F.lux, Iris, and other free programs for blue light devices
Here is something that may be of use to some people, when we have to stare into our devices a little more than most people:
There are some free downloads out there that reduce the blue light on your screens as the sun goes down - apparently constantly staring into computer screens or any LED screen isn't too natural for our eyes, especially in the hours before bed so to get around that people have come up with these programs that give your screen a bit of an orange glow and take the edge of this phenomenon.
I have been using f.lux a couple of years now and at one point thought it wasn't making any difference until I bought a new computer and the glaring light that hit me was a bit of a shock till installed f.lux on it, and it definitely was easier on the eyes. Obvsiously some people won't like it, especially if colors are important to them in their work, but I got used to it pretty quick and only notice when it is not there - eg now that I have had to switch on high performance mode in my laptop to overcome a strange screen save mode that appeared suddenly from 'nowhere'.
But do these programs really reduce the screen light output to 'natural' levels equivalent to what our eyes have evolved for? Well I got to test this theory last summer because I'm living in a country where it gets dark at almost 11.30pm at the height of summer, so we don't have to switch on any sources of light - and when the computer screen is the only source of light in the house on an evening like that even with f.lux, boy it was so glaring!
Apparently we are supposed to give our eyes a little rest from the blue light a few hours before bed in order to get proper sleep hormones working for us. Some people connect their computer to their tv so they get to use the blue light blocking programs on there.
There are some other programs out there just like f.lux, Iris I hear could be even superior. And a quick google shows there are quite a few others, eg http://alternativeto.net/software/f-lux/
Anyone else using any of these, and what do you think?
ps they are free, I'm not an affiliate or anything.
Moz
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Not important... it's not in the headline so you could not find it (next time I will): Something for your eyes!
Yes, it's all about the headline ;)
I see you were testing it - I got used to it at first and only when I went to a computer without it boy did I see the difference. Also, it is not 100% like natural light, just a great help.
Yes, I'm still using it! I like it, but sometimes I am working with my 3D software, then I have to disable it...
Thanks, Gerlinde
I have not heard of this tool before, but definitely will try it...My eyesight is poor and the many hours behind the screen strain them a lot...ANYTHING that will help is useful...Thanks for the tip! Cheers! Dave : )
These tools certainly reduce the effect of the LED screens - which actually we don't even notice until we reduce that effect - at first I thought f.lux was no big deal, then I got a new computer without it installed and OMG the glare! We are just so used to that glare.
Another tip is work in natural light if you can, like beside a window. The light can totally reduce the effect the glare has on our eyes according to the experts. I actually was beside a window with the blind down until I heard that, up it goes now!
And even replace LED lights in your home [notice they are all becoming the fashion!] but those with the Kelvin temperatures apparently are more natural light and easier on the eyes...
I don't have an ipad, but I see they have been developed for mac so I'm thinking there might be a program out there - would be nice to hear if anyone found one?
A nice compliment to F.lux is the free G.lux.....looking into both alternatives, as my evening use has increased dramatically. Thank you for this!
There seem to be a bunch of programs out there, and I'm hearing Iris may be better than f.lux. I just looked up the g.lux and it seems to be trying to copy f.lux for people who for some reason can't install f.lux. The g.lux website certainly gives a blurb on just how important these things are for our overall health, from eyes to lots of other things like sleep. But I see it is getting a 3 star review...?
ps apparently it's important to give the eyes a break from the blue light a couple of hours before bed - I know how difficult that is though!
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Not heard of it, but will try it out .Thank you for sharing.