Pricing and costs of computer monitor filters and screens vary depending on the quality of the screen and the size of the monitor. Monitor filters and screens are available to fit laptop screens, CRT monitors and flat panel LCDs.

Monitor filters can reduce glare, which can result in eye strain and headaches. They block annoying peripheral light from the sun or fluorescent lights. They also reduce radiation emissions when grounded properly and protect a screen from dust, smudges and scratches. When determining the price of screen filters for computers:

1. Look for simple and inexpensive laptop computer monitor filters and screens.

2. Expect to pay more for larger-sized filters for computer monitors.

3. Find filters that offer privacy as well as glare protection at prices just a little higher than a regular filter.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use a laptop computer monitor sun shield

Laptops can pose problems with glare since they're often used outdoors. Several manufacturers offer simple solutions to reduce glare that are portable and fold up easily. Laptop shields typically cost less than $50.

I recommend: The Pixel Sunscreen from Think Tank Photo pops open and encloses a laptop to block bright light. It costs less than $75. PC Shade and Hoodman USA offer laptop hoods in the $30-$40 range that fold for storage.

Choose LCD and CRT computer monitor radiation filters

Many computer filters block up to 99.9% ELF/VLF E-field radiation, as well as providing UV protection and anti-glare filters. Prices for most filters are less than $100, although they can be much higher for high quality glass or larger sizes.

I recommend: Humanscale offers high quality flat panel filters made with double-sided, multi-layered, anti-reflective coating on optical glass at price ranges of $125 to $350, depending on the size of the monitor. ErgoDirect features anti-glare screens with standard tint glass for flat panel, CRT and LCD monitors from 3M, Kensington and other manufacturers. Prices range from $50 to $100. All-Spec Industries sells filters that include radiation protection for less than $100.

Use an anti-glare screen for privacy

Privacy filters not only reduce light and glare, but also provide security features. When viewed from the side, the screen is completely black. This is an excellent choice for office environments where confidential data is displayed on the screen. For laptop users, security features protect private information when the laptop is used in public.

I recommend: Eforcity, Red Tag Supply and Computer Security Products offer privacy filters. Prices vary depending on the size of the monitor. For monitors under 19 inches, prices range from $50 to $150. Most screens for larger monitors cost more than $300.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember to measure the monitor correctly to get a computer monitor filter that's the right size. Monitors should be measured diagonally. For more detailed measuring instructions, check with the manufacturer of the monitor screen.

An anti-glare computer screen reduces reflected light, creating a sharper, easier-to-read display. The two main types of anti-glare screen are the matte-finish computer monitor filter, which scatters reflected light away from the eye at the cost of screen sharpness, and the chemically coated smooth finish filter, which preserves screen contrast at the cost of reducing glare. Privacy filters for computer monitors polarize light from the screen so that its contents are visible only when the screen is viewed straight on and also reduce glare as a side effect.

Here are things to look for in screen filters for computers:

1. The right level of light transmission for the amount of glare in your work area, a low level of light transmission in a high-glare work area and a high level of light transmission when there is little glare.

2. An anti-static coating to reduce dust buildup on the computer filter and keep the monitor text legible.

3. An easy-to-clean surface to get rid of the dust that does build up with no more than a soft cloth and a little water.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Cut through the glare with an anti-glare computer screen

High-resolution computer monitors and laptop screens may feature a glossy glass-panel look that, while stylish, can be hard on the eyes without the help of an anti-glare screen.

I recommend: Humanscale computer monitor radiation filters are made with double-sided, multi-layered, anti-reflective coating on optical glass in flat panel, universal contour and folding panel models with attached clip for holding your paper as you type.

Filter out unwanted eyes with privacy computer filters

Polarized sunglasses filter out sunlight traveling in all but one direction to reduce glare. Polarized computer monitor radiation filters filter out sidelong glances so that only the person looking directly at the screen sees what's on it and significantly reduces glare in the process.

