lcd screen eye strain manufacturer

It’s more important than ever to reduce exposure to high-energy blue light. Eyesafe® Displays provide blue light protection at the source and maintain vivid color.

It’s more important than ever to reduce exposure to high-energy blue light. Eyesafe® Displays provide blue light protection at the source and maintain vivid color.

Dell XPS led the industry as the first high performance laptop line with Eyesafe® Display blue light reduction. Dell continues to innovate with a first-of-its-kind discount program for UnitedHealthcare Members.

Screen time and over-exposure to blue light may contribute to digital eye strain. According to the Vision Council, many people experience eye discomfort and vision problems when using digital devices for extended periods. As many as 60% of Americans report experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain2 which may include:

Eyesafe® Display intelligently manages light energy at the LED source – selectively reducing blue light and dispersing across the light spectrum. Eyesafe® products are certified by TÜV Rheinland, a global leader in independent product testing, to meet industry-leading requirements for blue light emissions and color integrity.

Other solutions adjust the blue light by shifting color to warmer hues. Eyesafe® Displays reduce high-energy blue light while maintaining color performance.

The next generation in low blue light is here. Where LED solutions are limited, Eyesafe® DTX multiplies display performance in the backlight unit. Reduce blue light, improve color and battery life.

Developed with the Eyesafe® Vision Health Advisory Board, a group of leading optometrists and ophthalmologists from across the globe. Eyesafe industry-leading low blue light certification is based on optical testing and research.

In late 2021, LG Display, the world’s largest manufacturer of OLED television panels, announced a first-of-its kind partnership with Eyesafe. Together, they look to establish OLED as the world’s most effective technology for eye comfort. LG Display has committed to certify all of its OLED TV displays to meet Eyesafe® Standards for low emission of blue light and optimal color performance. Certification is conducted by the leading independent testing and certification firm TÜV Rheinland.

If you spend any time working in an office (home or otherwise) you’re likely going to spend long periods of time staring at a screen, which can leave you feeling extra worn down at the end of a day. You can help to mitigate this by investing in a monitor that helps actively reduce the amount of strain your eyes have to endure. Increasingly, companies offer monitors designed to help you end your workday without feeling like a zombie. As with all monitors, trying to find a selection amongst the various offerings can be difficult, so we’re here to help you make the most informed selection. This list of the best monitors for eye strain reduction could improve how you feel in front of and away from your desk.

As monitor technology has progressed over the last decade or so, the screens have only gotten more impressive. That leads to a slew of options to consider. I’ve covered consumer technology products for more than three years, and the PopSci editors have decades of experience writing about displays and other gadgets.

You won’t find a monitor with more eye health features than this one. At first glance, it’s a typical 27-inch 1440p screen with thin bezels and a 60Hz refresh rate. But, there’s a lot of eyeball-friendly tech hiding under the surface. As you’d expect from a monitor on this list, it offers both blue light reduction and a completely flicker-free display. Beyond that, BenQ has added some more advanced protections. An infrared sensor knows how long you’ve been staring at your screen and can suggest occasional breaks to let your peepers rest.

BenQ’s adaptive brightness technology senses the ambient light in your room and automatically adjusts the brightness in order to keep viewing and eye health in the optimal range. A screen that’s too bright in a dark room can be just as bad for your eyes as a screen that’s too dim in a bright room. They both cause strain.

This display even offers a simulated e-paper mode, which emphasizes contrast for text without cranking up the brightness on the white paper. It makes the screen easy to read, but it won’t bombard your eyeballs with unnecessary photons for the entirety of your reading session. If you’re truly worried about eye health, this is the monitor to get.

The sheer largeness of the Samsung Odyssey G7 Series 32-inch WQHD extends to just about everything in this monitor. The extensive curve on it makes it feel as if you’re surrounding yourself with whatever content is on screen. While the G7 doesn’t have any dedicated eye strain features, having a large and curved monitor such as this is a considerable upgrade over any sort of existing monitor you may have already. The G7’s curve is 1000R, which actively matches the curvature of the human eye, which not only helps to pull you further into the screen but helps to ensure minimal eye strain along the way. Samsung was one of the pioneers of screens with this much curvature.

Where the real value comes from is in just how many other features the monitor manages to pack into its frame. Gamers will likely love the G7, as its 240Hz refresh rate renders images with lightning-fast precision, while the 1ms response time ensures you don’t miss anything coming from the graphics card. With G-Sync and FreeSync, the images from your graphics card will perfectly match the monitor, providing a perfect mix between frames. The 32-inch display, bolstered by Samsung’s WQHD resolution, ties everything together in a beautiful package. So while you may miss dedicated eye strain features like flicker-free and blue light reduction, the Samsung Odyssey G7 Series 32-Inch WQHD ties everything together in a stunning package that’s nearly out of this world and is a monitor you can buy and be set for the future with.

