Whether you’re grinding ranked matches, streaming on Twitch, or immersed in open-world campaigns—gamers rely on sharp, stable vision to stay competitive. But if you wear glasses or contacts, you already know how much they can get in the way. So here’s the big question: can gamers safely get laser eye surgery without compromising their performance?

Short Answer
Yes, gamers can safely undergo laser eye surgery. However, due to the unique visual demands of gaming, certain considerations should be taken into account to ensure optimal outcomes.

Understanding the Gamer’s Visual Demands

Gamers often spend hours focused on screens—whether it’s competitive play, streaming, or immersive campaigns. This extended screen exposure can contribute to specific eye conditions that are becoming more common, particularly among younger generations.

Dry Eye Syndrome

During intense gaming, blink rates naturally decrease. This leads to reduced tear film production and dryness on the surface of the eye. Over time, this can cause irritation, blurred vision, and discomfort—especially after long gaming sessions or in low-humidity environments. Ophthalmology Advisor

Digital Eye Strain

Focusing on screens for hours at a time puts strain on the eye muscles, causing fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, and even neck or shoulder pain. Gamers who don’t take regular breaks are especially at risk, particularly if they’re playing in dim lighting or at a close distance.

Myopia Progression

Prolonged near-focus activity, like gaming or phone use, has been directly linked to the rise in nearsightedness (myopia) across the globe. Young people are especially affected, and researchers predict that by 2050, more than half the world’s population may be myopic due to modern screen habits.

Rise in Gaming-Related Eye Conditions (1980–2025)

The chart below shows a steady rise in reported screen-related eye conditions over the last four decades, reflecting the increase in gaming and digital device use across all age groups.

Vision & Gaming: Who’s at Risk?

As screen time increases, so does the strain on our eyes. Here’s how gaming habits and potential future vision correction needs compare between boys and girls:

*Data adapted from World Health Organisation and gaming industry reports.

Choosing the Right Procedure

When it comes to laser eye surgery, there’s no one-size-fits-all. The best procedure for you depends on your eye health, daily habits, and how much screen time is a part of your lifestyle. Here’s how the two leading treatments compare:

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

SMILE Pro is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a single femtosecond laser to create a small keyhole incision in the cornea—no flap required. This technique preserves more of the corneal nerves, which helps reduce the risk of post-operative dry eye, a common issue among gamers and screen users. For individuals with active lifestyles or those prone to dryness from blinking less during long gaming sessions, SMILE Pro offers a gentler, faster-healing alternative with a lower chance of discomfort during recovery.

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

LASIK remains one of the most popular forms of laser vision correction, known for its fast visual recovery and precision. It involves creating a thin flap in the cornea, which is then lifted so the underlying tissue can be reshaped with a second laser. For gamers with thicker corneas and no signs of dry eye, LASIK can be a highly effective option, especially if their prescription includes astigmatism or they need sharp, immediate vision for screen-based activities. Recovery is typically fast, but flap care is crucial in the early days after surgery.

What Your Surgeon Will Consider

At EuroEyes we won’t recommend a procedure based on trend—they’ll use detailed scans and data to evaluate your corneal thickness, nerve health, tear film stability, and prescription strength. Whether you’re a competitive esports player or a casual gamer, the goal is always the same: safe correction, fast recovery, and clear, comfortable vision under real-world screen conditions.

Ready to Game Without Glasses?

Whether you’re into fast-paced shooters or marathon RPG sessions, clear vision makes all the difference. Book your free consultation with EuroEyes London today and discover which laser eye surgery is built for your lifestyle—on screen and off.