Why the standard white background in programs? Bad for your monitor and eyes.

[Rigoletto]

I really don't understand why programs have for so long copied black text on a white background. It places considerably more strain on monitors and eyes. The phosphors and masks in the tube will wear quicker with all this white.
I find white text on black easier to read. The white background creates poorer focus because of the slight bleeding into the black. The black background produces eyestrain free well focused text however.
I would use a black background but so many applications don't work well with my custom colours, especially Windows help files which become unreadable because their colour scheme changes to yellow on white or something.

 

[TAsunder]

Well if you want to go for the most easily readable colors go for white on green or black on yellow.

 

[CindyDalrymple]

You can always adjust your monitor so that the background is not so bright. That's what I do. I personally prefer yellow text on black background but I also know of a lot of people who hate white or yellow on black background. Everyone has their own preference.

 

[Vpham97]

Sooner or later, I'll go blind anyway from staring at the monitor too much.

 

[Hawk]

Can't you just change your "theme" in windows (assuming you are running windows) and then programs won't have white backgrounds anymore.