Human eyes have evolved to be able to adjust to many different levels of lighting. In case you are trying to see something in low light, your pupils will begin to dilate so they can take in more light through the lens and the retina. There are a lot of cells present in the retina, known as cones and rods, these consume light in order to transmit information to your brain.
When we are straining our eyes to read a book in low or dim lighting, our eyes will automatically start to adjust to the lighting conditions. However, this strain on the eyes can cause several other uncomfortable conditions like headaches and migraines.
As well, when someone tries to look at something up close, for example, while painting or reading a book, the eye muscles lengthen the area known as the vitreous chamber, which is the gelatinous bulk of the eyeball that is located between the retina and the lens.
You would normally squint and put the book as close to your eyes as you are comfortable with so you can read. However, while this might help you read in low light, the ciliary near your eyes lens will contract. This is why many people get a headache reading or watching TV in dimly lit environments.
Many eye doctors and optometrists believe that this discomfort will not pose any risk to your eyesight or will cause any issues like poor focus. However, a few believe that putting your eyes through this increased level of strain will make you eventually suffer from nearsightedness.
Studies show that the effects of reading in low light can cause undeveloped eyes to develop in the wrong direction. This is important since our eye shape can influence our vision. Not a lot of people know that nearsightedness happens when the eye grows to be overly elongated. Almost all infants are farsighted at birth. This is because their eyes have not developed into the right shape. In a grown eye, the light will enter into the pupils and land on the point of highest perception in the fovea (or the back of the eye).
There is not a lot of evidence to prove any long-term effects of reading in low-light settings. All research comprises little pieces about how it might cause problems like blurred vision, headaches and discomfort.
Also Read: Tips on Managing Digital Eye Strain
Researchers suggest that adequate exposure to ambient or sunlight will help enhance dopamine production in the brain, this has a direct effect on the growth of our eyes. Many studies show that being outdoors can positively impact our eyes. Researchers are convinced that playing sports outdoors can positively impact children because they need to concentrate on distant objects. It does not matter what type of activity they are doing, as long as they are outside in the daylight. Data also reveals that gender has a huge part to play when it comes to being myopic.
If you have questions regarding the best light to study in, Orangeville Optometric Centre can help. Whether you need an eye exam, eyeglass frames, laser eye surgery, or an eye test, our optometrists can help. If you are in the Orangeville area, contact us for all of your eye care needs today!
