Get Involved and Protect Your Eyes with National Reading Month!

March is not just another month; it’s National Reading Month! A time to celebrate the joy of books, the magic of storytelling, and the wonders of the written word. Let’s dive into this literary celebration with enthusiasm and excitement.

Get Involved and Protect Your Eyes with National Reading Month!

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Getting Involved with Reading

National Reading Month presents a wonderful opportunity to immerse ourselves in the world of books and foster a love for reading. Here are a few ways you can get involved this month:

  • Join a Book Club: Joining a book club is a fantastic way to connect with fellow book lovers, discover new authors and genres, and engage in stimulating discussions about literature.
  • Visit Your Local Library: Libraries are treasure troves of knowledge and adventure. Take a trip to your local library and explore the vast array of books, magazines, and other resources available to you.
  • Read to Others: Share the joy of reading by reading aloud to children, elderly family members, or patients in hospitals or nursing homes. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to spread the love of literature.
  • Set Reading Goals: Challenge yourself to set reading goals for the month, whether it’s finishing a certain number of books or exploring a new genre. Setting goals can help keep you motivated and engaged in your reading journey.
  • Host a Reading Party: Gather friends and family for a reading party where everyone can share their favorite books and stories. Encourage guests to bring their own book recommendations and enjoy an afternoon of literary fun.

Get Involved and Protect Your Eyes with National Reading Month!

Photo by Centre for Ageing Better

Protecting Your Eyes During Prolonged Reading

While indulging in the pleasure of reading, it’s essential to prioritize the health of your eyes. Prolonged reading sessions, especially when done on digital devices, can strain your eyes and lead to discomfort. Here are some tips to protect your eyes while reading:

  • Near Glasses: If you require vision correction for reading, make sure to wear your prescribed reading glasses. Using the correct prescription lenses can alleviate eye strain and ensure comfortable reading sessions.
  • Blue Light Filters: If you find yourself leaning towards an e-reader or a tablet for your reading sessions, invest in a pair of glasses with blue light filters, such as Blokz Blue Light Technology, particularly in the evening when reading before bed. Though commonly labeled as “blue light” filters, these lens filters reduce the amount of high energy visible light, which can disrupt sleep cycles and may increase digital eye fatigue.
  • Choose Lightweight Frames: Opt for lightweight and comfortable frames that won’t add unnecessary pressure to your nose or temples during extended reading sessions. Look for frames made from materials like titanium or TR90, which are lightweight and known for their durability and flexibility.

Get Involved and Protect Your Eyes with National Reading Month!

Photo by cottonbro studio

By incorporating these eye-friendly practices into your reading routine, you can enjoy the wonders of literature while safeguarding your precious eyesight. So, grab your favorite book, find a cozy spot, and embark on a reading adventure during National Reading Month!

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Catherine Ong

Dr. Catherine Ong, OD, is an optometrist based in the Bay Area, California. She earned her doctorate from UC Berkeley, School of Optometry and currently provides primary and speciality eyecare in a private practice setting. She has a passion for patient education and enjoys reshaping technical concepts into digestable topics for all patients. When she is not seeing patients, you can find her exploring new restaurants, exercising, or trying out new recipes.