Eye care professionals may need to ask patients complaining about digital eye strain for specifics on screen time, with a new study finding that gaming suppresses blink reflexes far more than passive video watching.
The Chinese study asked 21 adults to complete six separate two-hour smartphone sessions, either video viewing or gaming at 20 cm, 30 cm, and 40 cm.1 Blink behaviour was recorded using the front-facing camera.
Comprehensive assessments of the ocular surface revealed that the intensive smartphone use exacerbated subjective symptoms of digital eye strain, reduced visual function, and impaired tear film stability.
Gaming and near-distance viewing were associated with greater symptom aggravation, visual impairment, and tear film instability within the same participants.
Study authors said that blink frequency rose progressively during video viewing but stayed suppressed during gaming. As well, the incomplete blink rate was far higher with gaming than video viewing.
Gaming and near-distance viewing were associated with greater symptom aggravation, visual impairment, and tear film instability within the same participants.
Reference
- Chen Z, Cheng Z, Chen W, et al. Ocular surface damage and blink dynamics associated with high-intensity smartphone use. Ocul Surf. 2026 Aug 16;42:184-191. doi: 10.1016/j.jtos.2026.08.004.
