Screen Time & Winter Eye Strain in Toronto: Why Your Eyes Feel More Tired

Screen Time + Winter Weather

Winter in Toronto often means shorter days, colder temperatures, and more time indoors. Between working on computers, scrolling on phones, and streaming shows during long winter evenings, many people notice their eyes feel more tired, dry, or uncomfortable than usual.

If your eyes feel strained during January and February, you’re not alone. The combination of increased screen time and dry winter conditions can put extra stress on your eyes — but understanding why it happens can help you prevent it.

Why Winter Makes Screen-Related Eye Strain Worse

Digital eye strain can happen any time of year, but Toronto winters create conditions that make symptoms more noticeable.

• Dry Air + Reduced Blinking

  • Cold outdoor air holds less moisture, and indoor heating dries the air even further. At the same time, staring at screens causes you to blink less — sometimes up to 50% less than normal. This combination leads to faster tear evaporation and dry, irritated eyes.

• Longer Evenings Indoors

  • With early sunsets and colder temperatures, people naturally spend more time indoors and on digital devices. Whether it’s working from home, virtual meetings, or evening screen time, your eyes are working overtime during winter.

Common Signs of Winter-Related Eye Strain

You may be experiencing digital eye strain if you notice:

• Tired or aching eyes

• Blurred or fluctuating vision

• Headaches after screen use

• Dry, burning, or watery eyes

• Difficulty focusing

• Neck and shoulder tension

These symptoms often worsen at the end of the day or after long periods on devices.

Indoor Heating and Eye Comfort

Forced-air heating systems common in Toronto homes and offices significantly reduce indoor humidity. Dry air pulls moisture from the tear film, which protects your eyes’ surface.

If you wear contact lenses, winter heating can make discomfort even more noticeable, causing lenses to feel dry or irritated by late afternoon.

Simple Ways to Reduce Eye Strain This Winter

You don’t have to give up your screens — just use them more comfortably.

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This relaxes your eye muscles and reduces focusing fatigue.

• Blink More Often: Make a conscious effort to blink fully when using screens. Artificial tears can also help keep eyes lubricated.

• Adjust Your Screen Setup

  • Keep screens about an arm’s length away

  • Position screens slightly below eye level

  • Increase text size instead of leaning closer

• Improve Indoor Humidity: Using a humidifier helps restore moisture to dry winter air and reduces tear evaporation.

• Reduce Screen Glare: Use proper lighting, clean your screens, and avoid working in dark rooms with bright screens.

When to See Your Toronto Optometrist

If eye strain, dryness, or headaches continue despite lifestyle adjustments, it’s a good idea to book an eye exam. Persistent symptoms may indicate:

• Dry eye disease

• Uncorrected vision changes

• Inappropriate prescription for screen use

Your optometrist can recommend computer-specific glasses, dry eye treatments, or prescription updates to improve comfort — especially during Toronto’s long winter season.

Clearer, More Comfortable Vision All Winter

Winter weather and screen time don’t have to leave your eyes feeling exhausted. With a few simple habits and professional guidance, you can protect your vision and stay comfortable throughout the colder months.

If winter eye strain is affecting your daily life, the team at Bayview Vision is here to help keep your eyes healthy and comfortable this season.