You might have bad eye habits without even knowing it, and they might be ruining your eyesight! We list five profiles - check which type of behaviour you're most guilty of. Also, tips on how to prevent these bad habits.
#1 The Ninja Reader: Reading in insufficient lighting
Behaviour: Relying solely on overhead lighting when reading or working; replying text messages in darkness right before bed; staying up late to watch TV in bed, with light from a faraway table lamp
Tip: When doing close work, use table lamps with overhead lighting instead of just using overhead room lighting.
#2 The Granny: Staring too close to books and screens
Behaviour: Inching closer to the computer screen when engrossed in work; spending long hours on the phone on social media, with the phone close to your face; reading a book lying down with it resting on your chest
Tip: Maintain a 30-40cm distance between your eyes and your reading material.
#3 The Workaholic: Not taking a break when doing near work
Behaviour: Staring at your computer screen for long hours; binge watching TV shows or movies the entire day; burying your face in a good book for hours on end
Tip: Make a conscious effort to blink, and to take small breaks every 10 to 30 minutes to rest your eyes.
#4 The Squinter: Reading materials with too small fonts
Behaviour: Typing with font size 10; newspapers are your favourite reading material; exploring with a printed map is your hobby to do on the weekends
Tip: Make use of larger fonts or clearer images.
#5 The Couch Potato: Using devices lying down
Behaviour: Slouching on the sofa while reading a book; lying in bed and using your phone
Tip: Reading while lying down leads to eye strain, as light is against the material being read. Slouching or lying down results in an odd angle of vision that puts extra pressure on your eyes. Maintain a straight posture when engaging in these activities.
Always have sufficient light when you're reading or working, even checking your phone - general overhead lighting is often insufficient, although it might seem like it is! This additional illumination can be added through the use of desk lamps. One example is 3M's Polarizing Light (pictured) - there's even a wireless version available now that you can use anywhere - san wires! All images and information from 3M