The holidays bring loving traditions and great memories—but they also bring a surge in screen time. Whether it’s online shopping for the perfect gift, streaming festive movies, or kids gaming during their school break, our eyes take a hit. If you’ve noticed you
r eyes feeling tired, dry, or just plain uncomfortable this holiday season, you’re not imagining things.
Let’s explore why holiday screen time affects your eyes and, more importantly, how to keep your vision clear and comfortable during the most wonderful time of the year.
Why Holiday Screen Time Skyrockets
It’s no surprise that screens are everywhere during the holidays. Here’s what drives the seasonal spike:
Shopping Online: The ease of hunting down deals and avoiding crowded stores has us glued to screens. Hours spent comparing products and checking reviews add up quickly.
Kids at Home: With no school to keep them busy, kids often turn to tablets and gaming systems. While it keeps them entertained, prolonged use can strain their eyes.
Holiday Entertainment: Streaming holiday movies and scrolling through social media to share festive moments adds even more screen time.
Virtual Connections: Video calls with friends and family have become a holiday staple, but they also contribute to digital fatigue.
How Screens Affect Your Eyes
Prolonged screen use during the holidays can lead to digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. But what exactly causes it?
- Reduced Blinking: When focused on a screen, we blink less—up to 50% less. This means less moisture on the surface of your eyes, leading to dryness.
- Blue Light Exposure: Screens emit blue light, which can strain your eyes and disrupt your sleep cycle.
- Near Focus Fatigue: Staring at screens for long periods makes your eye muscles work overtime, which can lead to discomfort and blurry vision.
Spotting the Symptoms
Digital eye strain can show up in various ways. Watch for these common signs:
- Dry, itchy, or watery eyes.
- Blurred or fluctuating vision.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Headaches or neck strain, especially after extended screen use.
- For kids, keep an eye out for frequent eye rubbing, complaints about blurry vision, or squinting.
5 Eye-Kindness Strategies for the Holidays
The good news? Protecting your eyes doesn’t mean ditching screens altogether. These practical tips can help:
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. It’s a simple way to reset your eyes and reduce fatigue.
Adjust Your Devices: Make sure the screen brightness is not higher than the room brightness. For e-book readers, increase the font size and use night mode to reduce glare.
Take Frequent Breaks: Whether you’re shopping online or your kids are gaming, set timers to encourage regular breaks. Even stepping away for 5 minutes can make a difference.
Hydrate Your Eyes: Use lubricating eye drops to combat dryness. For more natural relief, keep a humidifier running to improve indoor air quality.
Limit Blue Light Exposure: Use blue light-blocking glasses or activate the night mode on your devices to reduce strain, especially in the evening.
Special Tips for Holiday Activities
Certain holiday habits pose unique challenges. Here’s how to handle them:
Shopping Smarter: Plan your shopping sessions in advance and use filters to cut down browsing time.
Screen-Free Time for Kids: Break up screen sessions with outdoor activities, board games, or holiday crafts. Consider adding screen use time trackers to monitor and adjust screen consumption.
Movie Marathons Done Right: As fun as it may be, cut down on the movie and show binging.
The holidays are meant for joy—not for struggling through sore, tired eyes. By making a few adjustments to your screen habits, you can protect your vision while still enjoying everything the season has to offer. And remember, if you need personalized advice or care, Coastal Vision is here to help.
Cheers,
Dr. Russ Beach
drbeach@coastalvisionva.com