Hi from a person who knows nothing about computers, other than using them. 😖

I have had sensitivity to screens for 8 years now. My ancient iPad 3 doesn’t give me symptoms but everything else (including my MacBook Air 2019) will give me eyestrain.

I have been reading this forum, 10 minutes a day (eyestrain doesn’t allow me to read for any longer) for a few months and am confused with different suggestions I read here in terms of OS, card, GPU, etc.

From what I read, Windows 10 seems to be the most popular option in terms of OS. Can anyone recommend a good computer/monitor/Videocard/Os setup so that I can pass it on to a computer guy so that he can put it together for me?

    Hi Denise. Can you ask your IT guy if he can install an older version of windows 10 (1511), with updates disabled, on your MacBook using Boot Camp Assistant? You'll be able to switch between macOS and Windows and compare if one is better than the other. Screen flickering/PWM may also be a factor in your symptoms. Try connecting a flicker-free monitor (such as Dell U2422H) to your MacBook and compare it to the retina screen. Post back your results.

      Hey so I have a setup that works for me:

      CPU: i7 7400, GPU/Video card: NVIDIA 1650 super, OS: Windows 10

      Monitor: AOC 27" IPS 27G2

      Staycalmsyndrome I understand what you're trying to suggest, but given the issues some people have installing older versions of Windows 10 on newer laptops, this might be the case here because "MacBook Air 2019".

          It may be hard to find a "one size fits all" solution. A few things that definitely wouldn't hurt trying are starting with screens that are (or claim to be) flicker free. Also, use a panel that is not HDR compatible. I say this because pretty much anything you buy right now will be an 8 bit panel and this can help avoid temporal dithering should you be sensitive to it.

          I have the BenQ GW2780T. I'm able to use it for hours. I do have an older GPU (nVidia 1070). Running up to date Windows 10. My i7 isn't compatible for Win11.

            JTL Where there is a will, there is a way. The drivers can be modded to work on older operating systems. One example is this video driver by Deathbringer. Setting brightness will not work, unfortunately, and you'll have to use a Dimmer app. Also, i would keep SDI Origin on an external flash drive and run it if it doesn't find the wifi drivers. If wifi is still not recognised then maybe consider an external wifi dongle.

            • JTL replied to this.

                denise_eca
                Hi Denise,

                i agree with @Staycalmsyndrome! I suggest you to try W11 via bootcamp, if it's not good try W10 with the last update and an older version like the 1511. Maybe you will be able to use that computer without spending too much.

                My desktop PC is: AMD 480 8GB + Alienware AW2518HF (240hz monitor) + W10 21H1
                The laptop i am using for work is not usable for me with W10 and also W11, it's a DELL latitude 7420. I've fixed the problem with an external portable monitor: UPERFECT 17" connected via display port.

                I am also using a pair of glass to fix my 0,75 astigmatism. It's really important to me otherwise my eyes start to burn also in front of a good setup.

                    Lauda89 Windows 11 definitely needs some time in the oven, in my opinion. Microsoft rushed it for the 12th gen Intel launch. The interface is slow as heck. Rufus has an “Extended Windows 11 Installation (no TPM / no Secure Boot)” image option that let's you install it on unsupported cpu's.

                      Staycalmsyndrome I'm not saying there isn't, in fact I do know how such modded drivers are created. What I would be concerned about trying to force an older version of Windows working on modern hardware for the purposes of this test would be if theoretical driver/firmware interactions contributed to eyestrain (not the craziest idea in the world) thus spoiling any test results. That being said the OP and their IT guy can get a Windows 10 installation running on this MacBook with proper drivers I'd be curious to hear about it too.

                          Staycalmsyndrome That sounds like something doable. I will definitely try that and post back the results. Fingers crossed. Thank you.

                            Clokwork I think it would be easier to find old GPUs in second hand computers, which can be a good thing as they are usually cheaper.. I will try that.

                              Lauda89 Reading your answers is giving me some hope! I will try all of those options. Thank you.

                                JTL I will try it and get back to you all. Hopefully It will work. =)

                                  last good for me: alienware alpha(Nvidia 750) + dell U2414 screen. the U24 dells are the only screens everyone agrees on here.

                                    My setup that works for me is:

                                    GPU: Nvidia Quadro K4200 (these can be found on ebay for around $90 USD)

OS: Linux Mint / Windows 10 20H2. 

Monitor: Dell UP2720Q and U2720Q

                                    Try to use Windows 10 1511 or Windows 7 if you can. Finding a good quality monitor that your eyes agree with is also very important. A lot of people report Nano IPS monitors cause them eyestrain so its probably best to avoid those type of monitors also.

                                      Hello Denise.

                                      Depending on your location and your triggers, my solution may not be helpful.

                                      In my case, I can't find any relief on any LED monitors, whether it's supposedly flicker-free or or full of anti-blue light filters. Therefore, I depend on the refurbished market of old CCFL-backlit monitors. I managed to buy Dell 2209WA, 2009WT, and now I'm even looking for old CCFL 120Hz monitors for gaming, and Dell U2410 for work. Where I live in France, such refurbished market is quite strong, so I have many opportunities to find them. Even old 4:3 screens coming from companies or my friends and family are usable for me. They are not the "sexiest" screens out there but I can't complain, they are perfect for secondary monitors.

                                      With CCFL monitors, I've been able to use W7, W10 with all versions (1809, 1909, latest 2HXX versions), and many Linux OS. I can work and play with them all day long with no issues.

                                      I'm willing to try modern monitors like the ones described in this thread, but I already can't find any new phones and buying and sending them back is already tiring for me. I'll wait for such monitors

                                        SAH I'm in Spain. Most French online stores will ship to Spain. Where do you usually buy your second hand monitors?

                                        Another question Jack reaganry @Lauda89 and SAH, when you say you use Windows 10, do you also use dithering.exe, or Windows 10 (or 7) itself already helps?

                                        • SAH replied to this.

                                                  denise_eca Ah I'm French and Spanish, that's cool 🙂

                                                  Indeed, the website I used is also in Spain. I bought the 2009WT on backmarket (https://www.backmarket.es/) for about 80€ with 2 years warranty, like-new. Of course compared to nowadays monitors, it's not a good price, but it was a lifesaver for me at work. There's something cool about backmarket, it's the fact we can send the product back in 30 days if we don't like it : https://help.backmarket.com/hc/es/articles/360031517873-Derecho-de-desistimiento-en-Back-Market-c%C3%B3mo-funciona-

                                                  I see many monitors I could PERSONALLY use like these : https://www.backmarket.es/monitor-24-led-wuxga-dell-2407wfpb-segunda-mano/528308.html#l=10

                                                  https://www.backmarket.es/monitor-22-lcd-wsxga-dell-e2208wfpt-segunda-mano/21140.html#l=12

                                                  Globally, most monitors before LEDs appeared on the market, before 2012.

                                                  The second website I use is Leboncoin. It's a website to sell things between people in France, similar to Wallapop used in Spain. I bought my 2209WA for about 45€ on it. It's the one I'm using right now for teleworking.

                                                  Hope it helps

                                                      dev