Reading in low light conditions does not cause permanent eye damage, but can cause discomfort and eye strain. It is recommended to set up a well-lit reading space. Some studies suggest that reading in low light can make myopia worse, but ophthalmologists believe it does not permanently change the eyes.
According to numerous scientific studies, reading in low light conditions will not harm your eyes, although some studies have linked low light conditions to myopia. However, it can cause eye strain, which could make the reader uncomfortable, and so it’s a good idea to set up a well-lit reading space to make reading more enjoyable. You may also want to speak to your eye doctor if you have specific concerns, because you may have a unique eye condition that requires special attention.
In 2007, two doctors published a study debunking a number of well-known medical myths, including the notion that reading in dim light causes eye damage. Rachel Vreeman and Aaron Carroll reviewed numerous studies on vision and reading and found that the effects are temporary, not permanent. In other words, someone who reads in dim light may experience discomfort that makes the experience less pleasant, but this discomfort will cease as soon as the person puts down their books.
The eye often has difficulty focusing in low light conditions, which can cause eye strain for those reading in these conditions. People also tend to blink less when reading in dim light, which can lead to dry eyes that feel uncomfortable. People who read a lot at night often notice these problems and try to counter them by creating a well-lit space without glare for the purpose of reading in comfort at night.
Some medical professionals, however, believe that reading in dim light can make myopia more severe. This claim is supported by evidence such as the fact that many academics suffer from myopia and often read and work in low light conditions. There may of course be other reasons for the increase in myopia among academics. Other studies have also linked myopia and IQ, for example, though this is a classic example of a situation where correlation may not equal causality.
Ophthalmologists believe that reading in low light does not change the function or structure of the eyes permanently. That said, there’s no reason to read or work in low light, as temporary eye strain is still irritating and unnecessary, especially when it can easily be avoided in better lighting conditions. The best lighting conditions for reading are ambient, rather than direct, and there should be no glare in the reading area.
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