Work

Screen-tired eyes: three fixes that actually helped

By 4 pm my eyes felt like sandpaper. These are the three changes that made the biggest difference. For anything persistent, see an optometrist, because this isn't medical advice.

1. The 20-20-20 ruleEvery 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. A recurring timer makes it stick.
2. Screen at arm's length, slightly below eye levelMoving my monitor back and down about 10 cm reduced squinting more than any setting change.
3. Match the room lightA bright screen in a dim room makes your eyes work hard. Add a desk lamp behind or beside the screen in the afternoon.