Can proper lighting eliminate eye strain completely?
Written by
Robert Kelly
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Adequate lighting greatly reduces eye strain, but it does not eliminate it by itself. A favorable brightness level of 300-500 lux in the workspace helps reduce eye strain. Still, it must be combined with the complete protocol listed below to view the eyes sufficiently. The proper design of the workspace and hydration of the patient are also essential. For lasting results, I devise a strategy of layering in the clinic.
Optimal Light Placement
- Position bias lighting behind monitors to reduce contrast
- Install adjustable task lights at 45° angles to desks
- Avoid direct overhead lighting causing screen reflections
Complementary Techniques
- Combine lighting with 20-30 inch screen distance
- Pair with preservative-free drops every 2 hours
- Sync with 20-20-20 rule for periodic visual reset
Environmental Monitoring
- Measure 300-500 lux using smartphone light meters
- Adjust for seasonal daylight changes affecting glare
- Track humidity levels impacting tear film stability
Apply bias lighting properly for your screen type. Apply LED strips behind your computer monitors, which are the width of the screen. Use a color temperature of 6500K for computers. I vary mine seasonally. This reduces pupil fluctuation fatigue by 60%. Use with ambient room lighting set to 50% brightness.
Time the changes in lighting to match your work pattern. Increase the light for highly detailed work, tone it down for periods of greater thought and creativity. I often combine the changes in lighting with breaks during which I drink. The eyes adjust comfortably, without violent changes in strain. Continuity in environmental factors induces uniformity in visual comfort.
Avoid falling into the trap of excessive dependence on luminance solutions. No light bulb can substitute for proper viewing distances. The use of artificial tears is necessary regardless of luminosity. I see patients all the time who expect luminous solutions to overcome all these problems. Multi-layered techniques address all the mechanisms that are taking place.
Read the full article: Prevent Eye Strain: Essential Relief Strategies
