I'm Myopic, And My Parents Won't Allow Me To Play Videogames

Hi @vibhsingh1234 There is evidence that Myopia can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors, such as extended screen time or daily prolonged near vision activities. There are some statistics that show myopia rates in children and adolescence have doubled since the 1970s…the correlation is thought to be the introduction of cell phones, tablets, video gaming, and the lack of exercising.

However, from looking at scattered articles from credible sources, there’s no definitive answer of yes or no. I’ve posted a few articles for you below.

American Optometric Association:
https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/health-and-wellness/children-device-use-and-myopia?sso=y
American Academy of Opthamology
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/myopia-control-in-children
Studies released by the National Institute of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6120514/
https://www.optometrists.org/childrens-vision/healthy-eyes-for-life-8-ideas-to-teach-children/can-gaming-cause-myopia/#:~:text=Although%20online%20gaming%20has%20become%20a%20popular%2C%20recreational,and%20limit%20their%20exposure%20as%20much%20as%20possible.
Are you on your phone or larger screen? It can make a difference with the distance you are from the screen. Visual stress can be caused by spending too much time doing up-close activities, such as reading or doing computer work. Eye experts believe that your focusing muscles may get stuck in “near gear” from overusing them this way. As a student you spend countless hours on the computer or phone as well. The differnce with a video game is the amount of concentration required without distraction. So your eyes are always in ‘near focus’ activity mode and that is where the problem can come into focus…pun intended.

I don’t think I’m helping your cause any because your parents might be valid in their concerns. However, you sound very reasonable and responsible about limiting your game time and trying to find a balance. With a diopter level of 7.0, you’re already very nearsighted so I’m sure they’re concerned for further progression. How old where you when you got your first pair of glasses?

I use a 24-inch curved monitor, with a distance of 20 inches between my eyes and the monitor. I do not play games on my phone. I was in second grade when I got my first pair of glasses.

Sounds like a great gaming setup! I’ve given you some articles to read about the possibility of myopia being linked with video gaming. But it can also genetic and from any close up work we do. Some people never have issues.

I’ve had glasses since 2nd grade as well. I’m much older than you are and went all the way through my education without a computer. Yes, I’m ‘that’ old.
But where I’m going with this, is that I’m seriously near-sighted too and that was with no gaming exposure. I am a very avid reader, artist and do a lot of ‘near-work’. I can tell when I’m overworked because my eyes are fatigued and if I look up, my vision is blurry.

However my eye doctors throughout my life have encouraged me with the same advice as you mentioned in your previous reply with the 20/20 rule. If I follow that, I don’t have the eye fatigue or blurry vision. My eyes leveled out around the age of 20 and then have actually improved as I age even though I still spend time reading and on the laptop.

To me it sounds as though you’re mindful of the situation and hopefully can strike some accord with your parents so that you don’t have to totally give up gaming. Myopia can happen with or without computer exposure. But some caution needs to be exercised with not spending too much time at the screen.

The best source would be your eye doctor. Have you asked them?