I really like to read. I don't think it's by chance that my friends call me a bookworm. Reading plays an important part in my medical profession as it involves constant reading of information in the field, scientific articles and books. In addition, in the moments when I want to relax, I choose to read something else: a story, a novel or even a poem. I am glad that lately I see more and more people passionate about topics, posts, news, etc.
I will be honest with you and I tell you that lately I need glasses to be comfortable when reading. This raised the question: is reading to blame for this? I propose to find out together whether it is a myth or not that reading is harmful to the eyes.
As a doctor, I would prefer to start analyzing the situation from a scientific point of view.
Reading actually involves a lot of pressure on the eyes, since the perception of the text is associated with the fast working ability of the visual analyzer to distinguish a huge number of small details and to move along the lines. Such visual work is associated with the tension of accommodation, since the recognition of letters requires an increase in the refractive power of the lens, and the establishment of a certain curvature. The accommodative and internal rectus muscles of the eye have to stay in tension for quite a long time. The rest of the oculomotor muscles also do a lot of work, ensuring that the eyes move along the lines.
Among the factors that significantly affect eye fatigue are the readability of the text and the design. In this context, it is recommended to pay attention to:
- font and style of letters and symbols;
- letter size;
- line length,
- line spacing.
What conclusion can we draw from what has been analyzed so far? Do your eyes get tired of reading? Definitely yes! Does reading impair your eyesight? We still don't know.
As paradoxical as it may seem, reading is actually one of the best ways to keep your eyes active and healthyand can never cause visual defects, no matter how much you read. Moreover, reading can be used as an exercise to improve vision.
Especially dosed reading of small print is very good for the eyes. Large print is easier to read in low light than small print, bringing the book closer to your eyes. But the small print is impossible to read close to the eyes, if they are not properly relaxed. Dosed reading of small print at very close range has a relaxing effect on the muscles of the eyes.
Exercises to look at small print can be recommended for patients with myopia. Myopia will decrease as a result of these trainings. By reading the small print for a few minutes under unfavorable conditions, you will be able to read normal type much easier under normal conditions. This method can reduce eye pain in a few seconds.
Now, we should summarize what we found out. Therefore, this article outlines 2 basic ideas:
Prolonged eye strain does not have a positive effect on vision.
Reading does not harm sight.
My conclusion is that you should not give up reading. Regular breaks, special exercises that give rest to the eyes, allow you to maintain vision in different reading conditions. But we will talk about this in the next article.
Read, be informed and always up to date with what is happening around you!