December 1st, 2008
Taking Care of Your Eyes When You Study Online
Online Education and Eye Health
When you enroll in an online program, personal health is probably one of the last things on your mind. With classes, exams, and papers, you already have so much to worry about. But there are hidden dangers of which you need to be aware. This is especially true if you already spend long hours in front of a computer at your day job. To add several more hours a week at a PC (plus regular book reading) could take a toll on your eyes. Below are some tips to help you deal with this added strain.
See Your Eye Doctor
Check in with your eye doctor periodically to make sure that your vision is okay. Once or twice a year is fairly standard, but if you can afford to, try going more often.
Reduce the Brightness and Glare of Your Computer
Use glare protection on your computer screen and reduce the overall brightness by a few notches. If you’re in the market for a new computer, consider going with a matted screen instead of a glossy one.
Opt for CFL Light Bulbs
Personally, I can’t stand florescent lights, and many believe that they are harmful to your eyes. However, incandescent bulbs typically consume more energy, thus, driving up your monthly bill. Try using a compact florescent light (CFL). They offer the softer glow of incandescent bulbs while consuming only 25% of the electricity.
Pace Yourself
Last but not least, it is important to pace yourself. I can understand wanting to breeze through your online program as quickly as possible, but don’t take on too many projects at once. Consider attending school part-time until you feel comfortable with the workload and demands.











