Anti glare screen or filter

[Jade9923]

Can some explain this to me. I read on this website that it helps the eyes if you are using the computer a lot. Is this a device that you put infront of your current screen monitor? What is a filter? I'm starting a new job and wanted to prepare myself as I will be using a computer a lot. Thanks.

[dianat]

I cannot say for sure what you're seeing or how much these filters have changed since I was working.

In the past (before LASIK) I had a few of these filters. The more expensive ones probably filter UV light and sort of soften the look of the screen. Mine also dimmed the brightness of the screen a bit. Not all the filters do the same thing...it depend on what you pay for.

As I recall I felt my eyes strained less with a filter on the monitor. I was happy to have it.

Diana

[ericdinn]

I have 2 glare screens on my monitor at work! They help immensely, as without them, I could not look at the screen for more than 15 - 30 minutes without it causing me pain and dryness. There are numerous brands -- just make sure you do your homework and get one with the most protection possible. It's worth it rather than just grabbing one off the rack.

[Guest]

Screen stuff

Just wanted to point out a couple of things:

1) The main goal of "anti-glare filters" is to reduce glare, which is defined as reflections on your screen, either directly from light sources or from brightly lit objects (even your own body!). How do you know if you have a problem with glare? The usual tip-off is when you find yourself shifting position to see part of the screen (i.e., to avoid an area of glare).

In ages past, when we all had CRT (TV-type) monitors, glare was a serious problem, due to the curvature of the screen (which collects reflections from a wider area) and the reflective (glassy) surface of the screen. These days, virtually every LCD monitor has a flat surface with comparatively low reflectivity, so glare is generally much less of a problem. You can still get problems with glare if your monitor faces a light or a window, or is in a very bright environment. It would be well worth your time to try adjusting the angle of your monitor, turning off a light, closing a blind, or even rearranging your office to avoid the source(s) of the glare.

When I converted my garage to be my office a few years back, I designed it with indirect lighting (sconces) high up on the walls so there wouldn't be any "hot spots" on my monitors. I installed individually-controlled track lighting in two spots for those times that I need bright light. To help avoid environmental reflections, I chose a tan color for walls and ceiling (i.e., not white). I covered the south-facing window with a translucent white cellular blind that diffuses the sunlight without blocking it, so I don't have a harsh reflection on my monitors. Not that y'all have complete freedom with your own offices, but I thought this might give you some ideas.

2) Another cause of eye problems for some people is excessive screen brightness. Most LCD monitors these days are capable of much higher light output than our old CRTs. In addition to my main computer with dual LCD displays, I have a couple of old systems in my office which still have CRTs, and the side-by-side difference in brightness between the CRTs and LCD screens is dramatic. For many, the extra brightness is appreciated; for some, the greater brightness is hard on the eyes. If you're having trouble with your eyes, you might try reducing your monitor's brightness with the buttons on the front of it. Just be careful not to reduce it so far that you have to squint to see anything -- a slight reduction may provide a great benefit. And keep in mind that a darker environment will require less brightness from your screen, while a brighter environment will require more brightness from your screen.

There is a lot of research on screen glare if you Google it. However, it appears much of it was produced before LCD screens became ubiquitous. Of course, there are still plenty of companies that would like to sell you anti-glare filters, such as these ones from 3M. Before you plunk down your cash, however, look for eye-strain reducing tips such as these from the Mayo Clinic.

[charmee]

I agree!

Hi,
Another tip is to light the background area behind your screen. If it's dark back there it's harder on the eyes.

I use an anti-glare filter and I love it. I like the ones that have a UV filter. Most people will tell you that the UV protection isn't really necessary anymore because LCDs don't put out much radiation. But my eyes can tell the difference and I really feel th UV protection helps.

I bought one at Staples for about $20 for a CRT. It doesn't fit my laptop well but I still like it best. It's a frame of sturdy polarized glass.

This company sells flimsy plastic film that fits a laptop perfectly, but it's not quite as comfy on the eyes, and installing it is a bit tricky. $20 at www.nushield.com

Charmee

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