As the name would suggest, the 27-inch Full HD ASUS Eye Care+ monitor packs in features specifically focused on reducing eye strain and improving your monitor viewing experience. An ergonomic design, anti-glare surface, and 75Hz refresh rate with AMD Sync technology ensure crisp, comfortable, flicker-free playback within the 178-degree viewing angle. Customizable Color Augmentation mode can help those with color-vision deficiency, while adjustable TÜV Rheinland-certified and Low Blue Light technologies make sure high-energy blue-violet emissions are kept in check and viewing is comfortable no matter your vision. And a Rest Reminder helps users manage screen time.

Why it made the cut:The LG 29WNG600-W’s ultrawide display comes with strong eye-strain reduction features, including a dedicated reader mode that will be handy for desk job workers.

The other thing about the LG 29WN600-W 29-inch ultrawide monitor that we like is its dedicated reader mode, which provides “optimal conditions” for reading by not only reducing blue light but incorporating flicker-free technology as well. The flicker-free isn’t as strong as it is on other models, but you can easily switch over to reader mode whenever you’re settling in for a long day’s worth of work. Additional features worth mentioning are the ability to split your screen into different workspaces with the click of a mouse from the toolbar, AMD FreeSync to end any framerate choppiness, see rich black tones in your media content thanks to LG’s Black Stabilizers ability, and much more.

Why it made the cut:A high resolution with HDR and built-in eye care features make this gaming monitor as fun as dropping into your favorite battle royale game.

When it comes to gaming, most players will want to follow the Daft Punk philosophy: harder, better, faster, stronger. The ASUS Rog Strix XG27AQ 27-inch monitor fulfills every single one of those pillars, providing fantastic value for gamers who might also use that monitor for work as well. Diving into the gaming-oriented specs and you’ll see there’s pretty much everything they’d want here; the 27-inch screen size is just slightly larger than the monitor pro gamers use while the 1ms response rate yields crispy visuals at extensively high framerates. Additionally, G-Sync functionality makes it so you won’t see any screen tears from dropped frames. HDR allows for even richer and more vivid colors while providing richly textured blacks.

On the eye strain side of things, the Rog Strix is missing any sort of blue light filter (a filter would reduce the overall image color) but does include flicker-free technology and a wide viewing angle to better translate the full image. Additionally, that HDR can reduce how bright you need the monitor to be overall in order to get a punchy image. With plenty of ports, an eye strain feature that won’t alter your display, and plenty of other features to ensure you don’t miss a second of your favorite game, this is a monitor that’s worthy of your beefy gaming tower—and one primed to make Daft Punk proud.

Priced under $200, the ViewSonic VX2257-MHD 22-inch eye strain monitor is a little on the smaller side but it’s still a great option for work or as a secondary display. While the flicker-free and blue light filter technology is a critically important feature for an eye strain monitor, there are also plenty of other bonuses here which further serve its overall impressiveness. The 75Hz refresh rate represents a slight improvement over the typical 60Hz number. Plus, it offers AMD FreeSync to ensure the monitor isn’t dropping any frames, a feature you’ll find in many of the best gaming monitors. Additionally, the 170-degree viewing angle provides plenty of real estate for whatever activity you might be doing, whether it’s for work or for play.

As a budget pick, however, there are some drawbacks. The monitor is just a standard 1080p output, the build is a little on the chunkier side relative to most other monitors on this list. Additionally, there isn’t much in the way of ergonomics, which may require you to get creative with how and where you place the monitor in order to get the best eye line on it, as that will be important to also help in the reduction of overall eye strain. However, if you’re on a tight budget and just want to give your eyes some relief, the VX2257 is well, well worth it.

When looking to purchase the best monitor for eye strain reduction, you’ll want to keep a few different things in mind. If you’re having eye problems that include itching or blurring, headaches, discomfort, or just overall tiredness, you’re likely in the space to consider one of these monitors after talking to a healthcare professional. And while the harm-reduction features are important, you still want a well-performing screen. These variables and features are worth considering when you make your choice.

Eye strain reduction monitors are going to leverage a handful of different technologies in order to help your eyes feel less impacted. The key ones to look for include automatic brightness adjustment, blue light filters, and flicker-free abilities.

If you’ve used an Amazon Kindle or iPad before, you’re likely used to seeing automatic brightness adjustment work in real-time. Light sensors built into a device, in this case, your monitor, help to better regulate the brightness of your monitor screen by scaling up the brightness of the screen relative to the ambient light around you. So if it’s darker inside your room, the monitor will automatically brighten up, or if it’s too bright. It will tone it down if it’s dark in the room. Not only does it save you from having to make that adjustment on your own, but your eyes also won’t have to constantly strain to adjust to the lighting in a given space.

