Give Your Eyeballs a Break! May 11, 2021 That captivating, glowing screen that many of us stare at for hours on end, just inches from our faces, is making our eyes ache. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, computer or tablet use doesn’t necessarily damage our eyes, but it can create uncomfortable eyestrain and the accompanying symptoms of tiredness, redness or difficulty focusing. You already know how important it is to use proper posture, reduce screen glare and to take frequent breaks to relax your back and shoulder muscles during computer use. Now, simply add the 20‑20‑20 rule to give your eyes a break, too: look away from the screen every 20 minutes and look at an object that is 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. Also, it’s helpful to blink often, use artificial tears, if needed, and prescription eyewear specifically for computer use.