Are E-Readers Bad for Your Eyesight?

In our last blog post, we explored whether reading in the dark truly harms your eyes or if this common belief is nothing more than a myth. Today, we’re continuing the literary theme as we discuss whether e-readers are bad for your eyesight. 

Reading books on e-readers (along with tablets and smartphones) has become increasingly popular over the last decade or so thanks to these devices’ convenience. They’re portable, easy to use, and don’t require you to store shelves upon shelves of books in your home. However, the rise of these digital devices has sparked concern about their impact on eyesight.

Keep reading to learn more about whether e-readers are harmful to your eyes and gain insight into how to protect your vision while enjoying digital reads.

How E-Readers Work

E-readers can be sorted into two broad categories: those with traditional backlit screens and those with e-ink displays. 

LCD and LED Screens

LCD and LED screens consist of thousands of tiny lights. In addition to being used for some e-readers, you can find them on televisions, smartphones, computer monitors, and more. Their fast refresh rate enables smooth video playback, gaming, web browsing, and other tasks that require complex graphics. This makes these screens ideal for multi-functional tablets that do more than just display e-books.

However, because they are backlit, using LCD e-readers comes with all the same concerns as other screens, including eye strain and blue light exposure.

E-Ink Displays

E-ink displays, on the other hand, are not backlit. Instead, they use charged particles suspended in a clear fluid to imitate the appearance of ink on paper. To change the image, the device applies an electric field to the display, which moves the particles to new positions. 

Because they do not emit light, e-ink displays are much better for your eyesight than LCD or LED screens. Their effect on the eyes is similar to that of a physical book — while they don’t totally prevent eye strain, they significantly lessen the risk. 

However, e-ink displays are limited in the spectrum of colors they can display, and if you’re trying to read in low-light conditions, you’ll need an external light source. 

Eye Health Concerns with E-Readers

Digital eye strain is the biggest health concern associated with backlit e-readers. Just like when you spend too long staring at your computer or phone, they can cause headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing. Plus, blue light exposure can affect sleep and circadian rhythms, contributing to insomnia and daytime sleepiness.

No matter the method you use to read, focusing on small text for long periods of time can cause eye strain. However, while eye strain can occur even if you’re reading on an e-ink display or perusing a physical book, the symptoms are generally much milder. 

If you’re considering making the switch to an e-reader and are concerned about its effect on your eye health, look for a device with an e-ink display, which is much gentler on the eyes than a backlit display.

Tips for Protecting Your Eyes While Using E-Readers

The good news is that eye strain does not cause long-term damage to your eyesight, especially if you take protective measures when using your e-reader. Here are some expert tips for avoiding eye strain:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away from your e-reader at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.
• Adjust settings for comfort: Use warm light or night mode on your backlit e-reader whenever possible. Increase the font size and adjust the colors for easier reading.
• Take regular breaks: Alternate between e-books and paper books.
• Use blue light-blocking glasses: Blue light-blocking glasses are designed to filter out blue light, which can help prevent eye strain and sleep issues.

Blue Light-Blocking Glasses from Wolcott Optical

If you’re the type of person who tells themselves “Just one more chapter…” over and over again until the wee hours of the morning, consider blue light-blocking glasses from Wolcott Optical. They’ll make using your e-reader more comfortable and reduce the risk of eye strain and insomnia, so you can read to your heart’s content.

Blue light-blocking glasses aren’t our only specialty. Whether you need prescription eyeglasses, reading glasses, contact lenses, or prescription safety glasses, Wolcott Optical is your destination for quality vision solutions. Visit our store in Millcreek, Utah, to browse our comprehensive selection of eyewear and find the perfect fit for you.