30th June 2021, Kathmandu
Dark mode has become a very popular trend in today’s smartphones as well as apps and browsers. Not only world-famous apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, but also local apps like eSewa, Hamro Patro have got dark mode.
Online news portals have also given the feature of Dark Mode. Dark mode looks good, to be honest. The scientific reason for using Dark Mode on smartphones and laptops is to reduce energy consumption rather than for eye comfort.
But smartphone makers have been claiming that Dark Mode will increase visibility, reduce eye strain and make the device easier to use in low light conditions. However, this claim does not always apply to everyone.
Most people find that dark mode makes them more comfortable when they are dimly lit. Yet, this does not mean that Dark Mode is useful at any time.
Naturally, the human eye sees better in daylight than at night. Our development is looking dark in the light either it’s the natural environment around us in the light of day or the letters written on paper.
In general, for our originality and good contrast, looking dark in light is better than other ways. Hence, there is no reason to believe that light is good for everyone on dark background for everyone (especially the letters) in terms of visual clarity.
The problem can be bigger than it looks
A disease called astigmatism is on the rise, according to the American Optometric Association. The Schaeffer Eye Center estimates that the disease affects about 30 percent of people at various levels.
The condition of astigmatism is blurred vision. This can also cause problems when one or both eyes are irregular in shape.
This makes it difficult to read bright letters on a dark background. This is also mentioned in a 2014 article published in Gizmodo by the University of British Columbia-based Censorship Perception and Interaction Research Group.
People with astigmatism (about 50 percent of the population) find it difficult to read white letters on a black background than on a white one.
It’s a problem caused by the level of light. On a bright display (white background) the iris closes slightly and reduces the effect of the ‘deform’ lens. In a dark display (black background) the iris is more open to receiving more light and the deformation of the lens causes more blurring in the eye.
Therefore, you may have a problem with astigmatism, which you may not be aware of. If you check with an ophthalmologist, you can know for sure.
Black letters on a white background are suitable for reading. Mostly because white reflects all the wavelengths of the visible spectrum. That is why the iris does not need to be very wide to receive much light.
In fact, the iris does not have to be wide when viewed on a white screen, it keeps the pupil narrow and requires you to focus a little on an object. When you see black letters on a white background, you can easily focus on them.
But in dark mode, the pupil tends to be wider to allow light to enter. So, when you see a white letter on a black background, it feels like its edge is on the background.
This is called the halo effect, which weakens the ease of reading.
The more concentrated you are trying to read something, the worse it becomes. That’s why, if you don’t feel comfortable reading the flashing letters in the dark mode, don’t force it. Because it makes the eyes weaker.
Bright burn
Obviously, you feel comfortable sleeping in a dark room. Just like if someone suddenly opens the window curtain, a flood of sunlight enters the room. For a while, your eyes tend to blink.
You must have had such an experience. It’s because your iris may not have managed the amount of light it needs.
If you continuously look at something in dark mode for a long time (as if this time is only a few months), your eyes become accustomed to low light.
It means when you look at the bright screen, then you start feeling uncomfortable. If you are experiencing this type of problem then it would be wise to return to the old habit of using a white screen.
In this case, reducing the brightness of the screen instead of the dark mode would be the right option to use.
