TIL: Dark mode causes eye strain - eviltoast

For a few years I used dark mode because i thought it was better for your eyes; it isn’t.

When in dark mode, you’re looking at an overall darker screen, your pupils will dilate to let in more light, which makes everything just outside of focus very blurry, and gives the text a halo effect. A few minutes will be fine, but anything longer is going to make your eyes begin to strain.

When in light mode, your pupils contract to accommodate for the light, this is how our eyes are supposed to work, this is going to be less straining on your eyes. In low light environments, simply turn down the brightness and apply a night light filter.

If you’re going to use dark mode regardless, don’t use AMOLED unless it’s for saving battery. The contrast between bright white and pitch black is the worst combination. Consider using a soft grey, your eyes will thank you.

Source

    • kionay@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      The source they cite is the AAO and their website has this article which seems to say the opposite.

      Edit Wait. No. They cite the AOA which is different? Who comes up with this stuff‽

      • kionay@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        Ok both groups seem to agree that dark mode is either not bad for your eyes or better. The linked YouTube video isn’t some medical board or anything so I wouldn’t go by them.

        What is even more interesting is the little battle between the AAO and the AOA. One being ophthalmologists and the other optometrists.

        The former call themselves medical doctors, and outline both terms providing difference between them for easy access.

        The latter, optometrists, call themselves doctors as much as possible in the context of medicine but seem to avoid calling themselves medical doctors because they know they arent. The only mention of ophthalmology on the AOA website seems to be in reference to groups that oppose them, which seems biased.

        Like optometrists are trying as hard as possible to be considered medical doctors in as many ways as possible without having gone to medical school. Can’t say I care for the AOA or their articles now.