The textbooks are open, the laptop is on, and your child is deep in revision mode. It’s the “Exam Crunch Time.”
But have you noticed them rubbing their eyes every 20 minutes? Or complaining that their eyes feel “dry” or “sandy”?
In 2024, studying isn’t just about reading paper books. It involves PDF notes, Zoom doubt-clearing sessions, and educational YouTube videos. This massive increase in screen time leads to a condition we at RK Eye Hospital are seeing daily: Digital Eye Strain (Computer Vision Syndrome).
If your child’s eyes are tired, their brain disengages. Here is how you can protect their vision (and their grades) during these high-pressure weeks.
Why "Screen Studying" is Harder than Book Studying
When we look at a digital screen, two things happen:
We Forget to Blink: Normally, humans blink 15-20 times a minute. On a screen, that drops to just 5-7 times. This causes tears to evaporate, leading to burning, red eyes.
The Blue Light Factor: Screens emit high-energy blue light, which can disrupt sleep cycles. A student who studies on a tablet until midnight often struggles to fall asleep, leading to a tired brain the next morning.
4 Habits to "Study Smart" (Not Just Hard)
You can’t take away their devices right now—they need them to study. But you can optimize how they use them.
1. The 20-20-20 Rule (The Golden Rule) This is the easiest way to reset eye muscles. Remind your child:
- Every 20 minutes,
- Look at something 20 feet away,
- For 20 seconds.
Tip: Tell them to look out the window at a tree or building down the street. It relaxes the focusing muscle instantly.
2. Fix the “Cave Mode” Many students prefer studying in a dark room with only the laptop screen glowing. This is a disaster for eyes. The high contrast between a bright screen and a dark room causes severe glare.
The Fix: Always have a room light on (tubelight or LED) that is as bright as the screen. Never study in the dark.
3. The “Elbow Distance” Check Students tend to bring phones closer and closer to their faces as they get tired.
The Fix: Screens should be at least an arm’s length away (or for phones, at least elbow-to-wrist distance).
4. Upgrade Their Armor: Blue Cut Lenses If your child is spending 8+ hours on screens, standard glasses might not be enough. At RK Eye Hospital, we recommend Blue Cut Lenses (or Anti-Fatigue Lenses) for students. These specialized lenses filter out harmful blue-violet light and reduce glare, keeping eyes cooler and fresher for longer study sessions.
Note: Even if your child has 20/20 vision (no power), they can wear “Zero Power” Blue Cut glasses for protection.
Don’t Let Fatigue Win
Exams are a marathon. You wouldn’t run a marathon in flip-flops; don’t let your child study without eye protection.
If your child is complaining of persistent headaches or watery eyes despite trying these tips, it might be more than just strain.
👀 Give Their Eyes a Break at RK Eye Hospital Get a specialized “Digital Vision Check” before the finals start.
📍 Location: 138, Jaora Compound, Opp. MY Hospital, Indore
📞 Call to Book: +91-7024154321
🌐 Book Online: https://rkeyehospital.com/contact/