Blue light has gotten increased attention in the last half-decade or so as we’ve spent more and more time with technology in our lives. For those not familiar, however, a monitor can produce blue light, a short-wavelength but high-energy light that some people believe can make your eyes more prone to strain. Exposure to it at the wrong times can affect your sleep schedule. Blue light filters are now being built into a lot of monitors to actively block out that specific type of light and reduce the overall strain on your eyes.

Typical monitors adjust their brightness by flickering or cycling through its light sources. As this occurs, the screen actually flickers at a very rapid rate. This, in turn, causes your eyes to do the same, as your pupils move from large to small or vice versa. If this is happening multiple times throughout the day, imagine all the muscles that are working overtime to support that bodily function. By opting for flicker-free functionality, your monitor maintains a single, steady stream of light to avoid having to cycle through those brightness levels.

Ergonomic design allows you to move and adjust the monitor as you see fit, so it’s positioned at your eye level. After all, not having to strain your neck is important too. If you’re trying to really dial in your ergonomic setting, consider getting a monitor with VESA mounting capabilities and an adjustable monitor armso you can arrange your screen comfortable in front of you without the need to tilt your neck up or down.

When it comes to the actual display on the monitor, having a high-resolution panel (at least 1080p, if not 4K), along with strong RGB color accuracy settings, and a non-LED panel help to ensure your eyes are seeing everything clearly, without having to squint to do so. Sharper edges on text make it physically easier for your eyes to read, which can really add up over time.

Curved monitors can also be helpful here. While expensive, a curved monitor helps to reduce the overall image distortion that can sometimes happen at the ends and edges of a flat-screen monitor. The curve can also help to improve depth perception by covering a larger area of your field of view. That translates to seeing images that are, overall, larger and therefore easier to see and look at for extended periods of time.

You’ll also want to consider how and when you’re using your monitor. If you’re primarily working a desk job in an office, your needs will be different than if you’re a Twitch streamer who is gaming all day long. For the majority of users looking to purchase an eye strain monitor, you’ll want to select a monitor with key features like flicker-free, a blue light filter, and a decent display resolution. For gamers, you may want to forgo the blue light filter so you can see the full richness of the game worlds you’re in and will also want to reach for a monitor that’s got a high refresh rate and a high (ideally) 4K resolution.

A general rule of thumb for screen positioning suggests you should extend your arm and hand straight out from your shoulder and place the screen right at the end of your fingertips. This will reduce strain caused by focusing on objects that are too close to you without requiring you to squint or struggle to read small text on the display. Of course, everyone is different and you may find that a little closer or farther away more comfortable for your specific biology.

If you’re using a smaller screen with very high resolution, on-screen text can appear very small, which taxes your eyes when reading. If you’re using a smaller screen, you may want to enlarge the text on the display, which may require more scrolling, but less squinting.

The best monitors for eye strain reduction may require an investment up-front—depending upon what features you’re looking for—but the long-term benefits could be well worth it. With more and more of us working from home (and working longer hours) that extra bit of recovery makes all the difference. While no one product is ever a perfect fit, we’re confident our selections are about as perfect as you can ask for—but if something isn’t quite up to what you imagined, it’s better off to save for something that is. If you’re having eye issues, don’t assume these displays will fix it and absolutely consult a medical professional.

CHIBA, Japan--NTT, Japan"s telecommunications giant, with help from Hitachi Displays has come out with a 3D LCD screen that doesn"t require eyeglasses and doesn"t cause eye strain.

Called SpaceIllusion, the LCD screen basically consists of two LCDs sandwiched 10 millimeters apart. The two screens carry slightly different images but the overall effect to the viewer is that 2D images go 3D. Study the accompanying picture and you can see how the two images differ.

"This 3D TFT LCD displays images without physiological unnaturalness in comparison with conventional 3D glasses type of screens," the company said in its accompanying literature.

The 3D effect is optimized when you sit about a meter away. You can also flip off the 3D effect to make the screen show 2D images. The company showed it off at Ceatec, the large Japanese trade show here.

I watched it for a while and the effect was somewhat convincing. And it did feel more natural than in some other no-glasses 3D systems. In those--from Philips, Sanyo and Sharp--the pixels in a single screen are divided up. Some send images to one eye and the rest send images to the second eye. The images are slightly different and create a 3D image. You sometimes get jagged contours with those screens.

Those one-screen systems, however, are far more advanced in development. Philips has 42-inch screens and is talking to hotels and casinos about installing the screens. NTT"s is a prototype and smaller.

