Computer Monitor Filters and Screens

Cut down on glare and stray glances with the right computer monitor filters and screens

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.

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

 

• 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.

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