These surfaces should be a matte finish. Another important factor in reducing eyestrain is correct positioning of the computer monitor. It is better to increase the size of the text on the screen and to have the monitor at a further distance. It is also recommended to have your monitor below eye level. When trying to view objects at a close distance, the eyes must both accommodate and converge.
Accommodation is when the eyes focus to look at something close.
Convergence is when the eyes turn inward toward the nose to prevent double vision. Slowly bring the card towards you until the letters start to blur. Without moving your head, slowly lower the card in an arc, keeping it the same distance from your eyes. You will see the letters come into focus. Your eyes have improved their ability to accommodate simply by lowering their gaze angle.