Students are often exposed to too much screen time due to their school work or extracurricular activities, which can lead to eye strain and vision problems if they’re not careful about taking care of their eyes. Here are five Eye Care Tips for Students who spend too much time on their screens.
Get an eye exam at least once a year
According to the American Optometric Association, getting an annual eye exam is important. This is especially true for students who spend a lot of time on their screens. That’s because staring at screens can lead to digital eye strain, which can cause symptoms like headaches, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain. Plus, if you have a preexisting condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, regular eye exams can help you manage those conditions.
Be careful not to strain your eyes
When you’re looking at a screen for long periods, it’s important to take breaks and give your eyes a rest. Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen for 20 seconds and focus on something else in the room. This will help prevent eye strain.
Wear sunglasses that protect your eyes from harmful UV rays
Spending too much time on your screens can cause eye strain and fatigue. To protect your eyes, wearing sunglasses that block out harmful UV rays is important. Look for a pair that has 100% UV protection and wrap-around lenses for the best coverage.
Use proper lighting when working on screens
Many people don’t realize that their screens’ light can damage their eyes. To help prevent this, make sure you have proper lighting when working on screens. This means having a light source not directly in front of or behind your screen. Additionally, try to position your screen so that there is no glare from other light sources. Finally, take breaks often and give your eyes a chance to rest by looking away from your screen every 20 minutes.
Try vitamin supplements if needed
According to a study by the American Optometric Association, more than half of Americans use digital devices for more than two hours daily. This can lead to digital eye strain, which can cause symptoms like headaches, blurry vision, and neck and shoulder pain. Taking regular breaks, using the 20-20-20 rule, and adjusting your screen’s brightness are all great ways to help reduce eye strain.
