We live in a digital world; we can’t imagine our lives without looking at screens. This has made us so dependent on screens. We do a lot while looking at screens, from jobs to entertainment and from studying to playing games. This has led to a drastic increase in our screen time.
While prolonged screen use does not necessarily cause permanent eye damage, it can contribute to digital eye strain, which may cause symptoms such as tired eyes, dryness, irritation, blurred vision, headaches, and difficulty focusing.
The 20-20-20 rule is a simple technique recommended to reduce eye strain during prolonged periods of near work.
Every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Looking into the distance gives the eyes a chance to relax from continuous near focusing. It also encourages you to take regular breaks from the screen.
Why Does It Help?
When we look at something close for a long period, the muscles involved in focusing remain active. Continuous near work can contribute to eye fatigue.
Screen use can also reduce how frequently we blink. This may cause the tear film on the surface of the eye to evaporate more quickly, leading to dryness, burning, irritation, or a gritty sensation.
Regular breaks can help reduce the visual demands of prolonged screen use and remind us to blink and relax our eyes.
You don’t necessarily need to measure exactly 20 feet. The important point is to look into the distance rather than immediately switching to another nearby screen.Maintain an appropriate viewing distance
Take longer breaks: The 20-second breaks are useful, but getting up and moving around after prolonged periods of sitting is also beneficial.
Conclusion
A Small Break Can Make a Big Difference.We often remember to charge our phones and laptops, but forget that our eyes also need a break.
Have you checked your daily screen time? What do you think you can do to decrease it?
MBH/PS