Gadgets have become an increasingly reliable companion for studying, especially with schools adopting remote or virtual learning modes. Students heavily depend on their computers or laptops to accomplish academic-related tasks like researching, turning in assignments, and writing essays. But getting too focused on these devices can make it easy to overlook eye-healthy practices such as blinking or taking breaks. As a result, more learners are at a higher risk of digital eye strain. In fact, research shows that eye strain was prevalent among 68.53% of university students.
Eye strain occurs when your eyes get too tired from intense use, such as prolonged screen time when doing school-related tasks. Symptoms like blurry vision, dry or burning eyes, and headaches can be painful and hamper productivity. It is, therefore, crucial to create eye-healthy habits to prevent vision fatigue, especially when you’re writing lengthy academic essays for school. But where do you begin? Below, we look at tips for reducing eye strain while writing long essays.
Keep your eyes well-hydrated
Writing can keep your eyes hyper-fixated on the screen, which leads to a reduced blinking rate that could result in dry eyes – a painful vision fatigue symptom that can be inconvenient, especially for contact lens wearers. If you wear contacts, opt for moisturized options like the 1-Day Acuvue Moist and Dailies AquaComfort PLUS. These lenses provide long-lasting moisture to ensure comfort even during long hours of writing. You can also use artificial tears like the Rohto Digi Eye drops to relieve dryness or simply blink frequently to keep your eyes moist. That way, you can write continuously without any discomfort.
Take frequent breaks
Although you can keep your eyes hydrated while writing, it’s still important to take a break now and then. Doing so can help your eye muscles rest from working extensively to help you finish your paper. Try doing eye-healthy routines like the 20-20-20 method: for every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to prevent eye strain. You can also do eye exercises such as palming, where you rub your hands vigorously and gently place your warm palms over your closed eyes to help relax ocular muscles. These habits can help recharge your eyes.
Establish dedicated times for writing
Creating designated hours for writing and relaxation is essential so your eyes won’t get consistently overworked. Establishing work-life boundaries is crucial for helping you rest your eyes and prioritize self-care. If you need to finish long papers or your dissertation, you can create a schedule that includes dedicated time for writing and time for leisure activities like napping and eating to avoid burnout and eye strain. Doing these things can boost productivity and allow your eyes to rest extensively, enabling you to have sharper focus to avoid writing mistakes.
Adjust your screen brightness and settings
One primary culprit behind eye strain is your monitor or screen settings. Screens can emit harsh screen glare or white light, which may be too overwhelming or bright for your eyes. To help you write comfortably, you can adjust your screen brightness depending on your preferred comfort level; just make sure it’s not too bright or dark. You can also enable night light on your computer settings, which reduces the blue light emitted by your device and can easily reach your eyes’ retina and cause discomfort. That way, you can write and look at your screen without wearing out your eyes.
Write in a well-lit environment
Research shows that a poorly lit environment can push the visual system to work harder to see or decipher things, thus eventually causing eye strain. A well-illuminated workspace is, therefore, crucial to help you protect your ocular health while writing. You can invest in a desk lamp that you can place at a 90-degree angle from your screen to reduce glare and screen reflections that can contribute to eye strain. Alternatively, you can write near a window to help you have a healthy dose of natural lighting. Just be sure to adjust your screen brightness and settings accordingly for comfort.
Writing for long periods can overwork your eyes and lead to vision fatigue. Follow these simple yet effective tips to help you finish your long essays without sacrificing eye health. For more writing services and tips, check out the Essay Freelance Writers website.
With a passion for helping students navigate their educational journey, I strive to create informative and relatable blog content. Whether it’s tackling exam stress, offering career guidance, or sharing effective study techniques
