eyerest

Eyerest is a term used to describe a deliberate pause in visual activity intended to reduce eye strain from extended screen use. In practice, it can refer to a personal habit, a workplace policy, or a software prompt that reminds users to look away from the screen. There is no formal medical definition or standardized measurement for eyerest, and the term is not widely codified in ophthalmology literature.

Etymology and usage: The word is a compound of eye and rest, and it appears primarily in discussions of digital wellness and ergonomic guidelines. It is used informally in blogs, corporate wellness programs, and technology discussions rather than in peer-reviewed medical sources.

Practices and guidelines: Eyerest recommendations typically involve brief breaks at regular intervals, often aligned with the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object about 20 feet away for around 20 seconds. Breaks may last 15 to 60 seconds and can include blinking, distance focusing, and adjustments to lighting, screen brightness, or posture to alleviate strain.

Technology and adoption: Some monitoring software and device settings incorporate prompts labeled as eyerest or eye-rest reminders, and workplaces may encourage these breaks as part of long-duration tasks or shift schedules.

Evaluation and reception: Micro-breaks are commonly advised to reduce symptoms of digital eye strain, but the evidence varies and user experiences differ. Eyerest remains a loosely defined concept within broader ergonomics and eye-health guidance.

See also: digital eye strain, the 20-20-20 rule, ergonomic design, eye health.