What exercises can I do to improve my blurry vision while reading?

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In summary, the individual has noticed their vision becoming blurry and having trouble focusing after reading for a while. They believe this may be due to subconsciously holding their head in a position that allows their nose to block one eye's view, and when they raise the paper to read in a normal position, they cannot focus on the writing. They plan to do more testing to see if this is always the case and if there are any exercises to improve it, but they also acknowledge the possibility of needing glasses. They have not yet seen an eye doctor, but plan to as they are in college and have access to healthcare in the UK.
  • #1
Jamma
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Hi guys.

I've noticed something weird about my vision. After I have been reading for a while, my vision becomes pretty blurry and I have trouble focusing on things (even distant objects, for a while). I think that I've figured out why; I noticed the other day that I hold what I am reading fairly low down, and I think that when I'm reading I am subconciously holding my head up so that my nose is able to get in the way of one of my eyes.

When I close either eye, I can still see the word that I am focusing on, but it is possible I guess that one eye moves to look at the nose so that it doesn't blur the image of the writing. When I raise the paper up to read it, so that my eyes are looking perpendicular to the floor and my head is in a normal position, I cannot focus on the writing. Also, when I close either eye I can focus it and read quite close, although my right eye is noticably stronger when I do this.

I need to do more testing, to see if it is always like this, if I am fine when reading from a much larger distance (I am long sighted, and wear no glasses), if it has anything to do with when I am tired, if it has to do with dim light etc.

Either way, I was wondering if anyone else gets this? It's not a problem to do with the eye it seems, but with the way your brain tells your eyes to read, so does anybody know any exercises to improve this?
 
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  • #2
Jamma said:
Hi guys.

I've noticed something weird about my vision. After I have been reading for a while, my vision becomes pretty blurry and I have trouble focusing on things (even distant objects, for a while). I think that I've figured out why; I noticed the other day that I hold what I am reading fairly low down, and I think that when I'm reading I am subconciously holding my head up so that my nose is able to get in the way of one of my eyes.

When I close either eye, I can still see the word that I am focusing on, but it is possible I guess that one eye moves to look at the nose so that it doesn't blur the image of the writing. When I raise the paper up to read it, so that my eyes are looking perpendicular to the floor and my head is in a normal position, I cannot focus on the writing. Also, when I close either eye I can focus it and read quite close, although my right eye is noticably stronger when I do this.

I need to do more testing, to see if it is always like this, if I am fine when reading from a much larger distance (I am long sighted, and wear no glasses), if it has anything to do with when I am tired, if it has to do with dim light etc.

Either way, I was wondering if anyone else gets this? It's not a problem to do with the eye it seems, but with the way your brain tells your eyes to read, so does anybody know any exercises to improve this?
As you get older, your eyesight changes. It could be as simple as needing reading glasses or bifocals. You said you are farsighted, so reading something close would put extra strain on your eyes.

BUT, we can't tell over the internet. Please see an eye doctor to rule out any problems.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Jamma said:
Hi guys.
(I am long sighted, and wear no glasses)

You are probably much more far-sighted than you think. Since you can compensate for hyperopia much more than for myopia, you never realize the strain so much when you are young.

I made it to 2nd year in college before I got my eyes checked and found my near point was about 50 yards. If I read for a long while, I need +4 glasses. If I read without glasses, I'm good for about 20 seconds.
 
  • #4
I agree with you both, and I probably should go to an eye doctor (or optician =D) but the reason I don't feel that I need glasses is that individually my eyes seem to be able to focus on the page, but when both open they don't so well, which made me think that they are just not alligned and become lazy after I've been reading a while; just sounded like something that you can fix with eye excercises (I have heard of problems like this being fixed with excercises).
 
  • #5
Jamma said:
I agree with you both, and I probably should go to an eye doctor (or optician =D) but the reason I don't feel that I need glasses is that individually my eyes seem to be able to focus on the page, but when both open they don't so well, which made me think that they are just not alligned and become lazy after I've been reading a while; just sounded like something that you can fix with eye excercises (I have heard of problems like this being fixed with excercises).

