Scouring pages of dull texts, squinting at illegible scratchings on distant chalkboards or staring at what slowly becomes a blur of words across a computer screen can cause anyone's eyes and mind to ache. It is no wonder, then, that eye strain is a daily occurrence in the world of academia.
"Eye strain results from overusing the visual system, and definitely college students do get too much eye strain from reading and computers," Charlottesville optometrist Curtis Bare explained.\nSymptoms of eye strain include dry, sore, tired, burning or itching eyes, blurred vision, headache, sore neck and increased sensitivity to light, according to the Mayo Clinic.
A common cause of these symptoms is frequent use of computers. Those who constantly sit at computers may encounter trouble shifting focus between the computer monitor and paper documents, as well as color fringes or afterimages, according to the clinic.
Third-year College student Joey Nelson came to the University with nearsightedness - otherwise known as myopia - meaning that he cannot see clearly objects that are far away.\n"I squint unless I wear my glasses," he noted.
But his eye strain worsened after constantly using computers at the University and sitting in large lecture halls in which he could not sit close to the blackboard, he said. Studies have shown that stress and working in dim lighting may contribute to eye strain, as well.
"Eye strain is related to myopia, which is much more common in kids now because they are using their visual system for close work more than in years past," Bare said.
Not every factor to eye strain may be controlled, however. Underlying eye conditions, such as an eye-muscle imbalance, may add more strain for one's eyes. Moreover, individuals with a family history of vision problems are more likely to have myopia and that women are at a particularly higher risk of developing severe myopia.
Some people have managed to ease the effects of eye strain, though. The the Mayo Clinic suggests various treatments to correct abnormal vision. Treatments for eye strain include artificial tear drops, eye-muscle strengthening and relaxation exercises and even frequent blinking to help eyes readjust to varying distances.
"I wouldn't consider doing exercises just because I really just need a new prescription and to start wearing my glasses," Nelson admitted, even though the primary line of defense against eye strain is appropriate eyewear.
Alternative supplements also may help to prevent eye strain from occurring.
"There are a couple of homeopathic remedies which are specific for strained eyes or people who are using computers," said Susan Dunlap, nutrition information specialist and certified health counselor at Rebecca's Natural Food. "Other herbs and remedies are for helping the health of the eye and for strengthening the vascular system in the back of the eye, so they are more for long-term support."
Finding ways to relieve stress also could go a long way in helping to ease eye strain, according to the clinic, including sufficient lighting while reading and softer TV backlight. Optometrists further advise that computer users should adjust monitors so that they are 20 to 28 inches directly in front of the eyes. The monitor should be clean, and the keyboard and additional reference materials should be kept close by and in line with the monitor to minimize the need to refocus.
College is a life-defining experience and often seems like it goes by too quickly. With more pressures and demands than ever, it is worth the extra effort for University students to learn to manage stress in their lives, including the pains of eye strain.
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