Is Long Term Reading on iPad worse than Reading Real Books?

[Starfyre]

As the question states:

Is long term reading on an iPad worse than reading non-digital hard/softcover books? Is it more damaging to eyesight in the long/short term?

 

[dmccloud]

As the question states:

Is long term reading on an iPad worse than reading non-digital hard/softcover books? Is it more damaging to eyesight in the long/short term?

I have heard that reading ebooks on an iPad causes more eyestrain than reading on a Kindle or similar device. However, those comparisons were with the iPad/iPad 2, not the new iPad, so the results might differ. As far as I know, there have been no studies comparing an iPad (or any tablet/reader) to printed books.

 

[thatoneguy82]

As the question states:

Is long term reading on an iPad worse than reading non-digital hard/softcover books? Is it more damaging to eyesight in the long/short term?

Nope. I've found it far better, especially since I get to control the text size and the color of the background and brightness of the background. The background brightness reduction is what helps it to cause less train on my eyes. Also, the brightness is independent within the App itself so it doesn't affect the brightness of the device when you exit the App. With books, you are stuck with the text size it's printed and the kind of paper it has.

 

[Batavian]

I find reading a book or novel on any backlit screen to strain my eyes. So it's the Kindle or dead trees for me.

 

[JacaByte]

I will always prefer bound books, but the new iPad is a joy to read on, you just have to set the brightness to where you want it to keep from straining your eyes. I find using sepia for the background helps as well.

 

[sza]

As the question states:

Is long term reading on an iPad worse than reading non-digital hard/softcover books? Is it more damaging to eyesight in the long/short term?

Some printed books are printed on glaring paper, which is bad for eyes.

 

[Medic278]

I think its easier on my eyes to read on the iPad. As others have said I adjust the text and screen brightness until I find my comfort zone. I suppose if you were reading huge amounts of e-books, I guess there theoretically could be some damage done to your eyesight but I don't think there is much risk at all to the casual reader.

 

[squidkitten]

I think the fact that text on the new iPad is so much crisper on the retina display makes it much better on the eyes. I marathon read Mockingjay today until my battery died, and didn't find my eyes getting strained at all!

It really is like looking at a better lit piece of paper.

 

[thewitt]

I find reading on the iPad much more pleasant than reading paper books.

 

[adztaylor]

Personal preference, but I can't stand reading books on my iPad. I have a Kindle which is much better IMO.

 

[xdbuix]

probably better to read hardcover books versus the ipad at least for me it is.

 

[thewitt]

Personal preference, but I can't stand reading books on my iPad. I have a Kindle which is much better IMO.

It is certainly a personal preference. I dumped my Kindle in favor of my iPad after it sat idle in a drawer for nearly 8 months.

 

[MacAttacka]

As the question states:

Is long term reading on an iPad worse than reading non-digital hard/softcover books? Is it more damaging to eyesight in the long/short term?

Like most here, Ive been reading text on my PC monitor for many many years. My eyesight is fine. You need to decide whether reading on the iPad or a physical book suits YOU