The Impact Of Gaming On Eye Health 

Gaming has become an increasingly popular form of entertainment , however extended period on gaming sessions can have a significant impact on eye health . by being mindful for their eye health gamers can enjoy their favorite games.

 Source: pexels

Gaming industry are enjoyable pastime for many people . gaming can have both positive and negative impact on eye health .

What is the positive impact on eye health due to gaming ?
· Visual activity : certain types of gaming require a quick reflexes and attention to detail , can improve visual or eye activity . which detect small things or moving object quickly can train the eyes to be more responsive .

· Hand - eye coordination : many games require precise hand eye coordination , this improves the connection between visual signals and motor responses and also have benefits beyond the gaming .

· Playing action bases games can help to improve in various factors of vision like seeing difference in shades , seeing clearly and in low light . some games also improve the thinking skills . video play also help people as medicines to get relief with diseases like balance problem or ADHD .

What is the negative impact on eye health ?
· Eye – strain : gaming can also lead to eye strain , characterized by symptoms like dry eyes , burred or double visions and headaches . Staring at digital screens for longer period without any fatigue can lead to eye fatigue .

· Blue light exposure : digital screens produce blue lights , which can disturb our regular sleep patterns and contribute to digital eye strain , especially before bedtime , many interfere with body’s natural sleep – wake cycle .

· Dry eyes : focusing continuously on a screen can reduce the frequency of blinking eyes and lead to dry eyes this factors such as dim or poor lighting , improper screen distance and dehydration .

· Computer vision syndrome ( CSV) : gamers who spend long hours in front of computer screens are at risk of developing CVS , if they don’t take appropriate break and practice good ergonomics . CVS characterized by symptoms such as eyestrain , headache , blurred vision , neck and shoulder pain .

· Gamers thumb becomes hard and swollen because of the inflammation . fingers got stuck in bent position because of ongoing swelling and inflammation .

· Excessive games can also lead to addiction and depression .

Common symptoms of eye strain due to gaming and computer uses :

Headaches

Difficulty in concentrating

Eye irritation

Frequent squinting

Dry eyes

Double vision

Blurred vision

Sensitivity to light ( photophobia )

What are the measures , to prevent eye strain from gaming and computer uses ?
· Follow the 20-20-20 rule : every 20 minutes , take 20 second break and look at something 20 feet away . this rule give your eyes rest and refocus and reduce the eye strain .

· Adjust the screen settings : set or customize the brightness , contrast and color  temperature of your screen to reduce the glare and eye strain . you should adjust these settings based on the time of day .

· Maintain proper posture : sit at a comfortable distance from the screen . make sure that screen is at eye level or slightly below to reduce the strain on your neck and shoulder .

· Blink regularly : staring at screen for longer periods can reduce the frequency of blinking , leading to dry eyes . so make sure to blink regularly to keep your eyes moist .

· Gaming glasses : gaming glasses SLEEPAXA , are designed to reduce the amount of blue light that reaches to the eyes . by filtering out a portion of the blue light spectrum emitted by screens . This glasses aim to reduce the eye strain and minimize the circadian rhythms and improving the sleep quality for gamers .

· Get regular eye exams : schedule regular eye exam with an optometrist to monitor your eye health and address any underlying issues . they can also provide personalized recommendations based on your gaming habits and visual needs .

· Opt. for proper lighting : make sure that your gaming set-up is well lit reduce strain on your eyes . avoid glare and reflections by positioning lights away from the screens .

· Limit screen time before bed : minimize your screen time , including gaming devices for at least an hour before bedtime to promote better sleep quality . instead of using digital screens you can read a book or practise mindfulness .

What gamer’s eye include :

Poor lighting

Poor sitting posture

Screen glare

Low screen contrast

Sitting too close to the screen

If your enjoy playing games and uses digital screen more for other activities . you can protect your eyes in the following ways :

· Use screen covers that reduce the glare and block blue light

· Take frequent breaks to rest your eyes .

· Position your screen at your eye level and arm’s length ( 18-24 inches )

· Invest in quality eyewear or gaming glasses with anti – reflective coating .

Gamers can reduce these risk and promote healthier eyes by wearing gaming glasses designed by various brands. such as Sleepaxa which provide an additional layer of protection and filter out the harmful blue light, reducing eye strain by screen exposure. safeguard your eye health and enhance your gaming experience.

References: Can Video Games Damage Your Eyesight? - Vision Center