What is UGR and what should you know about anti-glare recommendations

·January 5, 2026

·9 min read

What is UGR and what should you know about anti-glare recommendations — Image Source: unsplash

Unified Glare Rating (UGR) measures indoor glare and helps you create comfortable environments. Glare can lead to eye strain, headaches, and fatigue, which lowers your productivity. Nearly 68% of office workers report digital eye strain symptoms, while 58% experience Computer Vision Syndrome from poor lighting. You can benefit from anti-glare solutions in modern displays, such as BOE UB Cell 4.0, BNL, and BOE Tandem technologies. These advanced options use innovative coatings and smart features to reduce visual discomfort and protect your eyes.

Key Takeaways

Understand UGR: Unified Glare Rating measures glare from lighting. Lower UGR values lead to less eye strain and better comfort.
Aim for UGR below 19: For offices and classrooms, maintaining UGR below 19 reduces eye strain and enhances productivity.
Choose advanced displays: Technologies like BOE UB Cell 4.0 offer low UGR values and smart features to protect your eyes and improve image quality.
Implement anti-glare strategies: Use smart shading, diffusing materials, and indirect lighting to create a comfortable visual environment.
Check UGR ratings: Always consider UGR ratings when selecting lighting and display products to ensure optimal eye comfort.

UGR Basics and Importance

What is UGR

Unified Glare Rating (UGR) gives you a way to measure glare from artificial lighting. UGR helps you understand how much discomfort glare causes in indoor spaces. The system uses mathematical formulas that consider the brightness of light sources and the background. You can rely on UGR to provide a consistent evaluation, even though people perceive glare differently based on age or vision.

UGR was first introduced in CIE 117:1995. It set a standard for measuring discomfort glare using uniform brightness assumptions. As LED technology advanced, experts improved the UGR formula. New methods now use imaging-based data for more accurate glare assessment.

Several factors affect UGR in your environment:

The arrangement of light fixtures
The reflectance of surfaces
The direction of light
Your position as the observer

Modern display technologies, such as BOE UB Cell 4.0, BNL, and BOE Tandem, use advanced engineering to minimize glare. For example, BOE UB Cell 4.0 has evolved from version 1.0 to 4.0, improving color gamut reflectance (BT2020 90% to 100%), refresh rate (120Hz to 165Hz), and color accuracy (STW G1 to G2). These upgrades help achieve ultra-low reflectance (0.7%) and UGR values below 5, which means you experience less discomfort and better visual clarity.

Why UGR Matters

You need to pay attention to UGR because it directly affects your comfort, health, and productivity. High UGR values lead to more eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. Offices with UGR below 19 report fewer cases of eye strain and better focus. Good lighting conditions reduce fatigue and help you stay productive.

Here is a table that shows how different UGR ranges impact your experience:

UGR Range	Description	Effects
10-13	Barely perceptible glare	Minimal discomfort
16-19	Acceptable for offices/classrooms	Generally comfortable
19-22	Endurable but causes discomfort	Increased visual discomfort
28+	Unbearable for most people	Severe discomfort, eye strain, reduced focus

You can see that UGR below 19 is ideal for offices and classrooms. UGR above 19 increases the risk of eye strain and fatigue. UGR above 28 creates harsh lighting that most people cannot tolerate.

Modern anti-glare solutions, such as BOE UB Cell 4.0, BNL, and BOE Tandem, help you achieve lower UGR values. BOE UB Cell 4.0 uses AI adaptive adjustment, circular polarization eye protection, and dynamic clarity technology to keep UGR below 5. These features simulate natural light and protect your eyes. You benefit from perfect image quality, high contrast, and smart display functions. Brands like Hisense, Skyworth, and Changhong use these technologies in their premium products.

Tip: Choosing displays and lighting with low UGR values and anti-glare features helps you create a healthier and more comfortable environment.