The average worker spends 1,700 Hours in front of a computer screen year - and that number was pre-pandemic (2018) when Grandma hadn’t yet figured out Snapchat.

So this all leaves us with more screens, more blue light, and more eye strain. Fortunately, there’s a few exercises that battle dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches that go hand in hand (errr eye for eye??) with eye strain.

Besides eye strain, blue light could actually be impacting your sleep. Viewsonic is just one manufacturer that makes LCDs engineered to improve eye comfort. They’ve done significant research in this area.

In the visible light spectrum, blue light has wavelengths adjacent to ultraviolet light. Compared to the factory preset setting of 6500 K of typical LCD monitors, Paper Mode is closer to the spectral distribution with long reddish wavelengths so it reduces the amount of blue light, a cause of eye fatigue, and helps prevent eyestrain when reading documents. When used in conjunction with Auto EcoView dimming function, blue light can be reduced by as much as 80%.

Due to the way brightness is controlled on LED backlights, a small number of people perceive flicker on their screen which causes eye fatigue. FlexScan Frameless monitors utilize a hybrid solution to regulate brightness and make flicker unperceivable without any drawbacks like compromising color stability – even on low brightness settings.

The monitor uses an LED-backlit IPS (in-plane switching) LCD panel with 178° viewing angle that minimizes color shift and contrast changes when viewing the screen at an angle. This means that two people sitting at the one computer can easily see the screen with high image quality.

If you are shopping for a new display, you may be comparing LCD vs LED monitors for eye strain. Or, you may be searching for the leading monitor for the eyes. Even the best computer monitors, after all, can cause eye fatigue with prolonged use. So which monitor type is better to avoid eye strain? Keep reading to find out.

LED monitors, on the other hand, can be the better option with general eye fatigue related to prolonged use and blue light, as they tend to offer a more robust dimming system.

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to declare either display type as the victor when it comes to reducing eye fatigue and eye strain, and this does include some of the top-rated curved monitors, too. This is due to the fact that eye strain and fatigue have different causes for different people. Each monitor type, however, does excel with certain scenarios, such as when you are comparing LCD vs CRT computer monitors. If you’d like to understand what is a CRT TV, our guide can help you.

Even some of the finest touch screen monitors sometimes can cause eye problems after extended use. Keep reading to learn more about monitor types, visible light, and vision syndrome.

Digital eye strain can be caused by repeated exposure to blurry images. If you are susceptible to the kind of eye fatigue brought on by blurriness and are comparing LCD versus LED monitors, go for an LCD screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz or above. This blazing-fast refresh rate will minimize blurring and, as such, any eye fatigue that accompanies it. Be sure to check which kinds of ports are available before making a monitor purchase, such as comparing monitors with DisplayPort vs HDMI, as some older connection types may not excel with high refresh rates.

LCD monitors tend to offer a wider variety of viewing angles, which can help eliminate the kind of eye fatigue related to geographical discomfort. Any monitor type can offer a perfect viewing angle, so long as it is placed correctly and you are sitting at the right distance. Even if you’re using a monitor in conjunction with another device, like the best monitor for Macbook Pro, you can get a good viewing angle from it. Still, in a pinch, LCD panels are the way to go. If you are especially concerned with viewing angles and the field of view, go with an ultrawide monitor with a 21:9 aspect ratio.

Anyone can experience eye fatigue or eye strain when they are working long hours in front of a computer. Dimming the monitor’s light can help reduce eye strain from the monitor but at the expense of being able to see what is going on. Generally speaking, LED monitors offer more robust dimming options and various brightness settings without sacrificing visual quality. Experts suggest that eye strain can occur in as little as three hours, so if you work a full eight-hour day, this is something to consider.

Indeed it does. Short-wavelength blue light is one of the primary causes of eye fatigue. Be wary when using digital devices to reduce digital eye strain and keep an eye on the brightness settings.

Have you ever had trouble falling asleep or gotten itchy eyes after a long day at the computer? As you probably know, all modern screens emit blue light, which can affect eye health and cause sleeping problems. But no need to panic! We have a few tips to help you protect your eyes and take better care of your vision.

Read on to learn more about blue light and how to protect your eyesight. Or discoverViewSonic’s broad range of monitorsdesigned with eye comfort in mind.

What is blue light? Have you noticed that your eyes get tired when you spend too much time in front of the computer? Sure you do, since you are the one who has to deal with the headaches, the super dry eyes, and even blurred vision at times.

That’s high energy visual (HEV) light ready to disrupt everyone’s sleep.  While eye fatigue and sleep trouble may be the most commonly experienced problems, many other health issues are linking to blue light exposure. That’s why, below, we’ve endeavored to outline everything you need to know regarding blue light and blue light filters.

