WHO Highlights Health Benefits of Reading and Eye Care Tips

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that reading in any format benefits both physical and mental health. This finding highlights the importance of reading as an activity that promotes overall well-being.

To ensure the positive effects of reading are not marred by eye strain or discomfort, the WHO has provided six tips for eye care while reading. These tips are designed to help readers maintain healthy eyes and reduce the risk of eye problems.

One of the primary recommendations is to ensure proper lighting. Adequate lighting is essential in reducing eye strain, which can occur when the eyes are forced to work harder to see in dim light. A well-lit reading area can significantly alleviate this issue.

Why this matters: The World Health Organization's emphasis on the benefits of reading and eye care has significant implications for public health, as it highlights the importance of promoting healthy habits and preventing eye problems. If individuals fail to prioritize eye care while reading, it could lead to increased cases of eye strain and fatigue, thereby affecting overall well-being.

Maintaining a comfortable posture while reading is another key tip from the WHO. A comfortable reading position helps avoid physical discomfort and eye fatigue. This means sitting in a way that supports the back and neck and holding the reading material at a proper distance from the eyes.

The WHO also emphasizes the importance of taking regular breaks. Prolonged reading without breaks can lead to eye strain and fatigue. Regular intervals of rest allow the eyes to recover and reduce the risk of developing eye problems.

While the WHO has not specified the remaining three tips, the focus on proper lighting, comfortable posture, and regular breaks highlights the organization's commitment to promoting healthy reading habits.

In addition to these recommendations, the WHO's broader efforts in eye care are noteworthy. A recent study reviewed 402 resources, including medical studies and annual reports, to understand global eye care service delivery. The study identified various approaches, such as outreach programs, school-based vision tests, and vision centers.

The study found that the most common approaches varied by region. For instance, outreach and vision center approaches were prevalent in the WHO South East Asia region, while school-based and outreach approaches were mainly reported in the WHO African region.

In 2021, the World Health Assembly set a global target to increase effective coverage of refractive error by 40 percentage points by 2030. This target aims to improve refractive and optical services among WHO member states, ensuring better eye care for populations worldwide.

The WHO's emphasis on the benefits of reading and eye care highlights the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. By following the organization's tips, readers can enjoy the health benefits of reading while protecting their eyes.

Key Takeaways

• Reading in any format benefits physical and mental health.
• Proper lighting reduces eye strain and fatigue while reading.
• Maintain a comfortable posture to avoid physical discomfort and eye fatigue.
• Take regular breaks to rest your eyes and reduce strain.
• WHO aims to increase effective coverage of refractive error by 40% by 2030.