Focus Points: 5 Tips for Reading Comfortably Again
- Angelina Triscari
- Jul 14
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 28
By: Angelina Triscari | Lehigh Valley Center For Sight, Marketing & Media
Reading is a great way to relax and learn, but it's also a daily necessity. If reading has recently become uncomfortable due to blurry vision, eye strain, or fatigue, you’re not alone. Whether you're recovering from cataract surgery, adjusting to a new prescription, or simply dealing with digital eye strain, there are practical ways to make reading enjoyable again.
Here are five tips to help you read comfortably:
Reevaluate Your Space
The right setup can make all the difference. Soft, bright lighting that doesn’t cast shadows on your page or screen can reduce strain dramatically. Natural daylight is great, but if you’re reading at night, aim for a warm-toned lamp positioned behind or next to you, not directly in your face.
Use Your Screen Settings Wisely
If you’re reading on a phone, tablet, or computer, experiment with settings. Bump up the font size, increase line spacing, and try “dark mode” or backgrounds to soften the glare. Bonus tip: Some e-readers (Amazon Tablets) even mimic paper to make screen reading easier on the eyes.
On iPhone:
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size
Increase Text Size and click Bold Text ON
Try Reduce White Point to soften bright colors
Enable Dark Mode under Settings > Display & Brightness
Use Night Shift to reduce blue light at night
On Android:
Go to Settings > Display
Adjust Font Size and Display Size to make reading easier
Toggle Dark Theme for a softer background
Turn on Night Light to warm your screen at night
Bonus: Use a phone camera to zoom in on small print when reading material like menus, signs, etc.
Give Your Eyes A Break
Eyes get tired like any other part of your body. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Even just closing your eyes for a bit can help reset.
Blink More Than You Think
Staring too long without blinking can dry out your eyes fast, especially on screens. Try to be mindful of blinking regularly, or use artificial tears if dryness is getting in your way. Your eyes will thank you.
Try Reading Tools (Even the Simple Ones!)
Something as basic as a bookmark with a built-in line guide or a good reading pillow can make a big difference. If you struggle with small print, handheld magnifiers or adjustable reading glasses (even the ones from the drugstore) can make reading easier without the full commitment.
When to See an Eye Specialist
Persistent difficulty reading could be a sign of an underlying issue like cataracts, macular degeneration, or dry eye syndrome. If reading is no longer comfortable or enjoyable, don’t ignore it. Schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist to find the root cause and explore personalized solutions.
The Lehigh Valley Center for Sight Can Help You Maintain Your Sight
If you would like to schedule an eye exam or have questions/concerns about your visual acuity, call us at 610-437-4988 or use the contact form on our website. We can answer your questions and schedule an eye exam so you can take steps to maintain your sight.
