Headaches and Computer Monitors

Headaches and computer monitors are a very frequent occurrence, but there are a number of steps that can be taken to help prevent this.

Monitor Images
To one degree or another the image of the monitor is the biggest culprit when it comes to headaches and computer monitors. This includes the following.

Screen resolution
If the screen resolution is set too high, the majority of screen content, especially text will be too small causing eye strain, and headaches.

Another point worth noting of the screen resolution is too small and difficult to see we are then inclined to lean forward lifting the head and neck up and back causing neck and back ache, and more possible tension headaches.

To lower the screen resolution Right click on the Windows desktop and select Properties and Settings and now use the vertical slider to change the screen resolution, as a rule of thumb the higher the numbers the higher the screen resolution. The most common sizes in order of size largest to smallest are 800x600, 1024x768 & 1280x1024. 

The refresh rate is probably the least know cause of headaches and computer monitors
Every screen flickers all the time, this is basically the screen updating it’s image changes. The slower a screen refreshes or updates the more common headaches are. If you look over the top of your monitor and then just see the screen out of the bottom of your eyes without moving them you may see the screen refreshing. If possible the refresh rate of the screen should be as high as possible within the monitor manufacturer’s guidelines (make sure that Hide modes that this monitor cannot display is ticked, to help prevent any damage to your monitor). To change the refresh rates Right click on the desktop, select Properties, Settings tab,Advanced tab, Monitor and then select the highest recommended setting.

Normally LCD monitors offer a far less noticeable screen refresh which is much kinder to the eyes than a CRT type.

Adjusting screen resolution and refresh rates

Screen convergence
If the horizontal or vertical convergence are out of alignment then the screen content can look blurry making each character look as though it has a slight shadow, this can be changed through the monitors control panel.

Another reason for a blurred screen can be due to using a screen resolution that is not fully compatible with the monitor.

Degaussing
If the monitor looks as though it has a nice tinge of rainbow effect this can be due to a build up of magnetic interference, to eliminate this check within your monitors control panel, there you will see a Degauss option, hit this the screen will buzz loudly if the build up is excessive.

Connection types
Connection types can make a major difference. If possible use a DVI or digital connection from the computer to the monitor. Please note though both the computer and monitor must have digital capabilities.

If you are using an LCD or a Plasma TV as a monitor a VGA connection will offer a much better image than simply using the s-video connection. Also check with TV’s handbook to find its optimal resolution.

Screen filters
Many screen filters, be it privacy or anti-glare can be a good and bad thing, using a filter in certain conditions such as a poor illuminated display can give a darker and sometimes hard to read display.

Lastly
Ensure frequent breaks are taken away from the computer screen

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