Screen Time Is a Family Affair
Whether it’s for work, school, or entertainment, screens are a central part of daily life for families in DuPage County. From parents attending virtual meetings to kids doing homework on tablets, everyone is logging more digital hours than ever before.
At DuPage Family Eye Care, we see the effects of increased screen use in patients of all ages—from dry eyes and blurry vision to trouble sleeping and eye strain. Fortunately, small changes can make a big difference for your family’s visual health.
How Screen Use Affects the Eyes
When family members spend too much time in front of screens, they may begin to experience symptoms of digital eye strain. Common complaints include tired or uncomfortable eyes, dryness or excessive tearing, blurry or doubled vision, frequent headaches, and tension in the neck and shoulders. It may also become harder to focus or concentrate, especially after long screen sessions.
These symptoms can vary by age group, but the underlying cause is usually the same: prolonged close-up screen use without proper visual breaks or ergonomic support.
Healthy Screen Habits for the Whole Family
Start by introducing the 20-20-20 rule into your household’s daily routine. This simple method encourages everyone to take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes of screen time, allowing the eyes to rest and refocus.
Creating designated screen-free zones, such as the dining table or bedrooms, can provide consistent opportunities for the eyes to relax and the family to reconnect. It’s also important to adjust device screens and lighting. Make sure screens aren’t too bright or causing glare, and keep them slightly below eye level to promote comfort and reduce strain.
Encouraging kids to play outside each day adds a much-needed visual break from up-close work and can even help slow the development of nearsightedness. And don't forget to remind everyone to blink regularly and stay hydrated throughout the day, as reduced blinking during screen time often leads to dryness.
Why Eye Exams Are Essential
Even with great habits, regular eye exams are vital for maintaining your family’s vision health. Many vision issues—especially in children—can go unnoticed without a thorough exam. At DuPage Family Eye Care, we offer full-service eye care for both kids and adults. Our team provides precise vision assessments, personalized recommendations for screen use, and treatments for digital eye strain and dry eyes. We also offer lens options with blue light filtering to help reduce fatigue and protect eye health during extended screen use.
Let Us Help Protect Your Family’s Vision
DuPage Family Eye Care is proud to be a trusted partner for families throughout DuPage County. Whether you need help managing digital eye strain, updating your child’s vision prescription, or simply want to stay ahead of potential issues, we’re here for you. Our compassionate team makes it easy to care for the whole family’s eyes in one convenient visit.
It’s time to prioritize your family’s vision health in today’s digital age. Schedule appointments at DuPage Family Eye Care today.