The optimal viewing distance for reading is called the Harmon Distance. It's normally the distance from your knuckles to your elbow. Of course, vision problems and aging can require adjustments, but that's a good starting place.
> The optimal viewing distance for reading is called the Harmon Distance.
I’m not an expert here (I had to look up the Harmon Distance), but from what I understand from other reading about eye strain, this should be rephrased as:
“Reading gets less comfortable if the material is any closer than the Harmon Distance, with some variation depending on age and individual differences between people.”
In particular, there are two factors that make focusing at close distance uncomfortable: (1) you need to flex the ciliary muscles to focus the lens (this is called “accommodation”), and (2) you need to flex the medial rectus muscles to rotate the eyes inward to point at the same spot (this is called “convergence”).
Both sets of muscles start getting strained if you look at a very close object for a long time with no breaks.
Looking at further away objects, even all the way out to the horizon, isn’t really a problem though.
Interesting. I've been playing a bit with the Oculus Rift DK2, and if I understand things correctly[1], if/when they up the resolution one more "level" beyond the DK2, it should actually be possible to use for many kinds of work. UI design people will need to realize that mile-high letters on the horizon are better than thin lettering close to the head, first (I'm looking at you, Elite:Dangerous docking bulletin board etc).
No anchors in the page, I'm referring to: "Will the Oculus Rift cause eye strain after extended use?
The Oculus Rift causes very little eye strain, particularly compared to other standard displays or headmounts.
Normally, when you take a break from using a monitor or TV, the idea is to give your eyes a chance to focus and converge on a distant plane. This is a natural position of rest for your eyes.
With the Oculus Rift, your eyes are actually focused and converged in the distance at all times. It’s a pretty neat optical feature."
I think a large screen with large text at a greater distance is far more comfortable. Is there a good source for any reason why closer would be better?
