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The Impact of Screens on Color Perception: What Role for Optics?

Reading time : 3 minutes

In a world where screens are omnipresent, our eyes are constantly solicited by the light emitted by these devices. Whether for work, leisure or communication, this prolonged exposure raises questions about its potential impact on our vision. How do screens influence our perception of colors and contrasts? What mechanisms are at play? And above all, what optical solutions can mitigate these effects?

The impact of screens and blue light on visual perception

Digital screens emit a significant amount of blue light , a component of the visible light spectrum . While this light plays an essential role in our biological regulation, excessive exposure to it can cause eye fatigue, reduced contrast, and a progressive alteration of color perception.

According to the French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES), prolonged exposure to blue light can contribute to the onset of visual disorders and affect retinal photoreceptors in the long term ( ANSES, 2019 ). Another study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science highlights that high-intensity blue light can induce oxidative stress in retinal cells, thereby accelerating their aging ( Chamorro et al., 2013 ).

child looking at his phone at night

Symptoms associated with this overexposure include dry eyes , difficulty concentrating, and even sleep disturbances. This is because blue light interferes with the production of melatonin, disrupting our circadian rhythm ( Harvard Medical School, 2018) .

A gradual alteration of colors and contrasts

Prolonged exposure to screens changes the way we interpret colors and contrasts. By reducing the eye's sensitivity to chromatic variations, it can lead to a less vivid perception of nuances and details.

A study by the University of Tübingen (2021) showed that regular screen users had reduced contrast sensitivity, especially in low-light environments . Similarly, research by The Vision Council (2022) indicates that more than 65% of adults experience visual discomfort after long-term exposure to screens , with a noticeable decline in contrast and color perception after several hours of use.

children reading on tablets

Researchers from the University of Granada have also demonstrated the impact of screens on eye fatigue, which can lead to a reduction in the perception of red and blue after a prolonged day of computer work (Martinez-Roda et al., 2020).

Optical solutions to preserve visual perception and limit the impact of screens

Faced with these challenges, the optical industry has developed several solutions to preserve the quality of vision and reduce eye fatigue:

  • Blue light filtering glasses : These reduce the harmful effects of screens by blocking some of the harmful blue light, improving contrast and reducing fatigue. A study from the University of Houston (2017) found that wearing filtering glasses increased melatonin production by 58% , promoting better visual recovery.
  • Anti-reflective coatings: by limiting parasitic reflections from screens, these treatments allow for clearer perception of colors and better reading of contrasts.
  • Display settings: Adjusting brightness and activating “eye comfort” or “reading” modes on screens reduces eye strain and improves the viewing experience.

teenager with screens held by hands

New research is also exploring innovative technologies, such as intelligent adaptive filters that automatically adjust the hue and intensity of the display based on ambient lighting.

The impact of screens is considerable on our perception of colors and contrasts, mainly due to blue light and the eye fatigue it generates. However, thanks to advances in optics, it is possible to minimize these effects and preserve the quality of our vision. By combining suitable technological solutions and good screen usage practices, we can reduce visual impacts and ensure greater comfort on a daily basis.