The BEST Desk Setup to Reduce Eye Strain, by Doctor Eye Health on YouTube. 7 min 46 s.
- Video length
- 7 min 46 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Sit at your desk and push the screen back until it is about an arm's length away. You should just be able to touch it with your fingertips.
Raise or lower the screen so the top of it sits at eye level or slightly below, about 10 to 15 degrees down. Use a stand or books to lift a laptop.
Tilt the screen so it faces slightly upward toward your eyes. This keeps your view straight on instead of looking down.
Turn down the screen brightness until it feels comfortable. Most people find a less bright screen easier on the eyes.
Light your desk well with a lamp or bright room light. Good light keeps your pupils small and helps you stay focused.
Adjust the contrast setting until text and images look clear to you. Try a few levels and keep the one that feels easiest.
Increase the font size for small text. On a browser, hold Control or Command and press plus, or scroll with the mouse wheel.
Take breaks. Every 10 to 20 minutes, look away from the screen at something far across the room for a few seconds.
Tips and common mistakes
A laptop screen is often too low, so a stand or a stack of books makes the biggest difference.
Match your screen brightness to the room light so the screen is not much brighter than the wall behind it.
Set a timer or use a break reminder app so you actually look away every 10 to 20 minutes.
If your eyes still hurt after these changes, see an eye doctor for a checkup.
Questions
How far should my monitor be from my eyes?
About an arm's length, close enough that you can touch the screen with your fingertips. Sit back rather than leaning in.
Should the top of the screen be at eye level?
Yes, or slightly below, about 10 to 15 degrees down. Tilt it slightly upward so you look straight at it.
Do I need blue light glasses?
Not necessarily. Lowering brightness, improving room light and taking breaks often fix the strain first.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
