Iris Scanner - Causing users eye pain?

[Almeuit]

I followed through the article to the Reddit thread. The "multiple users" quoted in the article are actually 5. The rest of the comments are jokes or debate. Considering that the Reddit thread was from a month ago, I would have expected to have heard more about this if it was a widespread problem.

As to the site's credibility? Scroll around and draw your own conclusions.

I've been using the iris scanner many times daily since launch day and haven't felt a twinge. I know that I'm a minuscule sampling, but couldn't resist throwing it out there.

Well I don't think it is a huge issue but I can see some people maybe getting bothered by using it. The manual (if I am recalling correctly) does state some people may get some discomfort from using it. Everyone is different.

 

[Gary02468]

Re: I guess if Samsung can't blow you up, they'll blind you instead

I didn't make any factual statements[.] I just said it isn't smart

Where "it" was "beaming a laser into your eye". But saying that lasers have anything to do with the safety of the iris scanner is factually wrong, so I corrected that misinformation.

Carry on.

 

[Ecm]

Well I don't think it is a huge issue but I can see some people maybe getting bothered by using it. The manual (if I am recalling correctly) does state some people may get some discomfort from using it. Everyone is different.

Looking back, my post may have been a bit snarky. Not intended, sorry. I just get a little indignant with what I consider as "click bait", like the Mail article.

Anyway, for the edification of all in the thread, here's the relevant text from the user manual:

Precautions for using iris recognition

Before using the iris recognition camera and LED, keep the following precautions in mind.

• To protect your eyes, keep the screen at least 20 cm away from your face when using iris recognition.
• Do not attach unofficial screen protectors (privacy protection films, tempered glass protectors, etc.) to your device. The iris recognition LED may not turn off even when you are very close to it.
• Do not use iris recognition with infants. Doing so may damage their eyesight.
• Anyone who experiences dizziness, seizures, loss of awareness, blackouts, or other symptoms linked to an epileptic condition, or a family history of such symptoms or conditions, should see a doctor before using iris recognition.

​

 

[Shawn Magm]

Re: I guess if Samsung can't blow you up, they'll blind you instead

As I understand, it's infrared light, not a laser, that is used for the iris scanner.

 

[erasat]

Re: I guess if Samsung can't blow you up, they'll blind you instead

Right. It's like people are fishing for S8 drama today. WTH?

Not really "people", so far today, it has been the same user. So you can connect the dots.

 

[Sapient]

Re: I guess if Samsung can't blow you up, they'll blind you instead

I understand that you don't want to use the iris scanner. You don't need a certain amount of proper light though. It's infrared so it works even in the dark.

Having stuff beamed into your eye is literally how you see. If you don't want light, including IR, to enter your eyes, you will need a good blindfold.

 

[ABOSWORTH007]

Re: I guess if Samsung can't blow you up, they'll blind you instead

Having stuff beamed into your eye is literally how you see. If you don't want light, including IR, to enter your eyes, you will need a good blindfold.

LOL...... How the eye works, 101.

 

[Almeuit]

Re: I guess if Samsung can't blow you up, they'll blind you instead

Having stuff beamed into your eye is literally how you see. If you don't want light, including IR, to enter your eyes, you will need a good blindfold.

Or you could be like me -- I just don't want to beam something in my eye to unlock my phone . The FP scanner handles all of my unlocking needs without having to see my eyes to unlock it.

 

[Sapient]

Re: I guess if Samsung can't blow you up, they'll blind you instead

Or you could be like me -- I just don't want to beam something in my eye to unlock my phone . The FP scanner handles all of my unlocking needs without having to see my eyes to unlock it.

I suppose. Every time I've ever used a phone screen, I've done so to specifically have things beamed into my eyes.

I personally have the FP and IS active, but almost never use either because of smart unlock (or whatever it is called).

 

[Almeuit]

Re: I guess if Samsung can't blow you up, they'll blind you instead

I suppose. Every time I've ever used a phone screen, I've done so to specifically have things beamed into my eyes.

I personally have the FP and IS active, but almost never use either because of smart unlock (or whatever it is called).

Well yeah I have the screen done.. but I don't want the iris scanner doing it for unlocking purposes..

Is that wrong or something? I get the feeling it is from how defensive everyone is from someone simply saying.. "I'd rather not use that method to unlock" lol.

 

[Sapient]

Re: I guess if Samsung can't blow you up, they'll blind you instead

Well yeah I have the screen done.. but I don't want the iris scanner doing it for unlocking purposes..

Is that wrong or something? I get the feeling it is from how defensive everyone is from someone simply saying.. "I'd rather not use that method to unlock" lol.

Heh. I don't care if people use the IR. I've only done it a couple times, and with mixed success when wearing glasses. I just think the idea of someone not wanting light in their eye to be funny.

 

[Wbutchart]

Re: I guess if Samsung can't blow you up, they'll blind you instead

Well yeah I have the screen done.. but I don't want the iris scanner doing it for unlocking purposes..

Is that wrong or something? I get the feeling it is from how defensive everyone is from someone simply saying.. "I'd rather not use that method to unlock" lol.

People are not being defensive, they are poking fun at what you said...

You said you don't want anything beamed into your eyes...the point being that all light is beamed into our eyes. So the more you repeat the same thing the more fun others are having with it.

