Ask HN: How do you prevent eyestrain with daily computer use?

I use Logic Audio on my Mac desktop a lot, but it thankfully is in "dark mode" by default. I assume they made that choice knowing that people would be staring at the screen for hours on end.

I also set my screen brightness to a comfortable level that isn't nearly full blast, and enabled the feature that lowers blue light when the sun goes down.

Another thing I do: My laptop runs Windows, so I also have Linux running in a terminal on screen pretty much at all times. I let the terminal take over half the screen, which is pretty much where Windows wants to place it.

However, with my browser (chrome), I stretched it to fill 3/4 or 2/3 (or so) of the screen so that it partly overlaps the terminal, and then set the defaults for a slightly larger font. This allows me to see web-based resources when I'm tooling around on the Linux cli. You have to be careful not to accidentally move the browser window too much that it goes full-screen, but you develop super-human placement accuracy after you've done that a few times.

Likewise, when I am watching anything that is full-screen, like YouTube for example, I set my laptop on the foot stool so that my eyes can have a different focal length for a while.

That's about it. I hope other people post some ideas, because I spend way too much time on the screen and so I'm always looking for improvements as well.

I also use f.lux on one of the highest settings. it is jarring at first, but you get used to it and save your eyes

125% DPI or 125% "zoom" depending on the OS/application help with eye strain massively, and it surprises me how few colleagues are willing to try it (e.g. "I can see perfectly, why would I increase text size?!").

Between that and lowering a monitor's brightness to below 50% (often around 35% depending on brand), are my biggest tips. Windows now has a blue light filter built right in (Settings -> System -> Display -> Night Light).

Dry eye typically comes from not blinking enough. It can also be worsened by blepharaitis (inflammation of the eyelids).

If you feel like you’re straining to focus (and you haven’t already), you should see an optometrist and get computer glasses.

I have a pair that I wear occasionally, and I find them especially helpful with low-res (e.g. medium to large 1080p) displays. On that note consider getting a 4K or better display, especially if it’s larger than 20” or so.

Finally there’s the so-called 20-20-20 rule, which is to focus on something at least 20 feet (6m) away for at least 20 seconds at least once every 20 minutes.

I make it a point to get up and walk around. Take my eyes off the screen.

Since the pandemic forced me to work from home, I take this hourly opportunity to get in 30-50 pushups every hour. Also helps with water intake. And takes my mind off the urge to take a tea or coffee break. But now that I think of it, I could've done the same in office.

Having flux installed also helps.

You need to reduce the time you are looking at the screen continuously. Realising that has helped me lot.

Also washing your eyes with water, 3-4 times a day helps. Makes eyes relax.

Hope this helps, cheers.