Is it normal to have vertigo after reading?
I read a lot. I read for at least an hour or two every day, but usually more. Sometimes after a long session - especially after using an e-reader - I'll feel a bit dizzy. Should I get my vision checked?
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Answers ( 1 )
I would consider that problematic. And especially that you're using an electronic reader, you may be causing enough disorientation from looking at a screen that you could be causing the vertigo. A number of stresses occurs from reading, but most especially from reading off a digital display. You may be causing enough eye strain that would be responsible for vertigo. First rule of reading and working on a computer screen - about every half hour or so, stop looking and look around you, look off at something a farther distance than reading/working that close up. You're causing eye strain with prolonged use and especially reading books and such, it's concentrated reading, not like working in an office and being interrupted by people walking by or phones ringing. That kind of concentrated reading causing eye strain can result in symptoms of eye pain, headaches, disorientation, tiredness and more. The simple test is to take a break every half hour for about 5 to 10 minutes, and see if that makes a difference.
From a personal perspective, I won't use an e-reader, it's too hard on the eyes when you are concentrating on reading.
I would also suggest that you may also be reacting like a little carsickness - from the movement of the eyes in reading you are simulating riding in a vehicle, and that can cause a bit of nausea and a sense of vertigo. Just take breaks, see if that improves it. And when you do have those feelings, stop reading altogether until the feeling passes. Put it off to another day, and limit your reading to no more than an hour. And it wouldn't be a bad idea to get your vision checked as well.