Reading Comfort

enjayes · 09-19-2009, 06:00 AM

Can someone please refer me to articles on positioning of the reading material with respect to the eyes. Googling I have found recommendations for screen (20-50 degrees below eyelevel), how on screens the eye scans from end to end, while for books the eyes are drawn to the centre, portrait vs landscape orientation etc. But have not seen anything that suggests that looking down to read more ' natural' than looking across.
I think the main advantage of e-book reader, after the primary one of portability of multiple books, is the freedom of orientation of the viewing. This probably is obvious, which is why I am wondering if there has been any ergonomic or other studies suggesting reading books from above leads to better learning.
Cheers
Jason

A4- · 09-19-2009, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enjayes

20-50 degrees below eyelevel.

When you are reading (or watching tv) you tend to blink less, which causes your eyes to dry out. Having the book below the eye-level results in less surface area of your eyes to be in contact with the air. Which in turn results in less dry eyes.

Abecedary · 09-19-2009, 08:44 AM

I would imagine the recommendations for reading from an ebook reader would be similar to those for reading from a paper book.

Also I'm assuming that when you say "screen" that you are referring to a computer screen, which would explain the side-to-side thing. Text on computer screens is usually presented in long lines (called 'measures'). Newspapers and books use short measures specifically because it leads to less side-to-side eye movement. This makes it easier to find your place on the next line, which thus makes it easier to read.

09-19-2009, 06:00 AM	#1
enjayes Junior Member Posts: 8 Karma: 130 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Melbourne Device: none	Reading Comfort Can someone please refer me to articles on positioning of the reading material with respect to the eyes. Googling I have found recommendations for screen (20-50 degrees below eyelevel), how on screens the eye scans from end to end, while for books the eyes are drawn to the centre, portrait vs landscape orientation etc. But have not seen anything that suggests that looking down to read more ' natural' than looking across. I think the main advantage of e-book reader, after the primary one of portability of multiple books, is the freedom of orientation of the viewing. This probably is obvious, which is why I am wondering if there has been any ergonomic or other studies suggesting reading books from above leads to better learning. Cheers Jason

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09-19-2009, 08:44 AM	#3
Abecedary Exwyzeeologist Posts: 535 Karma: 3261 Join Date: Jun 2009 Device: :PRS-505::iPod touch:	I would imagine the recommendations for reading from an ebook reader would be similar to those for reading from a paper book. Also I'm assuming that when you say "screen" that you are referring to a computer screen, which would explain the side-to-side thing. Text on computer screens is usually presented in long lines (called 'measures'). Newspapers and books use short measures specifically because it leads to less side-to-side eye movement. This makes it easier to find your place on the next line, which thus makes it easier to read.

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