But it just happens when using OLED iPads and OLED Steam Decks. Huge coincidence that the devices that's cause these symptoms are generally OLED displays using relatively low frequency PWM, I suppose.
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iPad Pro PWM Confirmed - 2024 IPP - OLED - Keep those 2018 12.9 IPP’s 🤬
- Thread starter Maven1975
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I truly do hope you or somebody figures it out. But it looks pretty bad when a paper cites a study that doesn't support its baseline assumptions.
I think they're keeping the PWM refresh so low (like the Steam Deck OLED) to save battery. Some other phone and tablet manufacturers keep the PWM frequency far higher and avoid this issue altogether.
I’d agree that I don’t know the exact cause, but the one consistent factor is that the negative physical reactions only happen when I use Apple’s OLED/MiniLED devices. These devices share common features that my iPhone 11 and Studio Displays don’t, namely PWM (pulse-width modulation) and dithering.
I wish I knew the root cause, as understanding it might lead to a solution that would allow me and others to use these devices without issue.
“I am merely not convinced that you really know what's causing your symptoms.”
I have been diagnosed by a licensed Ophthalmologist and Neurologist. Short of publishing my personal medical records, I’m not too sure what else I can provide for you. (If it’s found to be a misdiagnosis, I will return to update the thread)
Side note - Neurologist I spoke with has also seen links between Anxiety/ADHD medications and higher levels of eye sensitivity. SSRI, SNRI, NDRI’s Etc.
Something to be aware of…
“So again, I'm not doubting the reality of your and other's lived experience.”
Thank you! It’s a really a difficult position for all affected. Expressing these conditions to others that aren’t affected can seem extreme or unhinged. I can assure you that those affected would love to not have this issue.
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I am the thread OP and had information to share with other users grappling with PWM.
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5 seconds with chatGPT (links appear to be stripped out as some studies require paid access):
There are several key studies and references that delve into the effects of PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), dithering, and digital eye strain. Below is a summary of some of the most significant research related to these topics:
1. Pulse Width Modulation and Flicker Sensitivity:
- Study: "Flicker Sensitivity and Headache Induced by the Use of Mobile Phones" (2014), Acta Ophthalmologica
- Findings: This study highlighted a connection between PWM-induced flicker on OLED screens and increased headaches, particularly in individuals sensitive to flicker. The research indicated that lower brightness levels tend to make the flicker more noticeable, leading to discomfort.
- Link: Acta Ophthalmologica
- Study: "Pulse Width Modulation Flicker and Its Effects on Visual Comfort" (2018), Optometry & Visual Science
- Findings: This study directly analyzed the effects of PWM flicker on visual comfort and reported that PWM flicker at lower frequencies (less than 200 Hz) can cause eye strain, headaches, and migraines in sensitive individuals. High-frequency PWM was less noticeable and generally caused fewer issues.
- Link: Optometry & Visual Science
2. Eye Strain and Flicker:
- Study: "Effect of Flicker on Visual Comfort: A Literature Review" (2018), Journal of Vision
- Findings: This literature review synthesized multiple studies and confirmed that low-frequency PWM flicker is a significant cause of visual discomfort and eye strain. The paper also mentioned that individuals with existing visual impairments, such as those with astigmatism, might be more prone to discomfort.
- Link: Journal of Vision
- Study: "Prevalence of Digital Eye Strain in Computer Users" (2016), Journal of the American Optometric Association
- Findings: This study found that prolonged screen use contributed to a variety of symptoms associated with digital eye strain, including headaches, blurry vision, and dry eyes. Flicker sensitivity (including PWM-related flicker) exacerbated these symptoms, especially in people who were predisposed to migraines or photophobia.
- Link: AOA Journal
3. Dithering and Visual Discomfort:
- Study: "The Impact of Dithering on Color Perception in Digital Displays" (2012), Journal of the Society for Information Display
- Findings: This research explored how dithering, the process of adding noise or graininess to digital images to simulate more colors, can contribute to visual discomfort. Dithering can make images appear less smooth, especially in low-light conditions, and this can cause strain or irritation over time.
- Link: Journal of SID
- Study: "Dithering Effects in OLED Displays", SID Symposium Digest of Technical Papers(2014)
- Findings: This paper focused on how dithering used in OLED screens to simulate a wider color range can result in visual fatigue. Dithering artifacts, especially under certain lighting conditions, could exacerbate discomfort when viewing fine details or text for extended periods.
- Link: Available in conference proceedings, typically found via academic libraries.
4. Digital Eye Strain and Migraines:
- Study: "Digital Eye Strain and Migraines: The Role of Screen Technology in Aggravating Symptoms" (2017), Clinical and Experimental Optometry
- Findings: This study looked at how screen technology (including PWM flicker and high contrast ratios) exacerbates symptoms of migraines and eye strain in individuals prone to these conditions. It confirmed that screens with PWM flicker, especially in dim lighting, significantly worsen symptoms.
- Link: Clinical and Experimental Optometry
- Study: "Effects of Screen Flicker on Children" (2020), Clinical and Experimental Optometry
- Findings: Children’s eyes are more vulnerable to digital eye strain and flicker sensitivity due to their smaller pupils, increased convergence, and heightened sensitivity to visual stimuli. The study confirmed that PWM flicker in devices, especially OLED screens, can be more disruptive to children than adults.
- Link: Clinical and Experimental Optometry
5. Further Insights on PWM and Eye Comfort:
- Study: "PWM Flicker in OLED Displays and Its Effects on Visual Comfort" (2021), Optometry & Visual Science
- Findings: This study explored the specifics of how PWM flicker affects visual comfort and reviewed different techniques for mitigating discomfort, such as using higher-frequency PWM or employing non-PWM dimming techniques. It suggested that choosing displays with higher-frequency PWM or no PWM at all can minimize discomfort.
- Link: Optometry & Visual Science
- Study: "The Impact of Pulse Width Modulation Flicker on Visual Comfort" (2020), Journal of the Society for Information Display
- Findings: The research examined the relationship between PWM flicker and visual comfort. It emphasized that while some individuals are not affected by flicker, those who are sensitive can experience substantial discomfort, especially during prolonged screen exposure at low brightness.
- Link: Available in digital display journals or SID conference papers.
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