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Is Dark Mode Good for Your Eyes? (2020)

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Re: Is Dark Mode Good for Your Eyes? (2020)

#31

Post by illusiveman »

steve1977 wrote: post #8

Having astigmatism, I definitely feel like text in dark mode is harder to read than dark text on light background. In regards to eye strain with light mode, what I found important is to match screen brightness to „environmental brightness“ (don’t know the proper term). As a rule of thumb, when I put a white paper in front of a white screen, the screen shouldn’t illuminate the paper more than the other lights in the r…

It's the same experience for me.

I used to use dark mode every where because it was somewhat accepted that the lesser bright the better.

But then I read a science-based post years ago about why light mode is better for our eyes, especially for people with astigmatism, as our eyes are naturally used to focus on objects on bright scenarios (sunlight).

Switched back to light theme right away, except for coding, because actually syntax highlighting is better with dark background.

Re: Is Dark Mode Good for Your Eyes? (2020)

#32

Post by Barrin92 »

I'm also sick of this trend in particular when websites or apps start shipping dark mode as default. It's not a good way to read text. Light text on a dark background reduces the amount of light getting into your eyes, it means your pupil needs to open wider and that has several negative effects one obvious is a halo-effect around letters that makes light text bleed into the background reducing readability. You don't really need to trust any science for that. Look at bright text on dark background and then look at a white wall. Chances are you can literally still see the text as an after image.

The reason why so many people seem to switch to it is because they literally live in goblin caves without proper lighting. Working in a well lit room and not at night and a properly configured monitor is a much better solution than dark mode.

Re: Is Dark Mode Good for Your Eyes? (2020)

#33

Post by yawnxyz »

steve1977 wrote: post #8

Having astigmatism, I definitely feel like text in dark mode is harder to read than dark text on light background. In regards to eye strain with light mode, what I found important is to match screen brightness to „environmental brightness“ (don’t know the proper term). As a rule of thumb, when I put a white paper in front of a white screen, the screen shouldn’t illuminate the paper more than the other lights in the r…

sites designed in dark mode generally need to be larger / thicker, since white text on dark background tends to "appear thinner" and disappear into the background. Lots of sites only invert colors but don't account for this weird optical illusion and don't adjust font size/weights/colors.

Re: Is Dark Mode Good for Your Eyes? (2020)

#34

Post by stayux »

Every classically trained artist and designer knows the principles of contrast.

Dark-colored text over a light background will result in a higher contrast ratio than the opposite combination.

Design decisions must be objective and based on data.

As an option, the user must have the choice to apply different modes and themes based on A11 for low vision.

For example, the principle of higher contrast (dark-colored text on light background) will be literally painful for people with photophobia.

More on this subject: https://www.w3.org/TR/low-vision-needs/#light-sensitivity

Re: Is Dark Mode Good for Your Eyes? (2020)

#36

Post by gsich »

steve1977 wrote: post #8

Having astigmatism, I definitely feel like text in dark mode is harder to read than dark text on light background. In regards to eye strain with light mode, what I found important is to match screen brightness to „environmental brightness“ (don’t know the proper term). As a rule of thumb, when I put a white paper in front of a white screen, the screen shouldn’t illuminate the paper more than the other lights in the r…

No correction glasses/contact lenses?

Re: Is Dark Mode Good for Your Eyes? (2020)

#37

Post by dontlaugh »

steve1977 wrote: post #8

Having astigmatism, I definitely feel like text in dark mode is harder to read than dark text on light background. In regards to eye strain with light mode, what I found important is to match screen brightness to „environmental brightness“ (don’t know the proper term). As a rule of thumb, when I put a white paper in front of a white screen, the screen shouldn’t illuminate the paper more than the other lights in the r…

I have astigmatism and experience the opposite. Not sure why. Is it because I always wear glasses?

Re: Is Dark Mode Good for Your Eyes? (2020)

#38

Post by apmee »

illusiveman wrote: post #31
steve1977 wrote: post #8

Having astigmatism, I definitely feel like text in dark mode is harder to read than dark text on light background. In regards to eye strain with light mode, what I found important is to match screen brightness to „environmental brightness“ (don’t know the proper term). As a rule of thumb, when I put a white paper in front of a white screen, the screen shouldn’t illuminate the paper more than the other lights in the r…

It's the same experience for me. I used to use dark mode every where because it was somewhat accepted that the lesser bright the better. But then I read a science-based post years ago about why light mode is better for our eyes, especially for people with astigmatism, as our eyes are naturally used to focus on objects on bright scenarios (sunlight). Switched back to light theme right away, except for coding, because…

Bit of a long shot, but I don't suppose you'd happen to know where to find that post or what it was called?

Re: Is Dark Mode Good for Your Eyes? (2020)

#39

Post by heavyset_go »

steve1977 wrote: post #8

Having astigmatism, I definitely feel like text in dark mode is harder to read than dark text on light background. In regards to eye strain with light mode, what I found important is to match screen brightness to „environmental brightness“ (don’t know the proper term). As a rule of thumb, when I put a white paper in front of a white screen, the screen shouldn’t illuminate the paper more than the other lights in the r…

It's the opposite for me with astigmatism. Black text on white tends to blur or double into a grey blob, white text on black still sometimes does that, but I find it easier to parse in comparison.

Re: Is Dark Mode Good for Your Eyes? (2020)

#40

Post by heavyset_go »

gsich wrote: post #36
steve1977 wrote: post #8

Having astigmatism, I definitely feel like text in dark mode is harder to read than dark text on light background. In regards to eye strain with light mode, what I found important is to match screen brightness to „environmental brightness“ (don’t know the proper term). As a rule of thumb, when I put a white paper in front of a white screen, the screen shouldn’t illuminate the paper more than the other lights in the r…

No correction glasses/contact lenses?

In my experience, these aren't perfect and symptoms of astigmatism can be aggravated by eye strain, dryness, allergies, poor lighting, etc even with correction.
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