We conducted an interview with Dr. Kim Sung-joon from Seoul National University Hospital’s ophthalmology department to discuss how the use of curved monitors can help viewers improve eye health.

Q. How have modern technology habits impacted eye health?

A: In the past, people used to read newspapers and books or watch TV while sitting on a sofa at a distance. However, they currently spend more time sitting in front of personal computers. They work for long periods with their eyes kept at a short distance from the screen. Such prolonged PC use and limited recovery time exposes people to factors that cause eye fatigue.

Q. In what way does maintaining a short eye-to-screen distance negatively affect users’ eye health?

A: When working on a computer, human eye muscles contract and tense to focus on objects in close distances. This may cause pseudomyopia, which is a temporary manifestation of myopia among people with healthy eyes. Although pseudomyopia does not necessarily become a chronic myopia, it is an unnatural activity for the eyes and therefore adds more fatigue. People who view PC monitors for a long time may develop VDT (Visual Display Terminal) Syndrome, which can cause headaches, eye pain, glare and dry eyes. We’ve seen an increase in patients suffering from VDT Syndrome during the last few years.

Q. How can curved monitors reduce visual fatigue?

A: My personal experience with curved monitors has been positive, and I encourage my patients to consider such technology as well. It was less straining on my eyes to look at the curved monitor compared with a flat-screen alternative, and I felt less long-term fatigue after extended use. There also is a psychological comfort in knowing that my eyes are softly surrounded. Generally, higher definition monitors often lead to more eye fatigue. However, curved monitors not only have better definition, but also have an optimal curvature so the eyes remain comfortable.

Most modern curved monitors come with features that help preserve eye health and enable uninterrupted long-term use. For instance, Samsung’s curved monitor contains an ‘Eye Saver Mode’ that limits exposure to blue light and visual inconsistencies that can increase eye fatigue. Blue light is one of the many wavelengths among visible light generated from monitors and affects the nerve circuits that control eye pain. Therefore, controlling blue light will reduce eye glare and the potential pain that occurs after using monitors for a long period. The impact of display screens on the eyes can also affect the system that controls the circadian rhythm, or the body’s biorhythm that enables natural sleep cycles and time flows. My patients were also satisfied when I showed them their test results on the curved screen.

Q. How do curved monitors alter users’ image perceptions?

A: Our eyes adjust the thickness of the crystalline lens to maintain focus when the distance to viewed objects changes. The curved monitor offers similar eye-to-object distance at all angles, ensuring the eyes do not have to work as hard to readjust the crystalline lens to focus. Consequently, eye fatigue is minimized. This effect is especially beneficial to elderly users whose lens adjustment function has degenerated.

When looking at an object, our eyes attempt to vividly capture the environment around the object as well. In layman’s terms, there are parts that we “consciously see” and parts that are “seen.” When an object has a curved shape, the image is more easily captured on the retina. Peripheral areas can be seen clearly. This is the Horopter Theory, which is the same principle applied to popular curved screens in big movie theaters.

According to this theory, our eyes perceive objects arranged along the Horopter line as collinear and conversely, the eyes experience depth perceptive of objects arranged along a horizontal line. The curved monitor’s surface helps viewers perceive the middle and side edges of the screen along a single horizontal line, making the experience much easier on their eyes. Generally, when using three monitors at the same time, people arrange them in a curved configuration. This is due to natural instinct to bring out optimal images through the retina. Curvature also delivers psychological comfort by creating a sense of ‘hugging’ the eye, which enhances stability and concentration.

* This article, written by reporter Jung Sim-Gyo, appeared in Korea’s JoongAng Ilbo newspaper on June 9, 2015.

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Samsung Electronics announced the expansion of its curved monitor line up with five new models – highlighted by the 29-inch SE790C, 31.5-inch SE590C and 27-inch SE591C. Completing the lineup are the new 23.5- and 27-inch SE510C. The company’s latest range of curved monitor solutions meets the diverse multimedia entertainment and multi-tasking needs of consumers.

Samsung Electronics’ new curved monitors feature industry-leading Vertical Alignment (VA) panel technology, which provides an optimal level of curvature, superior contrast ratio and significantly reduced backlight bleed, resulting in enhanced picture quality. These high-performing panels complement the natural curve of the human eye to deliver a more immersive, seamless and comfortable viewing experience, even in dark settings such as movie and gaming environments. The SE590C joins the SE790C in providing viewers with a best-in-class 3000R (curvature radius of 3,000 mm) curvature design. Along with the 4000R radius curvature of the SE591C and SE510C, the innovative design of Samsung Electronics’ curved monitors creates a distortion-free viewing with reduced reflection, less eye strain and unparalleled comfort.

