The proverbial jury is still out and deliberating on whether or not the computer screen can cause permanent damage to a person’s eyesight.
What is certain however is that the prolonged use of computers, whether at home or at work, can and usually will produce eye strain of some kind. Eyes become dry and irritated, and the muscles that control and regulate our focal lenses become fatigued.
Expert advice seems to tell us that we should spend some time looking away from our VDU screens, ideally every twenty minutes or so, maybe fixing ourselves a cup of coffee or even staring aimlessly into space for a minute or two.
Today’s monitor screens are actually very much kinder on our eyes than some of their earlier counterparts, but some risk certainly remains. Indeed some 71 to 90 percent of people who work in front of a computer screen for more than six hours a day report problems.
In order to minimise discomfort it is important that whatever lighting we are using is correctly placed. Essentially it should bear down upon the keyboard, not reflect from the screen.
Much modern home lighting bears this out. If you are using a lamp that is designed for working at home with your computer, or with materials for writing, it will ordinarily be downward facing. Either that or it will be adjustable, so that it can be pointed in pretty much any direction that you wish it to be.
Take a look at this diverse and elegant range of home lighting options for working from your study or home office. All of them reflect the need for lighting to be concentrated upon the keyboard as opposed to your computer screen.
Some of the available designs will also lend to the ambience of your working environment. Countless studies have shown that a person works better when operating in an atmosphere that is more conducive to business and study. This magnificent floor lighting with a separate light especially built in for reading, along with its own integrated touch dimmer control, is very much a case in point.
The essence of this sensitive approach to lighting is that it fulfils its essential function whilst helping you to avoid any damage or discomfort to yourself. The object of the exercise is after all to illuminate, not to dazzle.