On this World Book Day, an ophthalmologist ensures that reading does not impair vision, but may cause some uncomfortable symptoms. Find out how to avoid them
This Sunday (23) is World Book Day, established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), as a way to revere literature and reflect on the author’s legal rights. On this date, we took the opportunity to raise a health question: Can reading too much damage your eyesight?
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The one who answers this question is the ophthalmologist of the CEMA Hospital, Leonardo Marculino. According to the specialist, reading does not damage eyesight. However, for reading, we use near vision. When in excess, this can cause some uncomfortable symptoms.
Within these symptoms, the ophthalmologist mentions headache, gritty or foreign body sensation, irritation, redness, blurred vision or even accommodative stress (when the eye muscle is contracted in such a way that it cannot relax and this causes that the person generates a degree of myopia that is not true).
“But reading itself does not permanently damage your eyesight”, the doctor guarantees. On the other hand, in the case of children who read too much, there may be an increase in the degree of myopia, if there is excessive use of near vision.
How to avoid discomfort while reading
With this in mind, the ophthalmologist highlights some precautions that can be taken to avoid annoying symptoms while reading, such as always trying to read in places with good lighting, for example, as well as taking breaks every 1 hour of reading to “rest” . cash.
The ophthalmologist points out that, with these breaks, it is possible to reduce eye symptoms, such as irritability and visual blurring, which can occur when you use a lot of near vision.
Another tip is to get used to blinking, on purpose, when reading. The doctor explains that because reading is a high-concentration activity, people who read may not blink as much as necessary during the activity, which can cause dry eyes;
Finally, on this World Book Day, it is worth paying attention to keep the object to be read facing downwards, and not reading frontally, because in this way the eye will remain a little more closed and this will reduce visual dryness . Using lubricating eye drops, with your doctor’s guidance, may also be a good choice.
Source: with information from UFPA, Ohio State University
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Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
