Visual Hygiene and the 20-20-20 Rule

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Are you studying for final exams? Or are you someone who spends hours a day in front of a computer or cell phone?  The 20-20-20 rule is a simple guideline for reducing eye strain and other symptoms that can occur after long hours of reading or prolonged use of digital devices.  We use this catchphrase to remind patients to take a break every 20 minutes to focus on something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.


By doing so, you give your eyes a chance to relax and refocus, which lowers the risk for eye fatigue and headaches.  Make a conscious effort to blink the eyes regularly, or use lubricating eye drops, to help prevent dryness and blurry vision from staring at a screen or book.  Adjust the brightness of your screen and set up an ergonomic workspace.


Research in more recent years has focused on the growing use of devices and concerns over eye-related consequences like increased near-sightedness.  While taking breaks from near work is still a good thing, one study found that 20 seconds of distance viewing was not shown to positively impact the development of myopia (near-sightedness).  It is now suggested that longer breaks of 5 minutes or more, every hour, are needed instead.

I hope these tips allow for successful studying as you finish out the 2023 school year!

Dr. Rachel

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