Managing Screen Time Over the Holidays

2024 • Health

The holiday season is a time for joy and connection—but for many, it’s also a time of increased screen exposure. Whether it’s from online shopping for gifts, video calls with friends and family, or binge-watching shows, screen time can skyrocket during this time of year.

Tip: Recommend the numerous free apps, or suggest setting timers, to help patients enforce the 20-20-20 method for preventing eye strain.

For eyecare professionals, this season presents an opportunity to educate patients about protecting their eye health and managing digital strain effectively. Here are some simple ways you can guide your patients through the challenges of increased screen use during the winter months.

1. Discuss Digital Eye Strain Symptoms

Many patients might not realize that symptoms like headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, or neck pain stem from excessive screen time. Share short, engaging videos or infographics in your office and on your social media channels to help raise awareness.

2. Enforce the 20-20-20 Rule

One of the simplest yet most effective strategies is the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. Let patients know there are a variety of free apps that enforce this method or suggest setting reminders.

3. Consider Humidity

7 According to backlinko.com1, people in the U.S. spend an average of seven hours on their devices.

Winter dryness paired with increased screen time can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Recommend artificial tears or humidifiers to combat indoor dryness. Emphasize the importance of staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet rich in eye-friendly nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

As an eyecare professional, position yourself as a trusted resource for managing digital eye strain. Offer tailored advice based on patients’ specific needs, such as adjusting prescriptions for frequent screen use or providing specialty lenses.

Although protecting vision is a year-round effort, start the conversation this winter and build lasting trust with your patients.

How are you considering this season in your patient care? Tell us about it and share in the conversation on Facebook here.

[1] backlinko.com/screen-time-statistics