ZEISS Office lenses – the perfect solution for vision at work

BETTER VISION: There is no better solution  for vision at work than spectacles  with lenses specially optimised for the viewing distances that occur at work. Why can this level of individual adjustment to the eye only be achieved with spectacles lenses?

Dr. Arne Ohlendorf:  The increasing demands of today's workplaces mean that presbyopic people need access to very large fields of vision, for example to get a clear view of all the information on a monitor. For people with pure long distance or close range ametropia, which can be corrected with a single vision lens, this requirement is relatively easy to meet. But as soon as presbyopia sets in, at an age of around 40, the best option is correction using progressive lenses because - unlike with correction using multifocal lenses or an eye operation - they are the only solution that offers presbyopic wearers significant vision in all directions. Due to their design, multifocal contact lenses particularly influence contrast perception and make it more difficult to see texts on a monitor, for example. In terms of operative correction for presbyopia, there are too many factors that cannot yet be influenced. For example, close up vision can be improved but the effect is not permanent as presbyopia is a degenerative condition. ZEISS work spectacle lenses are the perfect solution as soon as a spectacle wearer needs close up vision correction.

BETTER VISION: How did the new ZEISS Office lenses come to be developed, and what makes these lenses so special?

Dr. Arne Ohlendorf:  ZEISS has very specialist knowledge of theoretical and applied vision research. With its powerful calculation methods and special production methods for spectacle lenses, ZEISS can consistently bring improved or totally new solutions to the optics market.
However, the essential factor for all of ZEISS's innovative solutions is to ensure good vision and an optimum visual experience for the spectacle wearer. The new ZEISS Office lenses Individual sees innovation coincide with market demand, and ZEISS worked intensively with research experts and clinics to come up with targeted solutions.

Monique Welscher:  Current studies have shown that 63 per cent of spectacle wearers are unsatisfied with their spectacle lenses at work (Source: Leibniz Institute for Work Research, Online study 2011, n=175). Everybody wants relaxed, clear vision in the close and medium range to prevent eye strain or neck pain. This was the key objective for the development of the ZEISS work spectacle lenses. A new tailored design and individual adaptation to the wearer's personal viewing distance in the close and medium range enables comfortable vision, all day long. This was the result of a further study by the Leibniz Institute for Work Research at the TU Dortmund. The study confirmed that better vision on a PC and at close range is achieved with the ZEISS Office lenses Individual compared to progressive lenses not specially adapted to vision requirements in the workplace.

BETTER VISION: But doesn’t it take a long time to get used to new spectacles for working?

Monique Welscher:  Studies suggest that the opposite is true. First of all, as every spectacle wearer knows, any new spectacles take a certain amount of time to get used to. The brain has been used to particular visual impressions, sometimes for several years, and now has to adjust to a new, changed perception. When you wear progressive lenses for the first time, you also have to get used to the way that the effect changes within the progressive lens, which can cause problems at first when climbing stairs or rapidly moving the head. But a study has shown how quickly wearers get used to the new ZEISS workplace spectacle lenses. The majority of respondents (76%) got used to the ZEISS Office lenses Individual within a day. And even those new to progressive lenses were experiencing perfect vision with their ZEISS Office lenses Individual within a few days. A further study, carried out by the Leibniz Institute for Work Research at the TU Dortmund, confirmed the rapid maximum adaptation of 1 day to ZEISS Office lenses Individual for the majority of those tested.¹

BETTER VISION: ZEISS workplace spectacle lenses ensure a more natural and relaxed head and neck position. Does the likelihood of developing typical monitor-related eye complaints such as weeping and burning eyes fall when using ZEISS workplace spectacle lenses?

Dr. Arne Ohlendorf:  To date, there is very limited knowledge about how to correct these symptoms. The effect investigated in the studies is known as "Computer Vision Syndrome". We have found out that two factors have a major influence on whether this syndrome arises: Frequent work on a PC and gender. Women complain of problems much more frequently than men.

Monique Welscher:  Symptoms such as tired, weeping or burning eyes are much less pronounced when using ZEISS Office lenses Individual, as another study confirms (Leibniz Institute for Work Research at the TU Dortmund).

BETTER VISION: Are there any restrictions in terms of the choice of frame, do they have to be a certain width or depth?

Monique Welscher: With the latest generation of progressive lenses, you no longer have to miss out on wearing fashionable frames. The recommended minimum adjustment height is just 14 mm for ZEISS Office lenses and ZEISS progressives. However, it is normally more comfortable for the wearer if this figure is 18 mm or more. The ZEISS product range includes a wide choice that allows an ophthalmic optician individual adjustment to their patients' personal vision needs, taking into account their different usage habits (type of activity and leisure pursuits, for example). There is a huge choice of fashionable frames, and your ophthalmic optician can help you to make the right choice to create the optimum spectacles for you.