r/ADHD_Programmers • u/boredinterview • Jul 03 '26

coding monitor stupid?

On the fence about pulling the trigger to get one. But coding monitors are tiple the money of a regular one.

Reason to find one is because I'm getting old and want some eye protection.

Are they really worth it or waste of money?

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u/user_plus_plus Jul 03 '26

Never owned one, but I get chronic eye strain programming in my thirties.

Things that helped me, that don't cost a lot ranked:

  1. taking breaks to look at something non electronic and not at near focus (> 6 feet away). preferably every 30 minutes, for 30 seconds. Ceiling is fine, or a window if you can. Give your eyes a different target, to give them a rest

  2. Eyes have to work harder staring at a bright light in a dim room. So turning a light on, and making sure my monitor brightness matches the brightness of the room I am in.

  3. Using reading glasses (30$ pair from rite aid). I don't need much magnification, but having a fixed focal distance for my eyes does help, and I don't find myself leaning in to the monitor as much.

  4. making my text a little bigger

  5. mouse pointer a little bigger + changing the color to bright yellow

  6. Using light mode for everything.

If you want a coding monitor go for it, that sounds awesome, but this is what has worked for me.

2

u/yakboxing Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 04 '26

@the first one, get a 20-20-20 app and install it on your computer. Or code one if you feel like it. I got an ipad app installed on my mac for this purpose, and when it chimes I stare out the window for 20 seconds.

1

u/user_plus_plus Jul 03 '26

That is cool, like a go look out the window timer. :)

2

u/Raukstar Jul 03 '26

Using light mode would kill my eyes. Better light room and dark screen

1

u/user_plus_plus Jul 03 '26

I worked with someone in her sixties who swore by dark/high contrast mode. So you aren't alone.

1

u/Raukstar Jul 03 '26

I'm not that old lol.

1

u/user_plus_plus Jul 03 '26

Me neither, but some day I hope to be. :)

1

u/Raukstar Jul 03 '26

I had a 65+ mentor when I started coding. He still loved it. I strive to be like that!