Somewhere between the two extremes exists the very tiny fraction human eyes can detect, which is known as the visible spectrum, with wavelengths in the range of 400 nm to 700 nm. What else is measured in nanometers? Transistors! Back in 1994 and 1995, the smallest transistors were 600 nm and 350 nm, respectively. Fast forward to 2018 when the Apple A12 Bionic chip was released containing 6.9 billion transistors manufactured using a 7 nm process.

On an evolutionary scale, not long ago humans lived outdoors and were ruled by the sunrise and sunset. That’s why a blue-light-sensing protein called melanopsin exists in human eyes. The bright daylight activates melanopsin, thus synchronizing the internal clock to raise alertness, boost reaction times, and mood. However, melanopsin is less sensitive to lower energy light in the visual spectrum, which allows for the production of a sleep-inducing hormone called melatonin as the sun goes down.

Most computer screens today use a type of panel with layers of liquid crystals between pairs of filters and electrodes. These are known as LCDs, short for “Liquid Crystal Displays.” LCD panels require an external source of light to produce visible images. As such, LEDs are now the industry favorite for the task, after dethroning CCFLs due to size, efficiency, and cost.

The array of LEDs is often placed behind the panel or around the edges of the screen providing a bright light source. The most common type is referred to as white-light LEDs, and they combine the emission from a blue LED (around 450nm to 470 nm) with a yellow phosphor. This combination looks white when viewed directly and it’s the reason why so much blue light is being emitted from computer screens and other electronic devices.

To make matters worse, white-light LEDs are known to suffer from degradation over time, thereby causing an increase of blue emission. This degradation happens primarily through the bleaching of phosphors so that they no longer efficiently absorb blue light, thus leading to further eye strain.

Such options include computer screens with integrated blue light filters capable of reducing up to 87% of all blue light emissions and allowing for maximum user customization with different levels of protection and accurate RGB color balance.

You can set the filter to different levels depending on the viewing scenario. Most users prefer to max out the filter (0-25) when reading or using text-based applications, making it easy on the eyes.

Other valid alternatives, if your primary purpose is to reduce digital eye strain, include the use of third-party software such as f.lux or Iris, as well as blue light blocking eyewear. Please refer to a professional when choosing eyewear that filters or blocks blue light as these products may include magnification and specific optical centers.

Although proper eyewear seems to be most effective against the harmful effects of blue light, there are at least three aspects to consider. First of all, the price, which is heavily dependent on the quality of the lenses. Secondly,  the fit, which needs to be tight or else blue light still reaches the eye. Lastly, most blue light blocking glasses are difficult to use when overlaid against regular prescription glasses. All in all, PC monitors with built-in blue light filters present the most convenient solution when compared to these options.

Studies say blinking rates drop to one-third of normal when in front of a screen. For sure, that does not help with eye strain. With that in mind, consider the famous eye care rule called 20-20-20 according to which every 20 minutes you should focus for 20 seconds on any object 20 feet away from you. This simple exercise helps with headaches, blurred vision, double vision, and dry eyes.

Another perfectly valid way to give your eyes some well-deserved rest while staying productive during long hours in front of a computer display is using the Pomodoro Technique. This technique breaks down the day in 25-minute sprints with small breaks in-between. These breaks help the brain to process new information, and since blue light will not be received during that time, it also helps prevent digital eye strain.

Although the use of any form of the blue light filter may be helpful, one sure way to reduce digital eye strain and improve the quality of sleep is to avoid using the computer, smartphone, tablet, or TV for 30 to 60 minutes before bed. Or equip yourself with ViewSonic’s monitors with low blue light technology here.

Eyestrain is a fairly common condition amongst office workers everywhere. Staring at a computer screen for long hours on end while you work can put a great deal of strain on your eyes, causing them to feel dry, tired, and watery. This is an extremely uncomfortable condition, but it can be remedied by replacing your current computer screen with one of the best eye care and anti-glare monitors for poor eyesight on the market.

Digital eyestrain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a condition that affects approximately 75% of people who spend eight hours or more working in front of a computer or other digital device. After a while, eyes can start to feel fatigued, dry, and even teary. Digital eyestrain can temporarily affect your vision, making it out of focus and hard to see.

Doing simple eye exercises throughout the day can help. Try rolling your eyeballs in different directions, then look to the left and right without moving your head. Lastly, take a few minutes here and there to look away from your screen to give your eyes a bit of a break.

Monitors contain LED backlights to evenly distribute light throughout the screen for ultimate visibility. These lights turn on and off rapidly, sometimes causing the screen to flicker, which forces the eyes to work harder to see what’s on the screen and leads to eye fatigue, headaches, and strain. Flicker-free monitors provide a flicker-free viewing experience by dimming screen brightness to reduce eyestrain.

