iPad Pro iPad Pro 11" or 12.9" for those with eye health problems

[jkundi]

Hi there,

I'm looking to purchase an iPad Pro and have not owned one since 2016. I'm currently deciding between the 11" or 12.9". I suffer from a condition which leaves me with fatigued and dry eyes often, think of it as intense eye strain.

My question is, how much of a benefit would the larger iPad Pro be for anyone with eye fatigue issues? Would the larger display help? What's everyones experience.

I would usually use an iPad at home mostly for editing photos and some video work and reading kindle books. Other productivity work would include note taking using Notion.

Thanks

 

[aloysiusfreeman]

Currently have a 2021 iPad Pro 11". I do have astigmatism which before glasses, being behind screens all day for work (and personal use) would cause a lot of eye strain and eventually migraines. Not sure how relevant that would be with your condition.

I love it and it works great. I've been using it a lot for writing (w/ Google Docs), Procreate, and reading ebooks. The only benefit I would get with a 12.9" is the extra real estate. Not sure how the screen difference would work for your editing work, as far as reading, 11" will work great.

 

[happy orchard]

I'm guessing that there will be a lot of people who will tell you to go with the 12.9 because it has the 'superior' mini-LED screen. So I'm posting to let you know that may not be the way to go.

The 12.9 is lovely for its big size. I use previous models and love the size for myriad reasons; however, the 2021 and 2022 models changed their screens. Many of us who have issues with various screens (sensitivity to PWM, dithering, etc.) prefer Apple's LCD screens. This is what the iPad Pro 11" still has.

From that alone, I would say the 11" is likely the kinder way to go for your eyes.

Obviously, the best answer for you depends on so many variables: what causes your eyes issues, how you've done with Apple's OLED screens and other electronics that use various technology, how you use or intend to use your iPad (duration, lighting, etc.) Possibly your ideal solution right now might be to use Apple's wonderful extended holiday return period to try out the one you think you want and see what works for you.

Also, you mention wanting to read kindle books. There are other e-readers beyond the standard Kindle sizes that allow you to read Kindle books. I have a Supernote e-reader--it's also an e-writer. Just a thought if you're trying to be gentle with your eyes and want a bigger screen.

For those who write

Supernote is an elegant electronic notebook for taking notes, annotating, and reading without distractions.

supernote.com

 

[iStorm]

Another thing to keep in mind is that while the display is larger, the UI (text, buttons, icons, etc.) is relatively the same size on both, depending on the app. It's not quite the same as comparing say a 46" TV with a 65" TV, where everything just gets blown up/scaled larger. You just have more real estate to work with and show more content on the 12.9". Of course there are settings you can use to zoom in on both, if you need to do that.

 

[Rafterman]

Honestly, it doens't matter. The 11 and 12.9 do not scale text. If you compare them side by side, text on the 11 and 12.9 are exactly the same size. It's just that on the 12.9, you can see more without scrolling.

The 11 is more comfortable as a hand-held device, as it is smaller and .5 pounds lighter. But the 12.9 works better if it's docked a lot, like in a Magic Keyboard.

 

[SpaceJello]

This may not necessarily be the suggestion you are looking for but wouldn’t holding the iPad a little closer helps with lightening any eye strains you may have?

I do this with a 11” when I am not wearing my glasses. I prefer the 11” over 12” for this as the 12” is too large too easily adjust distance without finding the need for support.

 

[kp98077]

if you travel id say the 11, I am in the same boat now.
Can't decide between the 11 or 12.9, I do travel not a ton. But had a 12.9 years ago and loved it! It just didn't feel that big, the 11 felt a little small TBH. From a medical perspective, in your case, a larger screen will likely dry you eyes out more (because of the larger surface area). But I do miss the multitasking on the 12.9, I just wish there was not a $300 difference ;/ any suggestions?

 

[synthblock]

I have an M2 12.9” and an M1 11” iPad Pro. I get dizzy after using the 11” for a couple of hours but not the 12.9”. Brightness, text size etc is the same on both, just more real estate on the bigger one.

 

[happy orchard]

I have an M2 12.9” and an M1 11” iPad Pro. I get dizzy after using the 11” for a couple of hours but not the 12.9”. Brightness, text size etc is the same on both, just more real estate on the bigger one.

You get dizzy? That's awful. Do you know why? Has this happened to you more than once?

 

[synthblock]

You get dizzy? That's awful. Do you know why? Has this happened to you more than once?

