Reading in low light conditions does not cause permanent damage to your eyesight or physically alter the structure of your eyeballs in any meaningful way.

A closer look

Reading in low light conditions does not cause permanent damage to your eyesight or physically alter the structure of your eyeballs in any meaningful way. it only causes temporary eye strain because your ciliary muscles have to work significantly harder to focus, and your blink rate drops drastically, leading to dry and fatigued eyes. this persistent myth was likely invented by frustrated parents trying to force their kids to go to sleep instead of hiding under the covers with a flashlight and a comic book. you can strain your eyes all night in the dark without going blind, though it does perfectly prepare you for a miserable adulthood spent staring at blindingly bright spreadsheets in a dimly lit cubicle while your soul slowly leaves your body