Neo lenses offer a relax zone for near vision tasks, while maintaining clear distance vision. With boost options ranging from +0.50D to +1.25D, these lenses provide multi-zone support, perfect for those who constantly switch between tasks. If you’re looking for lenses that will give you a dedicated near zone for reading and screen time, these lenses could be your best fit.
Key Features:
- Relax zone for near work
- Multiple boost levels (+0.50D to +1.25D)
- Available with PureBlue UV or Transitions Gen 8
How to Choose the Right Digital Lens for You?
Choosing the best digital lens depends on your specific needs and lifestyle. Here are some factors to consider:
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How much time do you spend on screens?
If you spend extensive hours on digital devices, look for lenses with a boost for reduced fatigue (like Eyezen Boost or HOYA Sync III). -
Do you need correction for near or distance vision?
Eyezen Start is a great choice for those who need balanced near and far vision without additional boosts, while others like ZEISS SmartLife Digital lenses offer a customisable boost to enhance transitions. -
Age and lifestyle:
For teenagers or younger adults, Eyezen Start is a good option as starter lenses as it does not have the added boost. Alternatively, select digital lenses that offer a lower addition power such as Eyezen Boost (+0.4D) or ZEISS Digital lenses (+0.5D) or Nikon lenses (+0.5D).
For adults who looking for an additional boost, you may consider digital lenses that offer a high addition power, such as Hoya's SYNC III (+1.32D), ZEISS Digital (+1.25D) or Nikon Relaxsee Neo (+1.25D). -
Type of frame:
If you need impact resistance lenses, especially if your frame is a rimless or rimlon frame, you may consider Essilor's Eyezen lenses which are available in Crizal Airwear (1.59 index polycarbonate)!
Other considerations include budget, available lens options (photochromic), lead time, as well as your actual prescription. Our lens consultants in-store will be glad to advise further in-store!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Digital Lenses:
Q: Are Digital Lenses only for people who use digital devices?
A: While they are ideal for screen users, digital lenses also help with reading, studying, and any task that requires prolonged near focus.
Q: Can I Wear Digital Lenses Even if I Have Perfect Vision?
A: Absolutely! Even if you don’t have myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, you can still benefit from digital lenses. If you don’t require vision correction, the distance zone of the lens will be plano (no prescription), while the near zone will be optimised for near work, such as reading or using digital devices. This makes digital lenses an excellent choice for anyone who spends long hours on screens, even if they have perfect vision.
Q: Do Digital Lenses work with Transitions/photochromic technology?
A: Yes! Most lens brands offer digital lenses with photochromic options, providing adaptive tinting for comfort in varying light conditions. Look out for labels such as "Transitions", "PhotoFusion" and "Sensity" if you're looking for such lenses!
Not sure what type of lenses are suitable for you?
At Raylite Optical, we understand that everyone’s vision needs are unique. We offer a wide range of lenses from leading ophthalmic lens companies such as ZEISS, Essilor, Hoya, Shamir, Nikon, OSS, Kodak & more!
As a ZEISS Vision Expert and Essilor Expert, we specialise in providing personalised lens recommendations to ensure your lenses fit your lifestyle and visual needs.
If you're struggling with digital eye strain or simply want to experience more comfortable vision, come visit us today and find the perfect lens for you!
Make an appointment at our retail stores in Tampines & Orchard!
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