In a recent survey of American reading habits, the Washington Post found that the top 1% of the most avid readers go through upwards of 50 books in a year. Of course, this poll did not consider the differences between hard reading, casual perusal, scanning, and curious reading for pure entertainment. Regardless of one’s reading motivations, following eye care tips for readers is crucial since consuming lots of written content can be very tasking on the eyes.
Such a visually intensive hobby requires good habits and care to continue enjoying it thoroughly. Thankfully, you can follow simple eye care tips to maintain your eye health and read as much as you want.
1. Wear the right glasses
According to the American Optometric Association, the development of myopia (or nearsightedness, one of the most common eye conditions) can be determined by how an individual uses their eyes. Specifically, those who spend lots of time reading are part of a select group more likely to develop this issue. The goal is to slow or stop progression entirely before it reaches a severe level. If you are a heavy reader, wearing glasses is essential to maintaining visual clarity, specifically with the correct strength and prescription. Otherwise, you will do more harm than good.
Even cheap glasses from a reputable retailer can effectively manage symptoms and development if you pick the right lenses. You can also use readers if this better fits your needs. Glasses.com sells clearance models from premium brands like Arnette and Vogue Eyewear priced at less than $50. The key is finding a model that matches your facial shape and size, primarily for comfort and followed by aesthetic value. A lightweight yet durable pair should not feel restrictive during wear but won’t break just by pulling them off. One of the best eye care tips for readers who read from an e-reader or other digital device, consider blue light lenses to protect your eyes from digital eye strain.
2. Read in balanced lighting conditions
A survey from The Independent found that around one in four adults only get to spend time reading when on vacation, with the conditions making the perfect space to dive into a good book. Of course, this also means potentially exposing yourself to glare and harsh sunlight when reading at the beach or in a relaxing outdoor garden. It’s essential to be wary of the time you spend reading and whether or not you need sunglasses and shade, as glare and UV rays can cause permanent damage to your eyes. For people who use prescription eyewear, clip-on or prescription sunglasses can be good tools for reading outdoors.
On the other end of the spectrum, almost half of adults in America also prefer to engage in night reading and other leisure activities. This is often because of the ‘revenge bedtime procrastination’ phenomenon that sees people waiting to make up for a lack of recreational time during the day. Still, it leads to an overcorrection when you read with dim lighting. As cozy as this may sound, your eyes strain more to get the words clearly in poorly lit rooms. While this option doesn’t cause permanent damage, it still creates an unnecessary risk of discomfort and fatigue for your eyes. Use a sturdy lamp by your bedside table if you decide to read at night.
3. Incorporate eye rest into your reading time
When you dedicate time to reading, you tend to pour hours into the activity. The longer your reading session, the more you are straining your eyes. The likelihood of getting dry eyes and strain becomes even more pronounced if you read from an e-reader, so take ample breaks while reading.
Regardless of your medium of choice, a good practice is to follow the 20-20-20 rule. This rule involves taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes, during which you focus your eyes on an object at least 20 feet away from you. This gives your eyes time to relax and allows space to blink and rest momentarily. Ebook readers should also avoid too much reading time at night, as the screen exposure impacts your circadian rhythm. When you don’t sleep enough, you can have a more challenging time reading in the long run and may even develop eye spasms and irritation.
4. Get regular eye exams
Finally, you should get regular eye exams. Opticians recommend getting your vision checked every two years. It may be better to make this an annual affair for people who actively read often to stay on top of vision changes. There are many resources for free eye tests throughout the country.
Organizations like Lions Club International and New Eyes even have programs that help individuals access low-cost eye care to address any concerns that an eye examination may reveal. Health insurance also covers eye care across different institutions and optical stores, so you should check if your plan has a package that fits your needs.
