After trying eInk screens and back lit screens I assumed that the eInk caused less eye strain, but it seems that like so many times before, I may have been wrong. A NY Times Bits Blog post recently covered this topic and it seems that I cannot blame my back lit monitor for my deteriorating vision any more than I can blame my car for my cardiovascular health.
It depends on the viewing circumstances, including the software and typography on the screen,” said Mr. Bove. “Right now E Ink is great in sunlight, but in certain situations, a piece of paper can be a better display than E Ink, and in dim light, an LCD display can be better than all of these technologies.”
Apple’s iPad with a full-color LCD display.E Ink has a very low contrast ratio. Although it can offer an excellent reading experience in bright sunlight, the screens can become uncomfortable to use in dark settings because of the lack of contrast and backlighting on the screen.
LCD screens, meanwhile, have long struggled to offer good viewing angles for reading. Apple’s latest IPS LCD screens include extremely wide viewing angles, but the reflective glass on the screen could be a hindrance in brightly lit situations.
Professor Alan Hedge, director of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory at Cornell University, said that reducing eye fatigue is less a matter of choosing a specific display than of taking short breaks from looking at the screen.
When we read, Dr. Hedge explained, a series of ocular muscles jump around and can cause strain, regardless of whether we are looking at pixels or paper. “While you’re reading, your eyes make about 10,000 movements an hour. It’s important to take a step back every 20 minutes and let your eyes rest,” he said.
Apple’s iPad with a full-color LCD display.E Ink has a very low contrast ratio. Although it can offer an excellent reading experience in bright sunlight, the screens can become uncomfortable to use in dark settings because of the lack of contrast and backlighting on the screen.
LCD screens, meanwhile, have long struggled to offer good viewing angles for reading. Apple’s latest IPS LCD screens include extremely wide viewing angles, but the reflective glass on the screen could be a hindrance in brightly lit situations.
Professor Alan Hedge, director of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory at Cornell University, said that reducing eye fatigue is less a matter of choosing a specific display than of taking short breaks from looking at the screen.
When we read, Dr. Hedge explained, a series of ocular muscles jump around and can cause strain, regardless of whether we are looking at pixels or paper. “While you’re reading, your eyes make about 10,000 movements an hour. It’s important to take a step back every 20 minutes and let your eyes rest,” he said.
Honestly, who can take a break from reading after only 20 minutes? That's inhuman.
Depending on what I'm reading, some things are OK to put down after 20 minutes. :o) http://blog.sweetservices.com/sweetscandyblog/
Posted by: Pam Walter | April 29, 2010 at 08:05 AM
My issues is more with the sunlight readability than the eye strain. I tend to read a lot on the deck in the summer and the eink is perfect for that. If they had a color display that worked in the sun as well as eink then I would probably change over.
Posted by: assignment help | January 31, 2011 at 03:00 AM
Some people are sensitive to LCD light and i'm one of them, despite the good professor denying it happens :). I had a headache for over 6 months after starting a new job. I had always used computers often so it was perplexing why I couldn't suddenly without strain. I tried exercising my eyes/breaks/posture changes, yoga sessions to relax, computer glasses and eye exam, and even went as far as getting an MRI in case their was a problem in my brain. Finding no solution my "doctor" declared I had migraines and would need medicine for life.
Not happy with that solution I thought hard about what could have changed and realized I had always used CRT monitors before my job. I never considered LCD monitors were bad because they are supposed to be better for you. So, I purged all backlit LCD displays from my life and within 2 weeks felt much better. The biggest thing I learned is that you need to trust your own body over the advice of so called professionals. If it wasn't for my own questioning of authorities I would have to pop pills my whole life. So it's great that the quoted professor has no problems with back lights, but it's pure BS that everyone is.
Posted by: DK | March 07, 2011 at 12:00 AM
20 minutes is certainly not a realistic time frame for reading, Now I dont seem to have much eye starin issues but I have noticed my vision getting worse over the years.. I thought it was perhaps age but now I start to wonder..
It' a bit frightening to think about
Posted by: cheilitis | April 12, 2011 at 09:12 PM
I cannot blame my back lit monitor for my deteriorating vision any more than I can blame my car for my cardiovascular health.
Posted by: id reader | May 11, 2011 at 07:30 AM
Thank you very much for your very thoughtful and considered comment. I approach the journey in very much the same way as you've described yours.
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Good to come
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