this post was submitted on 03 Sep 2023
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Migraine

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I’m a graphic designer who works from home and I have an ancient monitor with a 60 hz refresh rate. I’m pretty sure that’s not helping my migraines so I’m looking to get something with a higher refresh rate to help with the flicker. I don’t think an EyeCare monitor is a great pick for me because of my job, but ideally I’d love the ability to set custom brightness profiles so I can toggle between “working at vampire light levels” and “checking color fidelity”. My current monitor lets you set one custom profile.

From what I’m seeing online getting at least a 70 hz refresh rate can help with migraines. Are there any other specs I should pay attention to as I shop?

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Two further suggestions that help me:
Get a backlight for your monitors (cheap amazon things that plug into USB). This decreases the contrast between the bright monitor, and the darker background.
I also wear anti-glare glasses.

[–] WhoRoger 1 points 1 year ago

I don't know the current state of the monitors market, but I don't think refresh rate is that big of a deal if you mostly work with static screens.

Tho it does make scrolling smoother too. It depends on whether it is a trigger for you in the first place. If it is, then yea you might want a 90+ Hz screen, but it's not a given.

With LCD screens, what's important is the refresh rate of the backlight LEDs - it really should be nearing 1 kHz. But I don't know if anyone advertises or tests this anymore.

Generally, monitors for graphics work tend to be easier on the eyes due to qualities like: more neutral white point, better coating nont glossy), larger gamut, lower contrast, lower minimum backlight - compared to gaming or office monitors, which often go in the opposite direction. Profiles tend to be quite common these days, I think.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

As a graphic artist of 30+ years and fellow migraine sufferer, good monitors are worth every penny for me. Dealing with a migraine today for that matter.

I use an LG Ultrafine 5K 27” in combination with my 13” MacBook as the secondary screen and this setup has been really good for me. I’ve had larger screens, which are always tempting, but find 27” is the sweet spot. Larger screen means more light and not quite as sharp. Which brings me to the 5K resolution. 4K is good but the 5K really helps me with eye strain and it may not seem like a big deal but it’s made a big difference for me.