We tend to take our eyes for granted. How often have you ever thought about the incredible number of nerves, muscles, and parts that work together to allow you to focus on fine print or a beautiful sunset?
Your vision is priceless and routine eye exams mean you can have peace of mind knowing that your vision is in good health.
As a university or college student, this has particular importance. Your eyesight has a direct impact on your grades. Whether you’re struggling to see slides at the front of the class or experiencing eye strain from prolonged hours studying, keeping your eyes in optimal health means fewer headaches from the strain, and possibly even better grades.
How Often Should You Get Your Eyes Checked?
For anyone over the age of 19, getting your eyes checked regularly is an important part of ensuring your eyes are in good health. It also means catching any health issues before it’s too late.
Your eyes change as you age, and you should be getting regular eye exams at least every two years. If you wear glasses or contacts, this means ensuring that your prescription remains up-to-date.
If you don’t have an existing prescription, regular eye exams are especially important as you get older. Many patients don’t start wearing glasses until their 20s. Regular eye exams mean that you can catch any changes in your eyes that may affect whether or not you need glasses or contacts.
Dealing With Visual Strain at School
The typical college or university student spends long hours reading, studying, and staring at computer screens. This, combined with a poorly designed study space can contribute to increased eye strain. Key signs of eyestrain include sore or tired eyes, sensitivity to light, headaches, difficulty focusing, dry or watery eyes, or itching or burning sensations in your eyes.
Using proper lighting, taking regular breaks and maintaining proper posture when seated at your desk can help minimize eyestrain. Additionally, booking an appointment with your Kelowna Optometrist to ensure your prescription is up to date can help.
Your Eyes and Your Grades
Heinrich is currently a university student who spends a lot of time studying. He’s always sat at the back of the class with his friends. However, recently he’s noticed he’s been squinting to see his professors slides at the front of the class. Often, his notes were miswritten because he couldn’t see her professor’s small writing on the whiteboard. He’d never worn glasses before, so he didn’t think much of it until he started experiencing frequent headaches.
Heinrich booked an appointment with iSight Optometry, his Kelowna optometrist, and discovered he needed reading glasses. The glasses greatly reduced his eye strain, and as a result, he saw an increase in his grades.
You may not need reading glasses, but if you’re back in school this fall, we encourage you to book a back to school eye exam. Your eyes are one of the most important tools for learning, and ensuring they are healthy can help your school performance, and every other area of your life.