Why do have trouble reading when lying down?
DEC 21, 2021
Question:
I'm 80 and for some time I've had trouble reading when lying down, but I can read sitting down. My overall health and eye health are fine. Why would this only be an issue lying down?
Answer:
There are many reasons this could happen. If you are using
progressive eyeglasses and/or
reading glasses, they may not be properly positioned in different body positions. You may have a convergence insufficiency (difficulty focusing the eyes to read), which is aggravated by lying down. I would start by reevaluating your glasses prescription with your ophthalmologist or other eye care professional. Perhaps if you wear progressive glasses, consider getting a pair of reading glasses for use only when reading. If that doesn't help, you should be evaluated for
convergence insufficiency or other eye muscle imbalance by an ophthalmologist.