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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Here's a good video of some handheld retro gaming units. The top one is the new Ayn Odin 2 Portal. An OLED Switch is in there too. All of the devices except for one have OLED displays. In the video, especially near the end, you can see the flickering of each display from PWM. This is what causes people sensitive enough to get blurry vision, headaches, etc.
Even you doubters should be able to see the effect with this slow motion video.
Even you doubters should be able to see the effect with this slow motion video.
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I don't suffer from PWM. I do suffer from viewing crap backlit displays. I bought and returned previous iPad Pros because the blooming from their backlit displays made them UNVIEWABLE at night and I would have rather pulled my eyeballs out of my head then keep using those displays. I felt like I was having a seizure or suffering from glaucoma.
Maybe thats how you feel with OLED displays on Apple products, and if so I get it... I just am on team OLED. Actually, I hate LCD/LED motion for viewing content when compared to my old Pioneer Kuro Plasmas. But there is literally nothing else right now that has smooth or acceptable motion while also considering contrast vs backlight. So I am stuck with the best that is available.
LCD whether XDR or not is certainly not nearly as close to as viewable as the new M4 tandem OLED or any recent iPhone. At least for me.
Maybe thats how you feel with OLED displays on Apple products, and if so I get it... I just am on team OLED. Actually, I hate LCD/LED motion for viewing content when compared to my old Pioneer Kuro Plasmas. But there is literally nothing else right now that has smooth or acceptable motion while also considering contrast vs backlight. So I am stuck with the best that is available.
LCD whether XDR or not is certainly not nearly as close to as viewable as the new M4 tandem OLED or any recent iPhone. At least for me.
I think the lack of activity on the forums about PWM, except for a very small number of people, shows that it simply doesn't affect the overwhelming majority.
I mean... did you listen to him talking at that end? He said he set the camera to display the PWM, "but my eyes can not see the flickering in the real world." Who cares what shows on a a YouTube video and random frame rates if it doesn't bother you in the real world. How many DRL or headlights look ridiculous on 30FPS or 60FPS videos but ultimately don't matter with your naked eyes in the real world.
For those that suffer from this, that sucks. I feel bad for that, but at the same time... a video and the very few vocal people with this issue aren't going to make a change. This isn't like ADA rights or considerations, it just doesn't get to that level. It's not something that is really a diagnosable or diagnosed condition.
I am medically diagnosed with hyperacusis. I can hear sounds and frequencies that other people can't hear and it makes conversations in loud environments virtually impossible for me, amongst other difficulties. But it also helps me as an "audiophile" where I can get joy out of hi-res and hi-end audio that maybe others can't. I'm not going to tell a sound engineer to turn down different frequencies or turn down the speakers at a concert or event. I'm going to recognize my limitations or needs and plan accordingly. I'm not gonna force my unique issue on others, especially by using some random flickering YouTube video that proves or disproves nothing when compared to flickering light of various sources.
Totally agree. Not enough people for apple/LG/Samsung/manufacturers to care on mobile device. While I can't see the problem with mobile OLED displays... I certainly have problems with modern OLED TVs even my LG G4. the tech just isn't good for motion They gave up caring about motion and best actual/potential tech when they ditched Plasma for OLED and other possible options that simply would be better for film/motion/viewers and just went with the best and cheapest solution while ignoring things that could be better... bottom line and all. There are some random future technologies out there that could solve the problem, but we are years away from that making it into consumer devices.
Nah. A lot of us are affected, but have long given up because Apple clearly just doesn't care about our health, despite their health-focused marketing claims.
Plenty of people like my spouse get headaches and would have had no idea that this is a potential cause if it weren't for somebody like me raising attention to it for them.
But what can we do about it? I bought an M2 iPad Pro to lock in the last LCD panel iPad Pro for as long as I can. But they haven't made a flagship-quality LCD iPhone in more than 4 years. The LCD-based SE has been superseded. All currently-manufactured iPhones are OLED now. And most other manufacturers have gone all-OLED years ago. And even if they hadn't, having to choose between privacy and health isn't one that anybody should have to make.
I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the issue based purely on forum activity. Many people experience symptoms like eye strain, dry eyes, and headaches without understanding the cause. They don’t search for “PWM” because most have never heard of it—they just know their new screen feels uncomfortable. It’s only when they start digging deeper that they come across discussions about PWM and dithering. These issues aren’t rare; they’re just poorly understood by the general public.
In fact, we’re seeing clear signs that awareness is growing. PWM is now regularly mentioned in YouTube reviews and tech articles. Reddit and brand forums are increasingly hosting threads on the topic. And notably, Chinese smartphone manufacturers are beginning to include PWM and eye strain mitigation in their spec sheets and promotional materials. That shift alone shows the industry is aware there’s a problem. The irony is that, while they’re starting to market ‘solutions’, current tech still often falls short of actually addressing the issue.
Change is happening—but slowly. Just because the majority hasn’t identified PWM as the root of their discomfort doesn’t mean they’re unaffected. As more people connect the dots, pressure will mount on manufacturers to deliver real, effective solutions.
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Sure. But alternatively, there are also people who have dry eyes and headaches for whatever reason and attribute it to PWM. That would obviously happen too. Unless someone actually has a clinical diagnosis then there's some level of estimating or even guessing.
Case in point, people who claim to be allergic to wifi. And clearly this is NOT the same thing as that, clearly this is a real phenomenon and some people are genuinely affected. But you know... Without proper diagnosis then...
There have been people in this thread and elsewhere claiming it isn't even a real thing/problem and that people saying so have some other motivation (no idea what that would be). So, you not having a fast-enough brain/nervous system to notice the issue can still appreciate where it comes from using the video I posted.