Screen-tired eyes: The 20-20-20 rule is a popular fix, but how much protection it really give

Long hours on phones and laptops leave eyes tired and dry, and the 20-20-20 rule is a popular fix. Take a closer look at whether it works for screen-tired eyes.

New Delhi: Smartphones, laptops and tablets have become an unavoidable part of everyday life. Whether it is working in an office, attending online classes or scrolling through social media, many people spend several hours looking at digital screens. While this has made daily activities more convenient, prolonged screen exposure can leave the eyes feeling tired, dry and uncomfortable. One of the most commonly recommended ways to manage this problem is the 20-20-20 rule.

What exactly is the 20-20-20 rule?

The 20-20-20 rule is a simple eye-care practice recommended for people who spend extended periods using digital devices. It involves looking at an object approximately 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds after every 20 minutes of continuous screen use. The idea behind this practice is to give the eyes a short break from prolonged near work. When people look at screens for extended periods, their eyes continuously engage in focusing activities. Shifting their gaze towards a distant object allows the focusing system to relax and may help reduce visual discomfort associated with prolonged screen use.

Why do our eyes feel tired after looking at screens?

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, refers to a group of symptoms associated with prolonged use of computers, smartphones and other digital devices. Common symptoms include dry eyes, redness, irritation, blurred vision, headaches and difficulty focusing. One of the........

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