Workplace glasses, varifocals or reading glasses: what are the differences?
What are workplace glasses?
Workplace glasses are specially designed glasses that aim to optimize the main visual distances at the workplace. Their purpose is to improve vision at different distances and thus increase visual performance and comfort at work. Here are the most important factors that characterize workplace glasses:
- Optimization for main visual distances
Workplace glasses are designed to improve vision at the main visual distances in the workplace. This usually includes the near and intermediate range. - Blue light filter for fatigue-free working
An integrated blue light filter protects against the tiring effects of blue light emitted by screens and mobile devices. Regardless of whether you work a lot with a monitor at work or simply enjoy spending time in front of a screen, a blue light filter makes a significant contribution to reducing eye fatigue and thus increasing your well-being. - Close-up support for detailed work
The workstation glasses offer close-up support, which is particularly important when fine details need to be viewed at work. This makes it easier to read documents or work on small components.
The lens - the most important component for the perfect pair of glasses
The development of optimal workplace eyewear is based on various factors, with the lens playing the central role. It is not only the individual visual acuity that is important, but also the direct working environment for a customised solution. These include, for example:
• The number of screens
• The distance of the screens
• The office environment (open-plan office, customer traffic, etc.). )

Workplace glasses are made to measure
After our professional eye test, all the values of your eyes required for the manufacture of your lenses are determined, the lenses are centered and the frame is adapted exactly to the shape of your head and face. The lenses are precisely positioned in the frame, taking into account the interpupillary distance, the viewing height, the deflection angle, the corneal apex distance and the forward tilt of the frame.
Why a blue light filter is so important
Computer screens and the displays of other end devices emit blue light, which is not entirely harmless to the eyes. It affects the eyes almost unnoticed. Anyone who works on such devices for very long periods should consider a blue light filter for their glasses. This filter is also recommended for people who have very light-sensitive eyes.
What are the advantages of workplace glasses?
The use of workplace glasses significantly improves the visual experience and work performance.
- More relaxed vision
Workplace glasses provide a more relaxed visual experience, especially during long working days in front of a screen. Optimized vision at the relevant distances reduces eye strain and promotes well-being.
- Better and longer concentration
Thanks to the targeted optimization to the respective visual distances, the workplace glasses enable improved concentration. As a result, tasks can be performed more precisely and for longer without fatigue.
- Working with detailed drawings
The benefits of workplace glasses extend across various professional fields of activity. For example, they also optimize vision when creating detailed drawings. Fine lines and structures are perceived more precisely.
- Working with fine motor skills
For fine motor manual work, such as sewing, workplace glasses enable more precise execution. The relaxed eyes help to make the smallest details easier to see.
Are reading glasses workplace glasses?
The use of reading glasses and workplace glasses may seem similar at first glance. However, there are crucial differences.
The difference lies in the specific optimisation to the distance to the monitor
Reading glasses are designed to provide clear vision within a limited close-up range, usually up to around 40 cm. In contrast, workplace glasses are precisely optimised for the main visual distances at the workplace, which also includes the distance to the monitor.

Can varifocal spectacles be workplace spectacles? What is the difference to varifocals?
It is possible to use varifocals as workplace glasses, but there are some important differences that should be taken into account:
Integrated distance in varifocals
With varifocals, the distance is always integrated, which means that they are not specifically optimized for the main visual distances at the workplace. At the workplace, however, you primarily need clear vision at near and intermediate distances.
Needs in the workplace
In the working environment, visual attention is focused on areas up to 4 meters. This includes, for example, reading documents (approx. 40 cm), looking at the monitor (70-80 cm) or gathering information in everyday office life (public traffic at approx. 120 cm; or meetings with presentations up to approx. 4 meters). The distance vision integrated into varifocals is often not required at the workplace.
Overall, although varifocals can be used in the workplace, there are better options that focus more specifically on the requirements of the professional environment.Workplace glasses offer a more precise solution by focusing on the necessary distances in the workplaceand therefore offer greater comfort and better quality of vision.
Why is it difficult to use varifocals at the computer workstation?
A lot of unnecessary head movements
When using varifocals at the computer workstation, finding the best point of focus often requires unnecessary head movements. The special integration for the near range can mean that the optimum viewing angle has to be laboriously found.
Adopting the wrong posture
Incorrect posture is a common problem when using varifocals at the computer. In order to see the screen clearly, people tend to adopt unhealthy postures, which can lead to back pain, neck pain and headaches. These complaints impair performance and well-being.
Do I need to buy two pairs of glasses now?
The decision between varifocals and prescription glasses may seem difficult, but it depends on your individual requirements:
sliding vision = all-rounder
sliding vision glasses are versatile and cover different visual distances. They are suitable if you prefer a single pair of glasses for different activities.
Workplace glasses = comfortable, relaxed working
Workplace glasses are specially designed to fulfil the requirements of the computer workstation. They offer precise vision at the relevant distances, allowing you to work comfortably and relaxed.

Whether you need two pairs of glasses depends on your needs. Varifocals are an all-rounder, comfortable for different activities. Like a sneaker that you can wear comfortably for many activities. Work glasses are a specific solution for working at a computer screen, similar to a special shoe, such as a ski boot.
Read also:
Workplace glasses from your employer: who pays what?
Understanding the cost of varifocals - A guide before you buy