Ögonvila

Ögonvila is a Swedish term describing the intentional rest of the eyes during prolonged visual tasks, with the aim of reducing eye strain and fatigue. It is not a disease or medical diagnosis, but a practical measure often recommended in ergonomics, education, and occupational health. The concept is commonly linked to digital eye strain, which can arise from extended screen time, glare, poor lighting, and small text.

Practices associated with ögonvila include taking regular breaks from near work, such as the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes look at an object about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Other strategies involve creating an environment with adequate, evenly distributed lighting, minimizing screen glare, maintaining a comfortable screen distance and font size, and ensuring regular blinking. For some people, artificial tears or lubricating eye drops may help manage dryness, a common contributor to discomfort.

In workplaces and schools, ögonvila is often embedded in broader ergonomics and eye-health recommendations and may be advised by optometrists or occupational health professionals as part of preventing headaches, blurred vision, and fatigue associated with long periods of close focusing or screen use. It is important to distinguish ögonvila from medical conditions; if visual symptoms persist despite rest breaks, evaluation by a health professional is advised, as underlying issues such as refractive errors, dry eye syndrome, or other ocular problems may be present.