What the Pokémon GO craze means for our eye health

When optometrists recommended kids getting outside more as a way to improve eye health, they likely hadn’t factored Pokémon GO into the solution. Now, both children and adults are increasing the time they’re spending outdoors but they’re taking their video game screens with them.

The concept behind the digital game, Pokémon GO, that’s captured the world by storm is quite simple, really. Users track down Pokémon characters within their city using the app’s GPS technology, then catch them once they appear on the screen.

While there’s no harm in having a little bit of Pokémon fun, people often overlook the short and long term effects of prolonged screen time; this includes:

Digital Eye Strain (short-term) – staring at digital screens too long takes a physical toll on our eyes which results in the feeling of eye dryness and discomfort, and can also cause headaches.

Myopia/Nearsightedness (long-term) – recent studies suggest that 50 per cent of the population (five billion people) will develop Myopia by 2050. Myopia, or nearsightedness, can be caused by increased exposure and use of digital devices, such as cell phones, televisions, and computers. Over time, our ability to see objects in the distance decreases because our eye muscles become overworked focusing on objects in close proximity.

Like most things in life, screen time should be enjoyed in moderation. When looking at a digital device, make sure to look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes- also known as the 20-20-20 rule. To maintain good eye health, embrace regular exposure to the real –Pokémon free- world in front of your eyes, in addition to booking regular appointments with one of our Doctors of Optometry.