Feast your eyes on World Book Day
Feast your eyes on World Book Day
Last week marked the latest World Book Day. This annual event takes place on the 2nd Thursday in March and encompasses various activities such as author readings, book signings, and storytelling sessions in schools, libraries, and bookstores.
World Book Day serves as a reminder of the importance of books and literature in our lives, and it encourages people of all ages to discover the pleasures and benefits of reading a good book. Reading, whether for leisure or study, has evolved significantly since the hardback novel, and many of us now enjoy the latest bestseller on a Kindle.
Kindles and other similar electronic devices have undoubtedly made life easier for many bookworms: no more packing several novels into suitcases for the essential beach read or loading backpacks with numerous amounts of school books. However, what does this mean for our eyes?
Screens and vision
Looking at screens for extended periods can result in visual symptoms such as eye strain (asthenopia), dry eyes and headaches, as well as neck pain and a disrupted sleep pattern. We would encourage you to take regular breaks if you are reading on a screen and to limit your amount of blue light exposure.
Presbyopia
If you are in your early to mid forties and have started to notice that you can’t see near objects as well as you used to, you have likely begun to develop presbyopia. Presbyopia (from the Greek word “old eye”) is a perfectly natural but frustrating part of ageing. As we mature, the lens in our eye becomes less flexible, making reading more difficult. You may start to notice that you are having to hold your reading material further away, or are experiencing headaches, blurred vision and eye strain.
Reading glasses will make reading more comfortable and improve your near vision. Modern prescription reading glasses are tailored for your needs and can be prescribed as a fixed, single focus lens, or as with a flexible focal range to provide more versatility - for example if using a computer screen at the same time. They can be supplied with a variety of tints and specialist coatings to enhance your viewing experience. Always make sure you get your reading glasses properly fitted and centred, to ensure your prescription is as accurate as possible.
What else do you need to look for in reading glasses?
Make sure your glasses sit properly on your face. The frame should sit close to your eyes, be level on your face and not slip forward or rub.
Good lighting is essential for reading comfortably, especially with glasses. Avoid glare from windows or overhead lighting. Your light source, whether from a window or a lamp, needs to illuminate your reading material and not be pointing at your face: make sure you sit with your back to the window or with an angle-poise lamp behind you.
Assess your posture. Sit up straight with your back supported and your reading material at eye level. Avoid slouching or hunching over, as this can cause discomfort and fatigue.
Consider anti-reflective coating. If glare or reflections are a problem when reading with glasses, consider getting an anti-reflective coating on your lenses. This coating reduces glare and reflections, making it easier to read without eye strain. A blue light filter coating is a good option if you tend to do a lot of your reading on electronic devices.
Clean your glasses regularly. Keep your glasses clean by wiping them with a cloth and cleaning solution specifically designed for eyeglasses. Dust, smudges, and fingerprints can obstruct your vision and make reading more difficult.
Try different styles Some people find certain styles more comfortable and it is a personal choice on which frames best suit the shape of their face. We have lots of different frames online and in our practices for you to choose from.
If you are concerned about your vision and think you could be wearing the wrong prescription, speak to our friendly practice staff about arranging an appointment for a check up.