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In today’s digital age, everyone—regardless of age—is spending significant time glued to screens. Whether working remotely, attending online school, or scrolling through social media, screens have become a central part of our daily lives. Even after work or school hours, many of us relax by binge-watching TV or playing games on smartphones. As screen time increases, so does the strain on our eyes. Prolonged exposure to digital screens can result in a specific kind of eye fatigue called computer vision syndrome (CVS). People experiencing this condition often report double vision, blurry vision, dry eyes, irritation, or headaches, especially after extended periods of work. Some even feel pressure around the eyes, which gradually leads to discomfort. Symptoms of CVS tend to worsen the longer the task demands uninterrupted focus. While taking regular breaks can alleviate some of the discomfort, digital screens have become an inescapable part of life. As workforces continue to rely heavily on computers, it’s essential to understand the causes of eye strain and explore practical solutions. Causes and Treatment for Digital Eye Strain 1. Dry Eye Component Research shows that when people focus on screens, they blink far less than usual, causing the tear film on the eye’s surface to dry out. This tear film is crucial for clear vision and keeps the eyes moist. When blinking decreases, the tears evaporate more rapidly, leading to eye irritation, burning sensations, and even blurry vision. Environmental factors, such as dry air, can worsen these symptoms. During winter months, heating systems further dry out the air, which can exacerbate dry eye disease. Similarly, sitting near fans or vents blowing directly into your workspace can make dry eyes worse. Solutions for Dry Eye Relief Blink more often : It may sound simple, but consciously reminding yourself to blink helps maintain a healthy tear film. Use artificial tears : Keep a bottle of eye drops nearby to lubricate your eyes throughout the day. Limit contact lens use : Contacts can increase dryness and block oxygen from reaching your cornea. Take breaks from wearing them. Avoid air blowing in your direction : Try to position yourself away from fans and vents. Stay hydrated : Drinking water throughout the day can help prevent dry eyes from becoming severe. Use a humidifier : Moistening the air in your workspace can relieve dry eye symptoms, especially in colder months. If symptoms persist, Framebar offers dry eye treatment options tailored to individual needs. Whether you need scleral lenses for dry eyes or recommendations for the best dry eye treatment, an eye doctor near you can evaluate and treat your symptoms effectively. 2. Accommodative Component Your eyes must focus at a specific distance to clearly view screens—typically at arm’s length. Over time, however, many of us unconsciously move closer to the screen, straining our eyes further. Wearing outdated prescriptions or improper lenses can exacerbate the issue, causing transient myopia (temporary nearsightedness). This can lead to difficulty seeing objects at a distance, as well as halos or glare around headlights when driving at night. Tips to Reduce Visual Fatigue Practice the 20/20/20 rule : Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away. This helps your eyes reset. Use specialized glasses : Consider wearing computer vision glasses to ease the strain on your eyes. These are different from blue light blocking glasses and are optimized for screen use. If the 20/20/20 rule isn’t enough, these glasses can provide extra clarity. Reduce blue light exposure at night : Although blue light doesn’t cause direct eye damage, it can disrupt your sleep. Use your device’s nighttime mode or invest in blue-light blocking glasses to reduce exposure before bedtime. Update your prescription : If you’re over 40, you may need progressive or bifocal lenses to improve both near and distance vision. Multifocal contact lenses are also an option for those preferring contact lenses. Maintain the right screen distance : Keep your monitor at arm’s length (approximately 30 inches) to avoid unnecessary strain.

As the weather warms up, many people welcome the sunshine and blooming flowers. However, for those who suffer from seasonal allergies, this change brings discomfort in the form of sneezing, itching, and red, watery eyes. These allergies, often accompanied by allergic conjunctivitis, affect millions across the U.S., making it essential to know how to manage the symptoms effectively. At Framebar, we specialize in comprehensive eye care, offering treatments for everything from seasonal allergies to more chronic eye conditions. If you’ve been searching for an “eye doctor near me” or need expert care for allergy-related eye issues, we’re here to help. What is Allergic Conjunctivitis? Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when your immune system overreacts to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or animal dander, causing inflammation in the conjunctiva—the thin membrane covering the whites of the eyes and the inside of the eyelids. This condition triggers a release of histamines, resulting in a range of symptoms that can include: Red, irritated eyes Itchy eyelids and eyes Excessive tearing Swollen eyelids Discomfort or pain around the eyes If you’re experiencing these symptoms, searching for an “optometrist near me” or a “good eye doctor near me” can connect you with the care you need to address allergic conjunctivitis. Framebar provides both preventive care and targeted treatments to help reduce discomfort. Causes of Allergic Conjunctivitis Environmental allergens are the primary culprits for seasonal allergies. During spring and summer, tree and grass pollens are common triggers, while ragweed pollen dominates the fall. Indoor allergens—like pet dander or dust mites—can cause year-round allergic conjunctivitis. Even cosmetics or certain eye drops can irritate sensitive eyes. If you're struggling with symptoms that seem to persist no matter the season, it might be time for a comprehensive eye exam at Framebar. Our skilled optometrists offer tailored solutions for both seasonal and chronic allergy-related conditions. Tips to Manage Seasonal Allergies and Eye Irritation While avoiding allergens can help, it isn’t always practical. Here are a few steps to reduce exposure: Keep windows closed and use air conditioning during high-pollen seasons. Wear sunglasses and a hat outdoors to block airborne allergens. For indoor allergens, vacuum frequently and use allergen-proof covers on bedding. Additionally, artificial tears can help wash away allergens from your eyes, and cold compresses can provide relief from swelling and itching. At Framebar, our opticians offer high-quality blue light blocking glasses that protect eyes from digital strain and reduce irritation. It’s also important to avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can cause injuries like corneal abrasions or contribute to keratoconus, a progressive eye condition. If you're unsure about your symptoms, a quick search for "eye dr near me" can connect you with our specialists for a thorough evaluation. Treatment Options for Allergic Conjunctivitis If lifestyle changes aren't enough to manage your allergy symptoms, both over-the-counter and prescription treatments are available: Antihistamine Eye Drops: Options like Pataday, Zaditor, and Bepreve can reduce itching and redness. Oral Antihistamines: Medications such as Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra relieve nasal symptoms and eye irritation. However, some may cause drowsiness, so non-drowsy options are recommended. Vasoconstrictor Drops: These reduce redness but can lead to rebound effects if used too often. For more severe cases, our optometrists in Oceanside, NY may recommend short-term use of corticosteroid drops under careful supervision to avoid side effects like elevated eye pressure. When allergy symptoms persist despite these treatments, we might refer you to an allergist for immunotherapy or allergy shots.