Liputan6.com, Jakarta Have you often heard that reading in the dark can damage your eyes? This widely known myth often worries people when they read in low light. But is it true that reading in the dark can cause permanent damage to your eyes? Or is it just a myth without any scientific basis?
While reading in poor light won't cause permanent eye damage, this habit can still have some long-term effects that we should be aware of. Let’s take a closer look.
What Happens to the Eyes when Reading in the Dark?
Reading in the dark is not easy for many people. Without enough light, the words are harder to see, which can make your eyes tired and uncomfortable. Still, some people like reading at night because it feels calm and quiet. To make it easier, you can use a small reading light, choose books with bigger letters, or use an e-reader or tablet that has its own light.
Even though reading in the dark can feel cozy, it’s important to rest your eyes. If you start squinting or feel tired, it’s better to turn on a light or take a short break. Good lighting helps you read more comfortably and protects your eyes.
When you read in a dark or dim place, your eyes work harder. In low light, your pupils get bigger to let in more light, but this makes your eyes tired faster. You may feel dry eyes, blurry vision, or even headaches.
Our eyes can adjust to different levels of light, which is called light adaptation. In the dark, the pupils open wider to capture more light. But your eyes also use extra effort to keep the text clear. If this goes on for too long, it can cause eye strain.
Myth or Fact: What Does the Research Prove?
Many people enjoy reading at night when everything is quiet. However, it can also be challenging because the words are not easy to read. When you read in low light, your eyes work harder, which can cause them to become tired and make it more difficult to focus. To help, you can use a small lamp or reading light to enjoy your book without straining your eyes.
Some people like the cozy feeling of reading in the dark. It can make a story feel more exciting or mysterious. Just remember to take breaks if your eyes start to feel sore or tired. In short, reading in the dark can be fun if you take care of your eyes. Using a light will make the experience more comfortable.
Researchers have studied whether reading in the dark can damage your eyes. The results are surprising. Dr. James Sheedy, an eye expert from Pacific University, says that reading in low light does not cause permanent damage. The American Academy of Ophthalmology also confirms that there is no proof that dim light can harm your eyes or cause blindness.
A study published in the Journal of Optometry and Vision Science found that while your eyes may get tired faster in low light, this does not cause lasting problems. The strain is usually temporary and often resolves with rest or by adjusting your sitting posture.
Symptoms of Eye Fatigue from Reading in the Dark
Although reading in the dark does not cause permanent damage to the eyes, this habit can lead to some symptoms that make the eyes feel uncomfortable. Here are some common symptoms that may occur from reading in low light:
1. Eye Strain
When the eyes have to work harder to focus in low light, tension in the eye muscles can result. This may result in pain, fatigue, and tension around the eyes and forehead.
2. Dry Eyes
We tend to blink less often when we focus on objects in dim light. This can lead to dry, irritated, and red eyes.
3. Headaches
Eye strain from reading in the dark can trigger headaches. This usually happens because the eye muscles are tense and working hard to see clearly.
4. Blurred Vision
When the eyes struggle to see clearly in insufficient light, we might experience blurred vision or difficulty focusing, which is usually temporary.
Long-term Effects of Reading in the Dark
In general, reading in the dark won't cause permanent damage to your eyes or lead to blindness. However, the long-term effects may include decreased visual comfort.
Repeated eye strain can lead to increased discomfort, and in more severe cases, it may contribute to vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness) or astigmatism. It's important to note that conditions like myopia are often caused by genetic factors or other unhealthy habits, such as staring at screens from a close distance for extended periods.
So, while reading in the dark doesn't cause myopia, excessive eye strain from poor habits can still affect our vision quality over time.
If you need to read in dim or dark light, here are some tips to help protect your eye health.
First, use a bright reading lamp and direct the light onto your reading material. Using a lamp that is too dim or bright can cause eye strain.
Second, your reading position is very important. Please ensure that the distance between your eyes and the book is comfortable and not too close. Remember to give your eyes regular breaks by following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of reading, look away for 20 seconds at something about 20 feet away. If you have vision problems, wear the correct glasses or contact lenses to reduce strain.
Lastly, try not to read for too long at one time to avoid tiring your eyes. Following these tips lets you keep your eyes healthy while enjoying reading in a dimmer environment.