Computer Monitor Information: flat screen computer monitors, lcd monitors, eye strain

About Computer Monitors & Eye Strain

Computer monitors, especially CRT monitors, can contribute to eye strain and headaches. And of course, squinting at hard to read text or reading in poor lighting can harm your eyesight in the long run. Also, computer monitors (or monitor placement) that causes you to squint or tilt your body/neck unnaturally can be a contributing factor in the development of not just headaches from my strain but repetitive stress injuries since it encourages poor posture.

What Kind of Computer Monitor is Best?

LCD monitors and flat screen computer monitors can help reduce glare. Glare is a large contributor to eye strain. Choose a monitor with a flat screen (i.e. LCD monitor) or purchase an anti-glare screen to go over your regular computer monitor. This will help with eye strain. Also make sure the light from lamps or windows is not reflecting off your monitor.

Poor lighting is another contributor to eye strain. To protect your eyes, choose lighting that illuminates the computer screen (i.e., from behind her shoulder). More on office lighting.

Buying a Monitor

Ideally, you should choose an LCD monitor (at the least, try a flat screen CRT monitor) to reduce eye strain. Try to find one that is adjustable both up-and-down (height) and that can twist from side to side. This way, you can adjust your monitor precisely so you do not need to tilt your neck at an odd angle throughout the day. This, combined with good lighting and reduced glare, will help eliminate eye strain and headaches at the computer.

Can't afford a new computer monitor right now?

Some Simple Fixes for Eye Strain without Buying a New Monitor

While a good monitor and workstation setup are important, there are some little things you can do to fight eye strain as well. 

One of the easiest things is to raise the refresh rate on your monitor. Some monitors come with refresh rates that are set low, i.e. 60 Hz. This causes flickering. Using a higher refresh rate will reduce the flickering effect and help with eye strain. You can usually set your refresh rate under display properties/settings. Also, RefreshForce is a free tool that lets you quickly change the monitor's refresh rate.

You can also help reduce eye strain by making your default fonts larger. Monitors that use higher resolutions tend to have crisp but small text. For typing in MS Word, try Courier New instead of Times New Roman. (You can always change it back before you print). For surfing the net, most browsers have an option to set font size to small medium and large. Try something that makes you comfortable.

These are just little things you can do to help reduce eye strain.