Nowadays, screens rule the world. Everywhere you see, you see people immersed in their mobile phones. In such a display-dominated world, taking care of your eyes becomes crucial now more than ever. The question arises: is dark mode better for your eyes than the light mode?
It does reduce the glare from your screen and enhances visual comfort. However, dark mode isn’t for everyone, and sometimes, it can even worsen eyesight problems rather than help them.
Let’s go into further detail about dark mode on your phone, its benefits, and whether it’s truly good for your eyes.
Table of Contents
What is Dark Mode?
So, you know that setting on your smartphone that turns everything into a chic light-on-dark mode vibe? Yes, that’s dark mode doing its thing.
By default, most phones have the classic light mode – the white backgrounds with dark text. But guess what? You can switch things up with dark mode. Just head over to your phone’s display settings and turn it on or off based on your mood.
It’s not just one app wonder – dark mode takes over your phone’s entire interface. It makes everything look mysterious and sleek.
A quick tip: If you’re on a hunt for dark mode in your settings and can’t find it, it might be hiding under a different name or playing hide-and-seek on an older phone. Time for an upgrade, maybe?
Suggested Read: Digital Minimalism: How to Get Rid of Phone Addiction?
What are the Benefits of Dark Mode?
Dark mode is available on Android phones, Apple iPhones, Windows 10, and Mac. Even the Firefox and Chrome have a version of dark mode. Apple claims that dark mode is “easy on the eyes in every way”.
Let’s see if that claim is true and go through some of the benefits of using dark mode on your phone:
Less Charging, More Battery
Dark mode’s energy efficiency is particularly noticeable on devices with OLED or AMOLED screens.
In these displays, each pixel is individually lit, and true black pixels are essentially turned off, conserving power. It can result in extended battery life, making dark mode a practical choice for users looking to maximize their device’s runtime between charges.
Little Blue Light Exposure
Dark mode significantly reduces the emission of blue light from screens.
Blue light, prevalent in white backgrounds, is known to disrupt sleep patterns by suppressing melatonin production.
Dark mode’s reduction of blue light exposure, especially during evening use, can contribute to a more restful night’s sleep and less disruption to circadian rhythms.
Avoid Screen Glare
Dark mode minimizes screen glare and reflections, enhancing visibility in various lighting conditions. This feature is particularly beneficial in low-light environments or when using devices outdoors.
Dark mode improves the overall viewing experience and makes content more accessible by reducing glare. That’s how you don’t get the distraction of unwanted reflections.
Helpful in Reducing Eye Strain
Dark mode provides a softer contrast which helps reduce eye strain, especially during prolonged screen use.
Your phone’s background has a reduced brightness, and there’s less contrast between text and screen. It contributes to a more comfortable viewing experience.
Easier to Read
Dark mode’s white or light-colored text on a dark background enhances readability.
This high-contrast combination makes text stand out more sharply, reducing eye strain and making it easier for users to focus on content.
The improved readability is particularly useful in low-light environments, ensuring a comfortable and efficient reading experience across your favorite applications.
Better at Bedtime
If you use dark mode on your phone, especially during nighttime, you adapt to better sleep hygiene.
The reduction of blue light emitted from screens helps regulate melatonin production, promoting a more restful sleep.
Dark mode minimizes the impact on circadian rhythms. It does so by creating a softer visual environment and making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to wind down before bedtime.
Good for Concentration
Dark mode fosters a more immersive and focused digital environment.
The reduced brightness of the background, combined with softer contrasts, minimizes distractions and helps you maintain concentration during tasks.
It is particularly useful for professionals, students, or anyone engaged in activities that demand prolonged focus. That’s because the dark mode provides a visually comfortable and distraction-free workspace.
In the long run, it enhances productivity and attention to detail.
Is Dark Mode Better for Your Eyes?
The final question remains: is dark mode better for your eyes? We have discussed it at length, so why are we still asking this question?
There’s no doubt that dark mode has a lot of benefits, but it may not be better for your eyes. Let’s see how and why.
Ease on the Eyes vs. Dilated Pupils
The dark mode is gentler on the eyes compared to a bright white screen. However, using a dark screen can cause pupils to dilate, potentially making it more challenging to focus on the content.
Dr. Muhammad Saad Aziz says dilated pupils result in less clear vision, while constricted pupils in bright light enhance sharpness. Some people may find it difficult to perceive screen details clearly in dark mode due to this phenomenon.
Halation and Vision Issues
People with myopia or astigmatism may experience halation (halo effect). Halation occurs when light spreads beyond a boundary, creating a foggy or blurry appearance.
Dark mode may exacerbate halation, making it more challenging for those with existing vision issues, especially when fine print is involved.
Readability Challenges in Dark Mode
White letters may appear to bleed into a black background. It can make reading more difficult, particularly for individuals with vision problems.
Those with vision issues might find more comfort in using a dimmed light mode or a blue-light-filtering mode.
So, what to do about it? Keep on reading our suggestions:
Regular Eye Exams for Optimal Viewing
Regardless of the chosen mode, regular eye exams are crucial for clear and comfortable viewing.
Correcting underlying vision problems through professional examinations provides relief that dark mode alone cannot achieve.
Considerations for Blue Light Filtering
When getting new glasses, consider adding special lens coatings to block glare and filter blue light.
Not all products claiming to filter blue light cover all relevant spectra, such as blue-violet or blue-turquoise light. The type of blue light emitted from screens may vary by manufacturer or device settings.
Final Thoughts!
While dark mode offers certain benefits, individuals with vision issues should consider getting regular eye exams and solutions for optimal viewing comfort.
You can consult with the best ophthalmologists anywhere near you via Healthwire’s platform. You can also ask your doctor: Is dark mode better for you?
