As the days grow shorter and the holidays approach, many of us spend more time indoors—and more time in front of screens. Whether you’re shopping online for holiday gifts, catching up on emails, or binge-watching your favorite series, screen use can take a serious toll on your eyes. At Thomas Eye Care, we want to help you protect your vision with practical, seasonal advice. That’s why today’s post is all about November eye care tips focused on managing screen time and preventing digital eye strain.
What Is Digital Eye Strain?
Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, refers to a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged use of digital devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones. Symptoms can include:
-
Blurred vision
-
Dry eyes
-
Headaches
-
Eye fatigue
-
Neck and shoulder pain
According to the American Optometric Association, the average American worker spends seven hours a day on the computer either in the office or working from home—which means that many of us are putting our eye health at risk without even realizing it.
Why November Makes It Worse
During the fall and winter months, the combination of lower humidity, indoor heating, and reduced natural light can exacerbate the effects of screen time. Dry indoor air can increase the likelihood of dry eyes, while working under poor lighting conditions can cause your eyes to work harder, contributing to fatigue.
With colder weather keeping people indoors and the holiday season increasing the time we spend shopping and communicating online, November is a critical time to adopt better eye care habits.
Tips to Reduce Digital Eye Strain
Here are a few practical November eye care tips to protect your eyes this season:
1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eye muscles a much-needed break.
2. Blink More Often
We naturally blink less when staring at screens. Consciously make an effort to blink often to help prevent dry eye symptoms.
3. Adjust Lighting and Screen Settings
Avoid glare from overhead lights or windows by adjusting your screen brightness and contrast. You can also use a matte screen filter.
4. Position Your Screen Properly
Keep your screen about an arm’s length away and position the top of the monitor at or slightly below eye level.
5. Use Artificial Tears
Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help soothe dry or irritated eyes caused by extended screen use. If symptoms persist, our team can recommend a solution that’s right for you.
Consider Blue Light Protection
Many optical lenses now come with blue light-blocking coatings that reduce the impact of artificial light emitted by screens. While research is still ongoing, some studies show that reducing blue light exposure may improve sleep and reduce eye strain. The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests using these filters at night or opting for devices with night mode features.
At Thomas Eye Care, we offer blue light lenses and coatings that can be added to your prescription glasses or purchased in non-prescription form—perfect for anyone who uses screens for work or school.
Schedule Your End-of-Year Eye Exam
As we approach the end of the year, now is a great time to use any remaining vision insurance benefits or flexible spending account funds. An annual eye exam helps ensure your prescription is up to date and gives our team a chance to address any symptoms you might be experiencing from screen time or seasonal changes.
👓 Ready to reduce digital eye strain and protect your vision this holiday season?
Schedule your eye exam at Thomas Eye Care in Owasso today—and let us help you keep your eyes healthy through the holidays and beyond.
