by Charles Miller

When an particular issue of "PC Magazine" arrived in my mailbox many years ago I was excited by the cover article that announced "CGA Color Monitors less than $1,000!" That was a thrill because I could ditch my monochrome green monitor and have colors, and without taking out a second mortgage. Some of the advertisements for color monitors claimed they were easier on the eyes, saying it was better to have a light background with dark letters rather than the other way around. Even today I do not know if that is sound medical advice or just advertising hype.

Today monochrome monitors with black backgrounds and fluorescent green or amber text are gone. I now type into a word processor that displays a white background with black letters, just like a printed page. This week I decided to update myself on the latest advice on screen ergonomics, but first the obligatory disclaimer that nothing in this column should be construed as accredited medical advice.

Medical studies have shown that blue-turquoise light (465-495 nanometers) can impact people’s circadian rhythms making it difficult to get to sleep when exposed to blue-turquoise light close to bedtime. Computers using MacOS or Windows, and many smart phones include a "night mode" setting that changes the color scheme to a warm color palate that feels a lot like reading by candlelight.

For most people using a dark color scheme may not be best for their vision. Using a dark screen causes the pupils in the eyes to dilate, making it harder to focus. Inversely, pupils constrict in response to a brighter screen and vision sharpens. You can try different color schemes to see which is most comfortable for you.

People who have been diagnosed with myopia or astigmatism may experience what is called "halation." You should consult an ophthalmologist if your screen has a foggy or blurry appearance. Halation is more pronounced when viewing a dark screen. Those with vision issues may benefit from changing the color scheme of their device, but this is no substitute for seeing a doctor for regular eye exams.

Often more important than colors is glare. If when looking at your screen you can see your own reflection, light fixtures, or windows (the kind in the wall), then you have a problem with glare. Turning up the brightness of your screen will help, but the problem is still there. A better solution is to close the curtains, move the light fixture, or reorient yourself away from the source of the reflection.

Finally, using a black background is sometimes recommended because it tends to use less electricity and thus extends the battery life of your portable device. You may have noticed when you phone goes into "battery saving mode" that one of the things that happens is that the screen gets dimmer. At most you get only a few extra minutes of battery life this way. So just use the colors you prefer and charge your phone or tablet more frequently.

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Charles Miller is a freelance computer consultant with decades of IT experience and a Texan with a lifetime love for Mexico. The opinions expressed are his own. He may be contacted at 415-101-8528 or email FAQ8 (at) SMAguru.com.

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