Digital Eye Fatigue – 20/20/20 Rule

Digital Eye Fatigue – 20/20/20 Rule

Are you one of the millions who spends many hours in a day on your computer, smartphone, or tablet? Do your eyes feel tired, heavy, or sore at the end of a long day?  You may be experiencing symptoms of digital eye fatigue.

Typically, an individual blinks his or her eye every 5 to 6 seconds.  Blinking allows the surface of your eye to be replenished with tears and feel comfortable.  This rate diminishes by half when concentrating on a digital screen and can lead to digital eye fatigue.  Symptoms include eyestrain, intermittent blurred vision, and feeling of soreness or tiredness around the eyes at the end of the day.

The 20/20/20 rule has been developed to help individuals who experience digital eye fatigue.  Every 20 minutes, you should take a break away from your computer for 20 seconds by looking at something 20 feet away.  Following this simple guide will give your eyes some time to relax, to blink naturally, and to refresh your tear film.

Individuals with digital eye fatigue should also consider the use of lubricating drops.  Over-the-counter artificial tears can help supplement your natural tears and relieve your symptoms.  If you continue to experience persistent symptoms of eye fatigue, you should schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist or optometrist for an evaluation of dry eye syndrome.