Reduce Eye Strain, Use Perfect Light

Following are 10 tips for right reading:

• It should preferably be full spectrum lighting, which is closest to natural sunlight. These lights are easy on the eyes, show color accurately, increase the contrast between black and white and relieve eyestrain. Most common type of full spectrum light is incandescent bulbs and some fluorescent fixtures.

• Light should be positioned above and behind your head. The light should be positioned behind the left shoulder in a right-handed person and vice versa.

• The intensity of the light should be adjusted for comfortable reading. Approximately 600 lux is required for reading, which can be achieved with a normal table lamp placed 2-3 feet away from the reader.

• If you wear glasses, have an anti-glare applied to your glasses to reduce glare.

• 40 years is the age when we start experiencing diminishing vision for reading. Due to age related changes in the eyes, you need to adjust the lighting to increase its intensity. For instance, persons aged 60 years would require twice the illumination of a person aged 20 years to carry out same task.

• Plan your workstation carefully ensuring correct positioning of lights, your computer and desk. Position your monitor so that windows are to the side of it rather than in front of it. Install anti-glare screen on your monitor.

• To minimize glare, position the light so that it does not directly fall on your eyes. If using a table lamp, the bottom of the table lamp should be at the eye level.

• Light in a study room is important to prevent eyestrain. Apart from general room light, an additional source of light is required for reading.

• Fluorescent lamps can cause eyestrain. As fluorescent lamps age, light level decreases and flickering occurs. Flickering can cause fatigue and headache.

• Do not use light from TV or computer monitor as source of light while reading. It is advisable not to read while lying down.

Inadequate lighting can cause eye problems like fatigue, headache, irritability, reduced concentration and difficulty in reading. It is important to have perfect lighting to prevent eyes form any strain.

Also Read:

10 Eye Care Tips