With a wider field of view, longer viewing angles, and lower distortion levels, curved monitors effectively reduce eyestrain and make it easier for users to view onscreen text and images.

Monitors with an ergonomic design can be adjusted according to the height and field of vision of each individual user to reduce neck, back, shoulder, and eyestrain.

Blue light is a short wavelength high-energy light. It’s one of the main aspects of the visible light spectrum that the human eye can detect, and it’s typically emitted from computer monitors. It can exponentially increase eyestrain and fatigue, which is why a lot of modern industrial computer monitors and displays have a built-in or add-on blue light filter.

Screen glares or reflections force you to strain your eyes in order to see what’s on the screen better. Built-in anti-glare panels or filters eliminate onscreen reflections so that you don’t have to squint or strain your eyes and can comfortably view the screen.

There are several types of IPS panels on the market including S-IPS, H-IPS, AHVA, and Super PLS. All of them offer exceptional eye protection to varying degrees.

If reducing eyestrain and discomfort is one of your top priorities for your employees and customers, then you need a state-of-the-art commercial or industrial display computer monitor from Nauticomp Inc. We supply a number of high-tech, durable, and easy-to-use digital displays to retail outlets, offices, medical facilities, and even for military and Marines use. Contact us for more information.

I conducted a search relating to E-ink screens and eye strain using Google Scholar to gather a collection of academic papers in this domain. I then used software from CitationTree.org and ConnectedPapers.com to find related papers to expand the knowledge base.

The most striking result of this research was that there had been very few extensive studies that explore the differences between E-ink and LCD displays in relation to eye strain.

The most recent and useful study was conducted in 2021 by Yuan et al. [1] and used various tests to investigate links between the use of both OLED and E-ink smartphone screens and Ocular Surface Disorder (OSD). OSD refers to damage to the cornea and conjunctiva, which can lead to diseases such as Dry Eye Syndrome and Blepharitis.

…reading on an OLED screen can cause ocular surface disorder and obvious subjective discomfort, whereas reading on an eINK screen can minimize ocular surface disorder in both dark and light environments.

A 2013 study by Benedetto et al.[2] compared the effects on visual fatigue when reading on E-ink screens, LCD screens and printed text. Four measures were used to assess visual fatigue; Critical Flicker Frequency, Eye Blink, Visual Fatigue Scale, and subjective preference.

Results from both objective (Blinks per second) and subjective (Visual Fatigue Scale) measures suggested that reading on the LCD (Kindle Fire HD) triggers higher visual fatigue with respect to both the E-ink (Kindle Paperwhite) and the paper book. The absence of differences between E-ink and paper suggests that, concerning visual fatigue, the E-ink is indeed very similar to the paper.

The first study compared reading processes on e-ink devices and paper in terms of eye movements. They concluded that there was little difference in eye movement between the two media.

The second study by Siegenthaler et al. [4] explored the effects of visual strain and fatigue when reading on E-ink and LCD screens. The measures used to assess this were; subjective (visual) fatigue, a letter search task, reading speed, oculomotor behaviour and the pupillary light reflex.

The third study by Siegenthaler et al. [5] compared reading behaviour (in terms of eye movement) between E-ink and LCD screens. The results showed that there was no comparable difference between these two types of screen.

The analysis of eye movement data shows that reading behaviour on LCDs (tablets) is very similar to the reading behaviour on e-ink displays. There was no significant difference in fixation durations which gives evidence that participants didn’t have more difficulties with reading on LCDs com-pared to e-ink displays.

Although I have a reasonable layperson’s understanding of the scientific method and screen technologies, I have not had formal training at the undergraduate level. I also do not have access to extensive academic research databases – only what is freely available online. Neither have I the medical knowledge or experience to critically evaluate if the tests performed in the studies are appropriate; however, the fact that they have been published for peer review would suggest that they stand up to scientific rigour.

Another limitation is that very few studies have been conducted in this area and so it is not yet possible to say with any certainty that E-ink screens are better on the eyes than LCD and OLED screens, although the evidence does suggest this.

I am surprised that EINK (the company) has not funded any independent research in this regard because a positive result would mean that they and their partners could categorically say that their screens are better for the eyes than their LCD and OLED counterparts, which would be a great boon for the marketing and branding.

The cynic in me thinks that there may be a good reason for this – perhaps they already know that they would not be able to prove this one way or another due to either a lack of methods for accurately measuring eye strain, studies having to be carried out over the long term (decades) or that they already know there are no health benefits of an E-ink screen over an LCD or OLED screen.

