Staring at screens all day? Your eyes are paying the price. When glued to digital devices, we blink less, leading to dry, tired eyes and potential vision problems. Plus the less we blink, the less we’re irrigating our eyes, which means that they can get sore after hours of screen-staring—whether crunching numbers, gaming, or Instagramming cute kitty reels.
Enter the 20-20-20 rule, which top eye doctors recommend. “For every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds,” explains Dr. Bryan Brooks of Richmond Eye Associates. It’s that simple. Set an alarm, grab a window view, or download an app like EyePro to build the habit. “Try to incorporate it into your day,” he adds.
And, research shows it works. In a study of nearly 800 students, fewer eye problems were found among those who took regular focus breaks.
Quick tips to protect your vision:
- Use artificial tears for dry eye relief, but don’t overuse.
- Keep screens 25 inches away.
- Cut glare with screen protectors.
- Adjust your screen brightness.
- Schedule regular eye exams.
Still struggling? An eye doctor can pinpoint hidden issues and tailor solutions to your needs. Remember: your eyes aren’t built for endless screen time. Take breaks, move around, and give those hardworking eyes the rest they deserve
This article originally appeared in the June 2025 issue.
