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

Comments

  1. SB OpticalJanuary 7, 2025 at 1:00 AM

    Thank you for this informative post on visual hygiene and the 20-20-20 rule. Many of us spend significant time in front of screens, and your practical tips are a great reminder of how to care for our eyes. The clear guidance on taking regular breaks and focusing on distant objects has been helpful in reducing eye strain. We're grateful for the emphasis on preventive measures like adjusting screen brightness and staying mindful of blinking. Your advice is valuable for promoting long-term eye health in our screen-dominated world.

    ReplyDelete

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