Why should you look away from your screen for at least 20 seconds?
Isabella Bartlett
Updated on January 10, 2026
Eye strain from computers and other digital devices can be uncomfortable. The 20-20-20 rule may help you avoid eye strain along with decreasing your time spent looking at screens. Even if the strain feels severe it will likely not cause permanent damage to your vision.
How often should you look away from your screen?
What's the 20-20-20 rule? If you find yourself gazing at screens all day, your eye doctor may have mentioned this rule to you. Basically, every 20 minutes spent using a screen; you should try to look away at something that is 20 feet away from you for a total of 20 seconds.How long should you be staring at a screen?
Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Look away from the screen every 20 minutes or so and look at something around 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. Blink often to keep your eyes moist. If they feel dry, try some eye drops.How often should you rest your eyes from the computer screen?
To prevent eyestrain, try to rest eyes when using the computer for long periods. Resting the eyes for 15 minutes after two hours of continuous computer use. Also, for every 20 minutes of computer viewing, look into the distance for 20 seconds to allow the eyes a chance to refocus.How long should you rest your eyes?
Take eye breaks.Throughout the day, give your eyes a break by looking away from your monitor. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.