What Is the 20-20-20 Rule?
A simple, highly effective preventative guideline recommended by eye care professionals to reduce digital eye strain, fatigue, and headaches associated with prolonged screen use.
read more about 20-20-20-rule ...Link to This Resource Page
Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.
To display this...
Copy this HTML:
The Three Components
20 minutes: Take a break every 20 minutes of screen time. 20 feet: Look away from your screen at an object located 20 feet (about 6 meters) away. 20 seconds: Hold your gaze on that distant object for at least 20 seconds.
Mechanism
Looking at a close object requires the ciliary muscle (for accommodation) and the extraocular muscles (for convergence) to work constantly. The 20-20-20 rule forces these muscles to relax, preventing spasm and strain.
Added Benefit
The rule helps reset the blink rate. People tend to blink less often and less completely when concentrating on a screen, leading to dry eyes; the break encourages natural blinking.
Why is 20 feet important?
When looking at an object 20 feet or farther away, the eye's focusing muscle (ciliary muscle) is fully relaxed, which is the necessary state for resting the visual system.
Is 20 seconds long enough?
Yes. Studies show that 20 seconds is sufficient time for the accommodative spasm to relax and for the tear film to be re-established.
Does this replace prescription glasses?
No. This rule is a behavioral change for prevention, not a treatment for existing refractive error or presbyopia.