The Pros and Cons of Using an Anti-Glare Filter at Work

News

Businessman preparing a presentation using his work laptop with an anti-glare filter.

It's rare that the light conditions in the office will be perfect all day. Natural light changes in intensity and moves, with artificial light working well in some areas and causing glare in others. Anti-glare filters are an easy solution for a range of light issues in the workplace.

Pros of an Anti-Glare Filter

There are a number of benefits you can take advantage of when it comes to using an anti-glare filter.

#1 Anti-Glare Filters Aid Ergonomics

Many workers don’t even realise that they change their posture to avoid glare. Others know they’re doing it but don’t understand the risk of sitting in an awkward position. Craning your neck to avoid a glary screen can create discomfort or an injury.  Using an anti-glare filter means you don’t need to shift in your seat. Your filter stays constant despite the changing light conditions in the office.

#2 Reduced Eye Strain

Anti-glare filters can help people who experience eye strain. With an anti-glare filter on their monitor, it enhances the vibrancy of deep colours. A filter can also stop some of the blue light reaching your eyes, which is particularly beneficial when working at night.

#3 Anti-Glare Filters Can Help Limit Distractions

There are plenty of things (or even colleagues) that can distract you in the office. While there's not much you can do about some things, you don’t have to put up with glare. When you’re experiencing screen glare, you’re likely to be more distracted and not as productive as you could be. A bright spot on your screen may make it hard to see the entire display and can even cause you to make a mistake.

#4 Anti-Glare Filters are Inexpensive

When it comes to ergonomic aids, few come as cheap as an anti-glare filter. Considering the number of hours you stare at a screen all day, an anti-glare filter is a tiny outlay.

#5 Protection for Your Monitor

Your monitor is at risk of damage from scratches and contaminants like dust and dirt. An anti-glare filter provides protection for your computer screen. It’s far cheaper to replace an anti-glare protector than it is to attempt to get a replacement computer screen.

Cons of an Anti-Glare Filter

Anti-glare filters aren’t for everyone, and there are a couple of factors to consider when it comes to deciding whether or not an anti-glare filter is right for you.

#1 True Colours Can Be Distorted with Anti-Glare Filters

There aren’t many occupations that need to see true colours on their screen, but there are a few out there. A graphic designer or printer may need to put up with the glare to ensure the colour on their computer screen isn’t distorted by any type of anti-glare device.

#2 Fingerprints on Anti-Glare Filters

If you can’t help but touch the screen, your fingerprints will show up even more if you have an anti-glare filter. The matte appearance means fingerprints are more obvious than a naked computer screen. The good news is you can easily clean fingerprints, dust and grime from your screen. Just use a clean, lightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe over your screen.

Do You Need an Anti-Glare Filter? 

If you’re working from home, chances are the light conditions aren’t as good as at work. An anti-glare filter can stop some of the light hitting your monitor causing glare.

If you find yourself shifting in your chair trying to avoid glare ,or you’re suffering from eye strain, it’s worth trying an anti-glare filter. For more information, see the 3M Anti-Glare Filter for Widescreen Desktop.

If you'd like to discuss whether or not an anti-glare filter would be beneficial for you or your staff, get in touch with Ergolink by calling (08) 9240 7066 or contact us online.