Mumsnet users share their experience of using screens during lockdown with Optrex

[JustineBMumsnet]

This sponsored discussion is now closed.

For many of us, screen time has increased during lockdown: whether that’s for work, taking part in virtual pub quizzes or keeping in touch with family and friends via video calls. But, it’s something that can play havoc with eye health, particularly if you’re a glasses wearer or suffer from dry eyes regularly. With that in mind, Optrex would like to hear about your experience of using screens during lockdown and how it’s affected you - especially if your eyes have been impacted.

Here’s what Optrex has to say: “Over the last few months we’ve all seen our routines change dramatically, which can have an impact on our bodies and health. We often forget about the health of our eyes, but when they become uncomfortable, they can be hard to ignore. Technology has enabled many of us to work from home, stay entertained, informed and connected with loved ones. However, looking at screens can reduce our rate of blinking and lead to dry and tired eyes, which can feel uncomfortable and irritated. We would love to understand any effect that the lockdown period has had on your eyes and whether you have been taking steps to protect or treat them.”

What has your experience with screens been during lockdown and how has it impacted you? Have you experienced eye strain or dry eyes? If so, how have you attempted to reduce the irritation or pain? Are there any other ways extra screen time has affected your health or wellbeing?

Whatever your experience of screen use during lockdown, share how it has affected you below to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £100 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

My experience is that screen usage goes up a lot during the week having to research so much about all the worries and plan how to do things with minimal risk, so many more thing s are done online now instead of in person. But I’ve also found we’re making more of an effort to get outside more at the weekend and keep ourselves to ourselves and get back to nature which is wonderful but is also where optrex dry eye spray has actually saved our eyes so much as hay fever has really be a cow for hubby and I this year... we don’t want to be trapped inside and sometimes an over the counter antihistamine isn’t enough, we’ve both been using the eye spray and it’s helped so much! Don’t even leave the house without it now!

Throughout lockdown I’ve been on my phone so much more. With the kids at home I find I can’t get big jobs done so just hang around waiting to be called on by the children and just end up on my phone. I hate that it’s so much

Both me and the kids have been on screens a lot more in lockdown- combination of having time I think (lots of 'oh I'll just google that' where usually I'd think to google it but be busy and forget) and lots of schooling/my work being through screens atm

I've had dry itchy eyes. At first I thought that it was hayfever which I've never had before in my life. Now I think it's from the non stop screen use

My eyes have been OK with the screen time and online meetings. My children have had a lot more screen time than they would normally, a mixture of online learning and wanting to spend time on their iPads.

Everyone has been using screens more. My eyes are much drier and I’ve had o use eye drops more. Also working from home on an ancient desk on a tiny laptop has been far from ideal

On my 12th week of WFH, and although it's not ideal working from then dining room, my work have provided me with a new screen to attach to my laptop, it's a lot easier to read, but I find myself less distracted, and staring without blinking, leaving me with tired eyes on the evening.
I have set an alarm on my phone for every 30 minutes to look up and make a drink, have a walk or stretch and this has helped.

I’ve found my eyesight has got worse so have invested in large monitor.

We've all been on screens more but the children have learned a lot from some of the things they have watched (and lots of PJ masks).

We have all been on screens so much more in this house. Between the DC and I we have all been on screens at least 4 hours a day. My eyes are strained and I think I need new specs!

I've found my eyes the same. I was working in front of a screen from 8am till 5pm. I'm more worried about my Daughter on Zoom chats with family and school friends, plus the school who are providing online videos.

I've found the endless Zoom meetings exhausting and now really struggle to concentrate in them. I think juggling kids and work means I've not had too many long screen sessions with no break, but overall an awful lot of screen time.

I have been at a PC less, as i was basically unable to do my role during lockdown.

I have used a tablet for more things than usual though and I think this might have contributed to more headaches.

Although that could also just be more stress.

My husband is experiencing eye strain working from home and looking at his computer screen for 8 hours a day. He doesn't have the regular breaks or distractions (screen look aways) that he would have had at work so i definitely think working from home during lockdown has had a negative affect on his eyes.

On maternity leave with my 6 month old and doing home schooling for my 6 year old, I have been using my mobile and laptop a lot. I have a -.75 in both eyes but due to using mobile more than I normally would, even dur8ng night feeds to stay awake , my power seems to have increased as I now feel my eyes are more tired and need my glasses most of the time when i used it only when driving earlier.

Thanks all for your comments.The prize draw winner is @JulesJules

Thank you so much! Lovely surprise!

Far too much screen time during the last few months. Its definitely not been good for my eyes.

I hate screens (which is ironic since I'm currently on my phone). But we allow our kids almost no screen time while we still have the chance. We try and not look at screens in front of them, and they watch controlled CBeebies programmes. In lockdown, our elder daughter (7) had to use screens a bit more, but we only allowed her to use the lessons in the mornings, and did something different every afternoon- usually something active. I'm very aware of what our kids see us doing, so I like to have a book that I read in any spare moment. I often talk about what me or my husband are reading. I hope it lasts, but the kids like book, and we talk quite a bit about how phones and media are addictive.. I'm sure it'll get more challenging as they get older!

I have used a laptop most days to keep up-to-date with the news on various websites. I wear reading glasses which enable me to see the screen without a problem. I don't use it in the evenings before bed.

I worry about my kids increased screen times during lockdown so we now have fixed times for using screens. After a few days of arguments they got used to it and now they even place nicely together when the telly isn't on

Increased screen usage has been triggering my migraines. I try to limit the children’s screen time but sometimes it is easier said than done!

Drier eyes than usual.... I try to use my classes, take breaks and turn down the screen brightness!

I have let myself and my family use screens during this time and tried not to feel too bad about it. We have been doing activities and being outside but it’s limited due to social distancing/avoiding crowds, so we are at home a lot more and it gives us something to do at home.

My eyes are fine but my thumbs started to ache