The effects of video games on the eyes: how can you protect yourself from eye strain?

Vitamins & minerals
Eléonore de Maurissens
Reading time: 3 minutes
De gevolgen van videospelletjes op de ogen: hoe kan je jezelf beschermen tegen oogstress?

Video games are very tempting, but staring at a screen for many hours can have adverse effects on the eyes and lead to eye strain. Fortunately, thanks to a few good habits and easy-to-apply tips, you can protect your eyes from the harmful effects of gaming.


In recent years, the world of video games has seen significant growth, with millions of gamers all over the world. It has been proven that video games can have a beneficial effect on cognition, emotional regulation, and teamwork… But if you stare at a screen for a very long time, gaming can potentially have negative consequences for your vision and eye health.1,2

 

How much time per day are our eyes glued to video games?

Nowadays, more than 7 out of 10 people play video games at least occasionally.3 On average, gaming enthusiasts' eyes are glued to screens for 8 hours and 41 minutes every day, of which 4 hours and 41 minutes are spent gaming! Although many people enjoy gaming on a desktop or laptop computer (32% and 41%), 81% of gamers also play games on their phone!2

More than 7 out of 10 people play video games, but what are the consequences for their eyes and vision?

What are the effects of gaming on vision and the eyes?

Looking at screens too much is not without consequences: it can be detrimental to eye health. Furthermore, when we play video games, we blink less without realizing it, which also affects eye comfort.

These are the most common negative effects of gaming on the eyes:2,4

  • eye fatigue (in 48% of gamers);
  • headaches associated with eye strain (36%);
  • dry eyes (36%);
  • blurred vision (31%).

 

How can you better protect your eyes while gaming?

Here are some good habits to protect your eyes while gaming.5 You can apply them yourself or share them with your friends and family so they can protect their eyes too.

  • Force yourself to blink as much as possible to keep the eye's mucous membrane well hydrated.
  • When looking at a screen, take regular breaks to give your eyes a rest: every 20 minutes, look at a distance of at least 6 meters away for 20 seconds.
  • Maintain good eye hygiene (always remove your makeup at night, avoid irritants and poor-quality makeup, etc.).
  • Ensure your screen brightness is not too intense and make sure the room lighting is roughly the same as your screen.
  • Prefer daily contact lenses over monthly lenses.

Do you sometimes feel your eyes are tired during a gaming session? What are your tips for reducing eye discomfort while gaming? Share your tips on our Facebook and Instagram!

Scientific references

  1. Granic I., Lobel A., & Engels R. C. M. E. (2014). The benefits of playing video games. American Psychologist, 69(1), 66–78. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0034857
  2. American Optometric Association, The effects of gaming and ways to combat eye stress. https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/the-effects-of-gaming-and-ways-to-combat-eye-stress?sso=y
  3. SELL/Médiamétrie study "Les Français et le jeu vidéo", conducted via the internet from September 6 to 27, 2021, based on a sample of 4016 internet users aged 10 and older.
  4. Game Over for Eyes: The Link Between Excessive Gaming and Chronic Dry Eye. Salus University Health.
  5. Safeguarding your sight. Harvard Medical School. February 22, 2011

Product mentioned in this article

VisiQ

Would you like to give your eyes extra support during intensive use? VisiQ is a complete formula for supporting eye health, ideal for prolonged screen use, wearing contact lenses, or exposure to bright light. The formula combines bilberry extract with lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins, and minerals.
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