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the claim

Reading in dim light causes permanent damage to the eye.

the verdict
REFUTED
the evidence says no
Recorded sources
2 sources for · 2 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Is it true that reading in dim light causes permanent damage to the eye?

No. Two modern reference sources state that dim or inadequate lighting causes only temporary eye strain with no permanent consequences, calling the idea an old urban legend. Two 1894 newspaper items assert that reading in poor light strains the eye muscles but do not establish permanent damage.

Verdict: REFUTED · 2 sources for, 2 against · Last checked

The private library was unavailable for some searches in this check. Missing library results are not evidence against the claim.

Evidence for · 2
Page 4 Advertisements Column 1 (Clutha Leader, 11 May 1894)
1894
Get citation
Page 4 Advertisements Column 1 (Clutha Leader, 11 May 1894). (1894). paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CL18940511.2.38.1

Evidence against · 2
Can reading fine print cause damage to eyes?
2017
Get citation
Can reading fine print cause damage to eyes?. (2017). skeptics.stackexchange.com. https://skeptics.stackexchange.com/questions/38304/can-reading-fine-print-cause-damage-to-eyes

See more details
More for · 1
Abuse of the Eye. (Otago Witness, 10 May 1894)
1894
Get citation
Abuse of the Eye. (Otago Witness, 10 May 1894). (1894). paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW18940510.2.174.2

More against · 1
Is it harmful to your eyes to read in dim light?
2011
Get citation
Is it harmful to your eyes to read in dim light?. (2011). skeptics.stackexchange.com. https://skeptics.stackexchange.com/questions/1092/is-it-harmful-to-your-eyes-to-read-in-dim-light

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