In addition ()and perhaps due to the small sample sizes) these studies had conflicting results, with Benedetto et al. concluding that LCD screens were more likely to cause visual fatigue and Seigenthaler et al. concluding that there was little difference.

The research by Yuan et al. provides us with the best understanding of the effects of different screen types on ocular health, with E-ink screens providing a similar experience to reading a printed book.

In conclusion, although the current evidence suggests that E-ink screens are better for the eyes and may reduce eye strain, there has currently not been enough research into this subject to provide an indisputable answer.

Therefore, it should be understood that when manufacturers of E-ink devices state that their screens reduce eye strain, this is not backed by any robust empirical scientific evidence (although they may be using anecdotal evidence, such as customer comments). Personally, I believe that when manufacturers make such claims, they should reference their sources so that consumers can make an informed choice.

Yuan K, Zhu H, Mou Y, Wu Y, He J, Huang X, Jin X. Effects on the Ocular Surface from Reading on Different Smartphone Screens: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study. Clin Transl Sci. 2021 May;14(3):829-836. doi: 10.1111/cts.12933. Epub 2021 May 3. PMID: 33202098; PMCID: PMC8212737.

Siegenthaler E, Bochud Y, Bergamin P & Wurtz P. Reading on LCD vs e-Ink displays: effects on fatigue and visual strain. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 367–374. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-1313.2012.00928.x

Siegenthaler, Eva & Schmid, Laura & Wyss, Michael & Wurtz, Pascal. (2012). LCD vs. E-ink: An Analysis of the Reading Behavior. Journal of Eye Movement Research. 5. 10.16910/jemr.5.3.5.

I’m here to quell your health concerns: staring at a screen doesn’t damage your eyes. They won’t make you go blind, and your doctor isn’t going to worry about your health if he or she hears that you’re spending a lot of time in front of them. However, you might feel uncomfortable after a long time in front of a backlight, and you might even experience the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome, a fancy name for the eye strain and discomfort monitors can cause.

You could try adjusting your entire monitor and desk setup to remedy your pain, or you could use moistening eyedrops. The 20-20-20 rule also exists, which dictates that after 20 minutes of screen staring, you should stare at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Take a break. Those blue light-filtering glasses you bought could help, too, but doctors aren’t totally convinced. Science just doesn’t back up these glasses’ claims. That said, you could still wear them and hope for the best. They aren’t going to hurt you.

Many individuals experience eye discomfort and vision problems when viewing digital screens for extended periods. The level of discomfort appears to increase with the amount of digital screen use.

The average American worker spends seven hours a day on the computer either in the office or working from home. To help alleviate digital eyestrain, follow the 20-20-20 rule; take a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away every 20 minutes.

Viewing a computer or digital screen often makes the eyes work harder. As a result, the unique characteristics and high visual demands of computer and digital screen viewing make many individuals susceptible to the development of vision-related symptoms. Uncorrected vision problems can increase the severity of computer vision syndrome (CVS) or digital eyestrain symptoms. Viewing a computer or digital screen is different than reading a printed page. Often the letters on the computer or handheld device are not as precise or sharply defined, the level of contrast of the letters to the background is reduced, and the presence of glare and reflections on the screen may make viewing difficult.

Viewing distances and angles used for this type of work are also often different from those commonly used for other reading or writing tasks. As a result, the eye focusing and eye movement requirements for digital screen viewing can place additional demands on the visual system. In addition, the presence of even minor vision problems can often significantly affect comfort and performance at a computer or while using other digital screen devices. Uncorrected or under corrected vision problems can be major contributing factors to computer-related eyestrain. Even people who have an eyeglass or contact lens prescription may find it"s not suitable for the specific viewing distances of their computer screen. Some people tilt their heads at odd angles because their glasses aren"t designed for looking at a computer or they bend toward the screen in order to see it clearly. Their postures can result in muscle spasms or pain in the neck, shoulder or back.

In most cases, symptoms of CVS occur because the visual demands of the task exceed the visual abilities of the individual to comfortably perform them. At greatest risk for developing CVS are those persons who spend two or more continuous hours at a computer or using a digital screen device every day.

The extent to which individuals experience visual symptoms often depends on the level of their visual abilities and the amount of time spent looking at a digital screen. Uncorrected vision problems like farsightedness and astigmatism, inadequate eye focusing or eye coordination abilities, and aging changes of the eyes, such as presbyopia, can all contribute to the development of visual symptoms when using a computer or digital screen device.

Many of the visual symptoms experienced by users are only temporary and will decline after stopping computer work or use of the digital device. However, some individuals may experience continued reduced visual abilities, such as blurred distance vision, even after stopping work at a computer. If nothing is done to address the cause of the problem, the symptoms will continue to recur and perhaps worsen with future digital screen use.

