Video Gamers Give Your Eyes TLC!

20Mar 2019 by Dr. Peck

American Optometric Association Encourages Video Gamers to Give Their Eyes a Break

ST. LOUIS—With Save Your Vision Month (March), and the popularity of video games and competitive gaming rising, the American Optometric Association(AOA) has issued a reminder to all video gamers about the importance of healthy eyes. Whether battling a computer opponent or Player Two, one way to land a higher score is by incorporating the 20-20-20 rule: giving your eyes a 20-second rest every 20 minutes to view something 20 feet away, the Association said. The AOA’s 2017 American Eye-Q survey revealed that 41 percent of Americans spends more than four hours a week playing video games.

Staring at digital devices can lead to digital eye strain, sleep problems, blurred vision, headaches and neck and shoulder pain, among others. Yet, only 21 percent of the survey’s respondents talked to an eye health professional about the amount of time spent playing video games.

“Those who spend excessive time in front of screens may experience physical discomfort, like the one third of gamers who reported headaches or blurry vision in our survey,” said Christopher J. Quinn, OD, AOA president. “Save Your Vision Month is the perfect time to prioritize eye health by practicing the 20-20-20 rule.”

In addition to encouraging players to discuss game usage with an optometrist, the AOA is sharing some tips on how to help ease eye discomfort. Actions such as incorporating the 20-20-20 rule, positioning yourself so you have a comfortable working distance from the device, and reducing the glare by adjusting device setting can make a difference.

Check out this infographic with some stats from the American Eye Q survey.

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