Ow, My Eyes! (Part 2)

A quick follow-up to my previous post...

Still straining your eyes?  If you're still using a CRT monitor, check the refresh rate.  Some people are more sensitive (i.e. bigger babies) than others, but I quickly had a headache if I used a refresh rate below 75 Hz.  The default is 60 Hz, but most monitors offer higher settings.  Here are instructions for changing this in Windows XP.

If you're using an LCD monitor, it doesn't matter.  Those newer monitors don't flicker in the first place, at least not at a speed that's detectable by the human eye.

If you're a night owl, you might also try out F.lux.  It's a free app (for Windows, Mac, and Linux) that adjusts the brightness and tint of your screen to more closely match the artificial light in the room.  During the day, it's bright (like normal), but at sunset it slowly dims to a warmer color tone that's easier on your tired eyes.

I installed it a few days ago on our iMac at home and I like it so far.  F.lux is not ideal for editing pictures, or any other color-sensitive work, but it can be temporarily disabled when necessary.  It's recommended on lifehacker and on Cult of Mac.