Eye Health: Do Late Nights Affect My Vision?

Please consult a hospital?

Hello, doctor.
I often have the habit of going to bed after midnight because I enjoy reading.
I would like to ask if my eyesight will continue to worsen at my age.
I believe it will, as my prescription has gone from over 500 degrees to the point where I can hardly see clearly without my glasses! Even with my original glasses, which were prescribed for over 500 degrees, I can barely read license plates from 4 meters away (though it doesn't affect my driving safety).
My current glasses have been in use for over three years, and they have always been a bit loose, requiring frequent adjustments.
Should I consider getting a new pair of glasses? Additionally, the copper frame has started to rust.
Thank you.

Jingzhuan Sheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/06/12

Dr. Chen Xuan reply Ophthalmology

1.
If you still frequently need to read, there is a possibility that your myopia may continue to increase even at the age of 23.
However, there are many reasons for blurred vision in clinical practice, not just refractive errors.
A thorough examination should be conducted to determine the cause.
2.
Regarding your glasses, if they are often loose, they definitely need to be adjusted to fit properly.
If the lenses are not severely worn and the prescription is appropriate, it may not be necessary to replace them immediately.

Dr.
Hsuan Chen, Director of Cornea Department

Reply Date: 2003/06/12

More Info

Late-night reading and prolonged screen time can indeed have significant effects on your eye health. As you mentioned, you often stay up until midnight reading, which can contribute to eye strain and discomfort. This is particularly relevant for individuals who are already experiencing myopia (nearsightedness), as it can exacerbate existing vision problems.

Firstly, regarding your concern about whether your myopia will continue to worsen at your age, it is important to note that while myopia can stabilize in early adulthood, it can still progress in some individuals. Factors such as genetics, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices play a crucial role in the progression of myopia. If you have noticed a decline in your vision, such as difficulty reading license plates from a distance, it may be a sign that your prescription needs to be updated. Regular eye examinations are essential to monitor changes in your vision and to ensure that your prescription is accurate.

As for your current glasses, if they are over three years old and you are experiencing issues such as looseness and rust on the frame, it is advisable to consider getting a new pair. Glasses that do not fit properly can lead to discomfort and may not provide the optimal vision correction you need. Additionally, a rusty frame can be a hygiene concern and may not be safe for long-term use.
In terms of eye health, late-night reading can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and blurred vision. To mitigate these effects, consider implementing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This practice helps to relax the eye muscles and reduce fatigue. Furthermore, ensure that your reading environment is well-lit to minimize strain on your eyes.

Sleep is another critical factor in maintaining eye health. Quality sleep is essential for overall well-being, including eye health. While the total hours of sleep are important, the timing can also affect your body's circadian rhythm and overall recovery. Ideally, aiming for a consistent sleep schedule that allows for 7-9 hours of sleep per night is beneficial. Going to bed at a reasonable hour, such as between 10 PM and midnight, can help ensure that you get restorative sleep, which is crucial for eye health.

In conclusion, if you are experiencing changes in your vision or discomfort, it is essential to consult with an eye care professional. Regular eye exams will help track your vision changes and ensure that you have the appropriate prescription. Additionally, adopting good habits such as taking breaks during reading, ensuring proper lighting, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can significantly contribute to your eye health. Remember, taking care of your eyes today can help preserve your vision for the future.

Similar Q&A

The Impact of Visual Disturbances on Sleep Quality: Understanding Your Symptoms

Hello Doctor: About five months ago, I visited an ophthalmologist due to floaters and was found to have a retinal tear, which was treated with laser therapy. However, I have been experiencing an increase in floaters and have been told by the eye doctor that everything is fine. Re...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: Based on your description, you may be experiencing vitreous floaters or other ocular issues. Since your ophthalmic examination showed no problems, please rest assured and accept this phenomenon. Here are some suggestions that may help alleviate your symptoms: 1. Maintain g...

How Astigmatism Affects Night Vision: Understanding Your Symptoms

Hello Doctor, I have recently noticed that my vision in dark environments seems dimmer than before, although I can still see objects and their positions. When I followed up with my doctor, I was informed that my astigmatism is relatively high (175 in one eye and 225 in the other)...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: Astigmatism can affect night vision, so if you are outside at night without wearing glasses, your night vision will be poor. If you want to see clearly while riding a bike at night, it is essential to wear glasses for safety.

Understanding Nighttime Blurry Vision: Causes and Solutions

In the evening, my left eye becomes blurry when looking at things, for example, from 7 PM to 9 PM. It improves a bit with rest, but as soon as I look at my phone, work on reports, or read, it quickly becomes blurry again. This issue does not occur during the day.

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: If your left eye becomes blurry at night but not during the day, there could be several possible reasons that require further evaluation. Here are some potential factors: 1. Lighting conditions: The lighting at night may be relatively dim, which can affect some people&#x...

Understanding Night Vision Issues: What to Ask Your Eye Doctor

Hello doctor, I recently noticed that my right eye becomes almost blurry and hard to see in the dark after the lights are turned off.

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Li. I apologize, but I cannot diagnose based on your description. I recommend that you visit an ophthalmologist to determine the cause. The ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Wednesday afternoons from 1...