Watching TV at close range for a long time can make your eyes tired, dry and tense. This habit will even have an impact on other parts of the body, such as soreness because the neck has to look up or look down when watching TV too closely. So, what is the ideal distance to watch TV? Let's look at the complete information in the description below.
What is the Ideal Distance to Watch TV?
The ideal TV viewing distance is around eight to ten feet from the screen. The general rule is at least five times the distance from the screen. For example, if the TV in your house is 32 inches wide, the optimal TV viewing distance is 160 inches or around 13 feet. Apart from calculating distance, you need to consider comfort when watching TV. As long as you can see the screen clearly and feel comfortable, then the TV viewing distance is probably correct. It's not just about distance, the position of the TV and seating is also important to prevent eye strain. Position the TV at eye level or lower to prevent straining your vertical eye muscles or neck, whether the TV is mounted on a wall or placed on a table. Also read: 9 Simple TV Room Design Ideas Without a Sofa in 2022
What are the dangers of watching TV too closely?
Watching TV too closely can result in poor eye conditions, such as tired eyes, strain, and blurred or double vision. Even other body parts such as the neck and back can feel sore. Why is that? Find out the answer below.
1. Eye Strain
Eye strain or asthenopia is an eye condition that causes various symptoms, including eye fatigue, pain in or around the eyes, headaches, and blurred vision. This happens because your eyes focus on close objects for quite a long time. As a result, the ciliary muscles tighten and produce symptoms of eye strain. Asthenopia can also occur because you tend to blink less when watching TV. The average eye blink is about eighteen times per minute. Blinking very infrequently can result in dry, tired, itchy eyes and even a burning sensation. Focusing too much on small, bright objects in a dark room can also cause eye strain. In a dark room, your iris will open wider to let in more light. However, the iris fails to close as much as it should to focus on a bright screen.
2. Tight Neck Muscles
Apart from eye strain, your neck can also experience strain when you watch TV too closely. Moreover, the position when watching TV is not good, such as lying down or the nape of the neck looking down or looking up too much. Apart from that, the majority of people watch TV while sitting still and do little physical activity. As a result, your neck muscles become tense, and muscle strength can even decrease. Also read: What is Low Back Pain? Types, Causes and How to Prevent Them
Tips for Good TV Placement
How to determine the ideal distance for watching TV correctly? Apart from adjusting the distance, you need to position the TV comfortably and adjust the angle at which the TV is placed. The following are tips for good TV placement that you can apply at home.
1. Determine the TV Position
The position of the TV greatly influences comfort when watching. Here, you need to determine whether the TV will be placed on a table or attached to the wall. If it is going to be attached to a wall, you need a TV bracket that is attached to the wall. Avoid placing the TV too high, so that you don't look up while watching it. Meanwhile, if the TV is placed on a table, you need a support pole that functions as the TV's feet so that it doesn't fall easily. Make sure the position is appropriate to your eye distance so that it is not too low or too high. Also read: 15 bedroom wall paintings that are suitable for various styles
2. Set the angle of the TV
When determining the position of the TV, don't forget to set the angle at eye level, so that your eyes don't get tired quickly. You can also adjust the angle of the TV to a sitting position while watching. This is done so that your eyes are level with the TV screen.
3. Balance the Screen
You need to pay attention to the balance of the TV screen, especially when determining its position and adjusting the angle at which it is placed. The balance in question is that the TV screen is not tilted and is symmetrical. You need to pay attention to this so that you feel comfortable when watching your favorite shows and don't make your eyes tired quickly.
4. Pay attention to lighting
Avoid placing the TV with a light source behind it. Because, this can cause glare and your eyes will quickly feel tired. As a result, you don't focus when watching your favorite shows on your TV screen. The light source in question is a lamp or sunlight during the day. Also read: 5 Standards for Room Lighting in the Workplace So, those are some of the things you need to pay attention to regarding the ideal distance for watching TV. Make sure you feel safe and comfortable after positioning the TV. This is important to pay attention to in order to maintain your body's health, especially your sitting position when watching. Use ergonomic furniture chairs that are specially designed to improve the comfort and safety of your posture when sitting watching TV. An ergonomic chair can ensure your body posture remains upright to reduce pressure on the neck, waist and spine. Your body will not quickly feel tired and sore, because your sitting position is correct and the distance for watching TV is also appropriate. You can get this ergonomic chair at PEXIO, an office furniture supplier and interior design service that provides premium quality ergonomic furniture. Interested in using an ergonomic chair for your comfort and body health? Visit the official PEXIO website or contact directly for more information. 