Free tool

20-20-20 eye break timer

From BlinkBetter, founded by registered optometrist Nizam Diveli · How we review health info

Every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet (6 metres) away for 20 seconds, and blink fully. This timer reminds you, so you don't have to remember. Keep this tab open while you work.

20:00
until your next eye break

Press start and get on with your work.

Breaks taken today: 0

How to take a good eye break

Look far awayPick something at least 20 feet away, like a window, the end of the room or a tree outside, and let your eyes relax on it.
Blink fullyOn screens we blink less and often only half-blink. Do 10 slow, complete blinks, gently closing your eyes each time.
Move a littleRoll your shoulders, sit back and breathe out. A tense posture adds to that end-of-day tired-eye feeling.

Why screens leave eyes feeling tired and dry

When you concentrate on a screen, your blink rate drops and many blinks are incomplete, so the tear film on the eye's surface evaporates faster. The focusing muscles inside the eye also work continuously at close range. Regular short breaks and full blinks are a simple way to give your eyes a rest.

The oil that keeps tears from evaporating comes from tiny glands along the edge of your eyelids. Keeping the lid margins clean, and a warm compress if your eyelids feel heavy or gritty, can help your eyes feel more comfortable. Read our guides to dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction.

Warm compress eye masks Free eyelid symptom checker

Questions

What is the 20-20-20 rule?

Every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something about 20 feet (6 metres) away for at least 20 seconds. It is a widely recommended habit for reducing the tired, strained feeling that comes with long periods of close-up work.

Does the timer work if I switch tabs?

Yes. Keep this tab open in the background. If you turn on desktop notifications, your browser will show a reminder even when you're in another app. The chime also plays if your sound is on.

Do I need to sign up or install anything?

No. The timer runs in your browser and doesn't collect any personal information.

Should I see an optometrist about tired or dry eyes?

If your eyes are often sore, red, gritty or watery, your vision changes, or breaks don't help, book an eye examination with an optometrist. Seek urgent care for sudden vision changes, eye pain or a very red eye.

General information only, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms that worry you, speak to an optometrist, GP or pharmacist.

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