The Effect of Reading in the Dark on the Eyes
It's a rite of passage for young bookworms to stay up past their bedtime with a book and a flashlight under the covers. And when their parents catch them, these readers are likely to hear that they're ruining their eyes. But whether reading in the dark really affects eyesight --- and if it does, how --- continues to be debated.
One View: No Harm Done
The general consensus among most eye-care specialists is that while it might strain your eyes, reading in the dark does not permanently harm your vision. "Reading in dim light ... can't hurt your eyes," according to an article published by the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary. "Similarly, reading small print or reading extensively cannot cause damage to the eyes. This is true even for people who already have poor vision. ... The eyes are meant to be used!"
Another View: Might Cause Nearsightedness
Some doctors and scientists argue that when people repeatedly put too much strain on their eyes --- such as by reading in the dark or spending too much time in front of a computer or television --- they risk their eyes getting "stuck" in close-up mode and eventually becoming nearsighted (myopic), or unable to focus on things at a distance. The International Myopia Prevention Association is one of the most vocal groups making the case that nearsightedness is primarily caused by environmental factors (like reading in the dark) rather than genes.
Complications of Nearsightedness
Nearsightedness can lead to complications such as cataracts, glaucoma and, most commonly, myopic macular degeneration. This condition, also known as degenerative myopia, ranks seventh among causes of legal blindness in the United States, according to Dr. Brian Ward of Retinal Diagnostic Center in Campbell, Calif. Degenerative myopia "is an important world-health issue that has had an unfortunate history of ineffectual treatments that have led most eye specialists to believe that it is something of a 'lost cause,'" Ward says.
Strained Eyes
Reading in the dark strains your eyes. You may notice that they feel dry, itchy, sore or like they're burning. Headaches are a common result of eye strain, and blurred or double vision can occur, although these symptoms should go away after your eyes are rested, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The Verdict: Exercise Caution
Experts might not reach a consensus anytime soon, but with so much conflicting evidence, it would seem prudent to exercise caution when tempted to read in the dark. Your eyes will thank you for not overworking them, and you'll be doing your part to possibly ward off nearsightedness and its complications down the road. If nothing else, it will make your mom happy.
Tags: their eyes, Dark Eyes, Effect Reading, Effect Reading Dark, Reading Dark