Screen Time and Your Vision

Let’s be honest: we’re all a little too attached to our screens. Between texting, TikTok, Zoom calls, and “just one more episode” on Netflix, our eyes are putting in overtime. But have you ever stopped to wonder what all that scrolling and staring is doing to your vision?

Spoiler alert: your eyes aren’t thrilled about it.

📱 Digital Eye Strain

Spending hours on your phone, tablet, or computer makes your eyes work harder. This can lead to a delightful little cocktail of symptoms called Digital Eye Strain:

• Dry, irritated eyes (thanks, reduced blinking!)

• Blurry vision

• Headaches

• Trouble focusing after you finally look up from your screen

• That weird feeling like your eyeballs are made of sandpaper

It’s not permanent damage (phew!) but it can definitely make you feel miserable.

🔵 What About Blue Light?

Ah, blue light—the bad boy of the vision world. Your screens give off blue light, which may mess with your sleep cycle by tricking your brain into thinking it’s daytime. While there’s no hard proof yet that blue light wrecks your retina, it does keep you awake past midnight binge-watching shows when you swore you’d go to bed early.

👩‍⚕️ What Can You Do (Besides Moving Into the Woods Without WiFi)?

Good news: you don’t have to toss your devices in the nearest lake. Here’s how to give your eyes some love:

✨ The 20-20-20 Rule Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. (Yes, that means looking away from your cat videos.)

💧 Blink More You blink less when staring at screens. Remind yourself to blink to avoid dry eyes—or use artificial tears if needed.

🕶️ Consider Blue Light Filters They might help with comfort. Definitely will help with your sleep cycle - which we could all work on.

📅 Get Your Eyes Checked Your optometrist can help spot problems early and recommend solutions—like computer glasses—before your eyes stage a full rebellion.

🖤 Your Eyes Deserve Better

Your screens aren’t going anywhere. But a few simple habits (and regular eye exams) can keep your vision sharp and your eyes feeling fresh—even after your next 4-hour TikTok spiral.

Give us a call at 850-474-0300 to schedule your annual eye exam today!