Can different monitor background and text colors reduce VDT eye strain?
If you've ever tried to decide with a roommate, what color to paint a room or what color fabric to buy for a window covering, and had difficulty finding a color that you both thought was great, that's because color is a matter of personal taste. Individuals have a set of colors that makes them feel comfortable, and a set that makes them uncomfortable. These color combinations vary from one person to another, and may even be a function of personality.1 Additionally, some colors may feel right for some applications, but not for others. Some may be pleasant at one time of day, and disagreeable at others. Some may calm, while others may create stress.2 Some stimulate the focusing mechanism, while others promote relaxation of this system. Whatever the reasons, color affects people in different ways.
Researchers have been fascinated with color and its effects on the visual system, not only because colors affect readability, but for some, it also seems to affect reading comprehension. Studies are now in progress to determine the effect of color on children diagnosed with visual problems and learning disabilities. Some psychologists argue that some individuals perform better with specific tinted overlays on reading material. The affected individuals have demonstrated a difference in reading speed and comprehension with different foreground character colors and complementary background colors.
Also noteworthy is that a search of the available literature on color showed that yellow seems to be a universally irritating color under which to work. It was found that babies cry more in yellow rooms, husbands and wives fight more in yellow kitchens, and opera singers throw more tantrums in yellow dressing rooms. 3
The Solutions In Sight system by Eye 2 Eye Inc. contains a software package which allows users to scientifically, yet simply, pre-select their own optimal background and text color combinations, and have them readily accessible for change, as desired. The program allows the user to override the Windows default settings of black text on a white background for most Windows programs, and to instantly change to any of seven user-defined and preset combinations, or back to black text on a white background. Once the program is installed, these pre-selected combinations can be called upon at any time, with a simple pressing of keys, to change the text and background colors of most Windows applications. For your convenience, the Color Optimizer comes with eight pre-defined text and background color combinations. The user can redefine and store seven of these pre- selected combinations by going through a simple yet scientific personal selection routine.
The enhanced comfort obtained while operating your VDT within your own personalized color environment, is truly remarkable. Change your color schemes "on-the-fly" as you work. Use a different color combination for each application, or as your mood dictates. Take control of your work environment, rather than letting it take hold of you. You'll feel better and work more comfortably. Solutions In Sight system is only available from Eye 2 Eye.
References:
1. Pantone Color Institute, 590 Commerce Blvd., Carlstadt, New Jersey, 07072-3098; (201)935-5500 (e-mail pci@pantone.com) (http://www.pantone.com).
J. Terwogt, Colors and Emotions: Preferences and Combinations, Journal of General Psychology, 122 (01-01-1995) p. 5.
L. Trent, On the Importance of Color, Nursing Homes, 43 (09-01-1994) p. 48.
2. G. Ward, Colors and Employee Stress Reduction, Supervision, 56 (02- 01-1995) p. 3.
3. Color Matters (http://www.lavanet/~colorcom/optics.html)
Contact Eye2Eye by fax or phone at 1-888-Eye2Eye (1-888-393-2393) or 416-410-6557
e-mail: info@eye2eye.com
