Why using pure black text or backgrounds strain eyes?

👁️ Ever wondered why your eyes feel strained when reading text in pure black on a bright white background? Let’s dive into it!

Using pure black text on a white background can strain the eyes due to a phenomenon called “Luminance Contrast.”

🌟 “Luminance Contrast”: Luminance refers to the amount of light that a surface emits or reflects. When you have a very high contrast between the text (which is very dark) and the background (which is very light), the difference in luminance levels can be intense.

🔍 Here’s why this can lead to eye strain:

1. Pupil Dilation: When you’re exposed to bright light (in this case, the white background), your pupils constrict to reduce the amount of light entering your eyes. Conversely, in low-light conditions, your pupils dilate to allow more light in. When you have extremely bright and dark areas in close proximity, like pure black text on a white background, your pupils need to constantly adjust, which can be tiring for your eyes.
2. Eye Fatigue: The high contrast can cause your eyes to work harder to focus and process the information. This can lead to eye fatigue, especially when reading for extended periods.
3. Glare and Reflections: The high contrast can create glare and reflections on the screen, which can be uncomfortable for the eyes.
4. Adaptation Time: When you transition from looking at pure black to a bright white background (or vice versa), there’s an adaptation period during which your eyes need to adjust to the new level of luminance. This constant adaptation can strain your eyes.

💡 An analogy: Think of switching on a bright light in a dark room — it’s harsh on your eyes. But a gentle, dim light is easier on your eyes.

🖌️ Designers often choose slightly softer colors to reduce the strain and improve readability. It’s all about making your reading experience more comfortable!

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