Can video games damage your eyesight?
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Whether you're an enthusiastic gamer yourself or a parent to a child who enjoys video games, you've probably considered the potential consequences that gaming can have on health. One of the main concerns for eye care specialists is the impact of extended periods of gameplay on eyes and vision.
Lentiamo's optometrists delve into the effects of prolonged screen usage on the eyes during gaming. Additionally, we'll explain how screen usage can affect the eyes of adults and children differently. Read more to understand the impact of video games on eyes and discover ways to protect yourself while gaming.
Do video games damage eyesight?
Currently, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that video games can damage eyesight in adults. However, prolonged and uninterrupted screen viewing, including screens used for gaming, is known to lead to temporary eye strain and discomfort.
You might notice eye strain symptoms like dry eyes, fatigue, headaches, and blurred vision during gaming. These symptoms are typically temporary and subside when you take breaks or finish playing.
Video games and children's vision
When studying the effects of video games on children's vision specifically, a 2019 study found that children engaging in daily video game sessions of 30 minutes or more experience a higher incidence of eye strain symptoms compared to those with less screen time.1
This aligns with broader research connecting screentime to negative symptoms such as blurred vision, headaches, and discomfort. The study emphasises the negative impact of prolonged screen use, especially in the context of video gaming. It calls for further research to differentiate these effects, highlighting the growing concerns about screen time causing myopia in children. Promoting healthy gaming habits becomes crucial for their visual well-being.
Effects of video games on the eyes
As stated above, extended periods of video game play can lead to a range of eye-related issues, impacting not only the physical state of the eyes but also visual perception. Here's an explanation of some of the potential effects:
Computer vision syndrome
Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a broad term used to describe a range of eye and vision problems resulting from prolonged screen use. Whether you're playing video games on computer monitors, mobile phones, consoles, or other digital devices, you may experience CVS. This is often colloquially referred to as "video game vision."
Symptoms can include eyestrain, blurred vision, headaches, dry eyes, shoulder and neck pain, and beyond.
Eye irritation
Because we tend to blink less frequently when looking at screens, eyes can become dry and prone to irritation. Dry eyes can manifest as red eyes, itching, or a stinging sensation while or after playing video games.
If you spend long hours in front of screens, taking breaks to rest your eyes and using eye drops can help reduce or prevent eye irritation. This can be particularly beneficial for contact lens wearers whose contacts might get dry quickly.
Pain
Your eyes might hurt when playing video games for a number of reasons, mainly digital eye strain or overuse of the eye muscles. This discomfort can be exacerbated if your monitor is not optimally positioned, your surroundings are too dark, or the screen brightness is too high.
Additionally, inadequate lighting conditions and extended periods of gameplay without breaks contribute to eye strain.
Problem focusing
Extended periods of playing video games or engaging in activities that demand prolonged concentration on a screen can lead to eye strain. This potentially causes symptoms like eye fatigue, blurred vision, and difficulty maintaining focus.
Eye focus problems during gaming can also indicate an undiagnosed eye condition. It's important to contact your optometrist or eye care provider if you notice any changes in your vision.
Blue light and video games
While there is ongoing debate about the long-term consequences of blue light exposure for the eyes, research suggests that video games before sleep can result in poor sleep quality, and fatigue that may affect cognitive and behavioural activities after waking. This was found to be true for all age groups.
Incorporating protective measures against blue light exposure is essential when gaming, especially at nighttime.
How to protect your eyes while gaming?
Enhancing your gaming experience goes beyond just mastering the controls — protecting your eyes is crucial. Here are some essential practices you can implement during screen usage:
- 20-20-20 break rule: One of the most important practices is every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, focusing on something 20 feet away (approx. six metres) to prevent eye fatigue.
- Ergonomic setup: For computer gaming, keep monitor at eye level. It should be positioned at a comfortable viewing distance of 50 and 80 centimetres. Remember to sit in a comfortable position to support good posture.
- Gaming eyewear: Wear glasses or special gaming glasses with anti-reflective coatings to reduce excess reflections from screens.
- Optimise lighting: Avoid gaming in a dark room and position lighting to prevent excess reflections on screens.
- Eye care products: Use lubricating eye drops to keep eyes from drying out and promote comfort.
- Display settings: Adjust the brightness and contrast of your screen to a comfortable level.
- Filters: Use a screen filter or blue light glasses to reduce blue light during play.
Frequently asked questions
Can video games help improve my eyesight?
Interestingly, studies have shown that playing certain action-based video games can improve peripheral vision, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity (the ability to perceive sharp outlines between small objects and between light and dark shades).3 While video games are not designed specifically to improve sight, this research proves promising for further examination and use.
Is eye strain permanent?
Symptoms of eye strain such as discomfort, dryness, fatigue, headache, and blurred vision, are typically temporary conditions and not considered permanent. Eye strain is usually caused by prolonged or intense use of the eyes. It can result from activities such as extended periods of screen time, reading, or other visually demanding activities.
How many hours of video games is too much?
Lentiamo optometrist Kristýna Koncová suggests 2-4 hours of video games is generally considered acceptable for an adult. However, the ideal duration varies among individuals. Factors to consider include one's amount of total daily screen time, and general health and mental condition. Frequent breaks, gaming with adequate lighting, and having proper seat and monitor positioning also prevent eye strain.
Closing thoughts from Lentiamo
Although there are no definitive indications that video games permanently harm our eyes, it's crucial we don't overlook temporary issues such as eye strain and discomfort.
Remember to take frequent breaks using the 20-20-20 rule, and always consult your eye care specialist with questions regarding your gaming habits and vision. Prioritising our eye health can help us enjoy gaming comfortably.
Read more
- How too much screen time affects your children's eyes
- Tips to prevent tired eyes
- Everything about digital eye strain and computer vision syndrome
Sources
1. Frontiers in Public Health, The Impact of Internet and Videogaming Addiction on Adolescent Vision: A Review of the Literature
2. National Library of Medicine, Exposure to video games: effects on sleep and on post-sleep cognitive abilities. A sistematic review of experimental evidences
3. National Institute of Health, Carrot sticks or joysticks: video games improve vision