I have no idea why but I’m sure vision related in the sense that some people get headaches and I guess I get dizzy. Must be eye strain with the 11” Pro. I just have to put the iPad down for 10 minutes and then I’m fine so clearly I should be taking breaks when using it. But this hasn’t happened yet while using the M2 12.9” since release day.

 

[happy orchard]

I have no idea why but I’m sure vision related in the sense that some people get headaches and I guess I get dizzy. Must be eye strain with the 11” Pro. I just have to put the iPad down for 10 minutes and then I’m fine so clearly I should be taking breaks when using it. But this hasn’t happened yet while using the M2 12.9” since release day.

Interesting. I had issues with the 12.9 when it went to mini-LED. Somehow it bothered my eyes and head. I felt myself turning my head away from the screen. No problem on the earlier 12.9 or 11. That‘s why I’m considering the 11 now because it still has the LCD. But if the 12.9 is somehow better than last year’s…that could be very cool.

Have you had dizziness or any other issues with other iPads? Or the OLED iPhones since X? Or any other Apple gear?

 

[jkundi]

Hi lovely people, I went for the 12.9" earlier this week, I've not had much time with it as I've been swapped at work. But I did go in store multiple times to play around with both sizes. The 11" was way to small for me, holding it landscape, my hand is as big as the landscape height. The 12.9" felt just right in my hands in terms of size.

I was diagnosed with acute blepharitis (auto immune), meaning it occurs now and then, and depends on how strained my eyes are. The more they are strained the more likely it to trigger the vestibular migraine, which causes me to feel dizzy. This can last few days, still able to go about my day but not in a fluid comfortable manor, not to mention the fatigue. This condition started due to prolonged sitting behind a desk at work and stressing - so a healthy reminder to everyone, take breaks, use eye drops when needed, always put your health first.

I've managed it with keeping a safe screen distance, blinking more as we usually tend to forget to blink. Hence I can keep the 12.9" at a safe distance. I do sit behind the LG 5K 27" monitor everyday, I do benefit from the screen real estate and less squinting.

 

[lordhamster]

I don't have an eye-health issue other than being old. I intitially bought the 11 inch for portability (because I travel for work). However, I returned it and got the 12.9 instead. My arms are too short to read the 11 inch without reading glasses. With the 12.9 I can still read without needing to fool with glasses (for now)

 

[d5aqoëp]

Hi there,

I'm looking to purchase an iPad Pro and have not owned one since 2016. I'm currently deciding between the 11" or 12.9". I suffer from a condition which leaves me with fatigued and dry eyes often, think of it as intense eye strain.

My question is, how much of a benefit would the larger iPad Pro be for anyone with eye fatigue issues? Would the larger display help? What's everyones experience.

I would usually use an iPad at home mostly for editing photos and some video work and reading kindle books. Other productivity work would include note taking using Notion.

Thanks

Have you considered basic eye exercises?

Hold your jaw with both hands making V shape and

1. See up and down
2. See left and right
3. See diagonally top left and right down
4. See diagonally top right and left down
5. See all 4 corners in clockwise direction
6. See all 4 corners in anti-clockwise direction
7. Move eyes in circular direction clockwise
8. Move eyes in circular direction anti-clockwise
9. Hold Index finger 6 inches from left eye and focus on some distant object. Then focus again on index finger. Then again on distant object, then again on index finger. Repeat for Right eye.

All above to be performed (1 set 10 repetitions) You can increase sets or repetitions later. Push furthest direction your vision allows. Max it takes 5 mins of your time.

Within 2 weeks you will see a dramatic change in the form of reduction of eye strain because of strengthening of eye muscles.

Do this 6 days a week with 1 break day.

Additionally look up some basic neck strengthening exercises. Eye and neck exercise combo is amazing.

 

[wilberforce]

I would usually use an iPad at home mostly for editing photos and some video work and reading kindle books. Other productivity work would include note taking using Notion.

You can't have too big a screen for editing photos and video. If this is your primary device for doing so, bigger is much better.

If this is just to supplement a computer for doing so, then the 11" would suffice (which is what I have).

 

[jm31828]

Interesting. I had issues with the 12.9 when it went to mini-LED. Somehow it bothered my eyes and head. I felt myself turning my head away from the screen. No problem on the earlier 12.9 or 11. That‘s why I’m considering the 11 now because it still has the LCD. But if the 12.9 is somehow better than last year’s…that could be very cool.

Have you had dizziness or any other issues with other iPads? Or the OLED iPhones since X? Or any other Apple gear?

I wonder if the dizziness is because of the PWM flicker that the 12.9 has? It's high frequency according to Notebookcheck, but it is there at all brightness levels.