What Happens to Your Eyes When You Read in Low Light?

There’s something irresistibly cozy about curling up with a book in a dimly lit room especially on chilly nights. But how bad is it really to read in low light? Will it strain your eyes or damage your vision over time?

The short answer: No, reading in low light won’t cause long-term harm to your eyes. However, it can trigger short-term discomfort, and over time, that discomfort can affect how enjoyable reading feels.

What Happens to Your Eyes When You Read in Dim Lighting

“Our eyes are remarkably adaptable and can adjust to varying light levels,” says Luis Rojas, OD, therapeutic optometrist at DeNovo Eye and consultant for Johnson & Johnson Vision. But when you’re reading in low light, your eyes have to work harder to focus and absorb information.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Pupil dilation: In darker environments, your pupils expand to let in more light. This can make the words on a page look more glaring or distorted, leading you to squint or strain.

• Reduced contrast: Low light decreases contrast between the text and the background, making it harder for your eyes to distinguish letters.

• Less blinking: Concentrating on the page may cause you to blink less, which can dry out your eyes and leave them feeling irritated or tired.

• Eye fatigue: Straining to see clearly can result in blurry vision, headaches, or general eye fatigue. You might even find yourself craning your neck closer to the page, adding discomfort to your posture.

While these symptoms can be bothersome, Dr. Rojas confirms they won’t cause permanent damage to your eyesight. But over time, the cumulative effects dry eyes, tension headaches, blurry vision can make reading less pleasant.

How to Reduce Eye Strain When Reading

If you want to keep your reading sessions comfortable, here are a few practical ways to minimize eye strain:

1. Adjust Your Lighting

Position a light source behind you, shining directly onto the page. Overhead lighting works too, as long as it’s bright enough for you to read without squinting. A good rule of thumb: if you’re struggling to see clearly, the lighting likely needs adjusting.

2. Take Frequent Eye Breaks

The 20-20-20 rule is key. Every 20 minutes, look away from your book or screen for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away. This gives your eyes a chance to relax and reset.

3. Keep Reading Sessions Short

Avoid marathon reading sessions without breaks. Stretch, walk around, and give your eyes and body a chance to move.

4. Use Artificial Tears

If dry eyes are a recurring problem, preservative-free eye drops can help. Look for hydrating options like Refresh Digital PF Lubricant Eye Drops to relieve dryness without causing irritation.

5. See Your Eye Doctor Regularly

Persistent blurred vision, headaches, or dry eyes might signal an underlying issue like astigmatism or presbyopia. Routine checkups ensure you’re seeing as clearly and comfortably as possible.

So, Is It Really That Bad to Read in Low Light?

Reading in dim light won’t damage your vision, but it can cause temporary eye strain, dryness, and discomfort making your reading experience less enjoyable. A well-lit space will simply help you focus longer and feel better.

Found this helpful? Share it with a fellow book lover or subscribe to our newsletter for more lifestyle tips.