by Katie SullivanPosted on: August 8, 2017Categories: LiveWell 24/7
August is National Eye Exam Month, as well as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. Among the many possible eye problems and diseases, one of the most common is eye strain.The increasing prevalence of eye strainis because, now more than ever, large amounts of time are spent looking at electronically-lit screens: phones, computers, tablets, TVs, etc. Some researchers claim that the “blue-light” emitted from electronics may be as harmful as UV rays when it comes to our eye health. Researchers have found that eye strain is exacerbatedby variables such as artificial or insufficient lighting, prolonged watching of visual displays, poor diet, eye muscle inefficiency due to long hours of office work or academic studies, psycho-social and emotional tension,and aging.
What is eye strain?
Eye strain, or asthenopia,arises when the muscles and nerves within your eyes become overworked, stressed, and fatigued. Unlike many other eye disorders, it can developin people with no medical or genetic history of eye problems, and can occur at a young age.
Symptoms of eye strain:
- a burning sensation in the eyes
- redness in the eyes and signs of irritation or inflammation
- headaches located behind the eyes, between the eyes, or on the sides of eyes.
- decreased visual acuity, or blurred vision
- difficulty concentrating due to tension, or experiencing brain fog
- Pain in and around the eyes that gets worseas the day goes on, but disappears with rest
How can you find relief from eye strain?
- Conventional Treatments
- Visiting an eye doctor regarding eye strain will enable he/she to asses the underlying vision issues that may be exacerbating your eye strain, such as refracted error or untreated nearsightedness. Correcting vision with glasses or contact lenses will reduce squinting, and artificial tears may be used to decrease dryness and redness.
- Natural Treatments
- While vision impairments may be the cause of some individuals’ eye strain, the most common cause is Computer Vision Syndrome, the effect on your eyesfromstaring at a computer all day. To reduce the negative consequences of Computer Vision Syndrome, and thus eliminate your eye strain symptoms, try these 7 natural treatments for eye strain.
- Take breaks from electronic devices
- Do soothing eye exercises
- Protect your eyes from the sun
- Increase the amount of light in the room when reading
- Try listening instead of reading
- Get enough sleep and rest
- Keep your eyes healthy through annual exams, adequate physical activity, and eating a diet that reduces inflammation
- While vision impairments may be the cause of some individuals’ eye strain, the most common cause is Computer Vision Syndrome, the effect on your eyesfromstaring at a computer all day. To reduce the negative consequences of Computer Vision Syndrome, and thus eliminate your eye strain symptoms, try these 7 natural treatments for eye strain.
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I am an eye health enthusiast with a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding ocular well-being. My expertise stems from a combination of academic knowledge and practical experience in the field. I've extensively researched and engaged with various aspects of eye health, staying abreast of the latest developments and findings.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article:
1. National Eye Exam Month:
- This refers to the designation of August as a month dedicated to promoting awareness about the importance of eye exams. Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining good vision and detecting potential eye problems early.
2. Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month:
- August is also recognized for emphasizing the well-being of children's eyes. This includes promoting eye safety measures and ensuring regular eye check-ups for children.
3. Eye Strain (Asthenopia):
- Eye strain occurs when the muscles and nerves in the eyes become overworked and fatigued. Unlike some eye disorders, it can affect individuals with no prior history of eye problems and may develop at a young age.
4. Causes of Eye Strain:
- Prolonged exposure to electronically-lit screens, including phones, computers, tablets, and TVs.
- Factors such as artificial or insufficient lighting, poor diet, eye muscle inefficiency due to extended office work or academic studies, psycho-social and emotional tension, and aging.
5. Symptoms of Eye Strain:
- Burning sensation in the eyes.
- Redness, signs of irritation, or inflammation.
- Headaches located behind, between, or on the sides of the eyes.
- Decreased visual acuity or blurred vision.
- Difficulty concentrating and experiencing brain fog.
- Pain in and around the eyes that worsens throughout the day but improves with rest.
6. Conventional Treatments:
- Visiting an eye doctor to assess underlying vision issues.
- Correcting vision with glasses or contact lenses.
- Use of artificial tears to reduce dryness and redness.
7. Natural Treatments for Eye Strain:
- Taking breaks from electronic devices.
- Performing soothing eye exercises.
- Protecting eyes from the sun.
- Increasing room lighting when reading.
- Listening instead of reading to reduce eye strain.
- Ensuring adequate sleep and rest.
- Maintaining overall eye health through annual exams, physical activity, and an anti-inflammatory diet.
This information aligns with the comprehensive approach to eye health, emphasizing both conventional and natural methods for addressing and preventing eye strain.
