With Thanksgiving break approaching and colder weather keeping families indoors, screen time has a way of creeping up. Tablets, video games, holiday movies, and virtual hangouts with family can mean hours of close-up screen use for kids—and that takes a toll on young eyes.
Why Extra Screen Time Matters for Eyes:
Prolonged screen use reduces blink rate by as much as 50%, which leads to dry, irritated eyes. It also keeps the eye muscles locked in a near-focus position, contributing to digital eye strain, headaches, and potentially worsening myopia (nearsightedness) over time.
Practical Tips for the Holiday Season:
- Set a daily limit—and stick to it. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends consistent limits on screen time for children of all ages.
- Use the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, have your child look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Designate screen-free zones. Keep bedrooms and the dinner table device-free, especially during holiday gatherings.
- Swap screens for activities. Board games, puzzles, baking, outdoor play, and craft projects are all wonderful holiday alternatives.
- Adjust screen settings. Increase font size, reduce brightness, and enable night-mode or blue-light filters in the evening.
It’s okay to let kids enjoy some screen time during the holidays—balance is the goal, not perfection. But being intentional about breaks and alternatives will keep your child’s eyes more comfortable and healthier through the season.
A small shift in habits now can prevent bigger problems down the road. Your child’s eyes deserve a holiday break, too.
NOTE: The information provided here is for general educational purposes only. It is inherently limited and should not be solely relied upon. Always seek the advice of a medical professional for any medical questions or concerns.
The content of this blog post does not create a patient-physician relationship and is not intended as medical or patient advice. Consult a doctor for answers to all medical matters.
Contact EyeCare4Kids for more information.
EMAIL ADDRESS: info@eyecare4kids.org
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VISIT US: Global Headquarters: 6911 State St. Midvale, UT 84047
