How to reduce Eye Strain while using my iPad 10th Gen?

Long time iPad and iPhone user.

Had iPads and iPhones starting from the very first version.

The problem: recently (few months back ) upgraded from iPad 9th to 10th generation. And since then my eyes getting irritated. I am having headaches.

The problem became worse to the point I cannot spend even 5 min on iPad.

I tried to see if this has anything to do with sensitivity to blue light. Turned on the night mode for day hours.

Went through 3- 4 different screen protectors. Advertising blue light blocking. None of that helped.

I am heavy computer user. Spending lots of lime behind laptop and monitor screens. Nothing like that ever happend.

I am considering getting a new iPad Air. But for all I understand it has exactly the same screen technology.


Could that be a defective unit?


Came to the Apple Store, where I was offered to run some diagnostics. But for all I’ve been told that is not likely to detect any display problems of this kind.


[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on Jul 17, 2024 7:29 PM

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Posted on Jul 19, 2024 10:53 AM

It might be the refresh frequency. It’s a variable refresh rate, rather than a fixed rate. However, this is a noted issue for many people (still a minor percentage of the population). Here is an Apple Support article on using Accessibility settings to adjust Frame Rate and limit and/or reduce the Frame Rate. I would just a just one parameter at a time and figure out what is causing the issue. If you start changing too many variables, some may help, while others hurt and you’re still ending up with eye strain issues. The article title is misleading, please review the entire article and we can discuss.


Use display and text size preferences on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


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Jul 19, 2024 10:53 AM in response to EdwardM1

It might be the refresh frequency. It’s a variable refresh rate, rather than a fixed rate. However, this is a noted issue for many people (still a minor percentage of the population). Here is an Apple Support article on using Accessibility settings to adjust Frame Rate and limit and/or reduce the Frame Rate. I would just a just one parameter at a time and figure out what is causing the issue. If you start changing too many variables, some may help, while others hurt and you’re still ending up with eye strain issues. The article title is misleading, please review the entire article and we can discuss.


Use display and text size preferences on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


Jul 19, 2024 10:38 AM in response to Jeff Donald

Hear you.

And thanks for sharing. You are definitely up there and hope your story is going to help others.

My screen time averages about 4 hours. Mostly using for reading books. I am also using black\dark backgrounds while reading. Unfortunately that doesnt help much.

I got a feeling it is not about amount of light. Or light color. It might be something else.


Spent quite a bit of time researching on the subject. Found some interesting evidence posted in following

https://ledstrain.org/d/1968-i-tested-a-few-devices-for-signs-of-flicker-here-are-the-results

This article claims that iPad 10th gen is having issues with flicker.

Not an expert on display technology and why would 10th gen display flicker more than any other models.

I am also using iPhone 13 Max Pro without any issues, so this is not likely a PWM flicker


HTH


Jul 18, 2024 4:26 PM in response to sberman

Sherman, the link won't open on my iPad Pro. But I was able to find several tips for EdwardM1.

  • Keep the iPad 12" from your eyes. Do not keep it too close to your eyes.
  • Check out the Accessibility features that allow you to adjust contrast, font size and more.
  • Check out this discussion for other tips. eye strain after reading on the iPad - Apple Community
  • I actually purchased glasses that block the blue light. If you wear glasses, that feature can be added to your lens.


Finally, check with your PCP or an eye doctor. S/he likely has many tips. At one point in my IT career, I was having problems with the screens. I mentioned it to my eye doc during a check up. He emphasized how important distancing was. I pushed all my screens back. It helped.


Jul 18, 2024 6:20 PM in response to EdwardM1

I stare at screens a lot. Here’s my screen on times for last ~24 hours.



My iPad is 13+ hours



My iPhone is 6+ hours of screen time. In other words I stare at screens at lot. The key factor for me is using Dark Mode for all my apps. In addition I use an extension for Safari called Noir that allows me to darken the background for websites. In addition I turn on Night Shift to max warm from 9 pm to 7 am.


Just thought I’d pass on my way of preventing blindness. 😀😁😀



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How to reduce Eye Strain while using my iPad 10th Gen?

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