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Updated: May 20, 2026
09:44
Methods to Test Visual Attention Online
Published on: February 19, 2015
Reading on LCD vs e-Ink displays: effects on fatigue and visual strain
Eva Siegenthaler1, Yves Bochud, Per Bergamin
1Institute for Research in Open-, Distance- and eLearning, Swiss Distance University of Applied Sciences, Brig, Switzerland. eva.siegenthaler@ffhs.ch
Summary
Reading on modern electronic paper (e-Ink) and liquid-crystal displays (LCD) is comparable. Display image quality, not technology, is key for comfortable extended reading on digital devices.
Area of Science:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Display Technology
- Reading Science
Background:
- Mobile reading devices with high-resolution displays (e-Ink and LCD) are increasingly popular for various applications.
- Adaptable font sizes on these devices may benefit individuals with visual impairments.
- Previous research indicated slower reading speeds and increased visual fatigue on electronic displays compared to paper.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally compare reading behavior and visual strain between e-Ink and LCD display technologies over extended reading periods.
- To investigate the suitability of modern e-Ink and LCD displays for prolonged reading sessions.
Main Methods:
- Participants engaged in several hours of reading on either e-Ink or LCD devices.
- Measures included subjective visual fatigue, a letter search task, reading speed, oculomotor behavior, and pupillary light reflex.
Main Results:
- Reading performance and visual strain were found to be highly similar across both e-Ink and LCD display types.
- No significant differences were observed in subjective or objective measures between the two display technologies.
Conclusions:
- The crucial factor for comfortable and efficient reading is image quality, rather than the specific display technology (e-Ink vs. LCD).
- Recent electronic displays offer good and comfortable reading experiences, even for extended durations, surpassing older display units.
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