It has long been thought that reading in insufficient light can be bad for your eyes, potentially contributing to the need for glasses or even laser eye treatment from http://www.ultralase.com. However, one academic begs to differ. In research-based magazine The Conversation, Harrison Weisinger, foundation director of optometry studies at Deakin University, said this is nothing more than an old wives’ tail – although it is possible to give yourself a sore head and eyes.

According to Mr Weisinger, reading in dim light is only possible when there is enough light around for the cones in the eyes to pick up a signal. We only really use the cones in the centre of our vision, and readers can test this for themselves by looking directly up at the stars on a clear night – they can only be seen by looking slightly to the side of them, as cones are designed for close-up vision only.

“Of course, eyestrain – the feeling of tired or aching eyes and headache – may indicate that you need glasses, or perhaps the glasses you’re wearing may need an update,” the expert went on to say.

“If you are concerned about the health of your eyes, see your optometrist for a check up.”