Is screen time affecting your eye health?

Digital eye strain: Screen time and gaming are on the rise, which can have long-term implications for eye health

Americans are spending more time on looking at screens than ever before and it’s leading to a substantial increase in eye- and vision-related issues, according to the American Optometric Association.

“Using technology has many benefits, but it should be used responsibly,” the American Optometric Association wrote in a release. “With screen time on the rise from the popularity of things like gaming, streaming, remote work, and digital learning, so is the risk of screen-related eye issues.”

The American Optometric Association shared these facts:

  • The average American spends about 7 hours and 4 minutes looking at a screen every day, and workers are averaging over 13 hours a day on the computer, either in the office or working from home.
  • When it comes to children ages 8-12, they average 4-6 hours every day watching or using screens and adolescents between the ages of 12-13 spend about 8 hours on screens daily.
  • There are more than 227 million Americans who regularly play video games and according to AOA’s Gamer Survey results those gamers spend an average of 8 hours a day on screens and have experienced various eye-related symptoms from gaming including eye strain, headaches, dry eyes and blurred vision.

There is a new partnership trying to put a spotlight on the issue and offer solutions. The Screen Time Alliance is a collaboration between a professional eye health association and gaming industry companies to educate gamers, and all screen time users, about the importance of healthy screen time.

Dr. Jason Compton, a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA), who is also a gamer himself, appeared on KPRC 2+ to discuss the long term impacts of so much screen time and share how to keep your eyes safe.

For his insights, watch the interview in the the video player at the top of the page.