Is your light causing you glare? If so, you’re probably wondering where should light be when using laptop? This can be a very common problem for many people which causes discomfort, eye strain and reduced work performance. So, let’s see what simple tricks and techniques can be used so that it can be avoided.
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Where should light be when using a laptop?
Lights should be positioned in front of or to the side of your laptop or your monitor screen. This ensures that it does not create glare on your screen. Avoid placing the light behind you as this is likely to cause glare. Task lighting should be pointed directly at where it is required so that the light is not glaring on your screen. Task lighting should also be positioned on the side where it is required. If paperwork is reviewed on the right side of the desk, the light should also be on this side of the desk. The lighting levels should be appropriate for your work and allow you to easily see both the screen and paperwork without being too dark or too bright. This will be guided by the lumen levels recommended for the area. The office environment is recommended to have 500 lumens per square meter
If the sun is a source of light glare, blinds or curtains should be pulled to prevent the sunshine from obstructing your view of the screen.
Alternatively, tilt or slightly adjust your screen so that the light is not shining on it.
The place where you position your lighting can be conducive or detrimental to your performance. Continue reading to gain some more valuable insights into where the best placing for lighting is and the correct lighting to use to prevent glare.
A study has shown that working in an office with natural lighting can decrease eyestrain by 51% and improves your quality of sleep. Source
What type of light prevents screen glare?
Direct light is primarily attributable to causing glare on screens. To avoid glare, opt for ambient light or lights that is diffused or filtered.
Adjustable or dimmable lighting is also a good choice as it allows you to control the level of lights in the room. Additionally, anti-glare lighting or no-glare bulbs minimize the risk of glare in a room.
If task lighting is being used, it should be positioned to the side of the monitor.
This prevents it glaring on the screen and it can be pointed at the area where it is needed so that it does not cause distraction.
Sun light can be a good source of light that offers minimal glare on your screen. However, this is dependent on the amount of natural light entering your room and the direction that your monitor and room window is facing.
Also, natural lighting tends to place less strain on your eyes than artificial lighting.
However, natural lighting cannot be controlled as easily as artificial lighting.
Therefore, it does need to be supplemented with ambient light to ensure that the appropriate lighting levels are provided.
Tip: Turn off task lighting when it is not required to reduce excess light in the area.
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Should I work beside a window?
Working beside a window presents both advantages and disadvantages. Studies have shown that by working beside a window, you have greater exposure to sunlight. This contributes to increasing your energy and your mood.
This can ultimately lead to greater productivity at work.
However, working by a window can also be a source of distraction, especially if your window faces out onto a busy pathway or street.
If you are working next to a window, your screen should be placed perpendicular to the window to minimize glare from occurring.
I have previously mentioned a study which surveyed a group of office workers in a shared office. They provide their feedback on the best place to sit in an open-plan.
Related: Should I Put Desk In Front Of Window? You Need To Know Why
Is it better to have a light on while on the computer?
In general, some lighting will need to be turned on while using a computer to enable you to see the keyboard buttons and the mouse. During the daytime, the best approach is to try to use natural as much as possible to illuminate the area around your computer.
This eliminates the risk of harsh artificial lighting causing strain on your eyes.
This will need to be supplemented with artificial lighting. It’s unlikely that you will need a large amount of light when you’re working on the computer.
A source of indirect light such as a lamp in the room or overhead lighting that provides ambient lighting are the best options.
Direct lights, such as LED spotlights can be rather severe and a source of glare. Therefore, spotlights are often best avoided unless they are used for specific task lighting.
If you’re looking to encourage productivity and boost energy levels, cool white lighting is designed to help achieve this. This is due to the fact that it is brighter and also emits blue light which suppresses melatonin levels.
However, this can cause greater levels of eyestrain. Consequently, regular breaks from this lighting should be taken.
Related: 14 Pros And Cons Of Artificial Light + Expert Facts
Warm yellow lighting could also be employed to help light up a room. This would be more suited to creating a more comfortable and relaxed vibe.
Furthermore, few those of you using the computer at nighttime, warm lighting it is less likely to suppress melatonin levels.
Therefore, it will encourage you to sleep better, and it is less likely to disrupt your sleep patterns.
Related: 21 Pros And Cons Of Natural Light + Surprising Benefits!
Conclusion
Setting up the lighting in the room is important to give your comfort and minimize eyestrain while you work as a computer or laptop. Furthermore, choosing the appropriate lighting can even encourage productivity, boost your mode and also minimize sleep disruption.
The optimum solution is to incorporate natural light as much as possible along with some artificial ambient lighting.
What type of lighting do you have in your office? Do you rely on natural lighting?