MAX7219 Reverse Voltage

[MuhKuh]

Hi,

I am confused about the way the MAX7219 works.

According to the datasheet:
- The MAX7219 pulls the digit outputs to V+ when turned off.
- On the MAX7219, when a segment driver is turned off it is pulled to GND.

So when the LED segment and digit is turned off it will have a reverse voltage of 5V. Of course the segment will be off this way but looking at different 7 segment datasheets I see that they all say:

Absolute Maximum Ratings: Reverse Voltage: 5V

Is there something I misunderstand or is the MAX7219 really driving the LEDs at their limits?

[MuhKuh]

It looks like most LEDs survive higher reverse voltages than specified. Still strange the MAX7219 design runs the LEDs at the specified absolute maximum.