Whether you want to enjoy a good book, or you need to study for a big exam, finding the right reading light is more important than you might think. Reading in the wrong light can put an unhealthy strain on your eyes. Read on for simple tricks to help you read in the right light.
For more information about healthy vision as you age and the stunning benefits of receiving LASIK in Orange County, contact Advanced Eye Medical today.
Lighting Options
First, think about the space you are looking to light. Is there natural light coming from a nearby window? Is there already some overhead lighting? Or maybe a more direct source of light is necessary? Answering these questions can help you determine the type of light fixture you need to give you the best source of light.
Reading in dim light can strain your eye muscles, so having enough light can help you reduce this strain and the common short-term issues that come with reading in low light: headaches and tired, dry eyes. When reading, it’s important to focus bright light directly where you need it to be. Options include desk lamps or adjustable lamps that can be moved to where you need to direct the light. If you have your comfortable recliner next to a table, you may need a simple table lamp with a shade directing the light down to where you need it, rather than directing light to the entire room.
Distribution and Brightness
Light distribution and brightness are often overlooked factors when determining the best reading light. It’s actually better for your eyes to have the light evenly distributed throughout the room, rather than having a very bright light in a dark room. Ever wonder why you get so sleepy when reading before bed? It’s because your pupils dilate from the dark whenever your eyes happen to look off the page. This can cause eye fatigue.
Another cause of eye fatigue is reading from a computer screen. This may be a requirement for work, but you should avoid reading from that electronic device as much as possible in your free time. The fatigue comes from the constant shifting of the pixels. There are a couple of options to help combat eye fatigue from computer screens. One option is to dim the lighting on the screen so it’s not so bright. The other option is to reverse the text color scheme. For example, move the white text to a black background.
Our eyes will generally become weaker as we age and more light will be needed. Brightness is measured in lumens, which can be difficult to gage since most of us are used to buying light bulbs in terms of wattage. Here’s a general chart that can help you determine what you might need:
• 40 watts: At least 450 lumens
• 60 watts: At least 800 lumens
• 75 watts: At least 1,100 lumens
• 100 watts: At least 1,600 lumens
It’s best to let your eyes tell you exactly what they need. If the lighting isn’t right for your eyes, you can experience fatigue, burning, itching, redness, headaches and you might find yourself squinting more than normal. Adjust as necessary, by either taking away the glare or focusing the light to where you need it. And remember, the older you get, the more light you are going to need.
Regular Eye Care and LASIK in Orange County
Just like any health checkup, it is important to get your eyes checked regularly. If you are suffering from prolonged eye issues, visit Dr. Ghosheh and his team at Advanced Eye Medical. Don’t let issues with your vision become a more serious health problem. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about maintaining healthy vision as you age and how LASIK in Orange County can benefit you.