Video Games and Vision
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Nearsightedness
- Computer Vision Syndrome
What is Computer Vision Syndrome?
- Eyestrain
- Headaches
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
Protecting against CVS
- Glare: Reduce screen glare (lower or turn off other light sources in the room, or angle your screen so that glare is diminished)
- Consider the 20/20/20 rule: This is where you step away from your game every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Eye protection: You could get a glare-reducing cover for your screens or invest in some sunglasses or eye-protecting glasses with an anti-reflective coating. Speak to your optometrist or where you have your regular eye exams. They will be able to advise you on the best options for eye protection and may be able to point you in the direction of special eyewear, such as contact lenses or customized eyeglasses that block blue light.
- Position improvements: If you are playing games on a laptop, you need to ensure that the screen is at eye level. If you are more likely to be playing a console game, you should aim to sit between six and ten feet from the television. Put simply, you should never have to tilt your head or lean forward to play.