The surprising revelation suggests that using Dark Mode might negatively impact eye health.
In the digital age, the debate between dark mode and white text on a black background continues to rage. However, new research suggests that for individuals with visual impairments such as astigmatism or myopia, the choice of mode could have a significant impact on eye comfort and overall visual experience.
Human eyes are designed to work best with bright backgrounds and dark text, aiding in natural pupil constriction for sharper focus [3]. Consequently, reading white text on a dark background can be particularly challenging for those with astigmatism or myopia, as it causes pupils to dilate, making it more difficult to focus [3]. This increased dilation can lead to potential eye strain, especially when reading for extended periods.
Moreover, research indicates that prolonged exposure to dark mode could lead to choroidal thinning, while reading white text on a black background might promote choroidal thickening [4]. The choroid is a layer of blood vessels that nourishes the retina, and its thickness is associated with reduced myopia risk [4]. Therefore, using dark mode extensively could potentially worsen underlying vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism.
While general eye strain can be attributed to factors like reduced blink rate, close visual focus, blue light exposure, and poor posture [2][4], the impact of these factors may be amplified for individuals with refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism.
In conclusion, the use of dark mode in digital applications and websites can potentially exacerbate eye strain for individuals with astigmatism or myopia. To mitigate this, strategies like the 20-20-20 rule, blinking more often, optimizing screen distance and lighting, and using proper posture can help reduce general eye strain [2][4][5].
Given these findings, individuals with astigmatism or myopia might find white text on a black background more comfortable and less straining than dark mode, supporting a preference for the latter for better visual acuity and reduced eye fatigue. Future research should continue exploring these dynamics as technology evolves and user interfaces become more sophisticated. User preference, after all, plays a significant role in the choice of contrast settings, and providing options for users could improve overall digital experience.
In the context of digital applications and websites, individuals with astigmatism or myopia might find white text on a black background more comfortable and less straining for their eyes, as it could potentially reduce eye fatigue compared to dark mode. This preference could contribute to improved visual acuity and overall digital experience, considering the impact of contrast settings on user preference. Furthermore, ongoing research should investigate the dynamics between eye comfort and different visual display settings, especially as technology advances and user interfaces become more sophisticated.
