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Reston   (703) 485-2148 Leesburg   (703) 777-1244
Reston   (703) 485-2148 Leesburg   (703) 777-1244



Eye Tips For College Students

eye tips college studentsWhen you’re a college student, life is filled with infinite possibilities.  From choosing your major to selecting your advisor, it seems as though every decision contributes to helping you achieve your life goals.  However, there are a lot of little decisions that you make everyday that can impact your life – not to mention your vision.

Apart from Baby Boomers, college students represent one of the most vulnerable demographics for vision problems.  Multiple studies have shown that the higher your levels of education, the more likely it is that you’ll suffer from nearsightedness.  Many researchers believe this can be attributed to long hours spent squinting at computer screens and reading textbooks.

If you want to keep your grades and your vision healthy, here are a few strategies for protecting your eye health while you’re hitting the books:

  1. If you wear contact lenses, make sure you take them out before you hop in the shower or swim laps in the pool. This is because tiny parasites can cause a rare but extremely serious eye condition that especially likes people who wear contact lenses (85% of cases were with contact lens wearers).  Take your contacts out whenever you shower, and make sure you use a sterile lens case and lens disinfecting solution to store and clean your contacts.
  1. Need an excuse to go outside and study? Here’s one: Studies have shown that spending more time outdoors can protect your vision from becoming nearsighted.  Everyone out on the quad!
  1. This might seem like common sense advice, but it’s worth repeating: Wash. Your. Hands! The dirtier your hands, the more likely it is that you’ll get infections in your eyes – like the dreaded and extremely common conjunctivitis.
  1. No matter how tempted you might be to swipe your roommate’s volumizing mascara, resist the urge: Bacteria can be easily spread from one make-up brush to another, which increases the likelihood that you’ll get an infection.
  1. Protect your eyes when playing sports. Sports goggles can help protect you from injuries, as well as make you look especially intimidating to the opposing team.

At NewView Eye Center in Reston, VA (also serving the greater Northern Virginia & Washington DC areas), Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths can help patients preserve their ocular health.  Schedule a consultation with Dr. Griffiths at NewView Eye Center today. Simply fill out the form in the top left corner or call 703-834-9777.