If you spend a good part of your day using the computer, the 20-20-20 rule, that I recently learned recently from my doctor, might also help you relax your tired eyes.
The rule goes something like this.
The screen is bright and therefore, if you don’t blink your eyes as often as you should while working at the computer for long hours, you can have dry eyes sometimes even followed by redness.
To help you deal with this problem, the 20-20-20 rule suggest that after every 20 minutes, you (the computer user) should take a break for at least 20 seconds and look at objects that are 20 feet away from you.
Since it is nearly impossible for any computer users to remember that they have to take a break every 20 minutes, there are free software programs that can help you in your mission.
For instance, there’s a Windows utility called Eye Defender that sits in the system tray and, after a fixed interval, it will auto-run a visual training (see video below in full screen) for the eyes on your screen.
You are supposed to follow the pointer on the screen and this in turn should help relax your eyes.
WorkRave is another handy app that reminds you to take breaks at regular intervals to prevent computer related stress (including eyestrain).
It offers two kinds of breaks – micro-breaks, these are short and are mean to relax your eyes, and then there are rest-breaks where you are supposed to walk or stretch a little. Workrave also has a built-in wizard that demonstrates the various types of stretching exercises that you can do during these breaks.
If you are an active computer user, these tools need to be on your desktop.
Related: Software reminds you to Exercise
Find this article at: http://labnol.org/?p=14069
Reader Comments
Great post! This is very important for all users and professionals.
If possible, can you post more information about this topic.
Thanks!
Written by Hugo Dom. on 07.20.10
This couldn’t have popped up at a better time in my list of blogs I follow! I have been experiencing dry and reddish eyes due to excessive staring at the screen, lately. Thank you so much! :)
Written by Wilmaryad on 07.20.10
I use Flux and I am satisfied with its performance.
Written by Himanshu on 07.20.10
In March, when I had acute pain in my eyes, I went to Sankar Netralaya here in Chennai. I came back with this 20-20-20 advice, as well as some advice on laptop placement of desk and seating.I have put these in practice and it feels much better now.
Written by Rajesh Kumar on 07.20.10
Very useful article for people like me who work on the computer for long hours. I think the 20(min)-20(sec)-20(ft) rule can improve productivity and keep health of the eyes good.
Thank you!
Written by takyar on 07.20.10
Sankar Netralaya recommended the 20-20-20 exercise to me in March this year. I have been following it since, and benefited tremendously.
Written by Rajesh Kumar on 07.20.10
This is so very useful for me indeed. I’ve been working with PC more than 10h/day.
Written by gofree on 07.21.10
I badly needed something like this, thank you so much. When I spend too long at the screen I end up with migraine-style visual oddities (blank patches, hypersensitivity to any light, etc) – and it’s so hard to take regular breaks no matter how well motivated we are. :)
Written by mand on 07.21.10