Photo by Hana Mara: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-wearing-black-framed-eyeglasses-3660349/
Crafting and undertaking DIY home projects can be a joyful and fulfilling activity. Armed with a few tools and creativity, you can make something out of nothing or breathe life into a neglected piece of furniture. As we demonstrated in our post on easy home projects from top bloggers, sometimes, all it takes is a fresh coat of paint and some elbow grease to liven up your home.
Interestingly, research also shows that creative hobbies are great for our mental health. Whether it’s crafting, painting, or woodworking, artistic pursuits give us a sense of achievement while allowing for self-expression. At the same time, however, spending hours working on detailed projects can take a toll on both the body and the eyes. From back pain to eye strain and even injuries, many things can go wrong when we’re buried in our DIY projects.
To ensure a comfortable crafting experience, here are some eye care and ergonomic tips to keep in mind for your next creative endeavor.
Wear proper safety goggles
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, about half of all eye injuries happen right at home. Surprisingly, home improvement tasks are some of the biggest culprits, as screws, nails, and power tools can send debris flying into the air and into your eyes. The good news is that you can reduce your risk for eye injury by 90% by simply investing in a pair of ANSI-approved safety eyewear. For this, you can check out protective goggles like the DeWalt Framework Interchangeable Safety Goggles. Aside from meeting ANSI standards, these goggles come with a clear lens, ensuring the sharp vision needed for crafting. Plus, it features a removable foam gasket that can shield you from chemical splatters or flying debris.
Opt for high-moisture contacts
For crafters who wear contact lenses, it’s essential to keep eye comfort in mind during long crafting sessions. Contact lenses can sometimes cause dryness or irritation, especially in environments with low humidity or when you’re doing intricate tasks that require near-work. These factors can all lead to ocular discomfort. To avoid dry eyes, make sure to blink frequently to keep your eyes moist. Better yet, opt for contacts with a high moisture content. The Dailies AquaComfort Plus, for instance, features a 69% water content for a silky feel on your eyes. These lenses also have a special technology that uses your eye’s natural blinking action to replenish moisture, keeping your eyes comfortable as you craft.
Create an ergonomic crafting space
Ergonomics is the science of designing workspaces and tasks to fit the worker’s needs. For crafters, this means adjusting your crafting area to support good posture and avoid strain on the body and eyes. Much like office workers, you can start by choosing a chair that offers good lumbar support. This will help you maintain a healthy posture. A good option to consider is the affordable Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro, which has a mesh backrest and adjustable armrests. Meanwhile, your crafting table or workstation should be at a comfortable height, allowing your arms to rest at about a 90-degree angle when working.
Make sure you have adequate lighting
Lastly, proper lighting is a must for reducing eye strain. Many crafters work in low light or under harsh overhead lights, which can contribute to fatigue. Instead, go for a combination of ambient and task lighting in your workspace. Position a task lamp like the Cricut Bright 360 Ultimate LED Table Lamp over your crafting area. This model has an adjustable arm, so you can direct the light where it’s needed most. If you’re working on detailed projects, such as cross-stitching or beading, a magnifying lamp with built-in lighting can be a game-changer, allowing you to focus on your work without straining your eyes.
With these tips, you can craft with ease and enjoy your creative process without sacrificing your well-being.