The 20-20-20 rule: an easy habit for tired eyes
Every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds. It's one of the simplest ways to ease digital eye strain while you work on a computer.
Why the 20-20-20 rule works
When you stare at a screen for a long time your eyes blink less and the lens stays in the same position. That tends to produce dryness, blurry vision, and headaches.
Looking at the distance for 20 seconds relaxes the ciliary muscle and gives your eyes a short reset. You don't need to leave the room — a window, the far wall, or an object several meters away is enough.
How to make it a habit
The hard part is remembering. In the middle of focused work it's easy to spend an hour without lifting your eyes.
A gentle reminder every 20 minutes is enough. Pair it with a longer break every 45–90 minutes to stretch, walk a bit, and drink water. Your back, neck, and circulation will thank you too.
How Calmo helps
Calmo includes 20-20-20 nudges during your focus blocks. At every short break it suggests looking into the distance for 20 seconds, with a built-in timer so you don't have to count.
You can snooze the reminder if you're in the middle of something critical. The goal is to turn the rule into a natural habit without you having to think about it.