The shift towards virtual education has been a hallmark of the modern era.
In recent years, there has been a surge in the availability of online college programs, offering unparalleled flexibility and allowing students to juggle work, family, and other commitments.
This surge has even extended to medical programs, with students of ABSN able to navigate through a myriad of online modules, actively participate in discussions, and submit assignments through digital platforms.
Virtual education demands academic dedication, high motivation, and discipline, which are crucial for academic success and personal well-being.
Among the various aspects of health that virtual students must prioritize, eye health stands out as particularly critical.
As hours spent in front of screens increase, so does the risk of eye strain and related issues.
4 Ways Virtual Students Can Care For Their Eye Health
1. Optimize your setup
When setting up your workstation, ensure your screen is at the right level to promote proper posture and reduce strain on your neck and eyes.
The AAO recommends a slightly downward gaze of 10 degrees, which you can more easily obtain using ergonomic accessories.
Those taking classes on online platforms may benefit from the portable mobile office products and laptop stands of Tabletote.
Their latest portable mobile laptop stand was released in February 2024, weighing less than 3 lbs and fitting easily into PC carry cases, backpacks, or briefcases.
Otherwise, ensure your set-up is in a well-lit area away from direct sunlight to minimize glare on your screen.
2. Wear the proper Eyewear
With virtual classes’ flexibility, it’s essential to prioritize the protection of your eyes whether you are set up indoors or outdoors.
To reduce exposure to harmful UV rays and blue light emitted from digital screens, you can look into different sunglasses and glasses options.
Sunglass Hut offers a range of affordable lenses, from prescription to transition, that filter out blue-violet light between 400 and 455nm.
This makes your eyewear suitable for all light conditions, meaning you can wear your preferred design all day long, regardless of your current setup.
Whether you choose Ray-Ban’s Wayfarer or Miu Miu’s MU 01ZS, you can also use the site’s Virtual Try-On to finalize your decision before placing your order.
3. Use the right eye drops
Humans typically blink around 15 times per minute.
However, this gets reduced to 5 to 7 blinks during computer and digital device use.
As a result, many virtual students experience dryness and discomfort due to inadequate tear production.
A simple solution is lubricating eye drops, but you may need to exercise caution when choosing the right product.
You can filter through different eye drop options, whether it’s Visine by Johnson & Johnson or Systane by Alcon, on the “Are My Eye Drops Safe?” database, and thereby safely avoid illegally marketed products or recalled items.
You can also consult your doctor during your next check-up for any special considerations your eyes may need.
4. Embrace healthy screen habits
Incorporating healthy screen habits is essential to maximize the effects of tools like eyewear or laptop stands in reducing eye strain.
A simple yet effective strategy is the 20-20-20 rule, wherein you take a 20-second break and focus on something 20 feet away every 20 minutes.
Additionally, stay hydrated to help maintain the natural tear film that protects and lubricates the eyes, reducing the likelihood of dry eyes and irritation.
You can invest in an insulated water bottle to keep by your desk and drink adequate water throughout the day.
Remember, proactive measures today pave the way for sustained well-being and academic success tomorrow.
For more information on making your time as a student pleasurable, check out our blog, School and Travel.
Awesome one; I hope this article answers your question.
Editor’s Recommendations:
- 10 Scariest Courses You Can Study (FAQs)
- How Long To Study CompTIA A+ Certification (Benefits, FAQs)
- Who is an Otologist? (Meaning, Career, Benefits, vs., Study, FAQs)
- 9 Best Majors For Introverts (Study Tips, FAQs)
- How To Study For SAT In A Month (FAQs)
If you find this article good, please share it with a friend.
