Many people experience eye strain brought on by too much screen time. To prevent the irritation and dryness that often accompany this strain, an eye doctor will often suggest following the 20-20-20 rule. Here’s a helpful guide to practicing this rule and how it can be used to combat this common problem.

Guide to Eye Strain & the 20-20-20 Rule

How Excess Screen Time Causes Eye Strain

In today’s digitally-savvy society, many of us have jobs that require us to spend long hours staring at a screen. Over time, too much screen time can lead to eye irritation, dryness, and even blurred vision. The reason for this is that people tend to blink less when viewing a screen, which in and of itself can lead to dryness or burning in the eyes. To avoid this common problem, an eye doctor may suggest following the 20-20-20 rule.

How the 20-20-20 Rule Works

To combat the effects of too much screen time, exercise the 20-20-20 rule. This rule essentially states that after 20 minutes of looking at a screen, you should focus your attention elsewhere — at about 20 feet away — for a duration of 20 seconds. This is typically the amount of time it takes for your eyes to fully relax. Fortunately, once you give your eyes a consistent break, the symptoms tend to subside. During that brief break, it’s advisable to hydrate by drinking water or tea. The more hydrated you are, the more lubricated your eyes will be, which can help prevent irritation.

The Long-Term Effects of Eye Strain

Left unaddressed, eye strain can sometimes lead to more severe, longer-term effects than just dryness and irritation. For example, macular degeneration can develop over time. This eye disease is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina and affects over 10 million Americans each year. To protect yourself, consult with your eye doctor for the proper treatment and prevention methods.
 

To protect and preserve the health of your eyes, put your trust in Clear Vision Center in Brooklyn, NY. For 11 years, this vision care practice has offered everything from a comprehensive vision test to prescription glasses in the Zegna® and Fred® lines, to fittings for contact lenses with their professional on-staff optometrist and optician. To make an appointment with this trusted eye doctor, give them a call today at (718) 771-0078 or visit their website for more information.