Honor is set to introduce the Magic V3 smartphone to global customers at the upcoming IFA 2024 event. The Magic V3 is touted as the world’s first smartphone with AI Defocus technology, a feature designed to help prevent nearsightedness, also known as myopia—a growing health issue that currently affects up to 80% of children worldwide. Besides genetics, insufficient daylight exposure and extended periods of indoor studying contribute significantly to this vision problem.
The Growing Concern Over Myopia
Myopia isn’t just about needing glasses; it can also introduce long-term eye health risks, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment. Studies have shown that bright sunlight exposure for at least two hours daily can slow the progression of myopia. Conversely, prolonged activities like reading books or looking at smartphone screens up close can accelerate it.
Introducing AI Defocus Technology
Honor’s new AI Defocus technology selectively blurs parts of the screen image to help reduce myopia progression. This innovation is inspired by the Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) lens, which has a properly focused center and a progressively defocused surrounding area. Such a design aims to slow down the progression of myopia by creating a partially blurry image around the edges, potentially training the eye to relax and avoid over-focusing on nearby objects.
According to Honor’s internal studies, AI Defocus technology shows promising results. Temporary nearsightedness after reading for 25 minutes can improve by 0.13D to 0.75D (13 to 75 degrees) using AI Defocus. When compared to defocusing glasses, the benefits of AI Defocus were comparable across a 50-minute use period.
The Limitations of AI Defocus
AI Defocus might help with eye strain from screens, but we don’t know for sure if it works in the long run. The blurry image might slow down myopia for a few years, but we don’t know if it will help for many years. Also, the defocusing of smartphone screens hasn’t been studied much. We need more research to know if it’s good for your eyes. It’s important to remember that AI Defocus is a new technology. It will therefore need more studies to understand its full potential and long-term effects.
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It’s also crucial to understand that the Honor Magic V3 is not a medical device and Honor does not market it as having any therapeutic functions. Users should be aware that unexpected side effects might occur from prolonged use of this new technology.
Practical Tips for Smartphone Users
If you frequently use smartphones, there are several ways to reduce eye strain and possibly slow the progression of myopia:
Consider Larger Phones: Opt for devices with larger screens to reduce the need to squint or hold the device too close.
Increase Font Size: Set the text size to a larger font to make reading more comfortable without needing to hold the phone near your face.
Maintain Proper Distance: Hold your phone at least 20 inches (~50 cm) away from your eyes to reduce strain.
Spend Time Outdoors: Aim for several hours of outdoor activity each day, such as walking, which is beneficial for overall eye health.
For those already experiencing vision issues related to myopia, such as macular degeneration, there are other supportive measures, like vision supplements, that could potentially help maintain eye health. However, users should consider these with caution and ideally under medical advice.
Conclusion
The Honor Magic V3’s AI Defocus technology is a promising step in fighting myopia. It helps your eyes feel less tired and might stop nearsightedness from getting worse. But it’s still new, so don’t rely on it completely.
To keep your eyes healthy, do things outside like playing or walking. Use screens less, and take breaks from looking at them. See an eye doctor regularly to check your eyes. AI Defocus can help, but it’s not enough. You still need to take care of your eyes in other ways.
