How to choose a laptop or PC screen that won't strain your eyes

It's a known fact that sitting at a desk in front of a screen for too long isn't the best for any us. Even so, due to the fact that a lot of our work relies on screens, it can be all too hard to get away from them.

That's why it's important to try and reduce eye strain if you're going to be using one for extended periods. For TechRadar's Content Creator Week, I'm going to be breaking down some handy tips to help you choose a laptop screen or monitor that's less harsh on the eyes - plus some handy ways to optimize your setup.

Look for certification markers

A good mark to look for when picking a laptop is the Eyesafe certification, which denotes a screen to be professionally certified by TÜV Rheinland. This is a certification that means that a display has been independently verified to reduce harmful blue light without sacrificing on colour accuracy.

To be specific, it's blue light in 415-455nm range that could be the most harmful to our eyes, with extended periods of screen use potentially contributing to eye strain and related issues such as blurred vision and irritated eyeballs.

Screens which such certifications meet a certain independent standard to reduce the harmful blue light in this wavelength to make them 'safer' to use for longer.

Similar certifications by the organization to look out for include Eye comfort, Eyesafe, and Low Blue Light. Though there are some differences between what each of these mean, any of them should make for a screen that's a better bet if you're at your laptop after dark or for hours on end.

You can also look for a similar certification on your next monitor, too.

Pick a screen with lots of adjustment

This particular tip applies more to monitors than laptops, but it's important to remember to look for a screen that has lots of adjustment mechanism in its stand.

After all, the science of ergonomics is personal for everyone, and each person's respective screen position will be different due to factors such as their height and the height of a desk or chair they're using.

Getting a monitor with a panel where you can do everything from tilt and swivel to a good scope of height adjustment can ensure you're as comfortable as possible when you're working. A monitor stuck in a semi-fixed position, where you may have to strain to see, isn't going to help.

Good pixel density can pay dividends

Looking for a screen with a high pixel density can also help reduce eye strain, as the text on screen is likely to be much clearer and sharper. This means you're less likely to strain to read what you need to.

This also goes hand in hand with choosing a suitable resolution – find as detailed a resolution as possible for the screen size you're using. For instance, at a compact 24 inches, 1080p is fine, while if you move up to a 27-inch screen, look for 1440p. 4K can work best when strewn across a larger 32-inch screen.

Likewise, ensure your scaling is correct for your screen size and resolution so icons and on-screen elements are large enough too see without squinting.

Raise your screen to eye level

This isn't necessarily a tip about choosing a specific product, but more of a simple fix of your posture and desk setup. To reduce as much strain as possible, it's important to make sure you aren't hunched over at the wrong angle when using a screen.

Ironically, one of the worst things you can do is use a laptop on a surface where you have to look down, as it puts unnecessary strain on your neck if your eyes aren't level with a screen.

Simply raising your monitor's stand so it's at eye level, or using something such as a laptop riser on your desk, can be very helpful in reducing eye and neck strain, plus reducing the potential of any other fatigue you could experience.

Take a break from your screen

As with the tip above, this isn't device-related, but it's important to remember that you should be taking a break from using a screen after a certain period of time to give your eyes a rest. This comes as opposed to slaving away in front of a laptop or PC for hours, which could have a negative effect.

The 20-20-20 rule is one often cited by eye experts, and suggests you should take a break of at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes to look at something that is least 20 feet away. In other words, don't stay hyper-focused on your work and take a short break to keep your eyes in check.

Likewise, there is mileage in getting up every so often from your desk to go do something completely unrelated to any work you're doing or a device you're using. Something as simple as taking a short coffee break or stepping away from for a brief walk outside can help your eyes rest – five to ten minutes for every hour that you're working is recommended.

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