Eye Problems Due to Online Classes
A Student’s Guide to Eye Health and Wellness
Eye troubles are a common side effect of being a college student. Students spend so much time reading textbooks, writing papers, and staring at lighted screens – computers, social media, online gaming and tv/movie watching – it’s almost inevitable. Eye issues should not be ignored. Students can read on to learn the importance of paying attention to eye health, how to prevent eye issues and what to do if eye concerns arise.
Understanding Vision Problems & Their Impact on Student Success
88 percent of Americans know that digital devices can negatively affect their vision, and yet the average American still spends seven or more hours per day looking at their screens.
The average millennial spends nine hours per day on devices such as smartphones, tablets, LED monitors and flat-screen TV’s. About 11 million Americans over age 12 do need vision correction.
Possibly the last thing on a college student’s mind is eye health. But the reality is that eye health should be near the top of a student’s to-do list to prevent vision issues that could negatively affect the academic and social experiences of their college years, and perhaps their lives beyond school. Although vision generally remains stable during the young adult years, problems may develop without any obvious signs or symptoms. Add in the potential for college-induced eye strain and infections, and it is clear college students should pay attention to their vision.
Common Eye Problems due to Online Class
- The most prevailing eye problem among college students is eye strain, a direct result of all the reading and computer use college life demands, usually for long periods of time and often in less-than-ideal lighting and ergonomic environments. Eye strain can cause eyes to be dry, watery, itchy, red, or irritated. Other symptoms include a burning sensation, blurry vision, light sensitivity and difficulty focusing. These symptoms can be accompanied by headaches; neck, shoulder or back pain, sleep issues, and overall fatigue.
2. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
- Also known as digital eye strain. The AOA defines it as a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader and cell phone use. Computer vision syndrome is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Treatment can involve special glasses for computer viewing, vision therapy/eye exercises, and making changes in how you view the screen. These can include adjusting computer angle, seating position, lighting, adding an anti-glare screen filter, and frequent blinking and rest breaks.
- The other big potential eye concern in college involves bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. Infectious eye diseases can spread quickly in the crowded classes, cafeterias, dorm rooms, gyms and other public spaces of a college or university. Conjunctivitis Also known as Pink Eye, conjunctivitis occurs when infection strikes the eye surface and the inner surface of the eyelids. Eyes become red, swollen, inflamed and sore and can emit a discharge. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are very contagious, and can spread by close personal contact, through the air by coughing and sneezing, and by touching an object or surface with germs on it then touching your eyes. (the third type, allergic conjunctivitis, is not infectious).Herpes Keratitis A viral infection of the eye caused by herpes simplex virus. It is also very contagious and causes eye pain, redness, discharge and blurred vision. Left untreated, herpes keratitis can severely damage the eye.
12 Causes of Vision Problems of a Student
1. Too much time in front of a computer
2. Studying and reading in poor lighting conditions, like low-light dorm room cramming session all-nighters
3. Glare on a computer screen
4. Being the wrong distance from a computer screen
7. Uncorrected vision problems
10. Inadequate hygiene measures, such as infrequent handwashing, rubbing
12. Showering or swimming in contact lenses
What College Students Should Do to Maintain Eye Health
Vision problems can greatly affect learning ability, a big reason why students in college should not be dismissive of their eye health. College students who give heed to their eye health care now may avoid potentially serious problems later. The following is a list of eye care tips college students might want to consider incorporating into their daily routines.
Periodic eye exams. They’re not just for senior citizens. AOA recommends college-age adults have an eye exam every two years, more often if at risk for eye problems due to a family history of eye disease, diabetes, or hypertension. See an eye doctor in between if your eyes bother you in any way. Early detection of potential problems is paramount. And make sure glasses or contacts prescriptions are up to date. Blinking. This subtle act of closing and opening your eyes is important to keep eyes moist and refreshed. Artificial tears are an option if your eyes get dried out. Move to another seat if air vents are blowing in your face. Try an eye massage. A good suggestion for any time your eyes feel tired but especially after staring at a book or screen for hours. Rub hands together until the friction warms them, then gently press against eyes to help relax the eye muscles.
Regular computer breaks. Stand up, stretch, walk around, make a sandwich, anything that gives eyes a respite from close-up work. Try the 20-20-20 rule – look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds. Adjust the computer. Optimize to your liking the brightness, size of text font, monitor height, distance between you and computer. Eliminate screen glare. Adjust room lighting and curtains or blinds, change computer location or use a glare reduction filter on your screen. Proper posture. It can make a big difference in eye strain. Top of computer monitor should be just below eye level, feet flat on the floor, and arms at a 90-degree angle. Try computer glasses. They’re designed specifically for ideal vision in the space between you and your computer.
Correct lighting. Overhead lighting might be too harsh and bright. On the other hand, low-light dorm room ambiance may be too dim. (Don’t study by flashlight.) Find the optimum illumination for your eye comfort.
Eat a balanced diet. Diet is important to eye health. Research indicates nutrition may prevent or delay age-related eye diseases. A healthy diet also reduces risk of diseases that can lead to eye troubles, such as hypertension and diabetes. Consider a daily multivitamin to fill nutritional gaps in your diet.
Exercise regularly. Exercise improves blood circulation, increases oxygen levels to the eyes and helps remove toxins.
Protect eyes from the sun. Sun exposure can lead to vision loss and increase risk of certain types of cataracts and cancers of the eyelid. Protect yourself with hats, visors, and sunglasses that block out harmful rays.
Quit smoking. Better yet, don’t start. Smoking exposes eyes to high levels of dangerous chemicals and increases the risk for developing cataracts and macular degeneration.
Wash your hands. From handrails to handshakes to high-fives, everything you come into contact with in your daily life can be germ-laden. Touching or rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands is a surefire way to pick up an infection.
Don’t share make-up. Creamy or liquid eye make-up, especially, are breeding grounds for infections. Use your own and replace every three months.
Remember that water and contact lenses don’t mix. Do not shower, swim or get in a hot tub in contact lenses. Only use sterile disinfecting solution to store contacts – not water – and keep your case clean.
Go outside. Beside the benefits of fresh air, students who spend a lot of time studying indoors become at risk of becoming nearsighted. A study cited by AAO found than more than 50 percent of college graduates become nearsighted. Other research shows spending more time outdoors can protection vision from getting worse.
