Also known as: monitor distance, screen setup, computer ergonomics
Strongest in Consistency (95). Held back by Recency (40).
Mostly observational or smaller trials.
Good cross-study replication, some imprecision.
Thousands of participants across the literature.
Studies agree on direction of effect.
Evidence base skews older; field may have moved on.
No per-outcome numbers yet for this one. Each finding's direction and strength is shown in the research below.
Areas where research points to a consistent direction of effect. The strength of evidence is graded; the size of the effect is not quantified.
Position your screen 50-70cm (20-28 inches) from your eyes, with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level. Reduces accommodative effort, prevents postural neck strain, and minimizes glare. Also applies to reading distance for books and phones.
In a case-control study of 733 medical students, close eye-screen distance and improper gaze angle were risk factors for developing computer vision syndrome and influencing its severity.
Among young adults reading from a smartphone for 60 minutes, a closer viewing distance correlated with greater eyestrain symptoms (rho = -0.51, p = 0.03); maintaining adequate viewing distance is associated with fewer symptoms of tired, uncomfortable eyes and blur.
In a cross-sectional study of 319 visual-display-terminal users, improper viewing distance was significantly associated with computer vision syndrome (odds ratio 3.2); proper viewing distance was among the protective preventive measures.
Among 208 undergraduates, close eye-screen distance was independently associated with computer vision syndrome (adjusted odds ratio 2.81, 95% CI 1.31-6.05); maintaining proper screen distance and viewing angle is recommended as a preventive measure.
ProtocolEngine provides general health information based on published research. This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or health protocol.