How Gaming Affects Eye-Health: What Parents and Players Should Know

Did you know that at-home video games are now over 50 years old? However, it wasn’t until the 1990s and 2000s that the gaming industry truly expanded due to advancements in technology. It comes as no surprise, then, that video games are a favorite pastime for kids and adults alike. They offer a fun way to de-stress and can even improve hand-eye coordination and cognitive skills.

But too much screen time comes at a cost, especially when it comes to your vision.

Recent research has highlighted the impact gaming can have on eye health, especially for young, developing eyes. Here’s what every parent and player should know before diving into that next level.

Link Between Screen Time and Eye Problems

The connection between screen time and vision problems is well-documented, especially since kids are spending more time in front of screens than ever before.

Eye Fatigue and Strain

Looking at a digital screen for long periods can put strain on a child’s eye muscles, particularly when the screen is positioned close to their face. Our eyes aren’t designed to focus on near objects for extended periods without breaks. Over time, the muscles involved in close-up eye focus become fatigued, which leads to digital eye strain.

Nearsightedness

Prolonged periods of close-up vision focus on screens can also impair children’s ability to focus on far-away objects. This often leads to nearsightedness (myopia), which can cause problems with academics and visual coordination in children.

Dry Eyes

Screen time also reduces the frequency of blinking, which can lead to dry, irritated eyes. Blinking helps keep the surface of the eye moist and clear. When that reflex slows down, blurry vision and discomfort follow. Even with new technology to help manage dry eye, the effects of gaming and screen time can still occur without proper understanding.

Computer Vision Syndrome

One of the most common screen-related issues is Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). It’s a form of advanced digital eye strain caused by long gaming sessions or poor screen habits. While the name suggests that the syndrome originates from PC gaming, these symptoms can also arise from excessive gaming on consoles and mobile devices. Any activity that requires prolonged focus on a screen can strain your eyes and impair your vision. Here are some CVS symptoms to look out for:

Blurry vision
Eye irritation or soreness/strain
Watery or red eyes
Frequent headaches
Sudden light sensitivity
Neck, back, and shoulder pain

Many of these symptoms build on each other. For example, poor posture during gaming sessions can worsen eye strain, headaches, and muscle pain.

Tips for Parents & Players: How to Instill Healthy Gaming Habits

Video games can have addictive qualities, drawing players in for extended hours of gameplay. The more hours one spends playing, the more likely one is to experience vision-related symptoms. Whether you’re a parent or a frequent gamer yourself, setting boundaries and practicing healthy screen habits can protect your eyes in the long run.

Set Time Limits

One of the best ways to prevent gaming-related eye health problems is to set and enforce time limits. There are two ways to do this: setting a total daily screen time limit or enforcing time limits on specific games.

For children under age five, total screen time should ideally not exceed one hour per day. This limit includes watching television, playing games, and any other digital activities. Older children may want more autonomy over their screen time. In these cases, you can set limits around specific games that require intense focus and contain lots of visual stimulation.

For adults, it’s also essential to create balance. Long gaming sessions can affect your vision and sleep patterns. Consider setting timers or using apps that remind you when it’s time to go screen-free.

Use Blue Light Glasses

Blue light glasses protect your and your little one’s eyes from the harsh blue light that digital screens emit. This is especially important before bedtime, as blue light can interfere with melatonin production and lead to sleep disturbances.

They’re beneficial for gamers who play in the evening or at night. For children, allowing them to pick their own fun frames might encourage regular use. For adults, blue light glasses are available in stylish designs that can easily fit into your daily routine, whether you’re gaming, working, or watching TV.

Encourage Frequent Eye Breaks

The 20-20-20 rule is an excellent guideline for gamers of all ages: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This simple habit allows your eyes to relax and refocus, helping to prevent strain and fatigue.

Encouraging kids to pause for short breaks between game levels or setting a timer to remind yourself can make it easier to stick to this habit. Bonus points if those breaks include getting up and moving around.

Teach Stretches for Better Posture

Many gaming-related eye problems are worsened by poor posture. Slouching or leaning forward toward the screen can put pressure on the neck and shoulders, which in turn increases tension and strain on the eyes.

Teach kids how to sit comfortably with their feet flat on the floor and screens at eye level. Adults can invest in ergonomic chairs or gaming setups that promote better spinal alignment and overall comfort. Make stretching a habit before, during, and after long gaming sessions to relieve muscle tension. Additionally, consider using ergonomic gaming chairs.

Keep Screens at a Proper Distance

Sitting too close to a screen forces your eyes to work harder and can accelerate nearsightedness, especially in kids with developing eyesight. A good guideline is to keep screens at least an arm’s length away from your face.

This applies to computers, tablets, phones, and TVs. Encourage kids to place tablets on a stand rather than holding them close, and position monitors so the top of the screen is at or just below eye level. For adults, check your desk setup and gaming environment to make sure it’s easy on your eyes.

Check for Eye-Health at Looking Glass Optical

At Looking Glass Optical, we’re here to perform in-depth eye exams to screen for gaming-related eye health problems. We’ll address your concerns and educate you on the best gaming/eye health practices to preserve your vision for years to come. Book an appointment with us today!