UGR Measurement and Standards

How UGR is Calculated

You can measure UGR using a formula that considers several factors in your environment. The calculation helps you understand how much glare you experience from artificial lighting. The main elements include the brightness of the light source, the brightness of the background, the size and position of the light source, and your viewing angle. Here is a table that breaks down these factors:

Factor	Description
Lb	Background luminance (cd/m²). This refers to the brightness of surfaces like walls and ceilings. Room size and surface reflectivity affect this value.
L	Luminance of the glare source (cd/m²). This is the brightness of the light fitting as seen by your eyes.
ω	Solid angle subtended by the source (steradians). This depends on the size and position of the light fitting and where you sit.
P	Guth Position Index. This relates to the position of the light source and your viewing direction.

You can influence UGR by adjusting lighting design and room layout. For example:

Use light fixtures with lower brightness.
Space fixtures more closely together.
Choose larger luminous surfaces.
Increase ceiling height.

Advanced display technologies, such as BOE UB Cell 4.0, BNL, and BOE Tandem, use innovative engineering to keep UGR values low. BOE UB Cell 4.0 has evolved through several generations, improving color reflectance, refresh rate, and color accuracy. You benefit from ultra-low reflectance and UGR values below 5, which means less glare and better visual comfort.

Recommended UGR Values

You should know the recommended UGR values for different environments. International standards suggest that offices and classrooms should have UGR values of 19 or less for optimal comfort. Industrial spaces can tolerate higher values, but visual comfort remains important. Here is a table showing typical recommendations:

Type of area, task or activity	Maximum UGR
Offices	16-25
Classrooms	16-25
Industrial spaces	16-28

Most experts agree that UGR below 19 creates a comfortable environment. You can achieve this by selecting anti-glare lighting and display solutions. BOE UB Cell 4.0, BNL, and BOE Tandem technologies offer advanced anti-glare features and maintain UGR well below recommended limits. These solutions support healthy vision and enhance your experience in offices, classrooms, and homes.

Tip: When you choose lighting or display products, always check their UGR rating. Lower UGR means less glare and better eye comfort.

Anti-Glare Solutions and Technologies

Anti-Glare Lighting Strategies

You can improve visual comfort in offices and classrooms by using effective anti-glare lighting strategies. Many solutions help reduce glare and create a healthier environment. The following table summarizes proven methods for minimizing glare:

Strategy	Description
Smart Shading Systems	Motorized blinds and solar shades filter direct sunlight while allowing natural light, adjusting automatically based on conditions.
Light Diffusing Materials	Frosted glass and matte surfaces scatter light evenly, reducing harsh shadows and reflections.
Indirect Lighting Fixtures	Distributes light across ceilings or walls, softening brightness and reducing contrast.
Low-Glare LED Panels	Fixtures with diffusers minimize hotspots and maintain consistent light levels.
Tunable White Lighting	Adjusts color temperature throughout the day to enhance comfort and reduce eye fatigue.
Task Lighting	Provides focused illumination, allowing users to control their immediate lighting environment.
Integrated Lighting Controls	Automates lighting adjustments based on environmental conditions, improving visual comfort.

You can also use these practical tips to further reduce glare:

Use diffusers or frosted lenses to soften light output.
Install dimmers or lighting controls to adjust brightness.
Move light sources away from direct lines of sight.
Rearrange furniture to avoid direct exposure to light fixtures.
Reduce the number of fixtures in a space.
Use blinds or curtains to block excessive sunlight.

Tip: Smart lighting systems and anti-glare films on windows can automatically adjust brightness and block unwanted reflections, making your workspace more comfortable.

Choosing Anti-Glare Screens

Selecting the right anti-glare screen for your computer or mobile device helps protect your eyes and improve visibility. Anti-glare screens diffuse ambient light, which reduces reflections and minimizes eye strain. When you choose a screen, consider these important features:

Impact on color fidelity. Some anti-glare screens may alter displayed colors, which matters for tasks that require high accuracy, such as graphic design or medical imaging.
Type of anti-glare coating. Different coatings block light in various ways and affect image quality.
Screen size and resolution. Larger screens with higher resolution often provide better clarity and reduce the need for brightness adjustments.
Compatibility with your environment. Anti-glare coatings work best in bright spaces, while anti-reflective coatings suit indoor settings with artificial lighting.

You can benefit from both anti-glare and anti-reflective coatings:

Anti-glare coatings scatter light, making screens easier to read in bright conditions.
Anti-reflective coatings minimize reflections, improving clarity and reducing eye strain.
Anti-glare coatings are ideal for outdoor use and bright offices.
Anti-reflective coatings enhance visual clarity for presentations and photo editing.

