Dark Mode May Harm Eye Health Rather Than Aid It, Contrary to Belief
In the world of digital applications, the debate between dark mode and light mode continues to rage. Here's a breakdown of how each mode affects eye comfort, myopia development, and reading performance.
Dark mode, with its dark backgrounds and reduced screen brightness, is a boon for those using devices in low-light environments. By decreasing glare and emitting less blue light, dark mode can help alleviate discomfort such as dryness and fatigue during evening or dimly lit screen use [2][5]. However, in bright environments, light mode with dark text is generally easier on the eyes and causes less strain [5].
When it comes to myopia development, there's currently no strong evidence that dark mode directly affects myopia onset or progression. Myopia and astigmatism are primarily influenced by genetics and environmental factors like prolonged close-up focusing and outdoor time, rather than screen color schemes [3].
For individuals with astigmatism or myopia, visual comfort depends more on factors such as screen brightness, contrast, viewing distance, font size, and blink rate, rather than just dark vs. light mode [1][3]. Some users with refractive errors may find dark mode text harder to focus on due to lower contrast or potential "halation" (blurred edges), so their preference might vary [5].
In summary, dark mode helps reduce eye strain mainly in dim environments by limiting blue light and glare [2][5]. There's no conclusive evidence linking dark mode to prevention or worsening of myopia or astigmatism-related issues [3]. Individuals with astigmatism or myopia should consider overall ergonomics, viewing distance, and adequate screen contrast rather than relying solely on dark or light mode [1][3].
Personal comfort varies; some may prefer light mode in bright conditions or for long reading sessions due to better legibility [4][5]. Prolonged exposure to black text on white backgrounds could lead to choroidal thinning, while reading white text on black backgrounds might promote choroidal thickening, which is associated with reduced myopia risk [6].
Reading performance tends to be better with black text on a white background due to the natural constriction of pupils in response to bright backgrounds, enhancing clarity and focus [7]. Future research should continue exploring these dynamics as technology evolves and user interfaces become more sophisticated [8].
Individuals with certain visual impairments, such as astigmatism or photophobia, may find reading white text on a black background particularly challenging due to increased glare and difficulty focusing [5]. Accessibility remains a crucial factor in the discussion about text-background combinations, emphasizing the need for designers to consider user diversity when implementing color schemes [9].
A study demonstrated that participants performed better in tasks requiring visual acuity when using positive polarity (black text on white) compared to negative polarity (white text on black) [10]. If eye strain symptoms persist, consulting an eye care professional to address refractive errors or digital eye strain is advised.
References for further reading are available at [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10].
