What Is an Anti-Glare Screen?

Prolonged exposure to glare is a common cause of eyestrain. Computer monitors and other displays can suffer from glare. As light strikes the surface of a display, some of it may be reflected off the surface. Prolonged exposure to this glare can take a toll on your eyes, resulting in eyestrain. There are anti-glare screens available, however, that can minimize glare.

Overview of Anti-Glare Screens

Also known as an anti-glare filter, an anti-glare screen is a thin, transparent film that’s designed to minimize glare. You can apply them to the surface of a display. Once in place, the anti-glare screen will diffuse the light so that the glare is less noticeable.

Benefits of Using an Anti-Glare Screen

The main benefit of using an anti-glare screen is protection from eyestrain. If you only use a display for a short period, you probably won’t experience eyestrain — even if the display reflects a lot of light off its surface. But using a display for multiple consecutive hours can place you at risk for eyestrain. Displays that reflect a lot of light are taxing on the eyes. They can cause eyestrain that manifests in the form of blurred vision, pain, headache and other symptoms.

An anti-glare screen will protect you from eyestrain. It will reduce the amount of visible light that’s reflected off the display’s surface. You’ll still be able to see the display, but you won’t be exposed to glare. Anti-glare screens live up to their namesake by reducing glare.

Don’t Ignore the Display Technology

Some display technologies are more better protected against glare than others. Liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), for instance, offer a high level of protection against glare. Whether it’s twisted nematic (TN), vertical alignment (VA) or in-plane switching (IPS), LCDs are less likely to suffer from glare than other types of displays.

Displays with a matte finish also offer a high level of protection against glare. Some displays have a matte finish, whereas others have a glossy finish. If you’re worried about glare, choose a display with a matte finish. A matte finish will help to diffuse the light. A glossy finish, conversely, has the opposite effect: It will reflect light.

In Conclusion

Anti-glare screens are transparent films that diffuse light on displays. They are made of a special type of plastic-like material. When applied to a display, they will diffuse the light so that the display produces less glare.