Painting and Eye Strain

sunset

Being that I chose the visual arts as a career, I have been lucky to have 20/20 vision, especially considering l had risks of being blind from complications when was born. Needless to say I’d have had to find another line of work.

This Spring in the thick of deadline season, however, I’ve been having issues with burning, scratchy, sore (and often bloodshot) eyes, sometimes with a headache thrown in, making it difficult to work.   Being in this field, it’s somewhat expected.  But I was finding that I was having to consistently stop several hours earlier than usual.  With eyedrops not providing much relief, I went in for a check to see what might be going wrong.  (And pretty much expecting serious problems.)

I mentioned the the long hours of painting (12-15+ hr days) I tend to go on with. Oddly enough, the technician in the showroom, a little surprised, asked if I do that voluntary. I replied “I’m an artist, it’s what I do”.

I’m not sure I satisfied the curiosity, but after an exam I was awarded a prescription for reading glasses for the eye strain and apparently all is fine other than hitting the limit of what my eyes want to do. (So now I’m sporting a nice chunky Clark Kent pair of spectacles in the studio.  The cat isn’t sure what to think.)

5 responses to “Painting and Eye Strain”

  1. Lynnette Horn Avatar

    I’ve run into the same problem, especially this year, though I don’t put in near the hours you do. I discovered that my house is too dry Using a room humidifier or even a pot of boiling water when I paint helps a lot.

  2. Haroon Rashid Avatar
    Haroon Rashid

    I am very interested in good painting if these are close to nature.
    Your painting are very good.

  3. Nate Boya Avatar
    Nate Boya

    Clark Kent…As Well As Vince Lombardi and Buddy Holly Glasses Rock!

  4. Mary Avatar

    I totally understand. My eyes get very tired and I take frequent short breaks to relieve the eyes and the back. I cannot sit as long as I could before the lyme disease. So, I do the best I can.
    I love your work and marvel at the detail you get in your small paintings. Now that you have shared the hours you put in, I can see how you do so many paintings…and they are all lovely!

  5. Daniel Avatar
    Daniel

    I really love your dedication. You are a true artist. I admire real artists out there in the world.
    Thanks for being my inspiration. You are an inspiration to everyone.