Note: Always check how a screen’s anti-glare features affect color accuracy and brightness before making a purchase.

Advanced Display Technologies

You can achieve superior anti-glare performance by choosing advanced display technologies. BOE UB Cell 4.0 stands out as a leader in this field. The technology has evolved from UB Cell 1.0 to 4.0, with key upgrades in color gamut reflectance (BT2020 90% to 100%), refresh rate (120Hz to 165Hz), and color accuracy (STW G1 to G2). These improvements deliver three core advantages:

Perfect picture quality. UB Cell 4.0 offers an ambient contrast ratio above 1400:1 and an ultra-low reflection rate of 0.7%. The STW viewing angle compensation technology solves color shift problems, supporting 4K resolution and 165Hz refresh rate.
Eye protection. The display uses AI adaptive adjustment, circular polarization technology to simulate natural light, and dynamic clarity features. You experience UGR below 5, which means near-zero glare and comfortable viewing even in bright environments.
Smart display. UB Cell 4.0 supports intelligent local refresh switching, environmental sensing, and radar integration for a seamless user experience.

You can find BOE UB Cell 4.0 technology in premium products from brands like Hisense, Skyworth, and Changhong. The 110-inch 4K UB Cell 4.0 TV represents the latest application of this technology. BOE continues to innovate with future directions such as ADS Pro, f-OLED, and α-MLED.

Other advanced solutions include BNL and BOE Tandem technologies. These options also focus on reducing glare, improving color accuracy, and enhancing user comfort.

The following table helps you select the right anti-glare technology for different environments:

Environment	Criteria for Anti-Glare Technology	Purpose
Office Lighting	Maintain UGR<19 with anti-glare screens and low-glare LED panels.	Reduce eye strain and support long hours of computer work.
Retail & Shopping Malls	Use low UGR lighting with anti-glare diffusers or louvers.	Enhance product visibility and create a comfortable shopping experience.
Educational Institutions	Implement low UGR LED linear lights and anti-glare displays.	Support concentration and reduce visual fatigue for students and teachers.

Tip: Avoid common mistakes such as choosing lighting based only on upfront cost or installing fixtures in positions that create unwanted glare. Always consider long-term comfort and compliance with lighting standards.

You can create a healthier and more productive environment by using anti-glare lighting strategies, choosing the right screens, and adopting advanced display technologies like BOE UB Cell 4.0.

You can improve visual comfort and productivity by maintaining UGR levels below 19. Effective glare control supports well-being and focus in work and learning spaces. Advanced display technologies like BOE UB Cell 4.0, BNL, and BOE Tandem offer ultra-low glare, smart brightness control, and perfect image quality. You should assess your environment using tools such as luminance mapping and glare metrics. Choose solutions that meet standards and use displays with features like AI adaptive adjustment and circular polarization for optimal eye health.

FAQ

What does UGR mean for your daily screen use?

UGR measures glare from light sources. You experience less eye strain when you use screens with low UGR values. BOE UB Cell 4.0 displays keep UGR below 5, which helps you enjoy comfortable viewing in bright rooms.

How do advanced display technologies reduce glare?

You benefit from BOE UB Cell 4.0, BNL, and BOE Tandem technologies. These displays use ultra-low reflectance coatings, AI adaptive adjustment, and dynamic clarity features. You see sharper images and experience less discomfort from glare.

Why should you choose BOE UB Cell 4.0 for eye protection?

BOE UB Cell 4.0 uses circular polarization to simulate natural light. You get AI adaptive brightness and UGR<5 anti-glare performance. These features protect your eyes and help you focus longer.

What makes BOE UB Cell 4.0 picture quality stand out?

BOE UB Cell 4.0 supports 4K resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. You see vivid colors with BT2020 100% color gamut. The STW viewing angle compensation solves color shift issues, so you enjoy perfect images from any angle.

Where can you find these advanced anti-glare displays?

You find BOE UB Cell 4.0 in premium TVs from brands like Hisense, Skyworth, and Changhong. These displays use the latest anti-glare and smart features. You can choose them for offices, classrooms, or home theaters.