Digital Reading Tips for High Myopes: Contrast, Fonts, and Zoom

In an age where we read more from glowing screens than from paper, our eyes deserve a little luxury — especially if you’re a high myope. Whether you’re diving into e-books, scrolling through endless research papers, or simply reading the latest meme, your screen setup can make all the difference between comfort and strain.

At OC Optometry Group, we know that digital vision comfort isn’t about getting the biggest monitor on the block. It’s about understanding how small tweaks — contrast, font, and zoom — can transform your screen experience from blurred chaos to crystal clarity.

1. Contrast is Queen (or King, depending on your monarchy)

When you’re highly myopic, contrast can be your best friend — or your greatest foe. Too low, and your eyes work overtime to separate letters from their background. Too high, and the glare can feel like staring at the sun.

Our tip:

• Go for dark gray text on an off-white background rather than pure black-on-white.

• Avoid high-glare screens or direct lighting behind you — your retinas will thank you.

• Consider enabling your device’s “reader mode” or dark mode to minimize strain during evening reading sessions.

Remember: perfect contrast isn’t about brightness — it’s about balance.

2. Fonts That Flatter (Your Eyes, Not Just the Page)

Typography is an art, but for high myopes, it’s also a science. Fancy scripts or ultra-thin sans-serifs might look chic, but they’re not doing your vision any favors.

Our tip:

• Stick to clear, open fonts like Verdana, Calibri, or Georgia.

• Use at least 12–14 pt size for standard documents — and bump that up if your monitor is further away.

• Adjust line spacing slightly wider than normal to help your eyes track smoothly.

Think of it like this: your eyes are reading marathoners, and good typography is their breathable running gear.

3. Zoom: The Unsung Hero of Eye Comfort

There’s absolutely no glory in squinting. Zooming in is not a sign of weakness — it’s smart ergonomics.

Our tip:

• For web browsers, Ctrl + or Cmd + is your shortcut to visual bliss.

• Don’t just zoom the page — also adjust your device’s display scaling in settings for consistent comfort.

• For e-readers or tablets, choose apps that let you set a custom zoom level and text reflow.

Your screen should adapt to you, not the other way around.

A Gentle Reminder from OC Optometry Group

Even the most artfully tuned screen can’t replace a good eye exam. If you find yourself leaning closer, squinting more, or feeling dry and fatigued after digital reading, it may be time for a prescription update — or a chat with our optometrists about digital eye strain solutions.

Because at OC Optometry Group, we believe reading should always be a pleasure — never a chore.

Author

Alejandro Gallego Having joined us in 2025, Alejandro has quickly shown his adaptability and commitment. Knowing the importance of our practice as he has had several years of experience in other healthcare areas. Efforts to excellence are evident from day one. We’re excited to support him as he continues to grow within our organization.