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Staying home to work and study has become necessary because of the current pandemic situation. Since everything has to be done online means hours of screen time are becoming an issue. The National Eye Institute recommends that you should take extra care of your vision and eye health during these trying times. Preventing digital eyestrain is one way of doing this. If you want to start caring for your eyes while using your digital gadgets, you should practice the 20-20-20 rule. Here’s what you should know about why the 20-20-20 rule is vital for eye health.

The Rule

Working on your computer and mobile devices forces you to look at digital screens for hours in a day. Your eye care provider may have mentioned the 20-20-20 rule during one of your recent eye exams. This rule provides you with a break period so that you can prevent digital eye strain. It says that you should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes.

The Distance

According to the rule, you should look at something that is 20 feet away from you. This is important in keeping your vision good at focusing on near and far objects. Working on your computer and gadgets is near-work. If you don’t break away from focusing on only near objects, you might develop myopia or worsen it. You don’t have to get up, take your measuring tape, and measure 20 feet each time. The measurement of 20 feet is only to indicate something far from you. As long as the object is far, focus on it. You can look at something outside your window, across the street. If you are in a cramped space, step out your door for a while and look at something across the larger room outside.

The Time

As you look at something that’s 20 feet away, maintain your focus there for 20 seconds. This is the standard time that your eyes need to relax completely. To help your eyes and the rest of your body, you should drink something healthy. Water can help hydrate your body and your eyes. It can also keep you more awake. Water can improve your circulation and bring more oxygenated blood to your brain. Green tea contains catechins (antioxidants) that can help improve your tear production. Use the 20 seconds to rest and rejuvenate your eyes.

The Method

Using the 20-20-20 rule properly can take some time to get used to at first. To help you practice it regularly, here are some suggestions:

  • Set an alarm to go off every 20 minutes to remind you to take a break in between tasks.
  • Focus your vision on a lamppost, a tree, or a perched bird a good distance from your position.
  • You can download an app that can help you with the 20-20-20 rule.

 

Optic health is important in doing everything that you need to do, whether it involves near-work or seeing something far away. At Advanced Eyecare Center, PC, our priority is to keep your eyes and vision healthy. Please visit our clinic in Urbandale, Iowa, for an in-person consultation. You can also call us at 515-303-4488 if you want to schedule an appointment or ask questions about our digital eye protection eyewear.

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