An optometrist has issued a warning that a popular pre-sleep routine could potentially damage eyesight. Contrary to the belief that reading before bed helps relax the mind, experts caution that reading in low light, particularly on digital devices, may lead to eye discomfort, especially for those needing reading glasses. Malcolm Maciver, an optometrist at Leightons Opticians, explains that dim light causes pupils to dilate, reducing reading sharpness, and prompting individuals to bring books or devices closer to their eyes while lying down. This practice can strain vision, potentially causing headaches and eye discomfort, especially at night when eyes are already tired.
Moreover, recent trends promoting hands-free devices for reading in bed, such as Kindle glasses, without corrective power, worsen eye strain issues. When it comes to bedtime reading, the use of digital devices like e-readers has been associated with disrupting sleep due to blue light exposure. However, new research from the University of Basel suggests that factors like overall light brightness and screen content may impact sleep quality more significantly than blue light alone. Optometrist Malcolm advises reducing light exposure before sleep and avoiding brain-stimulating activities like watching videos for better relaxation.
While reading under dim light is not directly harmful to eye health, discomfort and proper lighting are crucial in preventing strain. The focus should be on minimising blue light exposure, ensuring up-to-date reading glasses, and avoiding reading at least an hour before bedtime to support eye health and quality sleep.