AUTHOR=Si Feng , Miao Shuang , Yang Yi , Li Shun , Liu Guoli , Cao Wei , Zhang Ruichen , Yang Zihan , Yang Haibo , Wang Kaixuan , Zhang Yunhong 

TITLE=The effects of polarization characteristics on visual fatigue: an empirical study based on subjective and objective indicators

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neuroscience

VOLUME=Volume 19 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2025.1715236

DOI=10.3389/fnins.2025.1715236

ISSN=1662-453X

ABSTRACT=IntroductionThis study aimed to examine the impact of circularly polarized versus linearly polarized displays on visual health, with a focus on visual fatigue during prolonged screen use.MethodsEighteen healthy adults participated in a within-subject design. Under controlled illumination and display parameters, participants performed a 40-min standardized visual task. Electroencephalography (EEG) and Vertical electrooculography (VEOG) were recorded concurrently, while subjective questionnaires were administered to assess visual fatigue and alertness.ResultsCompared with linearly polarized displays, circularly polarized displays were associated with significantly smaller increases in subjective visual fatigue and smaller declines in alertness (ps < 0.05). Blink rate remained stable under circular polarization but increased significantly under linear polarization and higher than in circular polarization (p < 0.05). EEG analyses revealed that circular polarization preserved stable neural activity, whereas linear polarization elicited a significant increase in the (θ + α)/β ratio and a significant decrease in alpha centroid frequency (ps < 0.05), indicating reduced cortical activation and slowed neural processing.ConclusionCircularly polarized displays, by more closely resembling the optical properties of natural light, can effectively mitigate visual fatigue induced by prolonged screen viewing. These findings provide both theoretical insights and empirical evidence to inform the development of healthier display technologies and ergonomics-related standards.