Health question

[Ryduce]

Does reading in insufficient light cause damage to your eyesight? I've been told this my whole life,but I have recently heard this was just a myth.I was curious because I always read in dark or low light situations,and it would suck to go blind from reading.

[ClaesGefvenberg]

I honestly don't know, but one thing, I do know: It causes a splitting headache... Or is it just my age rearing its ugly head again?

/Claes

[Whifflingpin]

I believe that the eyes are damaged by reflection off the page when the light is too bright.

Likewise, excessive use of the computer - so you should stop looking at the screen now, at once - go and read a book in the dark.

[rachel]

that is so adorable Whiffling, hug hug.
I was told it merely brings strain and headache, I don't know beyond that.

[AimusSage]

If you are comfortable reading in low light, go ahead and do it, it just means the eye muscless have to work a little harder. In the short term it can cause eyestrain and a headache, but no permanent damage, however if you never had any trouble, I don't see why you should change your habits.

There has never been any conclusive evidence that reading or working in low light environments can cause damage to the eyes in the long term. Just do whatever you are comfortable with.

[emily655321]

I believe that the eyes are damaged by reflection off the page when the light is too bright.That's how my great-grandfather went blind. He was reading on the porch, the sun bounced off the page and burned his retinas out. But he was 98 years old already, so I guess it was his fault for living so long. Poor Grandpa.

[chmpman]

I used to do a lot of reading in my dimly lit room, and also while on long road trips I would pass the time by reading books. Now, my eyesight is rather poor, and I'm only 20, so I actually believe that the eye strain is probably not too good for one's eyesight. But, one case is hardly enought to prove a point.

[rachel]

oh Em, poor poor opa. Poor Chmpman.

I looked up two sights on eyecare and anatomy and both said dim light will not harm the eyes but might cause strain, nothing more.

[chmpman]

Well then, I'm becoming prematurely old. Darn. Next it's the hearing, then I'll be complaining about the joints. But at least books aren't to blame!!

[simon]

Well I honestly don't recomend reading in low light if it's for studying because it will just put you to sleep. Many a time my eyes sag and wilt and the bags grow due to a head fallen in the lap of print.

[rachel]

poor Simon,
just gently massage under your eyes with some cold cream from by the nose outward to the edge of the eye and drink some water. That will completely firm you up under there and you will look more rested. oh yes and wipe off that cold cream after or you will glow in the dark!

[IrishCanadian]

Rachel! 1000 posts ... how long ago did that happen???
Three Cheers!

[simon]

But what's cold cream?

[sdr4jc]

I've worked in pharmacy for six years, and basic schooling for it taught us that dim light is hard on the eyes. Always read in adequate light, because it is possible to strain your eyes too much. When your eyes are straining, you can't see well. And when you can't see well, your eyes involuntarily strain more, even if straining is what started it all. In otherwords, it's a snowball effect. Although this type damage is not usually permanent, it can definately cause headaches that ibuprofen just will not help!

[rachel]

thank you dear Irish,I think two or three days ago.

Simon cold cream is just a cleansing cream you can buy at your drugstore, like Ponds cold cream. It is cold to the touch and soothing and feels really good.