[Geek49]

I was wondering if I am sitting to close to my computer monitor. I usually spend time at the computer 5-7 hours a day, and my eyes kinda hurt after a while and they feel strained. How far away should I be sitting away from my computer? I dont want any more eye strains.

Should I take a picture of how close I am sitting next to my monitor? and measure the length of how long?

 

[LostInTexas]

It's not how close you're sitting, it's how long you are sitting. Go take a walk. Your computer will still be there when you get back.

 

[Geek49]

lol thanx. i no that has to do with it to, but i am certain it has to do with sitting to close to the computer also. i use to sit at the computer like 9 hours a day straight and never get eye strains like this. what's the problem here? maybe i should take a picture.

 

[carsey]

I sit far away enough that when I look at the screen. I only have to move my eyeballs to see the rest of the screen.

 

[chauffeur2]

G'Day Geek49,
With the 17" Monitor [flat screen] that I have, I sit about 900mm or 3' from it.
I'm at my computer on average 11 hours a day (mostly on TSF :grin, and don't have any sight problems.

I would suggest that the further away the better, so long as it is comfortable for you to see the Monitor and operate the keyboard/mouse.

That's my opinion anyway. :wave:

 

[8210GUY]

I agree, if it feels comfortable it's probably about right, I'm about 2' from mine and it's as close as I can get due to where it is, one thought though, are you using a CRT monitor ? if you are check the refresh rate, anything under 75 could be whats causing this, or contributing at least, set it at the highest rate you can, but if it's flat screen then set it to 60, see if that helps, otherwise it's just your body telling you your going over the hill lol.

 

[dai]

i am 12-15 inches away on a 19inch lcd

 

[devil lady]

The recommended monitor distance is arms length depending on screen size. 15" = arms length, 17" and above = arm length + 8 inches.

 

[Geekgirl]

Devil Lady is correct, Sit at least an arm's length away from the screen and adjust the distance for your vision.

How to Sit at a Computer

 

[MattBro]

I sit a good distance away from the monitor, atleast 4 feet. Always wanted to avoid having to get glasses/contacts.

 

[Geek49]

Alright, I took a picture of myself to show everyone how close I sit at my computer. Please tell me if this is to close or to far away. I dont use a flatscreen monitor. I use a regular fat monitor.

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/638/1000400eq3.jpg
[Click the above link to view the picture]

Notice how I have a black mask over my face. It's just so people dont know what I look like.

 

[Geekgirl]

That looks like about the same distance that I sit from mine ........unfortunately you do not have an option whether to slide your chair back or not as your keyboard is not on a sliding ledge as most are when their computer is on a computer desk. You need to make sure you can reach the keyboard in order to type. It would be uncomfortable for you to stretch your arms in anusual manner to reach the keyboard.

As I look at your arm length and imagine you stretch out your arm to full length it would be the appropriate length away

 

[Geek49]

So I am fine where I am?

 

[johnwill]

Isn't it hard to see through the knit cap? :grin:

 

[Geek49]

lol it wasn't that hard to see through it. but my mom took the picture for me.

but... So I am fine where I am?

 

[Geekgirl]

It looks good from what I can see, if you are comfortable where you are at then your good to go

 

[Midnight Tech]

one thought though, are you using a CRT monitor ? if you are check the refresh rate, anything under 75 could be whats causing this, or contributing at least, set it at the highest rate you can, but if it's flat screen then set it to 60, see if that helps

My thoughts exactly...one of the first LCDs I ran into had refresh set waaay off and within 5 minutes of sitting in front of it I had a splitting headache.

 

[Geek49]

My thoughts exactly...one of the first LCDs I ran into had refresh set waaay off and within 5 minutes of sitting in front of it I had a splitting headache.

Well how do I change the REFRESH and what do I set it to?

 

[8210GUY]

Right click on an open area (not on any folders etc) of your desktop and select Properties, then click on the Settings tab, at the bottom you will see a slider bar and the screen size to the right of it, under that is a button called Advanced, click on it and another window will open, the tabs will vary depending on your setup, but in one of those tabs you will find the refresh rate, as your using a CRT monitor set it as high as you can, 75 at a minimum, but if yours can handle 100 go for it, but choose the highest setting it offers you, it will then flicker the screen and if you can see it saying about if it's OK click on OK in that query to save that setting, then OK exit everything on the way out.

 

[devil lady]

I would raise the monitor. As it is your neck is bent forwards and will create long term effects.
The top of the monitor should be level with your forehead. Have a look around for a box or even a couple of very thick books to lift it up.