Key takeaways about sitting close to a TV and vision damage:

• Sitting close to a TV does not cause permanent vision damage. The idea that it does is a myth rooted in a 1960s manufacturing error in which certain TVs emitted radiation.
• Smartphones and computers are a greater threat to your eye health than TVs. Prolonged near-work activities on phones and computers can cause the eyeball to elongate over time, increasing the risk of developing myopia.
• Taking regular breaks, blinking frequently, adjusting screen brightness, and using computer/blue light glasses are easy ways to keep your eyes healthy in a screen-heavy world.

“Don’t sit too close to the TV, you’ll go cross-eyed!”

Does this sound familiar?

For decades, adults have told their children to move away from the TV screen to stop vision damage, but does this advice really have any scientific basis?

As screens have become a bigger part of daily life, from TVs to tablets to smartphones, it’s worth taking a closer look at where this idea came from and whether sitting too close to a screen can lead to vision damage.

Can sitting close to a TV cause vision damage?

Although your adult figures meant well, the reality is that sitting too close to a TV screen doesn’t cause long-term vision damage.

The truth is that focusing on anything up close for an extended period can lead to uncomfortable but temporary effects like eyestrain. When you spend a long time reading, using your phone, or sitting close to a screen, the muscles in your eyes have to work harder to maintain focus.

As a result, you might experience:

• Headaches
• Temporary blurred vision
• Dry or irritated eyes

The good news is that the symptoms often go away once you rest your eyes and give them a break from focusing.

Is your child constantly sitting too close to the TV? It may be time to see an eye doctor

It’s not uncommon for children to sit close to a TV screen. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, children can focus at close distances far more easily than adults. This is often what drives the habit of sitting close to a screen in the first place.

While it may seem concerning, it doesn’t lead to long-term vision damage, and most children outgrow it as they age.

If your child consistently sits very close to the TV screen, it may be an indication that they should be checked for nearsightedness (myopia). Children with myopia often prefer to sit very close to the television or to hold books and devices close to their faces, which makes it easier to focus. If this is the case for someone in your life, it’s a good idea for them to see an eye doctor for an eye exam.

Note: Sitting too close to a screen doesn’t directly cause myopia; it can instead be a sign that the condition is present.

Computer and phone screens cause more vision damage

As it turns out, the real threat to our eye health may not be the TV at all. It’s the smartphones and computers we’re glued to every day.

Research has found that the surge in daily screen time may be reshaping our eyes. Studies show that prolonged near-work activities, like scrolling on a smartphone or staring at a computer for hours, can cause the eyeball to elongate over time.

This physical change increases the risk of developing myopia, as the eye muscles are forced to constantly strain and overcompensate for extended close-distance focus.

Simple ways to prevent vision damage while using a screen 

With screens playing a bigger role in our daily lives than ever before, developing good habits to protect your vision has never been more important.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the following to keep your eyes safe:

• Take consistent breaks and look away from the screen
• Use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist
• Remember to blink frequently
• Keep the brightness of the screen low and try to match the light around you
• Utilize computer glasses, which help your eyes focus

The bottom line about TV screens and vision damage

Sitting too close to the TV is one of those age-old warnings that turns out to be more myth than reality. While extended time in front of a TV can cause temporary discomfort, such as eyestrain, it does not cause permanent vision damage.

However, the real concern for your eye health may be closer than you think. The smartphone in your pocket and the computer on your desk pose a far greater risk to your long-term vision than any TV screen will. But with a few simple habits, like taking regular breaks, adjusting screen brightness, and remembering to blink, you can keep your eyes comfortable and healthy.

Key takeaways about eye protection while playing basketball:

• Basketball has the highest number of sports-related eye injuries compared to any other sport.
• Every athlete, no matter their age, should wear eye protection to preserve their vision and eye health.
• Different sports require different types of eye safety gear. If you’re unsure about the right option, be sure to talk with your coach or eye doctor.

March Madness is officially underway, which means it’s the perfect time to highlight an often-overlooked but important part of the game: eye protection.

Basketball may not be a sport where eye protection is the norm, but adding proper eye gear can make all the difference. This simple step helps safeguard your vision and prevent serious eye injuries.

Eye protection prevents serious harm

Sports-related eye traumas are more common than you may think. According to data from Prevent Blindness, “there were 43,379 sports-related eye injuries treated in the United States in 2024, an increase of 33% from the previous year.”

Prevent Blindness also found that the highest instances of eye injuries occurred in basketball players.

Damage to the eyes can do far more than knock you out of a game. Depending on the severity and nature of the impact, athletes risk long-term vision problems or even permanent loss of sight.

What types of injuries does eye protection prevent?

Sports-related eye injuries range from minor to life-altering. Common traumas to the eyes include:

• Corneal scratches or abrasions
• Optic nerve damage
• Fractures around the orbital bones
• Bruises on eyelids
• Retinal detachments
• Internal bleeding 
• Open globe injuries (a break in the eyewall, which can cause permanent vision loss)

Proper eye protection in sports acts as a crucial physical barrier that shields eyes from high-speed impacts, penetrating injuries, and even harmful UV rays.

Properly fitted, sport-specific eye protection made from impact-resistant polycarbonate materials absorbs and disperses force from balls, pucks, elbows, and sticks, preventing serious trauma. In fact, a study in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery shows that proper eye gear can prevent an estimated 90% of sports-related eye injuries.

How to choose the right eye protection for you

Different sports require specific types of protective eyewear to keep players safe. If you’re unsure what type you need for your sport, consult with your eye doctor or coach to ensure you have the right equipment to stay safe while playing.

For sports like baseball, basketball, softball, racquetball, squash, and mountain biking, safety goggles with polycarbonate lenses are recommended.

When batting in baseball or softball, or playing hockey or tackle football, helmets with attached polycarbonate face shields or face masks are the best options.

Swim safety goggles with polycarbonate lenses offer essential eye protection for water sports such as surfing, water polo, and water skiing.

Certain sports and positions may require specialized eye and face protection beyond standard goggles or helmets. Sports like fencing, lacrosse, paintball, and specific positions like goalie often need additional gear.

Don’t forget to pack eye protection before your next event

Before you head out to your next practice or game, remember to pack eye protection! A simple pair of polycarbonate safety goggles can be the difference between enjoying the game and facing a life-altering injury.

Don’t let an avoidable accident sideline you or your loved ones. Gear up, stay safe, and keep your eyes on the prize on and off the court.

Looking for more information about eye protection? Check out “The importance of eye protection when playing sports”

Key takeaways about contact lens care:

• Proper cleaning removes buildup and helps prevent germs that can lead to eye infections.
• Soft and hard (RGP) contact lenses require different cleaning methods and solutions, so it’s important to use the right products and steps.
• Washing your hands, avoiding water exposure, keeping lens cases clean, and getting regular eye exams all help keep your eyes healthy and your lenses safe to wear.