Dr Divya Natarajan
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Child Sight Institute
L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad
[Hyderabad, 21 February 2024] As the academic year comes to an end, millions of students are preparing for their final exams. This is a period of high expectations, anxiety, and long hours of studying. However, in the midst of all this exam preparation, one crucial aspect is often overlooked: the health of their eyes, which are their most valuable asset.
With the ever-increasing demands of digital learning and screen time, coupled with the strain of prolonged study sessions, students experience unprecedented levels of eye fatigue and discomfort. Symptoms such as dry eyes, headache, blurred vision, and migraine have become a common concern among both students and parents. These issues can make it more difficult for children to perform well in school and can increase their stress levels. Additionally, students with vision impairment may need to spend even longer studying. It is important for everyone involved - students, parents, teachers, and doctors - to work together to prioritize good eye health for students.
To combat eye strain and enhance efficiency during demanding study hours, students can adopt various safety measures to ensure a healthier and smoother studying experience.
- Get a comprehensive eye examination: Before diving into the study break, it's advisable for students to undergo an eye examination by an ophthalmologist. This helps rule out any changes in glasses prescription and identifies any potential eye issues that may arise during prolonged study sessions.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Taking regular breaks during study sessions is essential to prevent discomfort from prolonged near activity. Adhering to the 20-20-20 rule-looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes-helps relax the eye muscles and shift focus from near to far distances.
- Frequent blinking: Encourage students to blink frequently to prevent dryness, itching, and eye fatigue, which can occur during extended study sessions.
- Maintain correct posture: Maintaining a proper posture and reading distance helps prevent neck and back problems. Students should sit upright with their backs straight to avoid excessive strain on their necks and backs.
- Limit digital gadget use: While it may be unavoidable at times, students should restrict their use of digital gadgets. When using screens, opt for larger screens positioned at eye level and use screen protectors to reduce glare and adjust brightness levels for comfortable viewing.
- Avoid direct exposure to air conditioning: Sitting directly in front of air conditioners, coolers, or fans can dry out the eyes. Students should sit in well-illuminated, ventilated rooms to reduce eye strain and discomfort.
- Prioritize physical activity and sleep: Encourage students to engage in at least an hour of physical activity daily and maintain a healthy sleep schedule to promote overall well-being and relaxation.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration during the scorching summer months can exacerbate restlessness and migraine. Ensure students remain hydrated and consume a healthy diet to support their overall health and well-being.
Let's create a supportive environment and offer emotional support to students during these stressful exam periods. Prioritizing eye care and adopting healthy habits can help students navigate exams with greater ease and efficiency.
About LVPEI: Established in 1987, L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Prevention of Blindness, is a comprehensive eye health facility. The Institute has ten functional arms to its areas of operations: Clinical Services, Education, Research, Vision Rehabilitation, Rural and Community Eye Health, Eye Banking, Advocacy and Policy Planning, Capacity Building, Innovation, and Product Development. The LVPEI Eye Care Network has 290 Centres spread across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka in India. The institute’s mission is to provide equitable and quality eye care to all sections of society. The LVPEI’s five-tier ‘Eye Health Pyramid’ model, covering all areas of the community right from the villages to the city, provides high quality and comprehensive - prevention, curative, and rehabilitation – eye care to all. It has served over 36.89 million (3 crores 68 lakh people), with more than 50% entirely free of cost, irrespective of the complexity of care needed.
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