From a medical point of view: Matte vs. Glossy revisited

[blackeyed]

Hey everyone,

i can't wait to get a member of the community and get rid of my oooold toshiba-laptop. There's just one more question before I can place my order. I've read through million "matte vs. glossy"-threads, and I think both will be fine for me at the end - but:

Does anyone know about the impact of glossy and matte displays on the eye? I've read about headaches and stuff when spending much time in front of a glossy display. Does anyone have some "hard facts" on this?

I spend about 4 to 5 hours a day working with my macbook pro (writing and photo-editing, surfing the web, stuff like this). Any recommendations?

So let this PLEASE not become just another "Matte vs. Glossy"- thread

Thanks!

 

[engles]

probably reports of headaches because the glossy screen can get brighter.. but if thats the case just turn down the screen brightness.... other than that I don't see what else can make you get a headache more on a glossy than a matte.

 

[luffx]

The only reason I could see this being a problem, is if your eyes are straining to see past any reflections. At first it may seem straining, but the mind adjusts to look at it a certain way, but it is still straining your eyes. (just aren't aware of it at that point).

 

[blackeyed]

I mean not just headaches, I've read about Users having aching eyes after about an hour..??

 

[engles]

I mean not just headaches, I've read about Users having aching eyes after about an hour..??

that's because they are so excited about having a beautiful new glossy macbook pro that they are sitting with there face 2 inches away from the screen taking in the rich colors...

 

[PDE]

The only reason I could see this being a problem, is if your eyes are straining to see past any reflections. At first it may seem straining, but the mind adjusts to look at it a certain way, but it is still straining your eyes. (just aren't aware of it at that point).

That's exactly my experience using glossy screens. On a purely workaday, mental level, I got used to the reflections, but I noticed that my eyes were more tired than with matte. I think it strains the eyes to have to look beyond the reflections, or perhaps the eyes somehow focus on both the reflections and the underlying images/text? I don't know the medical view on this, but my eyes were definitely more tired with the gloss. On the other hand, i've heard people say the opposite....

 

[engles]

That's exactly my experience using glossy screens. On a purely workaday, mental level, I got used to the reflections, but I noticed that my eyes were more tired than with matte. I think it strains the eyes to have to look beyond the reflections, or perhaps the eyes somehow focus on both the reflections and the underlying images/text? I don't know the medical view on this, but my eyes were definitely more tired with the gloss. On the other hand, i've heard people say the opposite....

i could see that being an issue, but just sit where there is little to no reflection.. also it helps to sit where there is a uniform reflection, like a single colored wall with nothing on it.

 

[Ranchdip]

I personally ordered the glossy but if I were to work on MBP for 6-8 hrs a day I would strongly consider the matte. I think your situation builds a strong case for those who need the matte screen. Less glare will always help on those long days staring in front of a computer even if the colors don't "pop" as with the glossy.

 

[engles]

I personally ordered the glossy but if I were to work on MBP for 6-8 hrs a day I would strongly consider the matte. I think your situation builds a strong case for those who need the matte screen. Less glare will always help on those long days staring in front of a computer.

would it even be worth it if you need a color-rich environment for working with graphics?

 

[davidjearly]

I don't believe this is to do with the 'glossy' aspect of the display at all. Except perhaps point 4 below, and even then, the issue is with the environment the computer is in and not the computer itself.

I believe any 'headaches', or 'eyeaches' would be the result of the following, or a combination of them all:

1. Display brightness too high.
2. Sitting too close to the display (particularly, if it is very bright).
3. Spending too much time in front of the display (particularly, together with 1 & 2)
4. Possibly if the reflections are very bad on the display they could cause eyestrain, or visual discomfort.

David

 

[engles]

I don't believe this is to do with the 'glossy' aspect of the display at all. Except perhaps point 4 below, and even then, the issue is with the environment the computer is in and not the computer itself.

I believe any 'headaches', or 'eyeaches' would be the result of the following, or a combination of them all:

1. Display brightness too high.
2. Sitting too close to the display (particularly, if it is very bright).
3. Spending too much time in front of the display (particularly, together with 1 & 2)
4. Possibly if the reflections are very bad on the display they could cause eyestrain, or visual discomfort.

