Mitigating Eye Strain in the Digital Era: The Efficacy of the 20-20-20 Rule

Authors: Kritika Garg, Priyanka Yadav, KANAV GUPTA, B K Gupta

DOI: 10.18231/j.ijceo.9374.1761134872

Keywords: Asthenopia, digital eye strain, computer vision syndrome,20-20-20 rule

Abstract: ABSTRACT Background- The 20-20-20 rule is a simple yet effective technique designed to alleviate strain caused by prolonged screen use. By taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to focus on an object 20 feet away, individuals can help prevent eye fatigue and maintain better overall eye health. Aim- To check the efficacy of the 20-20-20 rule in digital eye strain. Material and Methods- A prospective study was conducted on doctors, nurses, students, and patients who had a screen time of >4 hours and attended the ophthalmology outpatient department of a tertiary eye care hospital in Panipat. A Google form was filled out as consent to participate in the study, and symptoms were included at the presentation. After this, they were explained the 20-20-20 rule and advised to follow it and come for follow-up at 2 weeks and 4 weeks. Results- In our study, we found that 176 participants out of 268 followed the rule and among these 114 found that it helped in relieving symptoms like eye strain, headache, and irritation. Conclusion -The 20-20-20 rule effectively reduces DES symptoms, though individual factors influence outcomes. Personalized strategies and further research are essential for optimal eye health.