“This year is shaping up to be the year of the curved monitor, as more consumers and businesses turn to curved displays to achieve a more comfortable viewing experience,” said Seog-Gi Kim, Senior Vice President of Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics. “As the company behind the launch of the industry’s first LED curved monitor, our introduction of this full curved lineup reflects our commitment to refine curvature design and picture quality, while also achieving energy efficiency and next-level innovation to provide a more natural, pleasurable viewing experience that our customers expect.”

Samsung Electronics’ lineup of new curved monitors is equipped with advanced features that further enhance viewing comfort. An eye-saver mode, which offers low blue light technology, helps to reduce the harmful effects of blue light on viewers’ eyes and associated eye strain, particularly during extended periods of screen use. Similarly, the monitors’ flicker-free function protects viewers’ eyes from the constant strain of flickering screens that can be experienced with standard monitors. As a result of the flicker-free technology, viewers can utilize their screens a lot longer with less eye fatigue.

For enhanced on-screen immersion, picture quality and entertainment, the monitors’ impressive static contrast ratios (ranging from 5000:1 for the SE590C to 3000:1 for most standard models) and high brightness (up to 350 cd/m2 with the SE590C and SE591C) produce life-like pictures with deeper blacks, pristine whites and brighter colors. The monitors also come with a game mode that intelligently detects changes in scenes by correcting blurry images, enhancing colors and altering contrast for improved visibility of in-game action. Together, these features ensure that viewers can enjoy multi-media content with more vibrant picture quality, clarity and intensity it deserves.

A sustainable design also reinforces the new curved monitor line-up’s ability to offer a richer and more energy-efficient experience. The monitor’s new eco-saving plus function offers the benefits of eco-saving technology by reducing screen brightness for increased energy efficiency. In addition to two standard manual settings, there is an auto-setting that reduces energy consumption by approximately 10 percent (based on the luminescence of the screen’s black sections).

Samsung Electronics’ 2015 lineup of curved monitors includes:

• SE790C Series – As the flagship of Samsung Electronics’ curved monitor portfolio, the 29-inch SE790C features an industry-leading 3000R radius curvature and Wide Full High Definition (WFHD) resolution. The SE790C also offers a best-in-class static contrast ratio of 3,000:1 and 21:9 wide display aspect ratio for an improved viewing and multi-tasking experience, particularly in darker settings. For enhanced comfort and productivity, the monitor’s refined, ergonomic design includes a height-adjustable stand (HAS) and VESA mount support, in addition to Picture-by-Picture (PbP) and Picture-in-Picture (PiP) 2.0 functionality. The SE790C’s built-in 7-watt dual stereo speakers deliver high-quality sound and a richer multi-media experience for added convenience.

• SE590C Series – With a best-in-class 3000R radius curvature and contrast ratio of 5,000:1, the 31.5-inch SE590C creates panoramic-like viewing with a wider field of view and reduces reflection for enhanced comfort. The monitor also delivers incredibly vibrant images and superior picture quality due to a high brightness of 350 cd/m2. Taking entertainment to the next level, the monitor comes with two built-in 5W dual stereo speakers and a proprietary sound engine.

• SE591C Series – Offering the same advanced contrast ratio and high brightness of the SE590C, the 27-inch SE591C curved monitor ensures viewers receive the best on-screen viewing experience possible. The cutting-edge curved monitor creates a 3D-like high effect ratio with a 4000R radius curvature that makes the screen seem larger than similar-sized flat screens and reduces visual eye strain. In response to customer demand, the monitor also boasts a distinctive design with a white glossy body unique to the SE591C.

• SE510C Series – Available in 23.5- and 27-inch models, the SE510C entry-level curved monitors are ideally suited for tech-savvy consumers who seek in optimized viewing comfort. The curved monitors’ feature a best-in-class contrast ratio of 3,000:1 and 4000R radius curvature, among many other enhanced comfort and usability functions.

To learn more about Samsung Electronics’ curved monitor portfolio, visit www.samsung.com.

KEY CURVED MONITOR SPECIFICATIONS