CVS, or digital eyestrain, can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing, with special emphasis on visual requirements at the computer or digital device working distance, may include:

Testing how the eyes focus, move and work together. In order to obtain a clear, single image of what is being viewed, the eyes must effectively change focus, move and work in unison. This testing will look for problems that keep the eyes from focusing effectively or make it difficult to use both eyes together.

This testing may be done without the use of eye drops to determine how the eyes respond under normal seeing conditions. In some cases, such as when some of the eyes" focusing power may be hidden, eye drops may be used. They temporarily keep the eyes from changing focus while testing is done. Using the information obtained from these tests, along with the results of other tests, a doctor of optometry can determine the presence of CVS or digital eyestrain and advise treatment options.

Solutions to digital screen-related vision problems are varied. However, they can usually be alleviated by obtaining regular eye care and making changes in how the screen is viewed.

In some cases, individuals who do not require the use of eyeglasses for other daily activities may benefit from glasses prescribed specifically for computer use. In addition, persons already wearing glasses may find their current prescription does not provide optimal vision for viewing a computer.

Eyeglasses or contact lenses prescribed for general use may not be adequate for computer work. Lenses prescribed to meet the unique visual demands of computer viewing may be needed. Special lens designs, lens powers or lens tints or coatings may help to maximize visual abilities and comfort.

Some computer users experience problems with eye focusing or eye coordination that can"t be adequately corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. A program of vision therapy may be needed to treat these specific problems. Vision therapy, also called visual training, is a structured program of visual activities prescribed to improve visual abilities. It trains the eyes and brain to work together more effectively. These eye exercises help remediate deficiencies in eye movement, eye focusing, and eye teaming and reinforce the eye-brain connection. Treatment may include office-based as well as home training procedures.

Location of the computer screen.Most people find it more comfortable to view a computer when the eyes are looking downward. Optimally, the computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes.

Reference materials.These materials should be located above the keyboard and below the monitor. If this is not possible, a document holder can be used beside the monitor. The goal is to position the documents, so the head does not need to be repositioned from the document to the screen.

Lighting.Position the computer screen to avoid glare, particularly from overhead lighting or windows. Use blinds or drapes on windows and replace the light bulbs in desk lamps with bulbs of lower wattage.

Anti-glare screens.If there is no way to minimize glare from light sources, consider using a screen glare filter. These filters decrease the amount of light reflected from the screen.

Rest breaks.To prevent eyestrain, try to rest eyes when using the computer for long periods. Resting the eyes for 15 minutes after two hours of continuous computer use. Also, for every 20 minutes of computer viewing, look into the distance for 20 seconds to allow the eyes a chance to refocus.

Blinking.To minimize the chances of developing dry eye when using a computer, try to blink frequently. Blinking keeps the front surface of the& eye moist.

Prevention or reduction of the vision problems associated with CVS or digital eyestrain involves taking steps to control lighting and glare on the device screen, establishing proper working distances and posture for screen viewing and assuring that even minor vision problems are properly corrected.

Don"t take a vision problem to work. Even if glasses are not needed for driving, reading or other activities, they still may offer benefits for a minor vision problem that is aggravated by computer use. A mild glasses prescription may be needed to reduce vision stress on the job. It"s a good idea for computer users to get a thorough eye exam every year.

Glasses should meet the demand of the job. If glasses are worn for distant vision, reading or both, they may not provide the most efficient vision for viewing a computer screen, which is about 20 to 30 inches from the eyes. Tell the doctor about job tasks and measure on-the-job sight distances. Accurate information will help get the best vision improvement. Patients may benefit from one of the new lens designs made specifically for computer work.

Minimize discomfort from blue light and glare. Blue light from LED and fluorescent lighting, as well as monitors, tablets and mobile devices, can negatively affect vision over the long term. Special lens tints and coatings can reduce the harmful impact of blue light. Minimize glare on the computer screen by using a glare reduction filter, repositioning the screen or using drapes, shades or blinds. Also, keeping screens clean; dirt-free and removing fingerprints can decrease glare and improve clarity.

Adjust work area and computer for comfort. When using computers, most people prefer a work surface height of about 26 inches. Desks and tables are usually 29 inches high. Place the computer screen 16 to 30 inches away. The top of the screen should be slightly below horizontal eye level. Tilt the top of the screen away at a 10- to 20-degree angle.

Use an adjustable copyholder. Place reference material at the same distance from eyes as the computer screen and as close to the screen as possible. That way the eyes won"t have to change focus when looking from one to the other.

Take alternative task breaks throughout the day. Make phone calls or photocopies. Consult with co-workers. After working on the computer for an extended period, do anything in which the eyes don"t have to focus on something up close.