Not Optician, Not Optometrist,

Ophthalmologist!

Seriously, these are your EYES! Not your biceps!

What's your situation, in college? Got insurance?
 
  • #6
Hmm, here we go to the optician to have our eyes examined. I think that they point you to go to a doctor if it is a problem which can't be easily fixed with glasses.

I'm at university and don't have insurance, but I live in the UK so that wouldn't be a problem.

This isn't a massive problem, I can still read things by holding them down and don't notice too much discomfort, but I just feel that if I keep doing this I will be teaching my eyes bad habits. Also, I can read with my eyes looking outwards fine for a while, especially when I'm not tired. It just seems that when I'm tired and I've been reading for a while it happens.
 
  • #7
Jamma said:
Hmm, here we go to the optician to have our eyes examined. I think that they point you to go to a doctor if it is a problem which can't be easily fixed with glasses.
The problem with opticians is that their job is to sell glasses. Just because glasses may improve your sight doesn't mean that you don't have a serious problem causing the vision issue. If you haven't been to an opthamologist recently, it's time to see one.
 
  • #8
don't forget to blink
 
  • #9
Proton Soup said:
don't forget to blink

!, OMFG everything looks super detailed now.
Problem solved thanks =D
 
  • #10
Jamma said:
!, OMFG everything looks super detailed now.
Problem solved thanks =D

:rofl:

Have you tried reading glasses?
 
  • #11
lisab said:
:rofl:

Have you tried reading glasses?
Really! You can go to the Dollar Store and buy a pair with acrylic lenses (try 1.25 and 1.50 first) for a buck. Presbyopia can strike early in some people.

BTW, you got some advice earlier about seeing an ophthalmologist. I would highly recommend that everyone see an ophthalmologist at least once every 5 years at a minimum. Optometrists can check your acuity and prescribe corrective lenses and that is all. They are not qualified (or allowed) to diagnose medical conditions of the eye. At the most, they may be qualified to fit contacts. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who usually have surgical specialties that they pursue. Having been the IT guy for a large ophthalmic practice that had the top two regional (LARGE region!) retinal specialists anywhere, it was pretty apparent to me how reliant we (the public) are on a very scarce resource. You can suffer a retinal detachment after a hard blow to the head, a car-crash, or even a minor fall.

People can also develop visual impairments due to incipient cataracts, floaters, and other physical problems. No optometrist is qualified or authorized to evaluate such problems. See a real eye doctor (ophthalmologist) at least once every five years or so. I see mine every two years, though we spend much of the time swapping war-stories and catching up.
 

1. Why does my vision become blurry after reading?

Blurry vision after reading is a common symptom called "eye fatigue" or "eye strain". This occurs when your eyes have to work harder than usual to focus on the text, causing the muscles in your eyes to become tired and your vision to become blurry.

2. How can I prevent blurry vision after reading?

To prevent blurry vision after reading, it is important to take frequent breaks, adjust the lighting in the room, and make sure you are sitting at an appropriate distance from the text. You can also try using a larger font size or using a reading stand to reduce strain on your eyes.

3. Is blurry vision after reading a sign of a more serious eye condition?

In most cases, blurry vision after reading is not a sign of a serious eye condition. However, if you experience this symptom frequently or it is accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches or eye pain, it is important to consult an eye doctor for a proper evaluation.

4. Can wearing glasses or contacts help with blurry vision after reading?

If you already wear glasses or contacts, make sure your prescription is up to date. This can help reduce eye strain and prevent blurry vision after reading. If you do not wear corrective lenses, you may benefit from a pair of reading glasses to reduce strain on your eyes while reading.

5. Are there any exercises or techniques to improve blurry vision after reading?

There are various eye exercises and techniques that can help improve blurry vision after reading. One simple exercise is to take a break from reading every 20 minutes and focus on a distant object for 20 seconds. You can also try the 20-20-20 rule, where you look away from your book every 20 minutes and focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Additionally, practicing good posture and blinking regularly can also help alleviate eye strain and improve blurry vision.

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