It might not come as much of a surprise to learn (or read) that eye sight is very important to a graphic designer. I hear that it is important to other people too, so no matter which category you fall into (I’m sure it would be one or the other), keep reading.
Ok, now take a break.
Where was I ? Oh yes, eye sight. According to my optometrist, there is 20/20/20 rule when it comes to sitting (living) in front of a computer. Every twenty minutes, look twenty feet away for 20 seconds.
Nothing to it. When the big hand hits the four, I look across the room, count to twenty and get back to burning 72dpi typography and bezier curves into my retinas.
This would be easy if I could only remember to look at the clock every twenty minutes. So I found a little application to do the thinking for me. Or is that nagging? Same thing.
FlexTime from Red Sweater
FlexTime from Red Sweater Software lets you set reminders at any interval you choose. They can repeat, or run once, and alert you with pop-ups or sounds. I have it set to alert me every twenty minutes with a ‘ping’ and pop-up message that says ’20 Second Break’. Naturally, you can ignore it, but it will be back. Another twenty minutes and I’m prompted again.
FlexTime, like anything good, is not free although it does come with a 30-day free trial. $18.95 is pretty close to free when you consider that the alternative is pain, weakened eye muscles and glasses. There are alternatives out there, but this is the one that I found to be the best, cheapest and easiest to use.
So far, this is working very well. I have noticed a marked difference in my eyesight, and no longer get that eyeballs-on-fire feeling after screen-staring for several hours. I suppose I could set another alarm to remind me to blink…
This is such a simple Idea. Thanks. I have been trying to do this regularly w/o any luck.
Doing this will also help with long distance focus as well. My Eye doc explained your eyes will get a set focal point if you don’t to this sort of exercise.
Adding powerful antioxidants to your diet
can improve your eye health.
There’s no substitute for the quality of life good vision offers. Adding certain nutrients to your diet every day – either through foods or supplements – can help save your vision. Researchers have linked eye-friendly nutrients such as lutein/zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc to reducing the risk of certain eye diseases, including macular degeneration and cataract formation. Source: AOA”