To prevent dry eyes and back pain, I created a macOS app
In 2019, I experienced eye soreness and back pain for a while because I was constantly working long hours in front of my 16 inch Macbook without any rest. I decided to do something to change that. I’m not a fan of Apple Watch or smartbands. So the first thing I did was looking for some reminder software to remind me to take a break in the App Store, but none of them were smart enough for my needs. I wish the software could automatically tell if I was working, rather than requiring me to manually set an alarm. At the same time, when I go to the bathroom or drink coffee, it can automatically…
In plain words
Eye Monitor is a macOS app that automatically reminds users to take breaks from computer work by detecting mouse and keyboard activity. Rather than requiring manual alarms, it intelligently identifies when someone is actively working and prompts them to rest at appropriate intervals. The app also automatically extends break time when users step away, such as for bathroom breaks or coffee. It was created to help prevent eye strain and back pain associated with prolonged screen time without requiring wearable devices.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
In the maker’s words, at launch
In 2019, I experienced eye soreness and back pain for a while because I was constantly working long hours in front of my 16 inch Macbook without any rest. I decided to do something to change that. I’m not a fan of Apple Watch or smartbands. So the first thing I did was looking for some reminder software to remind me to take a break in the App Store, but none of them were smart enough for my needs. I wish the software could automatically tell if I was working, rather than requiring me to manually set an alarm. At the same time, when I go to the bathroom or drink coffee, it can automatically increase the time I can continue to work afterward. So I created Eye Monitor. Eye Monitor is an automatic reminder tool. It judges whether you are using the computer through the use of the mouse and keyboard. (which means when a user is watching Youtube videos, Eye Monitor will consider it as not using computer. I haven't found a solution yet.) Whenever you use it continuously, your fatigue value will increase, and after a period of rest, your fatigue value will decrease automatically. When your fatigue value reaches the threshold you set, it will trigger a reminder (including the dock icon, status bar, notification, full-screen pop-up window, etc.). After a year of iteration, Eye monitor now has a chart to show your usage of the day. And users now can customize the fatigue threshold, rest duration, reminder interval, reminder style, etc., and even customize the text of the notification (My customized notification text is “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”) or upload your favorite picture as the wallpaper of the full-screen pop-up window.(Not so useful, but I like it.) I like to set the reminder interval very small, like 1 minute, so that when I turn off the reminder, 1 minute later the reminder will reappear again and I will decide to take a break. This software is like a bit of a nagging mom, taking the trouble to remind you to rest. I hope you will like it. Here is the App Store URL: [https://apps.apple.com/cn/app/eye-monitor/id1527031341?l=en&...
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my first app, a Mac menu bar utility to remind you to blink more. any feedback would be much appreciated. or make it your own and share :)
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