In an era dominated by screens and digital interfaces, the impact of technology on our vision has become a growing concern.
According to the latest Australia Plays 2023 report by the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association and Bond University, an astounding 81 percent of Aussies play video games, up 21 percent since 2021.
Although optometrists continue to warn of a global myopia pandemic, which will see half of the world population suffering from shortsightedness by 2050, it seems gaming might not be the visual villain it's often portrayed to be with many elite gamers found to possess top-tier visual processing skills.
“While prolonged screen time is associated with deteriorating visual acuity and a major contributor to the rising rates of myopia, especially in young people, there’s an intricate relationship between gaming and visual processing that does exist.
In this digitally driven world, it would be remiss to not take into consideration the changing landscape of visual health and how it’s possible to strike a balance between the benefits of gaming and the wellbeing of our eyes,” said Dom Willson, optometrist and Professional Services Advisor at Optometry Australia.
Vision-based benefits that may exist for gamers
A study conducted by the University of Rochester found that contrast sensitivity function, a supportive aspect of visual acuity, appears to receive a significant boost in those who regularly engage in action-based video games.
“Contrast sensitivity function describes how well you see in low contrast or low light situations, like a dimly lit room, a thick fog or just simply at nighttime.”
With gamers exposed to continuous visual training, which demands rapid and accurate identification of elements in complex environments, the high-level attention and perceptual skills required for successful game play may further contribute to enhanced contrast sensitivity.
Gaming is also believed to induce neuroplastic changes in the brain, leading to adaptations in visual processing areas and contributing to heightened contrast sensitivity.
How to enjoy gaming without compromising ocular health
While the contrast sensitivity advantage adds a positive twist to the gaming and eyesight narrative, excessive gaming, much like other prolonged screen time, can have detrimental effects on ocular health which includes an increased risk of developing myopia and various other eye conditions like eye fatigue and loss of focus flexibility.
“One of the biggest problems born of gaming culture is that every hour spent in front of a screen is an hour NOT being spent outside. The screen itself is not the root of the problem as such; it's the negative impact that excessive digital device use is having on beneficial outdoor time.”
Here are some ways excessive gaming can adversely impact eye health:
- Reduced blinking during screen time or gaming can lead to dry eyes, causing soreness and irritation. Normally, our eyes blink around 12 times per minute, but this drops to a mere five times per minute when engrossed in gaming
- Prolonged focus on a screen at a fixed distance during gaming may cause the eyes to become strained and fatigued, and to then perform below their best afterwards when undertaking other visually demanding activities such as reading or driving.
“We encourage gamers to take frequent screen-free breaks to refresh their eyes as well as ensuring their gaming environment is equipped with optimal lighting and ergonomics. Staying hydrated is also a key player in maintaining overall eye health, at the screen and away from it.”
Tips on maintaining good eyesight in a digital world
- It is recommended that every Australian, from the time they start primary school, pay their optometrist a visit – yearly during the school years, every two years as an adult, and then yearly again after turning 65, for a comprehensive eye examination
- Balance your screen time by incorporating plenty of "green time” into your day and diversifying activities to reduce eye strain; getting outside is also one of the best ways to combat myopia
- Consume a diet rich in eye-friendly nutrients, including lutein, zinc, vitamins A, C and E as well as omega-3 fatty acids for optimal ocular health
- Engage in regular physical activity to promote good circulation, which benefits the eyes
- Ensure an adequate amount of quality sleep to support overall health, including that of your eyes
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