The matte finish anti-glare computer screen also has a disadvantage: It scatters the light coming out of the display, resulting in a less-crisp image for the viewer. The matte finish mutes clarity, color and contrast. Compared to a smooth-surface screen, the image is slightly “blurred,” which is itself fatiguing to the eyes.
The other type of anti-glare computer screen uses a chemical coating over a smooth surface to cut down glare. All else being equal, this type of anti-glare computer screen delivers a crisper image with better colors and contrast than a matte finish. However, it can’t cut glare to the same degree the matte finish can.