20-20 Timer

20-20 Timer is a small software application designed by AFM to alleviate the symptoms of eye strain associated with the continued use of a computer monitor. Eye strain can so easily lead to headaches and migraine attacks, which apart from being extremely unpleasant for the person suffering; can also have a major impact on business productivity.

20-20 Timer is in the final stages of development and will be available to purchase online from this page in the near future.

Why 20-20?

Our working environment is now almost totally dominated by the use of PCs, Laptops and other Display Screen Equipment (DSE). Whilst they are necessary tools which we take for granted, they can if used incorrectly, cause health problems. International research suggests screen-based work can have short-term but potentially serious effects on health and eyesight. If you are one of the UKs over 5.5 million Display Screen Equipment users you could be at real of risk of anything from blurred vision or a VDE-induced headache to a VDE-induced accident.

An HSE spokeswoman giving the Health and Safety Executive's position pointed out that, "There is scientific evidence that VDU work does not cause permanent eye damage…Studies have examined the incidence and prevalence of eye dysfunction and disease in connection with VDU use. These studies did not demonstrate any links… though they did confirm the well known problem of temporary visual fatigue."

So, VDUs don't permanently damage your eyes. But how about combating the “problem of temporary visual fatigue”? Problems caused by screen-based work are reversible occupational health problems. Some simple preventative steps can be taken to minimise risk and discomfort, including good posture, correct positioning of equipment, correct lighting and taking frequent breaks.

How 20-20 Can Help You

During the day it is important for you to rest your eyes as much as possible. You need to get into the practice of looking away from the screen at a distant object. This will rest the eye muscles and help reduce fatigue and avoid eyestrain, tiredness, stress, headache and sore eyes. 20-20 helps you do this. It is easy to get caught up in what you are doing and loose track of time. 20-20 will remind you every 20 minutes to take those 20 seconds and look into the distance. Another of the main problems for DSE users is the fact that due to constantly having to look at the screen, the rate at which your eyes blink is vastly reduced. This causes dry and tired eyes and can even cause headaches. When 20-20 reminds you to look away from the screen make a conscious effort to blink several times, it may sound silly, but it certainly will help to reduce tiredness and dryness of your eyes. Blinking causes natural secretion around the eyes and keeps them lubricated.

20-20 is an effective and inexpensive tool to help you look after yourself, and your employees, while working with Display Screen Equipment.

Further Help

By the year 2000, nearly 75% of all UK workers will be sitting in front of a computer screen several hours a day. Computer eyestrain is as debilitating to workers and companies as carpel-tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries are. If you work at a computer for more than three hours a day you are likely to have symptoms of eye strain. Below are a few more ways one can avoid problems attributed to using computers:-

• Position screen so light doesn't bounce off and create a glare. You can also put an antiglare shield on the screen.
• Turn up the contrast to minimize strain on your eyes.
• Light your work area well. Use full spectrum bulbs. They duplicate natural sunlight and are easier on the eyes.
• Keep brightest lights over to the side if possible. Turn off overhead lighting. Close blinds so that sunlight doesn't glare on your screen.
• Don't forget to blink. Blinking keeps eyes moistened.
• Position your monitor 18 to 30 inches (45 to 75 cm) from your eyes.
• Keep screen clean and properly focused.
• Take frequent "eye breaks". Take a 20 second break every 20 minutes and just stare into the distance. Keep your eyes off the screen.
• Rest your eyes by covering them with your palms. Keep them in complete darkness for a minute.
• Keep frequently used paper documents in a holder that attaches to the monitor. This keeps your eyes from having to move up and down.
• Adjust your glasses or contacts for the computer. Sometimes your prescription may not be suitable for computer work.
• Keep your keyboard positioned directly in front of monitor.
• Get up and move around at least every two hours. It gives your eyes a break, as well as the rest of your body.