Preventing and Treating “Smartphone Squint”

With the rise of technology comes the rise of new medical and cosmetic conditions directly related to these technological advances. One such new condition has been dubbed the "smartphone squint." People suffering from this condition complain of headaches, tension, and wrinkles around their eyes. Doctors have found that staring at a smartphone screen for long periods of times causes eye strain as well as premature wrinkles from having to squint to read the small text. Here at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, we understand that smartphones are a way of life now, but we want to give you some tips to prevent and treat the "smartphone squint."

Treating Dynamic Wrinkles

Wrinkles caused by squinting and other expressions are called dynamic wrinkles, or expression lines. Everyone gets these lines eventually, but they can show up earlier and worsen due to especially active muscles, such as those that engage when we stare at our smartphones to try to read texts, emails, or news. Luckily, there are a variety of treatments available that can help to reduce eye wrinkles quickly, effectively, and safely.

The board-certified dermatologists at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology are expert injectors of neuromodulators and dermal fillers. Neuromodulators, which include Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin, are injectable treatments that work by relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles, allowing existing wrinkles to smooth out and preventing future ones. Neuromodulators are great for treating crow's feet around the eyes. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, add volume to existing static wrinkles, whether through hyaluronic acid gel fillers with immediate results or collagen boosters, such as Radiesse or Sculptra, that stimulate the body's own collagen production to smooth out skin and plump wrinkles.

Preventing Wrinkles and Eye Strain

Many doctors recommend following the 20-20-20 rule when looking at your smartphone throughout the day:

• Look away every 20 minutes
• Look away for at least 20 seconds
• Look at something 20 feet away

This can help your eyes to relax, which in turn helps prevent eye strain and headaches, not to mention allowing wrinkle-causing muscles to relax. Other tips include making sure your font size is large enough to read comfortably, and not using your smartphone right before bed – the blue light can interfere with melatonin production, making it harder to get to sleep. Sleep is important for maintaining a youthful and healthy appearance, as well as for overall health!

Schedule an Eye Wrinkle Consultation Today

If you are starting to notice wrinkles around your eyes, don't hesitate to contact the expert dermatologists at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego! They can help you treat and prevent lines and wrinkles safely and effectively. To schedule your consultation today, just call 858.771.9636!

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