The pandemic hasn’t been easy on the eyes: With both work and entertainment online, most of us are grappling with dry eyes and eye strain. One of the most frequently asked question during consults therefore is, how big should my television screen be, and how far away should I sit from the television. Here is a handy guide for choosing both: size of TV screen, and viewing distance.
Bigger is better
The bigger the screen, the better it is for your eyes. Small screens make us focus more for details. This leads to decreased blinking, and consequently dry eyes. It also means converging our eyes more. This may lead to increased eye strain and headaches due to convergence spasms.
So, don’t watch your movies and shows on your mobile phone. Shift to your computer for longer emails also. Basic rule of thumb, try and work with the largest screen possible.
So is the largest screen the best? No.
Remember the Viewing Distance
The viewing distance has a great impact on our eyes, and therefore must be kept in mind when choosing a television. Remember, you can choose the TV you choose to buy, but your viewing distance is not that easily changed.
If you sit too close to your television, or if the screen is too big, you may get from eye strain and headaches. In fact, you may struggle to see the whole picture. On the other hand, if the screen is too far away, or if it is too small, you may have the same problem. Not only will the resolution of the television appear poor, you will struggle to see the details of the picture.
Here’s a simple rule to calculate optimal size of TV screen depending on viewing distance:
Viewing distance (in inches) divided by 2 = recommended TV size
Remember, the screen size used here is measured on the diagonal, and not horizontally, same as by the manufacturer. This is recommended viewing distance for 4K televisions (Ultra HD). In case your TV screen has a lower resolution, you may want to sit a little closer, or use a slightly larger screen for the same distance.
| TV Screen Size | Viewing Distance (for 4K) |
| 30″ | 3.0-4.1feet |
| 35″ | 3.5-4.8 feet |
| 40″ | 3.5 – 5.0 feet |
| 45″ | 3.5 – 5.5 feet |
| 50″ | 4.2 – 6.5 feet |
| 55″ | 4.5 – 7.0 feet |
| 60″ | 5.0 – 7.5 feet |
| 80″ | 6.5 – 10.0 feet |
Field of vision
Where do you sit? Remember to sit up straight, preferably in a chair with padded arms for maximum comfort. You may want a small pillow or a rolled-up towel under the small of your back for more comfort. You should sit where the screen fills up at least thirty degrees of your field of vision.
So, for a more theatre like immersive experience you may sit about a foot closer , but this may cause more eye strain.
How high should the TV be?
Once again, make sure you don’t have to crane your neck to see the screen, or look down at the screen. The optimal viewing angle must be such that the centre of the screen is at your eye level. Also, most of the action happens on the centre one third of the screen, and that’s where your gaze should be. The base of your TV should ideally be around two feet from the floor, so that the centre of the screen is at your eye level, which is around 40-inches, when you are sitting.
You will need to customise these measurements to best suit your viewing preference and comfort, but these guidelines are helpful in choosing both, the right screen size, as well as the viewing distance, for your room.
Tips to minimise eye strain when watching TV
- Decrease your screen time as much as possible. Avoid binge watching.
- Take frequent breaks. Get up to drink water, walk around for a few minutes, and stretch your limbs.
- Stop using screens at least an hour before bedtime to decrease sleep disturbances.
- Remember to blink. Close your eyes to relax them.
- Remember the 20-20-20 Rule. Every 20 minutes of screen time, close your eyes for 20 second, look at something 20 feet away before coming back to the screen.
- Maintain proper posture to avoid backache and chronic neck strain.
- Wear your prescribed glasses. Remember, you need an annual eye check up to make sure your power is up to date.
