How to Choose the Best Background Screen Color for Your Eyes
There are many factors that play into how much strain you feel when working on a computer monitor. Some may be unavoidable, such as how close you sit or the lighting in your workspace. Others, however, may be negotiable to reduce eye strain and stress on your eyes. One of these is your screen color (the color of your background screen).
How much strain your eyes experience has a lot to do with how much blue light your screen emits. This light is great for daylight usage or reading because it makes you more alert—almost like adrenaline rushing through your veins. But for extended periods of time, blue light can also cause stress to our eyes and make them feel tired faster.
Choosing The Best Background Screen Color
A good way to reduce the negative effects of screen light on our eyes is by lowering the amount of blue light coming from our screens. Below are some of the best ways to do so:
1. Adjust the Brightness and Contrast of Your Monitor
The brightness and contrast of your screen determine how much light is produced at its surface. The higher the brightness and contrast, the more light your screen will emit. You can lower this brightness and contrast by adjusting the settings on your monitor’s menu. Make sure to use the proper brightness and contrast settings for the environment you are in. For example, you should use different brightness levels for day and night. Another thing to remember is that if you sit very close to your monitor, your eyes may not be able to focus on an image that is produced with a high brightness level.
2. Adjust the Color Temperature of Your Monitor
The color temperature of your monitor is the measurement of how much red and blue light is being produced. The higher the color temperature, the more blue light will be present. Conversely, a lower color temperature will produce more red light. For evening eyes, you may want to adjust the color temperature of your monitor to a lower setting. This will produce more red light and less blue light, which we recommend for evening usage. Alternatively, you may want to increase the color temperature of your monitor during the day or if you are working on a creative project. The increased blue light may help you feel more focused and creative.
3. Use an f.lux Program
An f.lux program is an app or program that you install on your computer to regulate the amount of blue light that is emitted from your screen. Most programs come with three settings: low, standard, and high. We recommend f.lux when you want to regulate the blue light coming from your monitor without having to change the settings on your computer. Most f.lux programs allow you to set a schedule for when you want the app to be on and off. For example, you can set the program to turn on around sunset and turn off at a later time. This provides your eyes with the appropriate amount of blue light the sunset produces.
4. Change the Color of Your Background Screen
The best way to change the color of your background screen is to use a program like f.lux. Since f.lux is already regulating the blue light emitted from your monitor, you can simply change the color of your background screen from black or white to a blue color which will reduce the blue light.
How to Reduce Blue Light from Your Screen
If you’re currently sitting in front of a screen and feeling some eye strain, try adjusting the color temperature of your screen to a lower setting. If you’re at a computer, open your settings and lower the brightness and contrast. If you’re on a phone or tablet, you can also install an app like f.lux to regulate the amount of blue light emitted from your screen.
Best Color For Eyes on Mobile Screen
There are many studies that suggest that green is the best color to reduce the blue light coming from your mobile screen. This is because it is the least disruptive to the biology of your eyes. While it’s best to use an app like f.lux to regulate the light coming from your screen, it’s a good idea to have a background color that reduces blue light in mind as well.
Best Color for Your Eyes at Night
If you are planning to use your computer at night, It is recommended to use a blue or red background screen to reduce the amount of blue light your screen emits. Blue is the least disruptive color when it comes to night usage. Blue light is not as stimulating as other colors during the night. Red, on the other hand, is very stimulating and can cause more stress to your eyes. Similarly to the day, you can also use an f.lux program to regulate the color of your night screen. Programs, like f.lux, come with built-in settings that allow you to switch between blue and red.
Color Combinations That Hurt the Eyes
Certain color combinations may produce a lot of blue light and hurt your eyes. It’s best to avoid these color combinations when you’re working at a computer or using your phone or tablet in the evening. These color combinations include red and blue, orange and blue, and red and green. These color combinations produce a lot of blue light and may cause more eye strain while you’re working. You may also want to avoid black and white backgrounds at night because they also produce a lot of blue light.
Rounding Up
It can be hard to know what the best color is for your computer screen background, especially if you’re unsure of what color will reduce the blue light most effectively. Luckily, you can try out a few different colors and see which one works best for you. There are many different programs and apps that allow you to change the color of your computer screen. You can also try changing the background color of your phone or tablet. From there, you can experiment with different colors to see which one works best for your eyes!
One thing to keep in mind is that you can’t completely eliminate blue light from your screen. Blue light is necessary for many tasks, like regulating your circadian rhythm. Ideally, you want to reduce the amount of blue light coming from your screen without eliminating it entirely. As you experiment with different background colors, you’ll find the one that works best for your eyes!
About The Author
Williams Alfred Onen
Williams Alfred Onen is a degree-holding computer science software engineer with a passion for technology and extensive knowledge in the tech field. With a history of providing innovative solutions to complex tech problems, Williams stays ahead of the curve by continuously seeking new knowledge and skills. He shares his insights on technology through his blog and is dedicated to helping others bring their tech visions to life.
