The holidays bring extra screen time - shopping online, video calls with family, streaming movies and holiday specials. For many, that means more time in front of phones, tablets, laptops, and TVs. All that digital use can take a real toll on your eyes and comfort. At Livermore Optometry Group, we believe a few smart habits can make a big difference in how your eyes feel, even during the busiest season.
Why Holiday Screen Habits Can Trigger Eye Strain
During holidays, people often:
- Spend longer hours on screens (online shopping, video chats, streaming)
- Use devices late at night, and under dim or warm indoor light
- Switch more between devices and other tasks (reading shopping lists, wrapping gifts, cooking, etc.)
- Sit for extended periods without breaks
These habits increase the risk of digital eye strain. Symptoms may include tired, dry or irritated eyes; blurry vision; headaches; neck or shoulder tension; and trouble focusing.
Because screens stay close to your eyes, much closer than a TV, and because blinking often decreases when we're focused on devices, the eyes’ tear film can evaporate more quickly, leading to dryness and discomfort.
How to Ease Screen-Related Eye Strain (Holiday Edition)
Here are simple, practical strategies to protect your eyes through the holidays:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20‑second break to look at something about 20 feet away. This rest helps reduce fatigue from continuous close work.
- Adjust lighting and screen settings: Avoid using screens in complete darkness. Use soft ambient light, reduce glare, and adjust screen brightness so it matches your surroundings.
- Blink consciously and hydrate: Remind yourself (or your kids!) to blink more, and drink water regularly - staying hydrated supports healthy tear production.
- Limit blue light exposure at night: Consider enabling night mode on devices or using blue‑light reducing glasses - especially if screen activity is near bedtime.
- Use ergonomic posture and proper distance: Position your device so it's slightly below eye level and about an arm’s length away. Sitting correctly helps avoid neck and shoulder strain too.
- Schedule regular eye exams: Especially if you or your children notice persistent discomfort, blurry vision, or frequent headaches - an eye exam can rule out underlying issues or update your prescription if needed.
Tips for Families & Kids During the Holiday Screen Rush
Kids often get the brunt of the holiday screen overload, new games, streaming shows, digital homework, and social media all add up. To help their eyes stay healthy and comfortable:
- Encourage breaks: Make screen breaks part of the holiday routine (e.g., after every hour of gaming, have a “screen‑free snack” or go for a quick walk).
- Provide alternatives: Offer holiday‑themed physical games, puzzles, reading books, or crafts to ease off screen use.
- Use protective eyewear: If your child spends hours on devices, consider a pair of blue‑light filtering eyeglasses, available from Livermore Optometry Group.
- Watch for signs: Squinting, rubbing eyes, complaints of headaches or eye discomfort, or holding devices very close; these can signal excessive digital strain or need for updated eyewear.
When You Should Contact an Eye Doctor
If screen‑related discomfort lingers, even after following good habits - it’s time to seek professional care. At , we offer routine eye exams, contact lens fittings, and personalized recommendations to relieve digital eye strain.
Persistent symptoms might indicate:
- Uncorrected refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism)
- Dry eye or tear‑film problems
- Need for updated prescription or computer‑specific corrective lenses
Getting help early means your eyes stay comfortable and you enjoy your holiday season without headaches or blurry vision.
Ready to Protect Your Eyes This Holiday Season?
Take control of digital eye strain before the new year. Call Livermore Optometry Group at (925) 447-3883 or book your eye care appointment online to schedule a comprehensive eye exam or get fitted for blue‑light glasses. Let us help you and your family see clearly, and comfortably, through the holidays and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions on Screen Time
How much screen time is too much during the holidays?
There’s no universal limit, but prolonged screen time - especially without breaks - can cause digital eye strain. Aim to follow the 20-20-20 rule and mix in screen-free activities to help your eyes recover throughout the day.
Are blue light glasses worth it?
Yes, especially if you spend hours on digital devices. Blue light glasses may help reduce eye strain, improve contrast, and ease nighttime screen use by filtering blue light that affects the eye's natural focus and sleep cycle.
What are the signs of screen-induced eye strain?
Common symptoms include blurry vision, dry or irritated eyes, headaches, trouble focusing, and neck or shoulder discomfort. Children might also squint, rub their eyes, or hold devices very close to their face.
Can digital eye strain cause long-term vision problems?
Digital eye strain itself doesn’t usually cause permanent vision damage, but persistent symptoms may indicate an uncorrected prescription or underlying issue. Regular eye exams help catch these concerns early.
Should kids get their eyes checked if they use screens a lot?
Yes. Children’s eyes are still developing, and frequent screen use can contribute to fatigue or worsen uncorrected vision issues. Annual exams at a trusted eye clinic like help ensure healthy visual development.