David

i would agree...

also the nature of what you are looking at... if you are doing text editing this may strain your eyes due to the small text and high contrast... whereas watching a movie will be realitively similar to watching a movie on a tv...

 

[Radio Monk33]

I think its highly likely that headaches come from eyestrain. Personally, I find the glossy hard on the eyes over long periods of time, and so do some other people on the board.

 

[davidjearly]

I think its highly likely that headaches come from eyestrain. Personally, I find the glossy hard on the eyes over long periods of time, and so do some other people on the board.

Yes, headaches can be caused from eyestrain. That really isn't being disputed.

However, what is it about the glossy display (in comparison to the matte display), that you believe is responsible for this?

 

[engles]

i find it hard to believe that the glossy screen, set at the same brightness, in the same environment would cause any more eyestrain beyond that which is caused by reflections... other than that, i just dont see it...

 

[PDE]

Yes, headaches can be caused from eyestrain. That really isn't being disputed.

However, what is it about the glossy display (in comparison to the matte display), that you believe is responsible for this?

I think that since we are discussing which display type is easier on the eyes, we must take into account normal, everyday usage. If you have your computer in an environment where you can avoid lights reflections, then it probably doesn't matter at all which type you use. If, on the other hand, you are traveling with your computer or moving it between a variety of different environmental conditions, I think that the matte is the better option in terms of eye strain and general usage.

I found that, on balance, the matte screens were more comfortable and less likely to cause strain over the course of my workday which includes working in libraries, offices, coffee shops and other places where I can't control the lighting.

 

[EYESPORTS]

Some people complain of "eye aches", "dryness" and "eye strain" - whether it be a glossy display or a matte display. Some tend to stare at their monitor, thus having a decreased blink rate. This causes less wetting of the eyes and dryness symptoms or aching.

Overhead fluorescent lights play a role with the displays as well. Glossy shows more reflections - which do bother some individuals. However, not dangerous to the eye.

Personally, I've had a recent large glossy display come in - only to return it due to the reflections which were bothersome. Others is does not effect.

Either one would not cause damage to the eye.

 

[blackeyed]

Overhead fluorescent lights play a role with the displays as well. Glossy shows more reflections - which do bother some individuals. However, not dangerous to the eye.

So there's no irritation for the eye due to the different kind of light-reflection on the glossy?

 

[EYESPORTS]

So there's no irritation for the eye due to the different kind of light-reflection on the glossy?

Irritation to the eye is a very vague term. Can it be bothersome - yes. Does it cause pathology - no. Personally, I just ordered a MBP - and I ordered the Matte screen - did the same with my desktops at work. I personally find the glossy screens bothersome due to the reflections. Will it harm my eyes - no.

 

[Neil321]

My personal take on this is if your a girl go glossy as the screen doubles up as a emergency mirror,if a
boy go matte

 

[Ryox]

I've used the macbook air screen a lot but its yet to give me any headaches even in bright conditions. The glare only gets annoying when its reaaaly bright.

 

[Ryox]

My personal take on this is if your a girl go glossy as the screen doubles up as a emergency mirror,if a
boy go matte

lol I love that, black out the screen and use it as a mirror. Great idea.

 

[blackeyed]

Irritation to the eye is a very vague term. Can it be bothersome - yes. Does it cause pathology - no.

to make it simple: so there's nothing special about the glossy screen itself (i.e. not the mirror-effect) that makes it more likely that eyes get tired earlier or "acheing more"?

Last one, I promise ;-)

 

[EYESPORTS]

to make it simple: so there's nothing special about the glossy screen itself (i.e. not the mirror-effect) that makes it more likely that eyes get tired earlier or "acheing more"?

Last one, I promise ;-)

I can't comment on the screen. It's based upon the individual. I do not like glossy due to the reflections. Making the eyes more tired - no. Aching more - no. Bothersome - perhaps.

Keep your promise.