Debunked Myths

This universal parental warning stems from misunderstanding temporary eye strain as permanent damage. Reading in low light forces your eyes to work harder—pupils dilate for more light, and eye muscles strain to maintain focus. This can cause temporary symptoms like dryness, blurred vision, and headaches known as asthenopia or eye fatigue.

However, these effects are completely reversible. Once you rest your eyes or improve lighting, symptoms disappear. The eye isn't a muscle that wears out like joints; it's an organ that fatigues but fully recovers. No scientific evidence links reading in low light to permanent conditions like nearsightedness, which is primarily genetic.

The myth persists because immediate discomfort feels like it must cause lasting harm—a classic case of mistaking correlation for causation. While good lighting is more comfortable and prevents temporary strain, reading by flashlight or candlelight won't damage your vision long-term. It might just give you a headache that better lighting would prevent.