> do you not get sore having to dart your eyes about to read the corners?

I wouldn't be surprised if this is what makes it healthier. Not only are you exercising your eyes, you're also giving them a chance to let you know when they need a break.

Yep, I set my mouse sensitivity to extremely low as well so that I’m basically “wiping the windshield” of my desk while using my computer

I do almost exactly this, but instead use a cheapish 65" 4k/60hz TV instead. I can see bits of my surroundings with my peripheral vision, but only with the parts of my vision that are already blurry.

I suspect that 85" was chosen to maximize immersion for gamers (cover the entire field of view), rather than to minimize eyestrain. For me doing development work on a 65" from about 1.5m is close to ideal.

I have a 4k projector setup which I use from time to time instead of my regular 27” monitor. It makes a pretty big difference especially as it is reflected light. I can sit in front of it for hours without any noticeable eye strain.

It’s fine for doing graphical work or web browsing but really not ideal for things like code or excel as I lose my place too often with my eyes having to dart around further. Might just be sitting too close though.

Can the eye distinguish between emitted and reflected light?