Screen Pause
This app helps protect your eyes from digital strain using the popular 20-20-20 rule.
Overview
Screen Pause is a macOS menu bar app designed to protect your eyes from digital strain by implementing the scientifically-backed 20-20-20 rule. This simple yet effective approach recommends that for every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen, you should look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Whether you're a developer, designer, writer, or anyone who spends extended periods in front of a computer, Screen Pause helps you maintain healthy eye habits throughout your workday.
Key Features
Protect Your Eye Health
Follow the 20-20-20 rule effortlessly. Screen Pause automatically tracks your screen time and reminds you to take regular breaks, helping reduce eye strain, dry eyes, and fatigue that comes from prolonged screen use.
By taking short, frequent breaks, you'll not only protect your vision but also improve focus and productivity throughout the day.
Full-Screen Break Reminders
Enable full-screen alerts for break times that you simply can't miss. When your break interval arrives, Screen Pause can display a full-screen overlay that gently but firmly reminds you to rest your eyes.
This feature is perfect for users who tend to ignore subtle notifications and need a more assertive reminder to step away from their screen.
Smart Notifications
Receive native macOS notifications when it's time for a break.
You can easily dismiss or snooze notifications if you're in the middle of an important task, giving you flexibility while still maintaining your eye health routine.
Fully Customizable
Screen Pause adapts to your workflow. Open the preferences from the menu bar icon to customize:
- Work Interval: Set how long you want to work before a break (default: 20 minutes)
- Break Duration: Choose how long your breaks should last (default: 20 seconds)
- Notification Style: Toggle between system notifications and full-screen alerts
- Launch at Login: Automatically start Screen Pause when you log in to your Mac
Technical Details
Screen Pause is built natively for macOS using Swift and AppKit, ensuring optimal performance and battery efficiency. The app sits quietly in your menu bar, using minimal system resources while keeping track of your screen time.
Why the 20-20-20 Rule?
The 20-20-20 rule is recommended by optometrists and eye care professionals worldwide as an effective way to reduce digital eye strain. When you look at a screen for extended periods, your eye muscles become fatigued from maintaining focus at the same distance.
Taking regular breaks allows your eye muscles to relax and refocus, reducing strain and preventing long-term damage. Screen Pause makes it effortless to follow this proven technique.
Privacy & Data
Your privacy is important to me. Screen Pause does not collect, store, or transmit any personal data. All settings are stored locally on your device.
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