Since building this new PC 3 months ago, I was limited to this old Dell E176FP LCD from a purchase made around 7 years ago, and it's not very friendly on the eyes. The previous computer I used was a Vaio all-in-one with a 22" screen, it was considerably more comfortable than the other monitors I used.
Recently I bought a Samsung 23" LED-backlit monitor
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-PX2370-23-Inch-Widescreen-Backlight/dp/B003HFG6S0/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top and it was terrifying. No matter how it was calibrated, the brightness was excessive and I couldn't look at it for more than a few seconds without eye-burning, so I returned it. The plus is that it could double for use in a tanning booth.
Currently I am looking for a monitor that I can spend extended periods of time looking at, preferably 22" or larger. I would like one with a 16:10 aspect ratio (1680x1050, 1920x1200), but nearly all the modern monitors are too wide and have little vertical space. This type of setup is uncomfortable to use, but I may have to deal with the 16:9 panel fascism and just stick to a 1920x1080 monitor, or settle for a 19" 16:10 monitor. If you have experiences with monitors, please share which one is best for sensitive eyes.