I recommend: Computer Security Products makes framed privacy filters for desktop computers and frameless filters for laptops. EforCity and Red Tag Supply sell desktop privacy filters for computer monitors ranging from 12 to 19 inches in size; EforCity also sells privacy filters for laptops in 4 to 3 and 16 to 9 screen ratios.

Block out the sun with a computer monitor sun shield

Laptops' portability makes it possible to use a computer outdoors, but even photochromic screens have difficulty coping with sunlight. Hood-like sun shields block out the sun's glare and shield sensitive data from passing eyes.

I recommend: Hoodman USA sells anti-glare and privacy hoods for PC notebooks and Powerbooks that fold flat and pack in their own travel bags when not needed. Screen filter manufacturer PC Shade makes its laptop hoods out of durable fabric in a variety of custom sizes and colors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Reduce the need for an anti-glare screen by placing your monitor at a 90-degree angle to the light source. Cover windows with curtains or blinds when the sun shines directly through them and open the blinds when the sun is at an angle to them. Be sure to always have enough light to see by, however, to avoid eyestrain.
• •  Clip papers you are working from to the monitor or an adjacent stand to avoid shifting your eyes too far when typing. Rest your eyes periodically while working to avoid eye fatigue.
• •  Paint your office walls in neutral, non-reflective colors and avoid glossy finishes that can increase glare.

The computer has become a mainstay in businesses, so it makes sense to use a computer monitor filter to ensure the health and comfort of the user. Computer filters are ergonomic accessories that make using the computer (especially for extended periods) more comfortable and reduce possible side effects.

You may have certain goals to achieve by using a computer filter. There are a number of choices when it comes to the type of filter or screen. When it comes to choosing a filter, you need training on the benefits of a filter and how to choose the right size filter. Consider the following points for basic computer monitor filters and screens education and training:

1. Find out about the types of filters for computer monitors.

2. Understand how a filter for computer screen benefits your business.

3. Learn how to measure your screen for a computer filter.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Educate yourself on the types of filters for computer monitors

Several types of filters exist for CRT (cathode ray tube) monitor screens, LCD monitor screens or laptop monitor screens. Three possible solutions involving a screen filter are: magnification and an anti-glare screen, privacy protection, and radiation/static/damage reduction. All of these solutions fit with an ergonomic office space, which benefit everyone.

I recommend: For specific information about an anti-glare computer screen, see wiseGEEK. If you are seeking seminars to help you improve your office ergonomics, Humanscale offers an office ergonomics seminar that deals with visual ergonomics and new screen technologies.

Learn about the benefits of screen filters for computers

A computer monitor filter reduces symptoms of eyestrain, eye irritation, head, neck and backaches. Such filters also keep information on the computer monitor private, so if someone other than the user attempts to view the monitor from a side angle, the picture appears blurred or blank. Exposure to computer monitor radiation is minimized with computer monitor radiation filters and minor adjustments, and these filters reduce static, and dust.

I recommend: 3M provides detailed reasons for you to consider using a computer filter. Educate yourself on radiation and the computer user. See Glareshield.com for results of an OCLI study.

Choose the filter that fits your needs and computer

If you decided to invest in a computer monitor filter, learn how to measure your computer monitor to find the right size filter. The viewable screen area is the only part measured. Which filter you decide to purchase affects the preciseness of measurement you decide to purchase a frameless filter, you need exact measurements. A framed filter is easier because the measurements are not exact, you just want the filter measurement closest to your screen measurement, if not exact, choose the larger screen.

I recommend: Brodart how-to guide emphasizes the need for computer monitor filter screens and provides a comparison chart, while teaching you how to measure your monitor for a good fit. Another site that educates and assist you in selecting the right filter is ergonomic Rescue. Secure-It supplies measurement possibilities for your computer monitor while providing directions for measuring your monitor screen.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Increase the brightness on your monitor to compensate for an increase in darkness by the computer monitor filter.