It’s no secret that, during your college years, you will read a lot. Your eyes are the primary tools you use every day. You might want to keep these tools sharp and avoid developing any common diseases associated with vision. But I never had any problems before, you might argue.
Many students take their eyesight for granted and make a mistake, thinking it can only be impacted by genetics. One of the most common problems students face when studying is eyesight issues. It can manifest in various ways, from headaches to worsening sight. The causes of your eyesight worsening may be different:
- Reading and writing in poor lighting conditions.
- Extensive use of a computer.
- Laptop screen glare.
- Poor posture.
- Lack of sleep.
- A lot of stress.
- Poor diet.
At least some of the causes are checked as a part of your daily routine. You can be unaware of how stress and bad posture affect you, but it’s better to assess the situation before you develop any symptoms.
What is 20/20 vision?
A 20/20 vision is a term used by American eye care professionals. It refers to the ability to see everything 20 feet away. It’s a normal but not perfect vision.
It’s a common standard, but many people have less than 20/20 vision due to their genetics, habits, or diet practices. One of the best ways to prevent the worsening of your sight is to follow common recommendations and visit your ophthalmologist regularly for cataract treatment. What are other ways to maintain a 20/20 vision?
Ensure correct lighting for your studies
Having enough illumination while studying is essential. You might think it’s okay to prepare your Othello report in a dim dorm room, but in reality, you will harm your vision more than anything. You can find cheap energy-saving bulbs and lamps to ensure you always have enough light.
Needless to say, poor illumination affects not only your physical health. You can also experience headaches, sleepiness, or dizziness. On top of it, dim lighting can affect your mood and productivity.
Regular eye exams
You might think that annual eye exams are only for older folks. In reality, everyone should keep track of their health. You can be cautious with symptoms, but only a specialist can see something you might not notice. It’s also better to avoid the “I will visit a doctor when something hurts” mindset because it may cause even more problems.
At the same time, regular exams may indeed be quite costly. Yet, you should brace yourself and do it at least once a year. Even if you don’t have a family history of diabetes, hypertension, or eye disease, you may experience natural changes in your vision. Don’t neglect to care for your physical health.
Take breaks when using your laptop
Many students can relate to procrastinating while studying. Your Wuthering Heights essay is due tomorrow, but you still have time to daydream or google something unrelated. Instead, try to have a proper break away from your gadgets. It will help you to save your eyes from being tired and clear your head.
You need to have a proper ten-minute break every half an hour. It’s beneficial for your vision and your productivity. You might have a quick snack, exercise, or even have a quick nap. Whatever you do, let your eyes rest.
Quit your bad habits
Yes, it might be easier said than done. Any student can relate to the feeling that smoking reduces their stress and anxiety. Yet, smoking and drinking can be the primary reason for cataracts development, optic nerve damage, and muscular degeneration.
Try to reduce or substitute harmful behavior with something rewarding. You might find these apps helpful:
- EasyQuit.
- Quit Genius.
- Kwit.
- Nomo.
- Happify.
- Coach me.
Create a well-balanced diet
Your eye health can be affected by a lack of vitamins in your diet. Of course, you can use vitamin supplements, but you need to focus on the food you eat every day. Consider adding these foods to your cooking pot:
- Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish.
- Oyster and pork.
- Eggs, nuts, beans, and other protein-rich ingredients.
- Citrus fruits and juices.
- Green vegetables.
A balanced and versatile diet doesn’t mean you need to buy expensive ingredients every day. Just follow common sense and use what benefits you.
Sunglasses are more than just accessory
You might think that sunglasses don’t do much other than add a nice detail to your style. In reality, a pair of shades with a layer of ultraviolet (UV) ways of protection can save you many worries. Specialists advise wearing sunglasses all year round to mitigate UV effects on human eyes. As a bonus, they would be a good addition to your style choices.
Wear protective eyewear
As a STEM student, you know for sure that you can’t enter a lab without your coat and safety goggles. When playing contact sports, it is essential to wear protective gear as well. Whether you’re training or participating in a game, you should always use those. It’s a crucial aspect that some students forget to follow when enjoying their training or games.
Neglecting this safety recommendation can result in eye injuries that can affect your vision or cause complete blindness. Always check the quality of your protective gear before using it.
Protect your eyes from screen glare
It’s impossible to study without your laptop, yet it can cause eye strain. You can use a special anti-glare filter, adjust your screen settings and position, or wear special glasses during studying. If you are unsure why you still feel tired even though you checked everything, you might want to upgrade your screen. Lighting is also crucial for how you see your screen, so no dim lights here too.
Final thoughts
The tips above might save you from trouble and help you to maintain your normal vision. You will thank your future self for all the effort you put yourself through during your college years.