For incoming first-year college students and returning college students, each semester offers a multitude of new responsibilities, learning opportunities, extracurricular activities, and social events. While some people consider their college years to be an eventful time of memorable experiences, some students can become overwhelmed and stressed. Some college students may be prone to anxiety or depression, and experience a lack of energy or emotional outbursts, due to difficulty with handling school work and balancing responsibilities, or adjusting to a new environment.
Amid busy schedules that can be physically and mentally exhausting, college students should prioritize their health. The American College Health Association conducts surveys, assessing college students in the United States for its National College Health Assessment (NCHA). The 2019 NCHA found that more than 40 percent of female and male college students surveyed considered themselves to be between good and excellent health. All students, including those who think they are healthy, can benefit from safe, healthy habits such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, regular visits to a doctor, and routine vaccinations.
Consulting an optometrist is just as essential as visiting a primary care physician. While it’s typical for vision to remain stable for young people during early adulthood, college students are prone to eye strain that could cause damage to their eyesight. Taking the following actions can help students preserve their eye health as they study.
Get an Eye Exam and Suitable Eyewear
Students can achieve optimal eye health by making regular visits to an eye care retailer and service to have their eyes examined and acquire eyewear. One such eye care retailer, Cohen’s Fashion Optical, accepts most major vision insurance providers and offers vision exams conducted by experienced on-site optometrists. College students can have their eyes checked and pick out fashionable, high-quality, upscale glasses to wear around campus, allowing them to be stylish with their sight.
Take Breaks to Reduce Eye Strain
Pausing and going on a short or long break from work and school is advisable to stay in control of stress levels and keep oneself from being too overwhelmed. In addition to stress management, breaks are essential to protecting the eyes. Considering the technology and devices college students use in their studies, and the amount of reading required in degree programs, students must defend their eyesight.
Many universities, such as Faulkner University, offer online degree programs. Faulkner University’s online programs provide students a high-quality, convenient education. These flexible programs enable students to learn how they want, where they want, in a way that’s compatible with their lifestyle. People enrolled in Faulkner University’s online business degree, for example, will make frequent use of computers and mobile devices.
Students can succeed in achieving high grades and maintaining good eye health by being careful when using technological devices. Spending a long time looking at a screen can result in dry and tired eyes, which can lead to blurred vision.
A strategy recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology is the 20-20-20 rule. When students use technological devices, they can give their eyes a break by looking students must protect they spend looking at a digital screen.
Students can benefit from adjusting the brightness levels and contrast levels on their computer screen as they work. Being in well-lit rooms as opposed to poorly lit ones when studying and working can prevent one’s eyesight from worsening. College students of any age can keep their eyes as healthy as possible by taking preventive measures, having routine eye exams, making periodic eyewear upgrades, and regularly cleaning their glasses lenses and contact lenses.
