Is Reading in the Dark Bad for Eyesight?

As lives get busier and a time crunch looms over our heads, it is quite common to get into the habit of reading or working on the laptop at night, under dim lights. As someone who often reads on digital devices like a Kindle at night with the lights off, reading in the dark has naturally become a habit for me.

Just like any other common man, I am constantly bugged by the question, ‘Is reading in the dark bad for eyesight?’ Well, after thorough research and in-person consultation with expert optometrists, I can offer my two cents on the topic. So, without further ado, let us dive in!

What are the Effects of Reading in the Dark?

The crux of the matter remains that there is no convenient set of studies that have examined the long-term effects of reading in the dark. So, we have to depend on fragmented evidence and try to piece together a cohesive picture. To begin with, let us clear one thing - reading in the dark will not damage your eyesight permanently, but it might cause temporary harm.

According to an article published on the University of Arizona’s educational platform, the act of reading in the dark does not damage the eyes, but can lead to eye fatigue. So, the age-old warnings from our parents when we used flashlights under the covers to read a storybook are a tad bit skewed.

Similarly, another British study found that close work, such as reading, using smartphones and laptops, etc., could influence the onset of short-sightedness in adults. These elements are not nearly as important as sometimes it is also about the genetic factor and the lifestyle, which affect eyesight.

Difference Between Eye Damage and Eye Strain

Eye damage happens when your eyesight is permanently harmed. On the contrary, eye strain is not permanent. It is a temporary discomfort or pain which results from reading in the dark, driving for a long time, working on digital devices for a long time, or focusing on small prints under minimal lighting. Eye strain can cause headaches, sensitivity in the eyes, soreness, itching, and burning of the eyes. In addition, eye strain can also affect vision or sight temporarily, while you are experiencing the strain.

How Does Reading in the Dark Cause Eye Strain?

As the name suggests, eye strain happens when our eyes are overworking. Our retina is inherently designed to adapt to different light conditions, but it needs time to adjust to new light situations. Moreover, the muscles in the eye that facilitate the focusing of light onto the retina also have to work extra hard when the lights are dim or low. Thus, resulting in the muscles fatiguing. Some of the other pertinent reasons why reading under dim lights causes eye strain are -

• It is harder for the eyes to focus in low light.

• Other untreated conditions may accelerate eye strain.

• In dim light, we tend to blink less and strain more to see clearly, which can dry out the eyes and increase discomfort.

• Myopia or astigmatism can also make reading under low light more challenging.

Tips and Tricks to Avoid Eye Strain Caused by Reading in the Dark

Reading in the dark puts extra pressure on your eyes. When the lighting is poor, your pupils dilate to take in more light, forcing your eye muscles to work harder to focus. Eye strain, fatigue, headaches, and sometimes even blurry vision. Not exactly the ending you were hoping for after a good read. Here are some tips you can follow for your eye health-

• Light It Right - Reading under a proper light will help you see the text clearly without casting harsh shadows and glare.

• Use Blue Light Glasses - If you spend a significant part of your day on digital screens, you should use blue-light filtering glasses. They help filter out the high-energy blue light that can cause digital eye strain.

Comprehensive Vision Care Begins With Small Steps

Of course, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that reading in the dark causes permanent eye damage or deteriorates your vision. But we cannot ignore the fact that reading in the dark does lead to eye strain, which has multiple uncomfortable repercussions. So, taking small steps is important to ensure comprehensive eye care. You can book a free eye test appointment at your nearest Specscart store if you live in Manchester.