Screen break calculator

What the 20–20–20 reminder means

A common suggestion is to pause about every 20 minutes and look at something at least 20 feet away — roughly 6 metres — for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a break from close work. Use a distant view rather than switching from a computer to a nearby phone. 1

The calculator places reminders inside the session you choose. It does not measure eye strain, set a daily screen-time allowance, or prove that a long session is safe. The suggested times are prompts you can use, not a medical prescription.

Give blinking and your setup some attention

People often blink less while looking at screens, which can contribute to dryness. Remember to blink normally, make text easy to read, and reduce reflections from windows or lamps. Keep a desktop monitor about an arm’s length away, with its top around eye level or slightly lower. Adjust your position so you can read without leaning forward. 1

Know when a break is not enough

Dry eye can cause a gritty or burning feeling, redness, light sensitivity, or blurred vision. It can happen when there are too few tears or when tears do not work well. Similar symptoms can have different causes, so a timer cannot diagnose them. If discomfort persists or affects everyday activities, arrange an eye assessment and describe what you notice. 2