Black or white charts? Or something in between? What do you use?

H

Howard

Hi all.

I've been experiencing some eye strain lately and feel the need to adress this particular issue.

Out of habit, I'm using white charts with candlesticks. I use 2 Samsung screen which have something called Eye Saver mode which I assume basically dials down the light and brightness. It's a massive difference (my eyes literally hurt if I switch it off). I have also dialed down the brightness quite a bit.

I've tried using black/dark grey charts and they do seem a bit more comfortable for the eyes, BUT, I seem to feel I don't view/see things as well as using my white ones. Maybe it's just a matter of habit and using a white set-up for so long?

What kind of charts do you use? Do you feel or even know that black charts are better for the eyes?

Any other tips to improve eye strain issues from long term daily screen exposure?

PS: I once learned a trick from an eye doctor which simply was to take breaks now and then by looking at something distant. She said that when reading or using the computer for longer periods of time we use the 'short sight' only and that it's beneficial for the eyes to relax or unwind by taking breaks where we utilize the 'long sight'.
 
Using blue light blocking computer glasses or software like ‘f.lux’ will help with eye strain. You’ll notice the difference pretty quickly. I use software. The glasses also come in prescription.
 
Sprout said:
Using blue light blocking computer glasses or software like ‘f.lux’ will help with eye strain. You’ll notice the difference pretty quickly. I use software. The glasses also come in prescription.
More...

Interesting. I just downloaded it. What set-up are you using?

EDIT: I'm using 'reduce eye strain'. That's basically the only adjustment I've done beyond where I'm located. I hope that's sufficient. Can't say I noticed an immediate difference. Hopefully, it will be helpful. Will be downloading it on my iPhone also.
 
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Another factor is that I'm using a lot of spreadsheets and other stuff which is basically white. So, looking at white and black side by side seems to create additional strain. Makes me think it's better to stick with white?
 
Howard said:
Interesting. I just downloaded it. What set-up are you using?

EDIT: I'm using 'reduce eye strain'. That's basically the only adjustment I've done beyond where I'm located. I hope that's sufficient. Can't say I noticed an immediate difference. Hopefully, it will be helpful. Will be downloading it on my iPhone also.
More...

If you’re on your screens through twilight into night you’ll notice the shift from blue to red light more. It won’t help that much if the major issue is that you have two much screen time without breaks.

Also, check your ambient lighting. indoor fluorescent lights are terrible, and glare from bright outside windows doesn’t help.

Breaks to walk in nature are probably the best. The Japanese call it ‘forest bathing’ and it’s a thing for a reason.

If you’re starting to need reading glasses, consider an app like ‘glasses off’. It’s based on the science of neuroplasticity and can improve your eyesight without the need for glasses. It works if you work it.

Edit: if you’re open to the metaphysical interpretation of things, large salt crystal lamps for ambient light and large pieces of black tourmaline by your electronics will help. Don’t quite know why, but that’s ok ‘cause they both have independent and reproducable effects.
 
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Howard said:
Another factor is that I'm using a lot of spreadsheets and other stuff which is basically white. So, looking at white and black side by side seems to create additional strain. Makes me think it's better to stick with white?
More...

Yes, adjusting brightness will help and also whether you have glare. An anti glare screen is the only screen I can look at comfortably for any length of time.

Ambient light is often overlooked as well as lighting temperature. Generally, for me, having lighting designed for growing plants is more comfortable in being around than one’s that are not designed with that in mind.

Nutrition is another factor. This might seem like a tangential but again it works. Going on a liver cleanse will help eyesight. Part of a liver cleanse is to juice daily with carrot/celery/parsley in a certain ratio. Within a week you’ll notice a significant change in eyesight provided you’ve mitigated some of the contributing factors for strain.
 
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I use dark a background. I have color-blindness. Deuteranopia. You know those "tests" where you are supposed to see specific numbers or objects within a pointillistic-like image: I fail the majority of those! Dark background provides the contrast I need to see "shades". So for trading, dark allows me a larger color palette to use for my majic annotations and such.

Thanks for those software mentions. I will look at them. About 6 months ago I upped my readers from 1.0 to 1.5. Certainly not glass bottles, but it was a reminder.
 
My eye specialist told me use white back ground and look out the window every fifteen minutes, so I have ongoing alarm clock set to look out for 15 seconds, but at night and not going out, closer I get to going to bed, turn on more softer lamps in office, don't want to tax eye muscles. For years had dark screen and light bars, WRONG.

As it is, have early stages of glaucoma and take drops before sleep and having cataract surgery Tuesday.
 
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