LCD vs LED Monitors for Eye Strain

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lcd vs led monitor for eyes guide

If you are shopping for a new display, you may be comparing LCD vs LED monitors for eye strain. Even the best computer monitors, after all, can cause eye fatigue with prolonged use. So which monitor type is better to avoid eye strain? Keep reading to find out.

Key Takeaways_

  • LCD monitors with a high refresh rate above 120Hz should help with eye fatigue caused by blurriness, as well as choosing a glossy vs matte monitor
  • LCD screens also tend to offer better viewing angles and a wider field of view.
  • On the other hand, LED monitors can be the better option for general eye fatigue related to prolonged use and blue light, as they tend to offer a more robust dimming system.

Differences Between LCD and LED Monitors for Eye Strain

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to declare either display type as the victor when it comes to reducing eye fatigue and eye strain, and this does include some of the best curved gaming monitors, too. This is due to the fact that eye strain and fatigue have different causes for different people. Each monitor type, however, does excel with certain scenarios, such as when you are comparing LCD vs CRT computer monitors.

Even some of the finest touch screen monitors sometimes can cause eye problems after extended use. Keep reading to learn more about monitor types, visible light, and vision syndrome.

insider tip

Invest in a decent pair of blue light filtration glasses to help with any eye-related issues.

Blurriness

Digital eye strain can be caused by repeated exposure to blurry images. If you are susceptible to the kind of eye fatigue brought on by blurriness and are comparing LCD versus LED monitors, go for an LCD screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz or above. This blazing-fast refresh rate will minimize blurring and, as such, any eye fatigue that accompanies it. Be sure to check which kinds of ports are available before making a monitor purchase, such as comparing monitors with DisplayPort vs HDMI, as some older connection types may not excel with high refresh rates.

Viewing Angle

LCD monitors tend to offer a wider variety of viewing angles, which can help eliminate the kind of eye fatigue related to geographical discomfort. Any monitor type can offer a perfect viewing angle, so long as it is placed correctly and you are sitting at the right distance. Even if you’re using a monitor in conjunction with another device, like the best monitor for Macbook Pro, you can get a good viewing angle from it. Still, in a pinch, LCD panels are the way to go. If you are especially concerned with viewing angles and the field of view, go with an ultrawide monitor with a 21:9 aspect ratio.

STAT: There are health benefits to blue light, as it boosts alertness, helps memory and cognitive function, and elevates mood. (source)

Dimming

Anyone can experience eye fatigue or eye strain when they are working long hours in front of a computer. Dimming the monitor’s light can help reduce eye strain but at the expense of being able to see what is going on. Generally speaking, LED monitors offer more robust dimming options and various brightness settings without sacrificing visual quality. Experts suggest that eye strain can occur in as little as three hours, so if you work a full eight-hour day, this is something to consider.

LCD vs LED Monitors for Eye Strain Questions (FAQ)

Does blue light contribute to digital eye strain?

Indeed it does. Short-wavelength blue light is one of the primary causes of eye fatigue. Be wary when using digital devices to reduce digital eye strain and keep an eye on the brightness settings.

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