An eye surgeon revealed a simple trick to help relieve eye strain during the summer months.
Despite the warmer weather, millions of Brits continue to spend hours looking at screens throughout the summer months.
“It’s called the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.”The technique helps give the small muscles inside the eyes a regular rest.
The figure is even higher among 18 to 24-year-olds, who spend around six hours and 20 minutes online daily, with much of that time spent using smartphones.
Following the 20-20-20 rule involves looking at something around 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds.
“Even during summer, the screen time doesn’t go away."
An eye surgeon revealed a simple trick to help relieve eye strain during the summer months.
Despite the warmer weather, millions of Brits continue to spend hours looking at screens throughout the summer months.
Whether scrolling through social media on a sun lounger or replying to work emails from a beer garden, smartphones, tablets and laptops remain part of daily life.
According to Shahram Kashani, this means people’s eyes do not get a break either.
Mr Kashani, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at OCL Vision in Eastbourne, warned that warmer weather is not a reason to neglect healthy screen habits.
He said: “Even during summer, the screen time doesn’t go away.
“But there is a simple technique that’s easy to remember, which will make a big difference.
“It’s called the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.”
The technique helps give the small muscles inside the eyes a regular rest.
When people focus on phones, tablets or computers for long periods, their eyes remain fixed on close objects and they tend to blink less frequently.
Over time, this can cause tiredness, dryness, irritation and blurred vision. These symptoms are often linked to digital eye strain.
The issue is particularly relevant as screen use remains high across the UK.
Ofcom’s Online Nation 2025 report, published in December, found that UK adults spend an average of four-and-a-half hours online each day, excluding work-related screen use.
The figure is even higher among 18 to 24-year-olds, who spend around six hours and 20 minutes online daily, with much of that time spent using smartphones.
Following the 20-20-20 rule involves looking at something around 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds.
This could be something simple, such as a tree across the road or the end of a garden.
Looking into the distance allows the eye’s focusing muscles to relax, while the pause can also encourage more blinking and help keep the eye’s surface lubricated.
Mr Kashani said: “Summer is actually a great opportunity to build the habit because we’re outdoors more and there’s always something 20 feet away to look at.
“Set a reminder on your phone if it helps – your eyes will thank you for it.”
The eye specialist also urged people not to ignore ongoing vision problems during the summer, adding:
“If you’re experiencing persistent dryness, discomfort or blurred vision, don’t put it down to screen fatigue and ignore it.
“Get your eyes checked by a professional to make sure there is nothing more serious going on that could ultimately lead to you losing your sight.”
