In a world where 65% of the population are visual learners, good vision is an invaluable learning tool, especially for school-aged children and teens. A study of over 2,300 elementary and middle school students found that those who benefited from vision programs such as free eye exams saw improvements in their reading tests and math scores after one year. The gains were particularly dramatic for students in the lowest percentile, whose performance improved at a level equivalent to four to six months of additional schooling. However, these improvements dropped after two years, presumably because the students’ vision needs had changed or eyeglasses were broken or worn inconsistently. Hence, consistent eye care and protection are critical to academic performance. If you are a student, here are a few tips for protecting your eyes.
Improving your diet and lifestyle
In a previous post, we talked about how the food you consume can directly impact your brain function, which includes memory, concentration, and other necessary skills for learning. Crucially, your diet affects your vision as well – and the lack of specific eye health-boosting nutrients can affect how well you see that distant whiteboard or bulletin board.
At your cafeteria, stock up on foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna melt or salmon sashimi, as this promotes your retina’s visual health and minimizes dry eye. At the salad bar, get your fill of carrots, which contain beta-carotene that your body converts into Vitamin A, which is essential for sustained healthy vision. Be sure to take breaks from your dorm room; outdoor walks help your eyes focus on further distances, which can prevent nearsightedness.
Updating prescriptions regularly
As a student with a fast-paced calendar, your vision may not be what it used to be years or even months ago. That’s why you must stay on top of your eye exams and update your prescription whenever necessary, typically every two years. Of course, a fresh prescription doesn’t mean you need to break the bank. Shopping for glasses online allows you to take advantage of sales, which can hit up to 50% off. The Oakley Wheel House features a durable frame that keeps up with your lifestyle and ear socks that provide optimum comfort for those long nights of studying. To keep your glasses in good condition, place them in a hard case when not in use for damage prevention, and use a soft microfiber cloth and the appropriate lens solution for cleaning – nothing harsh that will damage any coatings.
Regulating screen time
Most children are logging more screen time than ever. For those aged five to 17, only two hours of sedentary recreational screen time is recommended. Still, students tend to exceed this limit, plus the inevitable screen time from necessary schoolwork. The best course of action is to minimize damage by installing blue light-filtering screen protectors on your devices. ZAGG’s Glass XTR3 is ten times stronger than typical screen protectors and can effectively filter out 60% of blue light in the 435-440nm range thanks to its Eyesafe technology. Aside from screen protection, take screen breaks every 20 minutes; you can take this time to sip water and blink frequently. When scrolling for fun, you can set limits on yourself with the help of screen regulation apps.
By consuming healthier food, keeping your prescription up to date, and maintaining a close eye on your screen time, you can ensure that poor vision doesn’t get in the way of your grades – and enjoy your life as a student.
In addition to following these essential tips for maintaining good vision and protecting your eyes as a student, it’s crucial to have effective study tools to support your overall academic performance. One such tool that can significantly enhance your learning experience is Quizplus, a comprehensive online platform designed to assist students in their studies.