Whether you're outdoors on a nice sunny day or trying to read the small print of a contract, you may be squinting in an attempt to bring the images into focus. The light enters the eyes from all directions and by closing the eyelids a little you allow you to slightly modify the shape of the eyeball and therefore see the object of your interest with clarity. However, if this behavior is too frequent or excessive, it is likely that there is a vision problem and you must therefore take action to improve your vision.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Troubleshoot Vision Problems
Step 1. Get an eye exam
If you squint even when there is adequate light without being excessive, there is likely to be some vision problem. If it's been more than a year or two since your last visit, it's worth having a checkup. You can go to a private eye clinic or ask your family doctor to make a referral for you to access the treatment of the National Health Service.
If you have private health insurance, find out if the policy covers these types of visits and perhaps even the purchase of glasses (with or without deductible); large retailers offer rather cheap glasses and nowadays there is a wide choice of these accessories; you can ask your ophthalmologist for advice to find out what is best suited to your needs
Step 2. Put on your prescribed glasses or contact lenses
Put your ego aside and use the optical correction that your doctor has advised you; it is quite common to avoid using it out of laziness or vanity. Choose a frame that suits your style, the shape of your face and keep your glasses always at hand to minimize eye fatigue and therefore the propensity to squint.
If you find that you have to constantly change your glasses to see at different distances, consider bifocals, but consult your optician first
Step 3. Change location
If you squint because you have difficulty seeing, get as close or away from the object as possible; for example, if it helps, ask to be able to sit in the front row at school or in the meeting room. If you know which queue allows you to see better, you can reserve your seat at the cinema or the game or show up early.
Part 2 of 4: Adjust the Brightness
Step 1. Change the light in the room
Squinting is often caused by the amount of light entering the eyes. If possible, reduce the intensity of the ambient lighting; for example, change the type of light bulb in the office or at home by choosing a model with less power.
- It is not always possible to change the lights in the office, so you should check with your line manager or the human resources department before doing it yourself.
- If you squint when reading on an electronic device screen, check that the brightness settings can be changed; for example, mobile phones and televisions can be adapted via the settings menu.
Step 2. Put on some sunglasses
The most common cause of this behavior is the intensity of sunlight; if you squint outdoors on a sunny day, a good pair of sunglasses can solve or reduce the problem. Do some research, as some brands are more fashion-oriented, while others are more function-oriented.
- Make sure your lenses block at least 99% of ultraviolet (UV) rays.
- Determine how much you are willing to spend on glasses, as some models exceed $ 300. If you tend to lose them, consider buying sunglasses that are within your budget.
- If you are a very active person, choose a model that does not slip off easily. You can also buy accessories that help you keep your glasses in place or that allow you to transform normal prescription glasses into sunglasses by simply adding a dark mask.
Step 3. Put on a hat or visor
The brim of a hat or visor temporarily provides some shade, reducing the amount of light entering the eyes. Choose a comfortable model that suits your style well; a very saggy model could fly away in the wind, while ones that are too tight could hinder blood circulation and cause discomfort.
- Many hats are adjustable and some are available in different sizes; choose the right one for your head shape.
- Some sports hats are made with breathable materials that evaporate sweat quickly and could be the ideal solution for people who live in humid climates or who sweat a lot.
Step 4. Use the black eye
Many individuals who play an outdoor sport use this fat to reduce reflexes; apply streaks or black grease under the eyes to avoid squeezing them. Be careful when using this product and be careful that it does not fall on clothes and furniture, as it is quite difficult to get rid of.
American football and baseball players are quite famous for using these products, try watching a game or search for pictures online to find out how they apply correctly
Part 3 of 4: Get Rid of Bad Habits
Step 1. Recognize when this gesture becomes a habit and not a necessity
Squinting is a natural reaction to light, but it can be some kind of habit that has developed. Ask yourself when this behavior caused frustration, anxiety, or embarrassment. It is likely that the people around you have already told you about it, because they are able to notice better than you the gesture that is now ingrained in your behavior.
Habits develop automatically through repetition, so realizing that you squint means making a conscious effort to avoid the gesture
Step 2. Recognize the stimuli that cause you to squint
Take note of each time you squint and analyze the situation. Do you do this every time you talk to your boss? When do you have to meet a new person? There is likely to be a trigger or context.
Keep a journal in which to write down your behavior; after a few weeks you should be able to spot a repetitive pattern, unless someone else has already told you
Step 3. Evaluate the reasons why you have developed this reaction to some stimuli
Whether you're doing it to cope with anxiety and stress, or whether it's a simple tic that drags you from childhood to manage boredom, ask yourself why you feel the need to squint. There is always a strong emotion associated with the stimuli that trigger a bad habit.
For example, many people bite their nails because they are anxious, so try to analyze the emotions you feel when you find yourself squinting; they may be well-hidden feelings, so take your time to evaluate the situation. Talk to the people around you to understand the core of the matter
Step 4. Think of positive and alternative action to replace the bad habit
If you've had them for most of your life, vices are hard to miss; once you have identified the triggers and the true underlying emotions to which they are related, make a conscious effort to replace those gestures with positive ones.
For example, if you squint when you go to parties because you are insecure and fear that no one wants to talk to you, try to smile instead; in this way, you assume a confident attitude and convey a message of openness
Step 5. Reward yourself when you don't squint
Even if you simply tried not to, give yourself a reward, as positive reinforcement makes the next attempt easier. Whether it's a praise or a material object, try to keep a positive attitude towards your goal.
Rewards, unlike punishments, help you quit the habit more easily
Part 4 of 4: Helping People Not Squint at the Photographer
Step 1. Get them to relax
Be aware of squinting factors and keep lighting to a minimum until it is absolutely necessary to increase the intensity. Walk your subjects through a gradual process of raising the light, so they have time to adjust by covering their eyes or keeping them closed until it's time to take the picture.
Allow them to keep their eyes covered as you count to three, and then take the picture as soon as they open them, to avoid that short period of time when squinting is normal
Step 2. Use different lights and try to tinker with the speakers
If you are in a photo studio, change the type of lights in combination with the diffusers to reduce the lighting without sacrificing the final effect you want to achieve. Remember to turn off the lights until you are ready to shoot or rehearse; lights can emit a lot of heat, depending on the type of light bulbs and the environment.
Using doubles helps people who have to be portrayed to endure long studio sessions
Step 3. Use the flash
Not only does it provide extra light, but certain models can be set to activate multiple times to help the person's eyes adapt to different lighting conditions. You can use the flash even on sunny days to prevent the subject from squinting.
- In this case, ask the person you are to portray to sit with their back to the sun and use the flash to illuminate their face; If natural light requires you to use a faster shutter speed than the flash sync speed, choose a smaller aperture, mount a neutral density filter on the lens, or use an external high-speed flash.
- Timers are effective tools for coordinating photographic equipment with flash. Some external flashes are equipped with a remote control that allows you to activate multiple lights simultaneously.
