Does reading in the dark really damage your eyes? Here are the facts

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Reading a book before bed under a dim lamp may be a habit for some people. However, one piece of advice has long been heard: “don’t read in the dark, or you’ll damage your eyes”.

Is that really true?

The answer turns out to be less straightforward than the common assumption suggests. According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), reading in dim lighting can indeed make the eyes feel tired, but it does not cause damage to the eyes. So, reading in a poorly lit place does not automatically ruin your eyesight or cause short-sightedness.

Why do eyes feel tired when reading in the dark?

When reading, the eyes must continuously adjust so that the text can be seen clearly. When the lighting is too dim, the contrast between the text and the background becomes uncomfortable to look at.

As a result, a person may tire more quickly when reading. The eyes may feel achy, dry, or uncomfortable. This condition is usually temporary and improves once the eyes have had time to rest.

In other words, the fatigue that arises after reading in the dark does not mean the eyes are suffering permanent damage.

So, is it fine to read without a lamp?

Even though it has not been proven to damage the eyes, reading in a very dark room is not an ideal habit.

Adequate lighting remains important so that reading feels comfortable. A lamp that is too dim forces the eyes to work harder to see the text, whilst lighting that is too bright or creates glare can also make the eyes uncomfortable.

Therefore, it is best to use a light source bright enough to illuminate the page or screen without causing glare. The position of the lamp also matters, so that the light does not reflect directly into the eyes.

What about reading on a mobile phone in a dark room?

Well, this part is slightly different.

Reading on a mobile phone in a dark room does not automatically damage the eyes. However, staring at a screen for long periods can cause eye fatigue, or digital eye strain, in some people.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology explains that there is no scientific evidence that light from computer screens damages the eyes. Even so, prolonged use of digital devices can be associated with complaints such as tired and uncomfortable eyes.

In addition, using a phone with a very bright screen when the surroundings are dark can feel dazzling. Therefore, the screen brightness should be adjusted to the conditions of the room to keep the eyes comfortable.

There is also a very rare condition known as transient smartphone blindness, namely a temporary visual disturbance reported to occur after using a phone in a certain position in a dark room. This condition is different from eye damage caused by reading in the dark and relates to the eyes’ adaptation to differing light exposure between the two eyes.

Another common assumption is that the eyes will wear out if used too much.

In fact, the NEI says the eyes do not “wear out” simply from being used frequently. However, visual activity over long periods can still make the eyes feel tired or uncomfortable, so taking breaks remains a good habit.

When reading a book or using digital devices, try to look away from close objects from time to time and give your eyes a chance to rest.

Rather than worrying too much that reading in the dark will damage your eyes, attention is better directed towards reading comfort.

Make sure the room has adequate lighting. If reading a book, position the lamp so that the page is clearly visible and no distracting shadows are cast.

If using a laptop or mobile phone, adjust the screen brightness so it is not too dazzling. The viewing distance should also be comfortable, and avoid staring at a screen continuously without a break.

Simple habits such as blinking regularly and resting the eyes can also help reduce discomfort.

Don’t blame reading habits straight away

If a person frequently experiences tired eyes, blurred vision, headaches when reading, or difficulty seeing text, the cause is not necessarily the habit of reading in the dark.

Visual disturbances can have various causes. Indeed, research supported by the NEI shows that the relationship between reading activity and the development of short-sightedness, or myopia, is a more complex matter involving various visual and environmental factors.

Therefore, if visual complaints persist or begin to interfere with daily activities, an eye examination is a more appropriate step than simply changing reading habits.

Ultimately, the assumption that reading in the dark will definitely damage the eyes turns out to be largely a myth. Dim lighting can indeed make the eyes tire quickly and feel uncomfortable, but that does not mean the habit directly causes eye damage.

Even so, reading with adequate lighting remains the more comfortable option. So, if you want to read before bed, there is no need to panic just because the bedroom lamp is dim. Just make sure the text is still clearly visible, the screen is not too dazzling, and give your eyes time to rest when they start to feel tired.