With the introduction of iOS 16.4 and macOS Ventura 13.3, Apple has introduced an Accessibility feature designed to automatically reduce flashes of light or strobe effects in video content. Having already created a separate guide about this very feature for iPhone and iPad, I have now set might sight on doing the same for Mac. So, follow along to learn how to automatically dim videos containing flashes of light in macOS Ventura 13.3 or later.
Automatically Dim Flashing Lights in Video Content on Mac
Before moving ahead, let’s discuss a bit more about this all-new Accessibility feature!
So, why should you need to enable this “Dim Flashing Lights” Accessibility feature?
Specifically developed keeping in mind the safety of people with photo-sensitivity epilepsy, the new Accessibility feature ensures stimulants such as the rapid flashes of light or stroboscopic effects do not harm the viewing experience.
For folks who are unaware, seizures in photosensitive people tend to get triggered by exposure to things like alternating patterns of different colors, rolling effects, and flashing of lights. When it occurs, people feel uncomfortable sensations in their eyes. It’s important to note that photosensitivity epilepsy is not common, though it might be diagnosed when you have an EEG test.
What are the Symptoms of Photosensitive Epilepsy?
There are several symptoms of photosensitive epilepsy. Here are some of the major ones:
- Sudden breathing pattern changes
- Loss of bladder control
- The body stiffens and muscles contract
- Loss of consciousness
Automatically Reduce Strobing Light Effects in Video Content on Mac
- First off, click on the Apple symbol located at the upper left corner of the screen and choose System Settings in the drop-down menu.
- Scroll down a bit in the sidebar and choose Accessibility.
- Now, select Display which appears under the Vision section.
- Finally, turn on the toggle for Dim flashing lights and you are good to go!
From now onwards, your Mac will automatically reduce the flashing light effects in videos to safeguard your vision. Hence, you can watch videos with complete peace of mind, knowing that your vision is protected. Of course, at any time, you want to revert the change, head into the same Accessibility menu and then turn off the toggle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ways to reduce the risk of a photosensitive trigger?
There are several ways to prevent photosensitive epilepsy. For instance, take regular breaks from the screen, prefer to use a flatscreen TV or computer monitor, use a screen in a well-lit room, avoid sitting near the screen, etc.
How do you get rid of photosensitive epilepsy?
While there is no definitive cure for photosensitive epilepsy, you can take anti-epileptic medicines that may decrease the frequency of seizures. Additionally, you can also avoid the stimuli like flashes of light to reduce the likelihood of having a seizure.
Read more: How to Add ChatGPT to Mac’s Menu Bar
