An alternative (perhaps less drastic) is what I do: dim all the images. I have my own JavaScript that runs on every page dimming all the images (including the image that videos show before you press play). I originally wanted to introduce functionality that allowed me to un-dim an image if I really wanted to look closely, but I've found that this never happens. I use the style attribute. There is a brightness filter.

Like OP says, it improves my browsing experience. I'm typically here for the text.