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.

If you were a voracious reader as a child, your parents may have warned you that reading in the dark can harm your eyes. They might have cautioned you against reading late into the night with only the light of the moon to illuminate the pages — you may need to get glasses if you do it too often.

Protecting eye health is important, and understanding the impact of reading in different light conditions can help you reduce your risk of developing vision problems. The topic of reading in the dark has been debated for many years, with many people struggling to separate fact from fiction.

At Wolcott Optical, we understand that you may be afraid of weakening your eyesight or increasing the chance you’ll need corrective lenses. That’s why we’re setting the record straight about reading in the dark. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore whether reading in the dark is truly dangerous for your eyes, how the eyes work in low light, the causes of eye strain, and how to avoid it. 

How the Eyes Work in Low Light

Before we can answer the question of whether reading in the dark harms your eyes, let’s discuss how the eyes work in low-light conditions.

Your eyes automatically adjust to the amount of light they receive. In low light, the iris opens wider, allowing more light in. The rod cells, which are responsible for black and white vision in the darkness, work harder to compensate for the lack of light. This can cause eye strain.

The Effects of Reading in the Dark

While your eyes may strain in low light, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll sustain long-term damage. You’re likely to get a headache, feel nauseous, or experience dry eyes if you read for a long time in low-light conditions, but these symptoms are temporary and not likely to cause lasting damage.

The myth that reading in the dark will harm your vision may have originated from early medical assumptions about eye strain. Parents latched onto the concept as they attempted to shield their children from vision problems, and the misconception got passed down over generations. When people experienced eye strain from reading in the dark, it reinforced their belief that their eyesight was deteriorating, which further perpetuated the myth. 

Understanding Eye Strain and its Causes

Reading in the dark isn’t the only cause of eye strain. If you want to reduce eye strain, being aware of its causes and avoiding them when possible is key. 

There are many factors we encounter every day that temporarily affect our vision, from digital screens and bright sunlight to focusing for long periods and incorrect eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions. 

Blue light is one of the most significant sources of eye strain, and it doesn’t just come from phone, computer, or TV screens — it comes from the sun, as well. While exposure to blue light from the sun helps regulate circadian rhythms and improve mood, artificial blue light can impact sleep and cause headaches and fatigue.

Screens have become so pervasive in our lives that digital eye strain has become a significant concern for many people. If you spend too much time on the computer or staring at your phone, you can experience dry and itchy eyes, blurry vision, headaches, and more. Digital eye strain may even contribute to an increased risk of macular degeneration. 

Reducing Eye Strain While Reading

If your goal is to reduce eye strain while reading, follow these tips:

• Choose appropriate lighting: Avoid reading in the dark or low light. Use sufficient lighting and avoid direct glare.
• Opt for a physical book rather than an e-reader: While e-readers and tablets may seem like a handy solution for reading in the dark, the blue light they emit can lead to increased eye strain. When possible, turn on a lamp so you can read a physical book instead.
• Consider reading glasses: Corrective lenses can ease eye strain by bringing the words on the page into focus.
• Stay hydrated and blink often: Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and blink often to ensure your eyes stay moist. 
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.

Reading Glasses from Wolcott Optical

If you’re struggling with eye strain while getting lost in a book, reading glasses from Wolcott Optical can help. By bringing the text into focus, they can make reading easier and more comfortable. The best part is that you don’t need a prescription! Stop by Wolcott Optical today to explore our wide range of reading glasses and find a solution that works for you.

Everyone who’s ever worn eyeglasses — or even sunglasses — understands the frustration that comes when your glasses get all foggy. It happens whenever there’s a temperature difference between the lenses and the air — like when you come back inside the warm house after spending time outside in the winter cold, lean over a pot of boiling water on the stove, drink a hot beverage, exercise, or even wear a face mask. 

At Wolcott Optical, we understand the importance of clear vision and functional eyeglasses. That’s why we’ve compiled this handy guide explaining the science behind condensation and some expert tips to help you prevent fogging. 

The Science Behind Condensation

Your glasses fog up for the same reason your windows do: condensation. Warm air is typically more humid than cold air, which means that whenever the two meet, there’s likely to be condensation. 

Condensation occurs when the cold glass of the lenses comes in contact with warmer, more humid air, causing the water molecules in the air to cool down and become a liquid. These tiny droplets of water are what makes your glasses fog up. 

For example, when you venture outside on a winter walk, the lenses of your glasses get colder. When you step back inside, the warm air causes condensation to form. The same thing happens when you wear a face mask — your warm breath escapes out of the top of the mask, right where your glasses are. 

Ways to Prevent Fogging

Condensation on your glasses is undoubtedly a nuisance, especially in moments when it’s critical to be able to see clearly. No one wants to miss a goal because their glasses fogged up during the soccer game or have to constantly wipe their lenses while cooking dinner. 

Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to help prevent your glasses from fogging up. With the right techniques, you can enjoy clear vision and enjoy your favorite activities without annoying interruptions.

Washing Your Glasses

The simplest prevention method is washing your glasses with soap and water, then letting them air dry. This leaves a thin film on the surface of the lenses that resists fog. Anti-fog wipes and sprays work the same way, creating a protective layer on the lenses to minimize condensation. 

If you decide to wash your glasses, just be sure you’re doing it properly so you don’t accidentally damage them. Improper washing can scratch the lenses, making condensation the least of your worries. Follow the tips outlined in our helpful guide, “How to Clean Your Glasses Without Damaging Them”.

Proper Storage

When you’re not wearing your glasses, be sure to store them properly. Invest in a quality case that will keep heat and moisture out. Not only can this help prevent fogging, but it will also keep them free of dirt, dust, and smudges, keeping them in excellent condition for years to come.

Mindful Masking

If you need to wear a face mask with your glasses, ensure it fits snugly around your nose to prevent warm air from escaping upwards. Opt for a mask with an adjustable nose bridge for a better seal. You can also try placing a folded tissue at the top of the mask to absorb moisture from your breath. 

Exercising with Care

While exercising or participating in sports, wear a headband or sweatband to reduce moisture accumulation near the glasses. Consider getting some sports-specific glasses with special ventilation features designed to improve airflow and minimize fogging. If you’re a skier, swimmer, or snowboarder, you can get prescription goggles that don’t just help you see better, but also prevent condensation. 

Specialized Products

For a more permanent solution, you can buy glasses with special anti-fog coatings or treatments. There are also lens inserts and attachable films available that prevent condensation buildup. If all else fails and fogging continues to be a frequent issue, consider contact lenses. 

Upgrade Your Glasses This Winter with Wolcott Optical

At Wolcott Optical, we’re proud to be experts in all things eyeglasses. Whether you want to learn more about specialty lens coatings, get some advice on which anti-fog products to try, or just want a new look, we can help you find the quality vision solutions you deserve. 

Come visit us in Millcreek, Utah, to browse our comprehensive selection of lenses and frames that aren’t just stylish, but will make your life easier.