Most of us have likely experienced eye discomfort after working at a computer for long periods. The common advice to take a break from screens every 20 minutes is familiar to many, but what is the actual scientific reasoning behind it?
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the primary issue lies in blinking. Under normal conditions, a person blinks an average of 15 times per minute; however, when looking at a screen, this rate can be cut in half.
Advanced scientific research identifies the main causes of Digital Eye Strain as:
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Reduced blink rate;
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Sharp screen contrast and glare;
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Improper distance and viewing angles;
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Poor lighting and incorrect posture while working.
As a result, we experience symptoms such as dry eyes, itching, a foreign body sensation, tearing, blurred vision, and headaches.
Scientific studies confirm that periodically shifting your gaze away from the screen effectively reduces eye strain. This method is also recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “Every 20 minutes, look at an object at least 20 feet (about 6 meters) away for at least 20 seconds.” This simple action helps the eyes reset their focus and restore a normal blinking rhythm.
