Students spend a huge part of their day staring at screens. On average, people look at devices for about seven hours daily, but for college and university students, that number can reach 10 hours or more. That’s nearly half the day spent focused on phones, tablets, and laptops.
This constant exposure to High Energy Visible (HEV) light, or blue light, can affect the eyes and overall well-being. It reduces blinking by up to 60%, causes dryness and irritation, and contributes to eye strain. Blue light can also affect mood, attention, memory, and sleep quality.
Aside from blue light, other habits and environmental factors during study sessions can make eyes feel tired or irritated:
- Wearing contacts longer than recommended increases the risk of dryness and infection.
- Reduced blinking disrupts the tear film and leads to irritation.
- Fall allergies trigger redness, tearing, and itching.
- Shifts between heating and cooling indoors can dry out the eyes.
Here’s how to care for your eyes while studying or working long hours.
Try Daily Disposable Lenses
If you use weekly or monthly lenses, consider switching to daily disposables. Long days in air-conditioned lecture halls or dorms can quickly dry out your eyes, and pollen or dust can cling to your lenses. Dailies give you a fresh pair each morning, helping keep your vision clear and irritation-free without the need for cleaning solutions.
Use Lenses with Blue Light Filtering
Blue light exposure from screens is unavoidable, but certain contact lenses can help. Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day lenses feature OptiBlue Light Filter, which blocks 60% of blue light from electronic devices and protects against 90% UVA and 99% UVB rays. These lenses also help reduce glare and halos, making study sessions more comfortable on the eyes.
Keep Your Eyes and Body Hydrated
Extended screen time and temperature changes can make eyes dry and irritated. Use lubricating or rewetting drops to keep lenses moist throughout the day. Avoid using tap water, as it can lead to infection.
The TearStable Technology in Acuvue Oasys Max lenses helps maintain moisture and stability in the tear film, keeping vision clear and comfortable.
Don’t forget hydration beyond your lenses, drink plenty of water to support eye and body health.
Stick to Recommended Wear Time
Students often push their limits with late-night study sessions, but wearing lenses too long can cause discomfort and eye problems. Always remove your contacts before sleeping or napping. Overwearing lenses can lead to:
- Chronic inflammation
- Corneal scratches or ulcers
- Increased light sensitivity
Giving your eyes proper rest is just as important as getting enough sleep.
Give Your Eyes a Break
Contacts are convenient, but your eyes need downtime. If you spend 10 to 12 hours studying or working on your computer, switch to glasses afterward. Wearing glasses a few days each week can help prevent dryness and fatigue—a simple reset your eyes will appreciate.
FAQs about About Eye Care for Students
1. Why do my eyes feel tired after long study sessions?
Extended screen time reduces blinking, which dries out your eyes and causes strain. Using lubricating drops and taking short breaks can help.
2. Are blue light-filtering lenses worth it for students?
Yes. Blue light-filtering lenses like Acuvue Oasys Max help reduce eye strain and protect against UV rays, which is helpful for anyone who spends hours on screens.
3. How long can I wear daily contact lenses each day?
Daily disposables are designed for up to 14 to 16 hours of wear. Always remove and discard them before sleeping.
4. Can dehydration affect my contact lenses?
Yes. Not drinking enough water can make your tear film less stable, causing dryness and irritation while wearing contacts.
5. What’s the best way to rest my eyes during study hours?
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain and help keep your vision clear.
