World Book Day
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It’s a day to celebrate the joy of reading, the magic of stories, and the power of words. As we lose ourselves in captivating narratives, many of us wonder about the impact of reading on our eyes.
At CHEC, we’re passionate about eye health, so let’s explore this fascinating relationship. For generations, parents have cautioned against reading in dim light or for extended periods, fearing damage to eyesight.
However, the good news is that reading itself doesn’t fundamentally change the structure of your eyes or lead to long-term vision problems like myopia (near-sightedness). Discomfort after long reading sessions is usually due to eye strain, not permanent damage.
So, what really happens when we read? When you read, your eyes engage in focusing, eye movement, and blinking. Your eye muscles focus on the text, your eyes track the lines, and ideally, you blink regularly for lubrication. The symptoms of prolonged reading, such as dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, or fatigue, are typically signs of eye strain, caused by prolonged focus, reduced blinking, poor lighting, incorrect reading distance, or digital device usage.
While reading doesn’t directly improve vision, it offers cognitive benefits that indirectly support eye health. Cognitive stimulation from reading enhances cognitive function and may reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline, while stress reduction from reading can benefit overall health, including eye health. Furthermore, reading increases knowledge, including about eye health and preventative measures.
To enjoy reading without straining your eyes, consider:
| The 20-20-20 rule |
| Maintain proper lighting |
| Adjust your reading distance |
| Blink frequently |
| Use artificial tears |
| Take regular breaks |
| Adjust screen settings |
| Schedule regular eye exams |
This World Book Day, let’s celebrate the joy of reading while prioritising eye health. By following these tips, you can enjoy countless hours of literary adventures without compromising your vision
At CHEC, we’re committed to providing exceptional eye care services. If you have any concerns about your eye health, please don’t hesitate to contact us. For more tips on how to care for your eyes, why not check out our eye health guide.
Happy reading!
