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Is no lighting considered too little? I like to sit in the dark with nothing but a computer monitor for light. I have noticed this greatly reduces eye-strain an

Is no lighting considered too little? I like to sit in the dark with nothing but a computer monitor for light. I have noticed this greatly reduces eye-strain and distractions, but perhaps that is just me.

smrtinsert 2y ago
This used to work for me as well, but one day my eyes just gave out. I now need a setup similar to the article. I use two diffuse light sources at corners in the room, with BenQ light bar in front, and (almost most importantly) a warm lamp backlighting the monitor. I might replace the backlight with an RGB bias light of some sort, but it has to be there or everything gets painful fast.
- freefaler 2y ago
  Yeah, light behind the monitor is a great idea. Reduces contrast between the bright monitor and dark background. I've used this for years and it makes working during the evening so much better.
Kiro 2y ago
Same here. Sounds like people are describing their yoga studios in this thread. Not for me.
- DoingIsLearning 2y ago
  A lot of it is learned behaviour. You get used to working and being productive at night because it's often when you have free time and quiet time. Your brain then starts associating that light setting/environment with 'in the zone' mental states. As an example I used to be a midnight owl but now with kids I have to make the most of my daytime hours and squeeze as much sleep as I can in the night hours. I totally get the warmth of working the night hours but I am also fine with being in the zone during the daytime. You can shape your brain to get used to anything.
Sohcahtoa82 2y ago
You're an exception. For most people, sitting in the dark with only their monitor giving off light massively increases eye-strain.
- hirvi74 2y ago
  I do not wear eye glasses nor contacts, so I wonder if this is a difference maker? I have noticed people who wear either tend to complain about eye-strain more in general.
  - devenson 2y ago
    When I was younger, dark room, dark screen was fine. Gets harder to focus as you age. Bright screen and room cause smaller pupils and therefore easier focusing like a pinhole camera.
dekhn 2y ago
For me it really depends on the situation. When I'm gaming or watching a movie, I prefer effectively no light. In fact, I built an enclosed space in my garage that is light tight. Then I have an overhead LED strip with variable intensity control. I find that programming and video calls both work best if I have a reasonable level (about 50% of what a typical office overhead would provide). I absolutely love complete darkness but after a while I start to feel like a cave troll.
rusty-ux 2y ago
Do what works for you. If it’s comfortable and you don’t notice lingering issues it’s probably fine.

smrtinsert 2y ago

This used to work for me as well, but one day my eyes just gave out. I now need a setup similar to the article. I use two diffuse light sources at corners in the room, with BenQ light bar in front, and (almost most importantly) a warm lamp backlighting the monitor. I might replace the backlight with an RGB bias light of some sort, but it has to be there or everything gets painful fast.

freefaler 2y ago
Yeah, light behind the monitor is a great idea. Reduces contrast between the bright monitor and dark background. I've used this for years and it makes working during the evening so much better.

Kiro 2y ago

Same here. Sounds like people are describing their yoga studios in this thread. Not for me.

DoingIsLearning 2y ago
A lot of it is learned behaviour. You get used to working and being productive at night because it's often when you have free time and quiet time. Your brain then starts associating that light setting/environment with 'in the zone' mental states. As an example I used to be a midnight owl but now with kids I have to make the most of my daytime hours and squeeze as much sleep as I can in the night hours. I totally get the warmth of working the night hours but I am also fine with being in the zone during the daytime. You can shape your brain to get used to anything.

Sohcahtoa82 2y ago

You're an exception. For most people, sitting in the dark with only their monitor giving off light massively increases eye-strain.

hirvi74 2y ago
I do not wear eye glasses nor contacts, so I wonder if this is a difference maker? I have noticed people who wear either tend to complain about eye-strain more in general.
- devenson 2y ago
  When I was younger, dark room, dark screen was fine. Gets harder to focus as you age. Bright screen and room cause smaller pupils and therefore easier focusing like a pinhole camera.

dekhn 2y ago

For me it really depends on the situation. When I'm gaming or watching a movie, I prefer effectively no light. In fact, I built an enclosed space in my garage that is light tight. Then I have an overhead LED strip with variable intensity control. I find that programming and video calls both work best if I have a reasonable level (about 50% of what a typical office overhead would provide). I absolutely love complete darkness but after a while I start to feel like a cave troll.

rusty-ux 2y ago

Do what works for you. If it’s comfortable and you don’t notice lingering issues it’s probably fine.