Beyond technical skills, various health aspects can significantly influence a singer’s musical ability and performance. A previous post explains how age-related physiological changes can affect one’s singing voice and overall vocal health.
For example, hormonal changes due to menopause can cause swelling in women’s vocal cords, which then alters their pitch and range. Meanwhile, lung capacity and efficiency may also decrease with age, negatively
impacting breath control and the ability to sustain notes.
In addition to age, another health aspect singer-songwriters must pay attention to is vision health. Below, we explore the importance of optimal vision for musicians and which eye care tips can be adopted to preserve their vision and ensure overall health.
Healthy eyesight is crucial for performing basic tasks accurately and efficiently, and that is true for singers and songwriters. Whether you’re playing a musical instrument or using a computer program to write music, your eyes exert effort to process musical notes and arrangements visually.
However, reading small text on music sheets or computer screens for prolonged periods can strain the eyes and contribute to a range of vision-related symptoms, from soreness and irritation to dry eyes and visual fatigue.
These symptoms may worsen if you perform in settings with less-than-ideal lighting, such as stages with harsh red lights or outdoor venues with bright sunlight.
In addition to visual fatigue and discomfort, singer-songwriters must consider potential vision impairments. An article published in the journal Assistive Technology notes that musicians with vision impairments like myopia and astigmatism may struggle with reading musical notation and interpreting it on a musical instrument.
Although there are visual aids, such as the eSight Eyewear to help with adjusting magnification, singer-songwriters can also adopt the eye care tips in the following section for optimal vision health.
Comprehensive eye examinations are crucial tools for detecting potential vision problems and facilitating early treatment and management. For instance, eye exams may include visual acuity tests to determine whether or not you have refractive errors that require corrective eyewear.
No matter how busy you get due to musical training and gigs, remember to schedule a routine eye exam at least once every one or two years for ongoing monitoring of your vision health.
If your eye exam reveals that you have refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, you’ll need corrective eyewear to ensure visual clarity and accuracy. However, your vision may change over time, urging you to update your prescription glasses to avoid stressing or straining your eyes with inaccurate lenses.
Fortunately, leading optical retailer LensCrafters makes it easy to update your eyewear through its online offerings.
You can choose trendy and lightweight frames from brands like Prada to ensure style and comfort on and off the stage, then upload a copy of your updated prescription to get the single-vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses that suit your vision needs.
As previously mentioned, sunlight can contribute to or worsen vision problems like eye strain, and this can be attributed to prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. So, it helps to wear sunglasses all the time, not only when performing in outdoor venues for concerts and festivals but also in daily life.
Consider how musician Dua Lipa wears sunglasses to protect her vision even while on vacation. In the linked article, the Albanian singer and songwriter is seen wearing light blue Les Lunettes Ovalo sunglasses from Jacquemus, providing maximum coverage and protection through the oval silhouette and tinted lenses.
By following the eye-healthy habits mentioned above, you can protect your long-term vision and continue enjoying singing, songwriting, and performing with healthy eyesight.
As a session singer, writer, and producer that has worked with over 300 clients to provide high-quality jingles, singles, and features, Yona spends her time creating and marketing new music and helpful resources for creators. Check out Yona’s latest releases on her Spotify, her Youtube and share if you like it!
If you are in need of singer, songwriter or song producer services, see what Yona Marie can offer you on her services page.
