The Serenity of E-Ink
How Low-Eye-Strain Screens Improve My Everyday
Introduction
During my sophomore year of college, a subtle yet disconcerting shift occurred in my vision. It began innocuously, manifesting as a slight blurriness when attempting to decipher numbers in math class or struggling to make out equations on the board. Initially, I dismissed these sporadic visual disturbances as inconsequential nuisances. However, as the semester unfolded, it became increasingly apparent that my eyesight was in decline. Having always enjoyed impeccable vision without the need for corrective lenses, I had never contemplated that the countless hours I spent writing papers, peering at my phone, and immersing myself in digital content might be exacting a toll on one of my most cherished senses.
Eventually, I made the decision to seek the counsel of an optometrist to evaluate the state of my eye health. The verdict was crystal clear: my extended periods of screen usage had created a large vision problem, necessitating the adoption of prescription glasses to mitigate the resulting damage. However, the root of the problem continued to elude me, as I persisted in using screens with my iPhone, laptop, and tablets.
A pivotal moment arrived in 2019 when I discovered the Light Phone 2 and the world of e-ink screens. It was at this juncture that my perspective and habits underwent a profound transformation, leading me to comprehend the true extent of the impact screens can have on our well-being. It was a revelation that extended beyond the mere duration of screen time; it encompassed the very nature of the screens with which I engaged. E-ink screens, as exemplified in Kindles and e-readers, emerged as a stark contrast to the straining and glaring LCD screens prevalent in televisions, computers, and most smartphones.
My journey with the small phone revealed that e-ink screens demanded less of my attention and fostered reduced engagement, thanks in part to their subdued and unobtrusive nature. However, I acknowledged that the Light Phone was deliberately designed to be minimalistic, devoid of distracting apps and features. Curious about the potential benefits of e-ink technology in enhancing productivity while sparing my eyes from the demands of LCD screens, I decided to explore further. I acquired the Onyx Boox Air 2, a tablet featuring e-ink technology, and it has proven to be a valuable addition to my toolkit. In particular, I found that I could efficiently accomplish tasks like email and document work with greater ease and less strain on my eyes, all thanks to the gentle embrace of e-ink.
The Advantages of E-Ink Over LCD Technology
Let's clarify a few key points: Using e-ink screens instead of LCDs won't perform any miracles in restoring your vision, transforming you into a digital minimalist, or magically curing tech addiction tendencies. E-ink is simply an alternative technology that many of us aren't yet accustomed to, and in its current form, it isn't built for competing with high-refresh-rate displays, especially for gaming or intensive tasks. Studies vary in their findings regarding the visual effects of e-ink versus LCD, and debates continue on whether this technology genuinely enhances visual comfort or reduces eye strain.1 Personally, I believe it can have a positive impact due to its understated design and absence of vibrant colors. However, I understand those that reach different conclusions.
Now, let's explore the first advantage of e-ink. As individuals, we're naturally drawn to well-designed objects; they significantly influence our interactions with devices. Just as we have a favorite coffee cup or a cherished seat in our living rooms, the design of our digital devices matters. This is why LCD screens are designed to be visually appealing and conducive to tasks like motion graphics and video editing. E-ink, on the other hand, prioritizes utility over aesthetics. While you could technically watch a show on an e-ink screen, the experience wouldn't match the high refresh rates of other devices in your home or at the theater. Consequently, e-ink screens are less likely to tempt you into engaging in such activities.
E-ink screens excel at handling tasks like replying to emails, reading content, and displaying static data in documents like Excel. However, they lack the allure of enticing you into watching shows or playing games. As a result, you may end up using the device less which will benefit your ocular health.
Moving on to another notable advantage of e-ink displays, their remarkable readability shines, even when faced with challenging outdoor conditions. Whether I'm using my Light Phone 2 or Onyx Boox device outdoors, I can comfortably enjoy content without the need to squint, even on the sunniest of days. This not only enhances immediate comfort but also contributes to the overall health of my eyes. With e-ink technology, there's no constant search for the perfect viewing angle or shaded area to accomplish tasks. While it may seem like a minor convenience in the grand scheme of things, this aspect plays a significant role in promoting long-term eye health, especially when combined with mindful digital minimalism practices.
Finally, let's discuss the last benefit: e-ink screens consume less battery. Due to their low refresh rates and lack of color, e-ink screens can significantly extend your device's battery life, allowing for more sporadic charging. For instance, my Onyx Boox Air sees daily use, typically around 90 minutes each day for tasks like document editing, writing, or reading the newspaper. Remarkably, I only need to recharge it once every five days before the battery runs out. This not only translates to longer-lasting devices but also contributes to preserving the performance of your device's battery by reducing the frequency of charging cycles.
Some Drawbacks
As a relatively new technology, e-ink does come with certain drawbacks, the foremost being its limited competition and pricing. Currently, only a handful of companies are actively developing monitors, tablets, and phones utilizing e-ink technology. This limited competition sometimes results in devices that are either too specialized or serve a singular purpose. Consider the Hisense A9, for instance. While it's a commendable device, it remains primarily available in Asian markets, with limited European compatibility, and carries a high price tag relative to its specifications. Similar situations can be observed with the Boox family of devices and the Light Phone 2. If there were more companies pioneering e-ink screens, we might not see monitors with price tags comparable to those of a MacBook Pro.
This situation effectively positions this remarkable technology as a luxury or confines its accessibility to individuals who find it extremely valueable to them. Speaking from personal experience as someone who plans to purchase a Dasung e-ink monitor, I can attest that the price has been a significant deterrent. I've had to diligently save for several months, reallocating my discretionary "fun money" from my budget to reach such a lofty purchase. Nevertheless, my commitment to harnessing the numerous benefits offered by e-ink remains unwavering. In my pursuit of digital minimalism, e-ink has emerged as a valuable ally. It provides the practicality I need without overwhelming me with flashy color schemes and other distractions prevalent on the internet. It enables me to streamline the internet to its most basic form, and for me, the savings in terms of focus and productivity are well worth the initial investment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether or not you choose to embrace e-ink devices, there are simple steps you can take to enhance your eye health and overall well-being. Frequent breaks from screens, such as a short walk every two hours or taking a moment to interact with colleagues, grab a coffee, or step outside for fresh air while gazing into the distance instead of at your phone, can significantly benefit your eyes and mental clarity.
While e-ink technology offers its unique advantages, it is not a magical solution to all our digital woes. Instead, it serves as a valuable ally, prioritizing utility over the constant bombardment of attention-grabbing content. It encourages us to reclaim control over our digital lives and resist the relentless exploitation of our attention by technology companies. Ultimately, the choice to integrate e-ink into your daily routine is a personal one, but the pursuit of healthier screen habits and enhanced well-being is a goal worth pursuing for all.
For a detailed examination of the reading behavior on LCD screens versus E-ink displays, you can read the full research paper titled "LCD vs. E-ink: An Analysis of the Reading Behavior" on ResearchGate. Access the paper here.
For further insights into the effects of different reading devices on visual fatigue during prolonged reading sessions, I recommend reading the study titled "E-Readers and Visual Fatigue" available at this link. It is a contrast to the above and you can arrive to your own conclusions and maybe share them in the comments :)