Most of us switch between paper, phones, and e-readers without thinking twice. A few pages on a tablet at night, a long article on your phone in line, a paperback on the couch. Then the complaints start: tired eyes, blurry words, headaches, or that dry, gritty feeling that makes you blink harder.
The truth is, your eyes are doing different work depending on what you are reading and how you are reading it. Brightness, font size, contrast, glare, and how often you take breaks can matter more than the device itself. Hakim Optical sees this all the time with students, commuters, and anyone who spends long stretches reading on screens.
Paper is steady. Screens fight the room you are in
Paper does not glow. It reflects the light around you, which is one reason many people find it “easier” for long reading sessions. Phones and most tablets are self-lit, meaning your eyes are dealing with a bright rectangle that can be much brighter than your surroundings, especially at night.
E-readers with e-ink behave more like paper because they also rely on reflected light. Many models have a front light for dim rooms, but it is usually softer than a phone screen at full brightness. The big takeaway is not that paper is “good” and screens are “bad.” It is that glowing screens are easier to mis-set for your environment, and your eyes feel that mismatch quickly.
Brightness and contrast matter more than the label on the device
If your screen is brighter than the room, your eyes are constantly adjusting. If it is too dim, you squint or lean in. Either way, you burn through comfort faster than you should.
A practical rule: set brightness so the screen looks similar to the brightness of the room around it. Increase font size before you crank brightness. If you like dark mode, treat it as a preference tool, not a cure. Some people love it, some find it harder for long reading because the “halo” around white letters can feel fuzzy, especially when you are tired.
Glare is the other major variable. Overhead lights, sunny windows, even a glossy screen protector can create reflections that make your eyes work overtime. If glare is part of your day, it is worth understanding lens options like anti-reflective coatings, and how they differ from general “anti-glare” claims. Hakim Optical breaks this down clearly in Anti-Glare vs Anti-Reflective Lenses.
Phones cause the most strain for one simple reason: distance
When people read on phones, they usually read closer. Smaller screens push smaller text, and smaller text pushes the device closer to your face. That close distance demands more focusing effort, and it tends to reduce blinking. Both can show up as fatigue, dryness, and “my eyes just feel done.”
E-readers are often more forgiving because you can increase font size while keeping a comfortable distance. Paper depends on print size and lighting, but you have more natural cues to reposition the page until it feels right.
If you find yourself holding your phone closer as the day goes on, bumping up text size is not cheating. It is a comfort strategy. It can also be a clue that your prescription needs updating, especially if near tasks are consistently harder than they used to be.
Screen reading dries eyes out faster than most people realize
A lot of “screen fatigue” is actually surface dryness. When we concentrate on screens, we blink less. That means the tear film is not refreshed as often, so eyes can feel gritty or irritated even if your vision is otherwise fine.
Canadian optometry guidance consistently points to blinking and breaks as part of digital comfort. For example, Optometrists Manitoba notes that people tend to blink much less during computer use and suggests strategies like remembering to blink fully and reducing glare. Their screen-use guidance is a useful read if dry, tired eyes are your main issue.
Hakim Optical covers the same real-world pattern in Digital Eye Strain: Causes & Solutions, including how long, uninterrupted screen time can lead to symptoms like blurred vision and dry, irritated eyes.
Breaks are not optional. They are how your focusing system resets
Whether you are reading a novel on paper or scrolling on your phone, your focusing system likes variety. It is built for switching distances, not locking onto one near point for an hour straight.
A simple habit that helps: every 20 minutes, look up and focus farther away for about 20 seconds. The Canadian Association of Optometrists includes this kind of break strategy in its guidance for reducing digital eye strain, along with reminders to blink and other practical adjustments. Their overview of computer vision syndrome and digital eye strain is a solid Canadian reference.
If you want your reading to feel better immediately, this is usually the fastest change you can make.
Blue light tools can help, but they are not the whole answer
A lot of people try to solve discomfort by adding a blue light filter and calling it done. Sometimes that helps with glare or comfort, but it does not fix the bigger drivers of strain: close distance, long sessions, low blink rate, and poorly matched brightness.
Hakim Optical makes that point directly in 6 Eye Care Myths & Mistakes You’re Making, noting that blue screen filters or computer glasses are not a complete solution if your habits keep your eyes locked on a screen for long stretches.
If you do spend most of your workday at a screen, specialty eyewear can still be worth discussing. Computer glasses and lens coatings can be a comfort upgrade when paired with better settings and better breaks.
When an eye exam is the next smart step
If you are increasing font size more than you used to, getting headaches after reading, noticing blur that comes and goes, or feeling like your eyes “tire out” faster than they should, it is worth booking a comprehensive check. An updated prescription, the right lens options, or even small fit adjustments can make a bigger difference than another app setting.
You can learn what to expect and how to book through Hakim Optical Eye Exams, and if you want the closest option for your routine, use the store locator to find a location near you.
FAQs
Are e-readers easier on your eyes than phones?
Often, yes, mainly because e-ink behaves more like paper and many people read e-readers at a more comfortable distance. But settings and breaks still matter.
Does dark mode reduce eye strain?
Sometimes. It can reduce perceived glare in dim rooms, but it can also feel less clear for some readers, especially with small text. Test it, and prioritize font size and breaks either way.
Are blue light glasses necessary for reading on screens?
Not always. They may help some people with comfort, but they do not replace habits like blinking, taking breaks, and avoiding very close viewing distances.
How do I know if my discomfort is a prescription issue or just screen fatigue?
If blur increases over time, you get headaches with near work, or you are pulling screens closer to read, it is worth an eye exam to rule out prescription or focusing issues.