Reading is a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. However, have you ever found yourself reading in the dark? While it may seem like a harmless habit, it can actually have a negative impact on your eyes. This is especially true for kids who start a habit of reading in the dark early, where habitual reading in the dark for extended periods can cause real damage.  In this blog, we'll explore why reading in the dark is bad for your eyes and what you can do to protect them.

Night Myopia: What is it and Why is it Bad for Your Eyes?

When we read in the dark, our eyes experience a phenomenon called night myopia. Essentially, our eyes receive less information in low light conditions, and as a result, don't know where to focus. To compensate for the low light conditions, our eyes will focus closer than they need to, causing a bit of blur and strain. Over time, frequent reading in the dark can lead to the development of myopia, or nearsightedness.

Developing myopia is not just about needing glasses. Myopia has been shown to dramatically increase the risk of serious eye disease later on in life, so it is essential to do anything possible to prevent myopia. 

Studies have shown that our eyes need good information to grow and develop properly. Reading in the dark deprives our eyes of that necessary information, leading to potential vision problems down the road. To prevent this, it's crucial to always read in good lighting conditions.

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Night Reading in Good Lighting Conditions: Tips for Better Eye Health

The good news is that protecting your eyes while reading in the dark is easy. Follow these tips to ensure that you're giving your eyes the proper conditions for healthy vision:

Use bright lighting: When reading, it's important to have good lighting that illuminates the page. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the light source is behind you and shining on the page at an angle. This will prevent any glare and ensure that the page is well-lit.

Avoid too much glare: While bright lighting is essential, too much glare can also be harmful to your eyes. If you're reading from a computer screen or tablet, consider using an anti-glare screen protector. This will reduce the amount of glare that reaches your eyes and prevent strain.

Choose the right contrast: Whether you're reading from a physical book or an e-reader, it's important to have good contrast between the letters and the background. This will make it easier for your eyes to read without having to strain.

Is Reading a Kindle Better for Your Eyes Than Reading a Book?

One common question that people have is whether reading from a kindle is better for your eyes than reading from a book. The truth is that it doesn't really matter what you're reading, as long as you're doing it in good lighting conditions.

If you're reading from a kindle, make sure that the contrast between the letters and the background is significant enough to prevent strain. You don't need to have the brightness cranked up to the maximum, but you should be able to read comfortably without squinting.

Protect Your Eyes with Regular Eye Exams

In addition to reading in good lighting conditions, it's also crucial to take care of your eyes with regular eye exams. At Amplify EyeCare Manhattan, we offer comprehensive eye exams to help ensure that your eyes are healthy and functioning properly. Whether you're due for a routine checkup or are experiencing vision problems, our team of experienced optometrists can help. Contact us today at (212) 752-6930 to schedule your appointment.

Patients searching for advanced medical eye care visit our clinic from all over New York, and we are proud to be a leading provider of medical eye care services for patients from New York, Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island.