Caring for our children’s Eyes: Tips and Recommended Reading Lamp
As parents, we naturally encourage our children to look at pictorial books, read, scribble, draw, or write.
And when it comes to doing such activities, we usually apply these three basic ‘rules’ (in order to protect these little ones’ eyes):
– Don’t place the book too close to your face
– Don’t read while ‘laying down in bed’
– Don’t read in a dim area (ie. reading / writing area needs to have sufficient lighting)
[Everyone in my family wears glasses, and I’ll try my best to minimise the possibility of my kids becoming short-sighted – myopic – like us]
Now, I don’t know if you’re like me, but I usually emphasise ONLY on those three points and pay not much attention to the kind of reading lamps we use at home.
We simply grabbed a nice looking desk lamp that we liked from IKEA, and we’ve been using it since.
[Glare is not obvious on matt surfaces]
I’ve never considered the fact that traditional reading lamps are very most likely glary.
And THAT, I recently learned, apparently is not good for the eyes.
[Visible glare on our glossy book]
I mean, I’ve often seen the ‘glare’ (like the reflection on glossy books/magazines), but somehow I just don’t think about it. I guess, I also don’t realise that there could be a better solution to it.
I’ve come to realise this aspect of reading lamps and the importance of choosing proper ones just recently, ie. when we got our hands on this 3MTM Polarizing Light.
Frankly, at first I was a little sceptic.
They’re all reading lamps, I thought, … so why does this lamp by 3M be any different?
So I went on to check on its features, and apparently it has this patented ‘Polarizing Light Filter’, which others do not have, and this filter technology can do these things:
– Reduce direct and reflective glare by 50%-80% on reading materials and work surfaces (such glare can eventually result in eye fatique, headache and frequent tearing)
– Block out harmful UV rays to protect both the eyes and skin
– Make reading more comfortable and less tiring because it’s flicker free
When we tested out this 3MTM Polarizing Light at home, one thing I immediately noticed.
It’s bright!
It’s brighter than my usual reading light, for sure.
And I immediately thought, does this mean it’ll use up more electricity? (the usual concern we parents have)
Apparently, it says that when used with energy-saving light bulb (of any brands), we’ll save up to 80% energy, ie. Less use of electricity.
Cool.
Anyway, here’s what I’ve got to say.
If you and your kids do your work on the computer, study and basically spend hours using an ordinary desk lamp all this while (like us!), do check out this product.
[Available in Popular bookstore, Home Fix and Best Denki]
Because it’s when we test things out ourselves that we’d get to see the difference and value their long-term benefits.
…
PS: This 3MTM Polarizing Light is now in our bedroom, on our desk, next to our laptop, replacing our cute IKEA table lamp. It now accompanies me as I blog and do other work on my computer at night.
10 Comments »
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Grace:
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I’ve replied Hilary’s comment as well. Genes sure play a big part, plus the habits we’re used to when we’re growing up.
Hilary:
Yep, I totally understand what you explained. I come from a family where almost everyone wears glasses, it’s in the genes. And that’s why I tend to remind the kids (more) about reading in brighter areas (than in dim places, etc). Lots of Asian kids somehow tend to wear glasses, like you mentioned.
AiPing:
🙂 I think they have quite a few models to choose from too. Happy browsing .. hope you’ll find one that suits you best!
snydez:
I guess, they may have it soon in Jakarta (if they’re not there already).
Jace:
Hi Jace! Thanks for leaving a comment and sharing!
oh btw, I shoot with 2 cameras. It’s either with my Canon Powershot S90 (a really good pocket camera), or with Nikon D200 (dslr … bulky but very good :). Those you see of my Batam posts were taken using my Canon Powershot S90 🙂
Hi!
I agree with Hil that Genes is a impt contributor to bad eyesight – AKA myopia!!! My parents have perfect vision in their younger days… Now they have long-sightedness. My brothers both have perfect vision… im the only one with the misfortune of being myopic! I do believe that how we read, watch TV etc. etc. can affect whether we end up with glasses… A good environment and good lighting could have been helpful to me!
Hey Leonny,
Actually, it is not true the reasons you stated would give you bad eyesight. You can sit right up by the TV or read in almost no light and still have perfect vision (I know a lot of people with perfect vision who do things that ‘should not be done’ and equal no. of people who do what ‘should be done’ but still have to wear glasses). Genetics has more a role to play in your eyesight than anything. Of course protecting your eyes as best as you can (don’t squint, read in direct sunlight etc) is still important, but a majority of people with brown/black eyes WILL wear glasses. Scientists have no clue as to why but that is just the case. However, a majority of people who don’t wear glasses in their younger days will almost certainly wear them when they grow old. So either way, we can’t really escape the fact. And! (Sorry for the rant) It is important if you are already wearing glasses to care for your eyes. Your eyesight CAN get even worse than it already is.
Hil
I always has this question in mind, is white light better or cool white (which is a bit yellowish) better for reading. Now that you share this 3M Polarizing Light, think should go for this!
wah, nice lamp.
now i wonder is there any chances that lamp ‘ll be available in jakarta
Hi L, just found your lovely blog! really enjoying it! I’ve just started a blog like last month! LOL and am wondering which camera you’re using for all your photos?
Lovely pictures and family you have!
I’ll check out this lamp for my son! thanx for sharing