Health Concerns About High-Gloss Screens?

Do “bright” or high-gloss LCD displays cause more eye fatigue than matte LCD screens? Graphics, photos, and videos appear with richer color and deeper blacks on high-gloss displays. Matte displays typically have less reflections because of their matte anti-glare coating.

But many people are questioning if high gloss displays contribute to eye fatigue or eye health problems.

When asked this question, Thomas L. Steinemann, doctor of Cornea and External Eye Disease for MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, responded he was “not aware of anything different” regarding the impact on vision of high-gloss screens compared to traditional LCDs. Previous studies on the impact on vision from computer screens have failed to show any danger, he added.

Most eye-related problems associated with computers have to do with how screens are used, rather than the screens themselves, Steinemann wrote. For instance, improper height and positioning of a monitor, or reading fonts that are too small, can cause eye discomfort. Also, many people blink less and stare more when viewing a computer screen, he added, resulting in dry eyes. The solution is “frequent breaks and use of artificial tears.”

I own a notebook with a bright display and have had many notebooks with matte displays and I honestly haven’t noticed any improvement or had any increase of eye fatigue with the bright display. But, I definitely do appreciate the more vivid colors.

[Bright and Glossy Notebook Screens]

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