What makes it different from a normal timer
A normal timer tells you when to stop. Near-Far Focus tells you what to do during the pause: look at
the near target, then look past the screen to a real object farther away. The cue is simple enough to
use during a workday and flexible enough for different desks, rooms, and lighting conditions.
Keep the exercise comfortable. Do not force sharp focusing, hold your breath, or strain to find an
exact distance. The useful habit is noticing when your gaze has been fixed and giving it a short,
deliberate change.
1. Pick a far object
Before starting, choose something beyond the screen: a window view, shelf, wall art, or doorway.
2. Follow the cue
When the app says Near, look at the target. When it says Far, shift to the object you chose.
3. Stay relaxed
Keep your head still if comfortable, blink naturally, and stop if the exercise feels unpleasant.
Best-fit scenarios
- After long documentation, academic reading, or online course sessions.
- Between design, photo, video, or spreadsheet tasks with close visual detail.
- After coding sessions where your attention stayed on a small area of the screen.
- When a full break is unrealistic but you can spare 45-60 seconds.
Safety and sources
This page describes a general screen break prompt, not clinical vision therapy. If near-far shifting
causes dizziness, pain, nausea, double vision, new blur, or unusual discomfort, stop and seek advice
from a qualified professional when needed.