Good computer monitors

Whatever kind of monitor you choose when spending a lot of time in front of the computer your vision will be under considerable stress. My job implies that I stay in front of the computer for about 10 hours daily so I do have problems such as eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, not to mention neck and back pain from inadequate desk posture.

Over the years, however I've learned some thing about how to avoid computer related health problems and especially how to avoid vision damage cause by computer monitors.

There are two very different technologies used for computer monitors: CRT (Cathodic Ray Tube) and LCD (liquid Crystal Display), each of them have specific advantages and disadvantages.

CRT monitors consist basically in a vacuum tube and an electron gun that shoots electron on a fluorescent surface. CRTs are health hazards without any exageration and they pose severe problems. First of all they emit a considerable amount of ionizing radiation when the electron beam bombards the screen's phosphors surface. Though the amount is considered relatively harmless, prolonged exposure may affect the normal functioning of living cells. Phosphors, lead, barium and plastics used in the manufacturing of CRTs are also potential health risks. Also the high operating voltages and the posibility of implosion are worth mentioning, but the most severe problem of CRT monitors is related to flickering. Basically at an established time interval the image on the monitor is refreshed, but if this refreshed rate is lower than 70Hz the eye will notice it and will get tired quickly.

My point is that you shouldn't consider buying a CRT monitor no matter what and if you are forced to use it, at work or wherever, try to take a couple of minutes break every time you feel you eyes are getting tired. You might also try using a monitor filter to attenuate flickering and radiation exposure.

LCD monitors pose far fewer and less severe health risks. The image is stable and needs no refreshing (the refresh rate specification on LCD displays is not relevant so a values of about 60Hz shouldn't worry you), the radiation levels are lower. The physical design of the devices is also superior, they are lighter, thinner, they operate at lower voltages. They are also greener, they consume less current and are easier to recycle. If you buy any LCD monitor right know you can't go wrong. Even the cheap models offer good contrast and lightness ratios, they also should have no problems with response time. You can choose almost any model from any manufacturer. I'd recomend Dell, Samsung, LG, the differences are not significant regarding the factors related to your healthcare. One important factor that you should have in mind however is the resolution of the screen, that is the number of vertical and horizontal lines that form the image. I myself, prefer large monitors. Rigth now I hava a 24" wide-screen display with a resolution of 1920x1200 and I'm satisfied with it. For a 22" you should try something with a resolution of 1680x1050, for 20" go for 1440x900, when considering just wide-screen monitor with a ratio of 16:9. If you like classic monitors with a 4:3 aspect ratio for a 19" display you'll probably feel comfortable using a 1280x1024 resolution.