Importance of keeping your viewing distance while watching TV

Whenever we plan to watch a movie in theaters, most of us definitely prefer seats somewhere in the middle, rather than sitting right at the front or end of the theater. While it’s not quite the same when it comes to watching TV, we’ll still be looking for that prime spot that will make watching TV a good experience. What we want to feel exactly is the essence of a horror movie or an action movie, without straining our eyes or getting a headache.

While this fact is not true that sitting too close and watching TV can cause permanent damage to your eyes, it can definitely cause strain that leads to blurred vision. Most people try to squeeze the biggest screen in their homes; however, if your room is small, then it is not a good idea. One should maintain a proper viewing distance while watching TV based on the size of the screen. In general, it is recommended to maintain a distance of about 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal measurement of the screen, with a viewing angle of approximately 30 degrees. For example, if you have a 40″ TV, you should be sitting between 5 and 8.3 feet away from the screen.

So why is it important to maintain a proper viewing distance while watching TV?

The basic reason for maintaining proper viewing distance is to avoid eyestrain and headache. Excessive eye strain can cause blurry vision, which could cause minor vision problems down the road. In addition to maintaining a proper viewing distance, you should also watch TV in a properly lit room. Watching TV in poor lighting causes unnecessary eye strain as your eyes have to work really hard to see the picture. Therefore, proper viewing distance must be combined with adequate lighting to prevent eye strain and fatigue.

So how far away should you sit while watching TV?

Consider viewing your television from a distance of five times the width of the television screen. So watch a 42″ HDTV from 15′ away. The 15′ distance was a bit far. However, if you feel like it’s too far away, keep 10-12′ away on the 42″ HDTV. Again, if you are watching a 52″ TV, keep a distance of 6.5′ – 10.8′ (2.0m – 3.3m) from the screen.

So, as a piece of advice, use your common sense and step away from the TV if your eyes start to hurt. Be sure to watch TV from a distance that allows you to comfortably read text on the screen without dazzling or straining your eyes.