Reading a good book, an engaging article or even professional documents can be a real pleasure... until your eyes start to sting, burn or become blurred. Reading-related eye strain is a common problem, especially in a world where screens have become an integral part of our reading habits. Fortunately, there are simple and effective solutions to prevent and relieve this discomfort.
Why does reading make your eyes tired?
When you read, your eyes have to concentrate steadily on closely spaced characters for a long time. This requires constant effort from your eye muscles, particularly if the lighting is inadequate or if you are reading from a screen. Over time, this strain can cause symptoms such as:
- Blurred or double vision,
- Dry eyes,
- headaches,
- Difficulty concentrating,
- A feeling of heaviness in the eyelids.
Tips to relieve and prevent eyestrain
Adopt the 20-20-20 rule
Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away (about 6 metres) for 20 seconds. This short break allows your eye muscles to relax and reduces accumulated fatigue.
Make sure you have good lighting
Lighting that is too dim forces your eyes to strain to read, while lighting that is too bright or poorly directed can create unpleasant reflections. Ideally, place a soft light next to you, directed towards the book or screen without dazzling your eyes.
Adjust text size and distance
Text should be large enough to read effortlessly. Keep a distance of around 40 cm for a book, and 50 to 70 cm for a screen. If you have to squint or lean forward, adjust immediately.
Blink voluntarily
We tend to blink less when we read, especially in front of a screen. This can lead to dry eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink regularly, or use artificial tears if necessary.
Use filters or adapted glasses
Anti-blue light filters for screens or reading glasses adapted to your eyesight can greatly relieve fatigue. If you already wear glasses, make sure your prescription is up to date.
Consult an optometrist
If eye strain persists despite the above advice, you may need to consult an optometrist. An uncorrected vision problem, such as hyperopia or astigmatism, may be to blame.
Reading shouldn't be an effort for your eyes. By adopting a few good habits and paying attention to how you feel, you can enjoy reading without discomfort. Remember: your eyes work hard for you every day, so take good care of them!