 

[Almeuit]

Re: I guess if Samsung can't blow you up, they'll blind you instead

People are not being defensive, they are poking fun at what you said...

You said you don't want anything beamed into your eyes...the point being that all light is beamed into our eyes. So the more you repeat the same thing the more fun others are having with it.

They can keep having fun with it.. it doesn't hurt my feelings. Just like the one guy quoting me was trying to fix my typing within the quotes he was responding to.. lol.

If I gave into what others think or try and impress them I wouldn't be me. Know how many people hate anime? .. even my friends throw jabs at me for watching it. It doesn't stop me.. right? .

I don't let little things like that bother me. If they get a laugh.. all is well. I still stand by what I said ... I'd rather not use something that has been said to cause eye pain for some to simply unlock my phone. Also I'd rather not hold it just right so it can unlock. No thanks. Not for me lol.

 

[Almeuit]

Re: I guess if Samsung can't blow you up, they'll blind you instead

Where "it" was "beaming a laser into your eye". But saying that lasers have anything to do with the safety of the iris scanner is factually wrong, so I corrected that misinformation.

Carry on.

And I still stand by "it" is not a good idea (in my opinion).

Thanks .

 

[Zachary Boddy]

I can't be considered an "expert" on iris scanners and their effect on your eyes, but I have been using one of the first commercial phones to implement a successful iris scanner (the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL) for a long while and I can safely and confidently tell you of my experiences.
First off, the iris scanner does not implement lasers of any kind. The iris scanner uses a combination of your front facing camera and an infrared LED in order to better pick out details in multiple lighting conditions (this LED is why the iris scanner still works in almost all lighting conditions except for the most extreme-more on that later). The "risk" here is no greater than walking outside on a particularly sunny day, and in fact is even less extreme in my opinion (given my experiences). You see, sunlight actually typically contains more infrared light than the LED in the phone transmits, which is exactly why the iris scanner typically fails in direct sunlight (because the infrared light present in sunlight completely masks the infrared light in the LED and makes it impossible for it to see you). It's no more dangerous than staring at, well, your lighted phone screen. Especially considering the average duration that the infrared LED light remains on.
This infrared LED is exactly why iris scanners are so secure, and how they can work in near pitch darkness with little to no complications. In most situations, finger print sensors (it's not a scanner) are quicker, this is true, but iris scanners can actually be more secure despite their slightly more fiddly nature. Their safety has been tested for a long time, and I don't see why their implementation in smartphones should make any difference here. These are not retina scanners, and your eye is not an inch away from the sensor.

In my honest opinion, I would not trust the contents of the article linked in the original post, considering it's less than credible sources and the simple fact that people often experience "eye discomfort" when using lighted screens for long periods of time due to the strain that occurs from focusing on these displays. I get more eye discomfort from watching Netflix for long periods of time then from unlocking my phone, even if it's repeatedly over a short period of time. If one is truly worried about the safety of their eyes, I suggest you stop using smartphones and other technology products featuring lighted displays altogether, as the threat is about the same.

 

[anon(7901790)]

Re: I guess if Samsung can't blow you up, they'll blind you instead

I didn't make any factual statements .. I just said it isn't smart since I don't think it is. You're welcome to disagree but in no way did I say I have scientifically tested this theory. So .. You drew your own conclusions and just wanted to "prove me wrong" on something that I never said .

That's the problem. You're not stating facts. You're entire argument is based on unsubstantiated claims.

 

[Almeuit]

Re: I guess if Samsung can't blow you up, they'll blind you instead

That's the problem. You're not stating facts. You're entire argument is based on unsubstantiated claims.

I think it's bad. No argument really.. it's my opinion and that's why I won't use it. So yes it's unsubstantiated claims.. it's my opinion not scientific research. Why is that so hard to understand?

Simple as that. The only argument is those trying to convince me or prove me wrong on my opinion.. lol. Some people don't use Samsung Pay because they believe it's unsecure.. some don't use finger print reader due to the worry of security. If they don't feel like using it then so be it. That's how I am with the iris scanner.

 

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

Mod Note: Keep it civil, folks.

It's great to debate, but let's not throw a fit over differing opinions.

 

[Iva_LadyDiCaprio98]

Either way, you're not supposed to look directly at the light .. when I unlock my phone through iris scanner, I always look at the window that shows my eyes and it unlocks and never causes me any eye strain and my eyes are usually very sensitive to strong light.

 

[anon(7901790)]

Re: I guess if Samsung can't blow you up, they'll blind you instead

I think it's bad. No argument really.. it's my opinion and that's why I won't use it. So yes it's unsubstantiated claims.. it's my opinion not scientific research. Why is that so hard to understand?

Simple as that. The only argument is those trying to convince me or prove me wrong on my opinion.. lol. Some people don't use Samsung Pay because they believe it's unsecure.. some don't use finger print reader due to the worry of security. If they don't feel like using it then so be it. That's how I am with the iris scanner.

That's all well and good, but people come to these forums for advice and info. When they see somebody (especially a moderator) making an claim it can sway their opinion and give them bad information. It's worse if that person's opinion is not based on any fact, just unsubstantiated rumors. As moderator you should probably be setting a better example.