Key takeaways
- We blink far less while staring at screens — that's why eyes dry out.
- The 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Persistent symptoms deserve an eye exam, not just more drops.
Whether you're behind a counter, a laptop or a phone, screen hours add up — and your eyes feel it first. The strain isn't usually dangerous, but it is uncomfortable, and it's remarkably easy to prevent.
Why screens tire your eyes
Normally we blink around 15 times a minute. During focused screen work, that drops to 5 or fewer — leaving the tear film to evaporate and eyes to dry, burn and blur. Add glare, small text and poor posture, and headaches follow.
Habits that genuinely help
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Position screens slightly below eye level, about an arm's length away
- Reduce glare — tilt screens away from windows and overhead lights
- Blink consciously during long tasks; use lubricating drops if needed
If headaches, blurred vision or dryness persist beyond a week of better habits, book an eye examination. Sometimes the cause is an uncorrected prescription rather than the screen itself — and that's a quick fix.
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