Eye Break Timer
A configurable 20-20-20 or Pomodoro-style timer that reminds you to rest your eyes.
When we concentrate on a screen, we blink much less often and keep our focus locked at one close distance for long periods. This is a major reason for tired, dry and sore eyes at the end of a working day, a set of symptoms known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. Regular short breaks are one of the simplest and most widely recommended remedies, but they are easy to forget once you are absorbed in work.
This timer reminds you for you. In 20-20-20 mode, it prompts you every 20 minutes to look at something at least 6 metres (20 feet) away for 20 seconds. In Pomodoro-style mode, you set a focused work block, for example 25 or 50 minutes, followed by a longer break in which you can stand up, move and do a short eye routine. You can adjust the intervals, enable desktop notifications so the reminder appears even when the browser tab is in the background, and choose whether a gentle sound plays.
Breaks improve comfort; they do not correct vision or treat eye disease. If your eyes stay uncomfortable despite regular breaks, consider an eye examination, as uncorrected refractive errors or dry eye may be involved. Learn more in our article on the 20-20-20 rule.
How to use
- Choose a mode: 20-20-20 for frequent micro-breaks, or Pomodoro-style for longer work blocks and breaks.
- Adjust the work interval and break length if the defaults do not suit you.
- Allow desktop notifications when your browser asks, so reminders appear while you work in other windows.
- Switch the sound on or off depending on your environment.
- Start the timer and keep the tab open; at each reminder, look into the distance, blink fully and relax.
- In longer breaks, stand up, move around or try a short program such as quick reset.
Reading your result
There is no score: success means taking breaks consistently. After one or two weeks, notice whether your eyes feel less tired, dry or heavy in the afternoon. Many people find that the regular reminder also helps with posture and concentration.
If symptoms such as blurred vision, headaches, double vision or burning eyes continue despite regular breaks, a good screen setup and adequate lighting, book an eye examination. Your glasses may need updating, or you may benefit from treatment for dry eye. Red flags such as eye pain, sudden blurred vision or flashes of light are never screen fatigue and need prompt medical attention.
Caution: A comfort and habit tool, not a treatment. Notifications depend on your browser and device settings and may not appear if the tab is closed or the device is asleep.
Frequently asked questions
Why 20 feet for 20 seconds?
Looking at something about 6 metres away lets the focusing muscles relax, and around 20 seconds is long enough for them to do so. The numbers are an easy-to-remember guideline rather than an exact scientific threshold.
Why don't I get notifications?
Check that you allowed notifications for this site in your browser, that focus or do-not-disturb mode is off, and that the tab stays open.
Is a Pomodoro break enough for my eyes?
Long work blocks without looking away can still tire the eyes. Combining Pomodoro breaks with brief 20-20-20 glances gives the best comfort.