The 20-20-20 rule is a practical micro-break protocol to reduce digital eye strain: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet (≈6 meters) away for at least 20 seconds. The rationale is straightforward—sustained near focus increases accommodative load, and screen use often lowers blink rate, which can worsen dryness, burning, and gritty sensations. Scheduled breaks help redistribute focusing effort and encourage blinking, supporting tear-film stability. A key nuance: while widely recommended, 20-20-20 is not a guaranteed cure for everyone. Still, research supports the broader strategy that planned breaks can reduce digital eye strain and dry-eye symptoms in many users. The best results come from combining breaks with ergonomics: match screen brightness to room lighting, increase text size, reduce glare, keep the screen slightly below eye level, and avoid excessively dry environments. Contact lens wearers may notice more dryness on screen-heavy days—artificial tears and lens wear-time adjustments can help. If symptoms persist, an eye exam is important because refractive errors, astigmatism, and true dry eye often require targeted management beyond simply “taking breaks.”