What is the 20-20-20 rule?

What is the 20-20-20 Rule?

In today’s digital age, many of us spend long hours in front of screens, whether for work or leisure. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, causing discomfort, headaches, and tired eyes. The 20-20-20 rule is a simple and effective way to reduce eye strain and maintain healthy vision, especially for those who spend a lot of time on computers or mobile devices.

How Does the 20-20-20 Rule Work?

The 20-20-20 rule is straightforward:

• Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

This gives your eyes a chance to relax and refocus, preventing the symptoms of digital eye strain such as dryness, irritation, and blurred vision.

Why is the 20-20-20 Rule Important?

Staring at screens for long periods without breaks forces your eyes to work harder. This can result in eye fatigue, dryness, and discomfort. Following the 20-20-20 rule helps to:

• Relax your eye muscles: Focusing on distant objects reduces eye strain.
• Promote blinking: When we concentrate on screens, we tend to blink less, which can lead to dry eyes. Taking regular breaks encourages more frequent blinking.
• Improve productivity: Giving your eyes periodic breaks can reduce overall discomfort, helping you stay focused and productive.

Other Tips to Reduce Eye Strain

In addition to following the 20-20-20 rule, you can take further steps to protect your eyes:

• Ensure your screen is at least arm's length away.
• Adjust the lighting in your workspace to reduce glare.
• Use artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated.
• Consider blue light filtering glasses to minimise screen-related discomfort.

City Optics: Keeping Your Eyes Healthy

At City Optics, we believe in proactive eye care. If you experience eye strain or discomfort, we’re here to help. Our comprehensive eye exams will ensure that your vision is in top condition, and we can recommend personalised solutions to reduce digital eye strain.