EFFECTIVENESS OF EYEBLINK SOFTWARE AND 20-20-20 RULE IN COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71000/tev3sx39Keywords:
Computer vision syndrome, 20-20-20 rule, Eyeblink software, Digital Eye Strain, Eye Exercises, Screen Time, Visual Fatigue,Abstract
Background: Computer vision syndrome (CVS), also known as digital eye strain, is a growing visual health concern resulting from prolonged exposure to digital screens, including computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. The condition manifests as a cluster of ocular and visual symptoms that impair productivity, comfort, and overall visual performance. With increasing digital dependency across all age groups, preventive and corrective strategies have become essential to mitigate the burden of CVS in routine screen users.
Objective: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of Eyeblink software and the 20-20-20 rule in reducing symptoms of computer vision syndrome among young computer users.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at The University of Faisalabad, with participants recruited from the University of Engineering and Technology Lahore. A total of 50 individuals aged 15–30 years with mild to moderate CVS (scores 6–18) were enrolled. Following informed consent, participants were divided into two equal groups. Group 1 received verbal instructions on the 20-20-20 rule, whereas Group 2 installed Eyeblink software and received training for its use. The validated CVS questionnaire was administered at baseline and at two follow-up visits, each spaced 15 days apart. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25 to compare changes within and between groups.
Results: At baseline, 37 participants (74%) exhibited mild CVS and 13 (26%) had moderate CVS. At the first follow-up, no participants remained in the moderate category, with 31 (62%) showing mild and 19 (38%) showing no CVS. At the second follow-up, 19 participants (38%) had mild CVS, whereas 31 (62%) demonstrated complete improvement. Significant between-group differences were found at both follow-ups (p = 0.043 and p = 0.000), with Eyeblink software showing superior effectiveness compared with the 20-20-20 rule.
Conclusion: Both interventions decreased CVS symptoms; however, Eyeblink software demonstrated a more substantial and consistent reduction, highlighting its usefulness as a digital tool for managing computer vision syndrome.
References
Cantó-Sancho N, Ronda E, Cabrero-García J, Casati S, Carta A, Porru S, et al. Rasch-Validated Italian Scale for Diagnosing Digital Eye Strain: The Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire IT©. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(8).
Ccami-Bernal F, Soriano-Moreno DR, Romero-Robles MA, Barriga-Chambi F, Tuco KG, Castro-Diaz SD, et al. Prevalence of computer vision syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Optom. 2024;17(1):100482.
Ortiz-Toquero S, Sanchez I, Serrano A, Martin R. Prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome and Its Risk Factors in a Spanish University Population. Eye Contact Lens. 2024;50(8):333-41.
Bhattacharya S, Heidler P, Saleem SM, Marzo RR. Let There Be Light-Digital Eye Strain (DES) in Children as a Shadow Pandemic in the Era of COVID-19: A Mini Review. Front Public Health. 2022;10:945082.
Singh S, McGuinness MB, Anderson AJ, Downie LE. Interventions for the Management of Computer Vision Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Ophthalmology. 2022;129(10):1192-215.
Alabdulkader B. Effect of digital device use during COVID-19 on digital eye strain. Clin Exp Optom. 2021;104(6):698-704.
Auffret É, Gomart G, Bourcier T, Gaucher D, Speeg-Schatz C, Sauer A. [Digital eye strain. Symptoms, prevalence, pathophysiology, and management]. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2021;44(10):1605-10.
Mataftsi A, Seliniotaki AK, Moutzouri S, Prousali E, Darusman KR, Adio AO, et al. Digital eye strain in young screen users: A systematic review. Prev Med. 2023;170:107493.
Chowdhury B, Abid M, Kumar P, Ramraika D. Digital Eye Strain and Associated Risk Factors among Medical Science Students of North India. Indian J Public Health. 2025;69(3):267-72.
Seguí-Crespo M, Cantó-Sancho N, Sánchez-Brau M, Davó-Blanes MC, Martínez JM, Caballero P, et al. [CVS-Q teen©: computer vision syndrome in adolescents and its relationship with digital textbooks]. Gac Sanit. 2023;37:102264.
Pavel IA, Bogdanici CM, Donica VC, Anton N, Savu B, Chiriac CP, et al. Computer Vision Syndrome: An Ophthalmic Pathology of the Modern Era. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023;59(2).
Zalat MM, Amer SM, Wassif GA, El Tarhouny SA, Mansour TM. Computer vision syndrome, visual ergonomics and amelioration among staff members in a Saudi medical college. Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2022;28(2):1033-41.
Galindo-Romero C, Rodríguez-Zamora CL, García-Ayuso D, Di Pierdomenico J, Valiente-Soriano FJ. Computer vision syndrome-related symptoms in presbyopic computer workers. Int Ophthalmol. 2023;43(9):3237-45.
Boadi-Kusi SB, Adueming PO, Hammond FA, Antiri EO. Computer vision syndrome and its associated ergonomic factors among bank workers. Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2022;28(2):1219-26.
Sengo DB, da Deolinda Bernardo Pica A, Dos Santos I, Mate LM, Mazuze AN, Caballero P, et al. Computer vision syndrome and associated factors in university students and teachers in Nampula, Mozambique. BMC Ophthalmol. 2023;23(1):508.
Abed Alah M, Abdeen S, Selim N, AlDahnaim L, Bougmiza I. Computer vision syndrome among students during remote learning periods: harnessing digital solutions for clear vision. Front Public Health. 2023;11:1273886.
Vera J, Redondo B, Ortega-Sanchez A, Molina-Molina A, Molina R, Rosenfield M, et al. Blue-blocking filters do not alleviate signs and symptoms of digital eye strain. Clin Exp Optom. 2023;106(1):85-90.
Hecht KA, Marwah M, Wood V, Nishida Y, Bach AE, Gerson J, et al. Astaxanthin (AstaReal(®)) Improved Acute and Chronic Digital Eye Strain in Children: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. Adv Ther. 2025;42(4):1811-33.
Shaukat T, Nasir MA, Shayyan M, Fatima N, Saleem M, Mehmood K. IMPACT OF DIFFERENT YOGA OCULAR EXERCISES ON EYE HEALTH AMONG INDOOR WORKERS. Journal of Medical & Health Sciences Review. 2025;2(3).
Shahzad I, Siddiqui S, Jan U, Shaukat T, Bashir MS. THE EFFECT OF OMEGA 3 SUPPLEMENTS IN COMPARISON WITH WARM COMPRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH DRY EYE DISEASE. Insights J Life Soc Sci. 2025;3(2):1-6.
Talens-Estarelles C, Cerviño A, García-Lázaro S, Fogelton A, Sheppard A, Wolffsohn JS. The effects of breaks on digital eye strain, dry eye and binocular vision: Testing the 20-20-20 rule. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye. 2023;46(2):101744.
Suganthirababu P, Kumaresan A, Srinivasan V, Vishnuram S, Priyadharshini K. The Role of Specific Eye Care Exercise Combined with 0-20-20 Vision Rule in Managing Computer Vision Syndrome among Computer Users. Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy. 2024;18.
Zhuang A, Sitepu BRE. Effect of Eye Exercises on Computer Vision Syndrome among Medical Students of Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia. International Journal of Integrated Health Sciences. 2023;11(1):37-41.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Nimra, Sumaira Shakoor, Izma Mamoon, Sumaira Qadeer, Mahnoor, Azhar Abbas (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.





