Do you sometimes experience that your screen light is too bright and it’s irritating your eyes? That is the most description of light glares when you are using your computer or an electronic device.
Technically, a light glare is a visual condition caused by an excessive or inappropriate amount of light entering the eyes, resulting in a reduction of visual clarity and perception of objects within the field of vision.
A typical example of how you experience a light glare is what you see when you look directly at the sun. You are unable to clearly see the distinct borders of the sun. Instead, you see a hazy figure with a round outline.
However, most people would not stare directly at the sun for long minutes. Therefore, the commonest causes of light glare are when one focuses on a visual task (e.g., looking at a computer screen) and a bright light source within their peripheral field of vision.[1]Glare (vision) – Wikipedia
In this post, you will learn more about light glare and how to prevent it when working with your computer, so that you can work more comfortably and efficiently.
The Physics of Light Glares
A light glare is caused by high luminances or contrasts in luminance between a visual task and a light source. Luminance is the amount of light emitted or reflected from a surface in a given direction. It is simply how shiny an object is.
A marked difference in luminance between the focus task and another nearby light source is what produces light glaring for most people. This contrast creates a visual conflict within your eyes such that you are unable to clearly define the borders of an object in your view, you experience difficulty seeing details, or you cannot even see at all.
Types of Light Glares
Based on the severity of the effect they cause on the eyes, there are two types of glare: the discomfort light glare and the disability light glare.
Discomfort light glare is a perceptual discomfort caused by light glare, which does not necessarily impair vision, while disability glare impairs the vision of objects without necessarily causing discomfort.
Disability glare is often caused by the inter-reflection of light within the eyeball. When glare completely impairs vision, it is known as dazzle.
Thus, factors affecting the presence/absence of glare include the luminance contrast (as explained), the angle between light waves from the bright light source and the plain of your visual field, as well as retina adaptation to bright light.
Causes of Light Glares
In a previous post, I wrote about the 20-20-20 rule in preventing eye strain when working on your computer. Here, you will see tips on how to prevent light glares when working on your computer.
Preventing light glares when working on your computer comes from understanding what light glare means and the physics behind it. The three essential elements here are your eyes, your computer screen, and a nearby light source (maybe your light bulb).
If you are working in a dark or dim room and your computer screen is too bright, you can experience light glare because the luminous contrast between your screen and the surrounding is high. Same as when you stare directly at the sun without your sunshade on.
Contrariwise, if you are working on your normal-brightness computer screen, and there is a very bright light source within your peripheral vision (that you can see by your side eye without looking directly at it), this can also be the cause of the discomfort you experience while working with your computer.
Preventing Light Glares When Working on Your Computer
The following interventions can help prevent light glares when working on your computer.
1. Adjust the brightness of the screen and light source
This is simple! If you are working in a dark room, consider lighting up your room, or reducing the brightness of your computer screen. Some external light source has adjustable brightness control. Consider turning the brightness up or down to suit the current brightness of your computer screen.
Some computers have an eye-protect night mode that helps to remove excessive blue light reflections by changing it in the settings. This can automatically switch to night mode when it is night.
2. Adjust the position of the light source relative to your eyes
If you are in a room with a bright light, consider making the light shine from above instead of from the side where you can see it, or instead of from an angle towards your eye. This can help eliminate light glares from your computer screen and allow you to work for extended periods without experiencing visual problems or eye strain.
There is a lamp source I have personally used that helps with preventing light glares when using your computer. This lamp can be properly positioned to prevent light glares and it also has up to 20 adjustable brightness levels.
Here is a link to purchase it if interested.
3. Use polarizing glasses
Polarizing glasses are able to prevent light glares by making scattered light travel in one direction. Light sources and computer screens are notorious for reflecting light in all directions, predisposing to glare. Polarizing glasses come to the rescue to align all the light waves in one direction, providing a soothing effect to your eyes.
You can purchase an affordable polarizing glass to prevent light glare by checking this link.
4. Anti-glare screen protector
There are also anti-glare screen protectors for computer devices available in the market. You can purchase an anti-glare screen protector and ask your computer technician to install it for you.
Other causes of visual problems from screen use
Other problems associated with screen use involve those related to blue light emission and ultraviolet light emission. Bluelight causes eye strain and aggravates age-related macular degeneration. Other conditions that can develop as a result of blue light and ultraviolet light exposure include cataracts, altered sleep cycles, pterygium, pingueculae, and eyelid cancers.
Final words
Light glare is an uncomfortable experience that impairs your ability to see clearly when you are engaging in a focused task like working on your computer. This can make you strain your eyes in an attempt to overcome the impairment of vision. Your efficiency is also reduced drastically.
To prevent light glaring when working on your computer, adjusting your screen brightness, adjusting the brightness of the external light source, as well as using polarizing eyeglasses and an anti-glare screen protector can be helpful.
This article shows you some of the most essential information about light glare and how to prevent it when working on your computer.
References
| ↑1 | Glare (vision) – Wikipedia |
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