By Jane Sandwood
As the country continues its efforts against the Coronavirus pandemic, record numbers of Americans are attempting to adjust to a work from home setup. In the Cheddar/YouGov Poll in March, 28 percent of workers said they are currently working from home. This means millions of workers will be contemplating how to get the best office setup, including positioning their computer screens to avoid screen glare when working from home. Around 70 percent of adults report digital eye strain, stemming from the use of computer, mobile and tablet screens. With workers spending around 10 hours per day in front of a computer screen, it’s important that you practice a few simple positioning tricks to protect your vision. Whether you are just setting up your new electronic device in your home office or have already created a nook dedicated to working at home, here are a few positioning tips that can reduce the chances of eye strain.
Match Your Viewing Distance To Your Screen Aspect Ratio
When it comes to viewing distance, aim to place the monitor at least an arm’s length away from your eyes (20 inches). The American Optometric Association recommends a viewing distance of between 20-28 inches from your eye to the front of the screen. This may differ slightly according to screen sizes and ultra-wide aspect ratio. For those with higher resolutions, you can easily access the calculated visual acuity and minimum distance for different screen sizes online. Ideally, you will want to use the same office chair you intend to work with when positioning your monitor along with the same reclining setting.
Angle Your Screen With Your Height In Mind
Every computer user is different and as a result, so is their screen height positioning requirements. Consider your height, your distance and any eyewear you may be wearing such as bifocals. As a general rule, it is recommended that you place your eyes in line with a point on the screen 2-3” below the top of the monitor (when seated). It may also help to tilt your screen back between 10 degrees and 20 degrees. For those with bifocals, this can be between 30 and 45 degrees. Making sure your computer screen is level with your line of sight when seated means you don’t have to spend hours looking up or down at the screen and correct any poor posture issues.
Keep Your Monitor Facing Away From Windows Or Lights
Most glares from computer screens are caused by the environment’s lighting. Your work environment can have a huge impact on your physical and mental health, including your work performance. Environmental factors can affect your productivity while the perfect home office setup is a huge plus. Neglecting to create a designated workspace is one of the top mistakes you can make working from home.
The lighting in your home office should be ambient, allowing flexibility and dimming when needed. You also want strategically placed task lamps in important places such as on your computer desk. However, be careful to position your computer monitor away from natural sources of light such as windows, instead of facing it. Ideally, you want your computer to be placed on a desk that is perpendicular to any windows and with your chair facing the view. Having the screen facing the lighting source causes it to reflect off the screen and increase reflection.
Consider Your Entire Work Desk Setup When Positioning Your Screen
It is recommended that your computer screens be positioned directly in front of you. However, you also need to take into account the positioning of other office equipment you may use such as a printer, fax or copy stand. Placing them too far apart means your vision can be compromised when moving between them and so are the chances of computer glare. Ideally, you want them adjacent to your screen to minimize any eye strain.
To eliminate any reflections bouncing off the screens, the NuShield Triple A anti-glare, anti-microbial screen protector film is ideal. It eliminates the glare from the screen surface and also eliminates germs on the surface of the film.
They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. NuShield offers sizes for over 15,000 different devices from Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and monitors up to 80 inch diagonal television screens. Simple hacks like these can make a world of difference and ensure you are not part of the 58 percent of adults that experience eye strain from screen glare when working from home.