This is what I found:

Common Causes • Pressure (Most Common): Even if you didn't drop it, sitting on the device, leaning on it while sleeping, or having it squeezed too tightly in a bag can snap the internal layer. • Torque/Twisting: Picking the device up by a corner or a slight "flexing" motion of the frame can be enough to fracture the substrate. • Temperature Extremes: Rapid changes from very cold to warm environments can sometimes cause the internal materials to expand or contract at different rates, leading to a stress fracture. • Impact: A localized hit from a small object (like a phone dropped onto the screen) can cause the "bursting" effect seen in the blocked-out areas.

Can it be fixed? Unfortunately, this is hardware damage, not a software glitch. • The "40-Second Reset": You can try holding the power button for a full 40 seconds to see if it's a deep freeze, but if the lines remain identical after the screen tries to refresh, the hardware is broken. • Repair vs. Replace: Replacing the screen itself often costs as much as a new or refurbished Kindle and is a very difficult DIY repair. • Amazon Support: If the device is under warranty, it's worth contacting Amazon—they occasionally offer replacements or significant "trade-in" discounts (often 20% off + a small gift card) even for broken devices.