LCD or LED: Which is Better for Eyes?

In today’s digital era, millions of people have jobs that require us to stare at a computer screen for hours at a time, a practice that can damage our eyesight in the long run. 

Although we can’t really escape screens altogether, there are monitors that are certain displays that can reduce eye strain. 

This leads to the question: LCD or LED – which is better for the eyes?

Let’s find out. 

The Difference Between LCD and LED

Comparing an LCD vs LED monitor directly can be misleading because the terms “LED” and “LCD” refer to different aspects of the monitor technology. 

That’s because LCD, or Liquid Crystal Display, is a type of monitor that has a layer of liquid held between two pieces of polarised glass. But, the liquid pixels in LCD monitors don’t illuminate on their own. They need a separate component to backlight the screen, which is where LED comes into play. 

LEDs are light-emitting diodes, which are very small light bulbs that illuminate the screen. 

A LED monitor is essentially a type of LCD monitor.

Those LCDs that aren’t backlighted by LED technology use CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamps). They are cheaper but are far less common than they were in the past. 

That said, here are the main LCDs that use LED vs CCFL LCD monitor differences.

LCD vs LED power consumption 

LCDs that use LED are more energy-efficient and need less power than CCFL LCD screens to operate.

LCD vs LED screen: viewing angle

The quality of the viewing angle mostly depends on the type of LED technology that the LCD uses. Direct-view LEDs offer a better viewing angle than edge-lit LEDs.

When compared to CCFL LDCs, LED panels have a better angular view because they minimise saturation and retain the combination of RGB colours.

LCD vs LED TV: Response time

Since LED is the newer technology, it allows for higher refresh rates and better response time, compared to CCFL LCD displays.

LED vs LCD TV: Colour and Contrast

The biggest LCD and LED difference is in the contrast. LED backlighting can emit the entire RGB spectrum and provide a deeper RGB contrast.

LED TV vs LCD TV lifespan 

LED screens are believed to last longer than regular LCD displays. It is estimated that LED displays can last for up to 100,000 hours, while CCFL LCDs reach up to 75,000 hours.

LCD or LED: Which Is Better For Your Eyes?

When looking for a monitor that’s good for your eyes, you’ll need to consider a number of features – most of which you can find in a LED display.

For example, viewing angle availability plays an important part in reducing eye fatigue. LEDs have a better viewing angle than regular LCDs, though you can improve it further by buying an arm mount to ensure optimal monitor position.

Another important factor is brightness. Some displays, mostly LEDs, automatically adjust the brightness based on the lighting in the room and have additional settings that allow users to adjust it depending on what they’re using the monitor for (gaming, work, movies, etc).

LED displays can also adjust dimming without affecting picture quality. For example, LCD HDR( high dynamic range), which uses LED, can dim parts of the screen to give a more dynamic colour.

Finally, most LEDs have features aimed at preventing eye fatigue, like low blue filter technology (often referred to as ‘Reader’ or ‘Eye Saver’ mode) and backlight flickering prevention. 

LED or LCD Monitor For Gaming?

The most popular choice for gaming is LED LCD screens. 

But, what kind of LED monitor should you get?

A great option for casual and amateur gamers is a full-ray LED LCD monitor that has an IPS panel. These displays boast excellent colour contrasts, dimming options, and viewing angles. 

FPS gamers, on the other hand, should consider purchasing an LED LCD monitor with a TN panel because these monitors have the shortest response time.

Symptoms of Eye Fatigue

If you have trouble keeping your eyes focused on LED or LCD computers, you might be experiencing eye fatigue. 

Some of the most common symptoms of eyestrain include:

• Watery, red, irritated eyes.
• Blurred vision.
• Problem with focusing.
• Mild headache.
• Aching or heavy eyelids.
• Muscle spasms of the eyelid or the eye.

DID YOU KNOW: One of the main causes of eyestrain is blue light. Some studies have even suggested that it affects sleep because it disrupts the circadian rhythm and inhibits melatonin production. One way to counter this is getting a pair of blue light protection glasses.

Pros and Cons: LCD versus LED

If you’re looking to purchase a good monitor, but you’re still unsure whether you prefer an LCD vs LED screen, it might help to look at the pros and cons of each. 

LCD

PROS	CONS
Cheaper than LED monitors	Less energy-efficient Larger and ticker frame Limited viewing angle

LED

Pros

PROS	CONS
Energy-efficient Fast response time High contract Dimming options Longer life span	Pricier than regular LCDs.

Bottom Line 

If you’re still wondering whether you should opt for an LCD or LED monitor, the answer is simple– LED displays are always the better choice, regardless of whether you’re looking for a better viewing angle, picture quality, or anti- eye fatigue features.