Simple Rule For Healthier Vision

October 10, 2018
Aleksey Weyman

Staring at mobile devices & computer monitors throughout the day can be extremely taxing on your vision..

Most corporate jobs today require moderate to extensive use of technology, sitting in a dark office staring at digital monitors for hours on end (or at home, working remotely). If you're a software development engineer or any other type of technical worker, then you’re probably on the extreme end of this spectrum, spending 8+ hours of your day staring at screens and monitors.

As if spending your entire work day starting at screens isn't enough, you probably go home and stare at your TV or mobile device for a few additional hours as well, catching up on your social feeds or browsing for a good follow up series to The Office on Netflix.

Sure, watching your favorite shows after a long day of work might be a great way to cheer up your Monday, but there are side effects to prolonged screen use. According to WebMD, pain caused by extended screen type is classified as computer vision syndrome (CVS), and umbrellas a whole range of eye strain and discomforts. Some, turning into lifelong conditions. So, how can you relieve this pain? For starters, you might consider using eyeglasses for your vision protection. There's also a helpful rule you can follow and adapt into your day to day life, to help!

The 20-20-20 Rule

The 20-20-20 rule is simple, here’s how it works. For every 20 minutes of time spent looking at a screen, focus your vision on something 20 feet away from you, for 20 seconds. It's also best to focus on something that's green, as green is the most restful color for the human eye. I recommend focusing on a green object outside if possible, as the Vitamin D from the sun can also help with depression. That's the 20-20-20 rule!

By staring at something 20 feet away, you shift from near to far sighted focus, which has a similar effect as getting up and stretching your body- except it’s for your eyes. Maintaining that stare for 20 seconds gives your eyes time to adjust and get the full effect of the stretch, making it that much more effective. Every 20 minutes might seem like a lot, but when it comes to your long term health, are you willing to take the chance? Even just a few vision stretches a day, can help promote healthier vision. Get started today!

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