HN Explorer

Ask HN: Are you wearing computer glasses?

14 points by ecaron ↗ HN
I'd love to know if the HN community is wearing those yellow-tinted glasses (discussed on places like http://lifehacker.com/5980509/do-computer-glasses-really-work), or if they're just a gimmick/subject to the same suspicion at copper bracelets...

I'm seeing more of them around the office and local hackathons, but my primary thoughts lean towards thinking they're an unproven fad.

10 comments

[ 3.0 ms ] story [ 39.1 ms ] thread
SamReidHughes
Sometimes I use reading glasses when using a 12"-screened laptop. It makes it like you're sitting farther away from a 14" laptop, taking up the same solid angle of your view.

Yellow-tinted glasses do the same thing as what you get if you use f.lux or redshift. It's probably better to use that, because you don't have to have glasses on your face.

gt565k
I use the Gunnar Optiks (mentioned in the lifehacker link). They do seem to make my eyes less strained at the end of the day. I had this issue where I would work on the computer all day, and when I got home, I didn't even want to look at a computer screen because my eyes were so tired. Since I've been using the Gunnars, I've noticed I don't have that issue.

I think it definitely makes a difference, but you can also achieve a similar effect by using f.lux (https://justgetflux.com/). Although, I found f.lux to be a big buggy at times, especially with a multiple monitors setup.

ecaron
I've waxed and waned about using f.lux (actually http://jonls.dk/redshift/ because f.lux+linux=painful.) I think my biggest problem with it is my office's fluorescent lighting isn't within my control to turn-off/change, so the stark contrast between a screen-gone-red and the screaming white light causes my screen to feel silly.

If I had the luxury of working exclusively in a officespace without fluorescent lighting, I think I could be 100% on f.lux

djb_hackernews
I suffer pretty badly from eye fatigue due to computer use and in scenarios where there is overhead florescent lighting I'll go ahead and twist the bulbs so they turn off and then get a small desk lamp for when I need light (I prefer darker settings). Not sure if that is an option, but it's worked for me.
oaf357
I have considered wearing glasses but couldn't justify the cost and I've never met anyone that swore by them.
sixQuarks
I swear by them. Before, I couldn't use the computer for more than an hour or two without severe eye strain. Now I can be online for 12 hours, no problem.
NeutronBoy
Not the glasses, but I use f.lux, which has the same effect. It's great, and makes a noticeable difference to eyestrain
mlwarren
I have a pair of Gamma Rays and a pair of Gunnars. Both seem to help my eyes fatigue wise. I originally bought them and used them to see if my sleep would be less affected from the computer screen, but I don't think they've helped in that regard.

I've used flux in the past but I find I like the glasses more.

If you want to try some out I'd suggest starting with Gamma Ray, they're significantly cheaper than Gunnar. Some are as low as 12-15 dollars. http://www.amazon.com/GAMMA-ESSENTIALS-Computer-Glasses-Harm...

kevinrpope
I wear Gunnars and think they're great. My eye strain was so bad I couldn't use a computer for more than about 10 minutes at a time, but now can go several hours before needing a break, and I recover faster as well. If you don't have severe eye strain the Gunnars may end up being a bit pricey. YMMV.