By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man –Follow on Facebook & X.
Former editor of 4 TV magazines. Author of TV Dot Com.

TV Answer Man, I like to create the experience of watching movies in a movie theater at home by turning off all the lights. But I wonder if it’s safe for my eyes? Seems like it would strain the eyes too much and my wife says that’s the case. What’s your take? — Robert, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Robert, I have good news and bad news for you. First, the good news: There’s no evidence that watching television in a dark room will affect your eyesight, even by a small amount. It’s a myth that’s been perpetuated over the years by, okay, let’s say it, concerned parents. They see their kids sitting in a dark room, staring intently at a well-lit TV screen and immediately assume that the contrast of dark and light will somehow diminish their vision. But it’s not true. (There’s actually a scientific study to back this up.)

Is Watching TV In a Dark Room Bad For You?

That said, however, watching TV in a dark room can cause eyestrain and headaches, more so than if you watch with the lights on. The reason is because the light of the TV is the only light in the room and it frequently changes depending upon what’s happening on screen. That forces the pupils of your eyes to constantly adjust and that leads to those headaches and eye weariness.

For example, if you’re watching a horror film, the screen may be semi-dark for several minutes during a particularly creepy scene, but then it suddenly becomes super-bright when the heroine runs outdoors to escape the villain. You’ll feel your eyes widen and then squint because the contrast in lighting is so abrupt. It’s not natural and it’s why you may feel a little uneasy if you stare at an ever-changing screen for a long time.

There are some things you can do to alleviate this.

How You Should Watch TV In a Dark Room

One, you can reduce the brightness of the screen. Two, you can keep a lamp on at the lowest level to provide some light in the room. Three, you can sit a little further from the screen than you normally would do in a well-lit room.

Or you can just watch TV the way you currently do — in the dark. If it doesn’t bother you, have at it. It won’t hurt your eyesight.

Robert, hope that helps. Happy viewing and stay safe!

Have a question about new TV technologies? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com Please include your first name and hometown in your message.

The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered the TV technology scene for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.