Desk lighting for comfortable eyes
Practical ways to cut glare and harsh contrast at your desk. General information, not medical advice.
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What lighting can and cannot do
Good lighting can make reading and screen work more comfortable. It cannot treat eye conditions, and discomfort when you work can have many causes. People searching for a desk lamp for eye strain should treat lighting as one part of a comfortable setup, not a fix.
Glare: what it is and how to avoid it
Glare comes from a bright light source or reflection in your view. Hide the bulb behind a shade or diffuser, aim the light at the work, and adjust until no bright spot reflects off the page or screen.
Aim at the work.
Light the page, not your eyes.
Hide the bulb.
Use a shade or diffuser.
Keep some room light on.
It reduces harsh contrast.
Keep light off the screen.
Adjust until no reflection shows.
Contrast between desk and room
A brightly lit desk in a dark room can feel harsh when you look up from your work. Keep some room light on.
Screens and desk light
Light the desk and keyboard, not the screen. Move the lamp until no reflection shows on the display.
Flicker
Some lamps flicker, especially at low dimming settings. If a lamp seems to shimmer, try another setting or lamp.
Adjustable brightness and color
Dimming lets you match light to the task. Adjustable color lets you choose what feels comfortable at different times of day.
When to see an eye care professional
If you have ongoing eye discomfort, headaches, or changes in vision, see an eye care professional. Lighting changes are not a substitute.
General information, not medical advice. See an eye care professional about eye strain or vision concerns.
FAQ
General information, not medical advice. See an eye care professional about eye strain or vision concerns.
