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Based on our previous article "3 Things to Think About When Buying a Desk Lamp", you may have a clearer idea of the important key features when choosing a desk lamp. However, do you know why you should also get a modern desk lamp that is specifically designed for you when reading on a monitor, tablet, or mobile phone screen? Let us tell you.
First of all, since the reading direction of traditional hard copies is horizontal, we usually put hard copies on the table to read. Therefore, the design of light sources has generally been to generate illumination in a vertical direction since about 1930. However, screen reading is a different story, as its reading direction is vertical and the direction of the light source required is different from a typical desk lamp.
Moreover, the biggest difference between a monitor screen and the traditional hard copy is that a monitor screen generates its own light, but a hard copy does not. This means that if we use a general desk lamp to illuminate a monitor, the monitor screen will generate glare, which in turn affects the health of human eyesight.
From this point of view, since screen reading is very popular at present, we really need a desk lamp that is tailor-made for this trend. So, what kind of desk lamp would be a good computer desk lamp?
Generally, when the light source of a desk lamp illuminates a screen, it very often generates a reflection which is known as glare. Therefore, the best light source design for a good screen reading lamp is one that is not directly exposed to the screen, thus reducing the discomfort caused by reflection on the screen.
Since a monitor screen generates its own light, it should illuminate places with relatively low brightness rather than putting the light source directly on the screen. Thus auxiliary light around the screen appears to be very important. On the other hand, lights close to the screen should be eliminated or attenuated. This should be the appropriate design (such as asymmetric light) to avoid eye strain due to excessive contrast between brightness and dimness.
Since people often engage in plane surface reading at the same time they are performing screen reading, such as looking at the keyboard, or reading notes or books, the working area is very large, thus the plane lighting area of the light source must cover a vast area. In general, about 90cm to both left and right is a suitable illumination range, which is 1.5 times (30 to 50cm) the illumination range of a general desk lamp.
An important point of screen reading is that it is better if the arm of the lamp does not cover the screen. Traditional desk lamps are mostly single-armed, and it is easy for the bevels to block the screen. As for current big screen and dual-screen trends, monitors that exceed 24" are more suitable for swing arms. Some options are even better, such as no hanging arms, no lamp holders, or a screenbar light that only has the lamp head.
Last but not least, no matter what kind of lighting you purchase, you should try to choose a flicker-free desk lamp, because strobe lighting easily makes our eyes tired and can even make us feel dizzy.
A well designed desk lamp will be an indispensable partner in your life, protecting your precious eyes and improving the quality of your life. The BenQ WiT LED desk lamp series was designed with the mission of protecting your screen reading experience.
