Gaming is today beyond a hobby for most adults and teenagers, who are making names on the global esports stage. Although it can be entertaining to play games all day, it does possess significant eye health risks. Conditions like dry eye syndrome stand as the number one vision ailment that will affect gamers globally, in addition to a few others.
Let’s explore these various risks, and causes to understand how mitigating them can save your vision for life-long gaming!
Dry Eye Syndrome: Can it Make Gamers Slow?
When it comes to your visual instruments being at risk, an eye doctor is surely interested in whether your visual acuity is slower or weaker. Commonly, it’s not a directly related symptom of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), but this eye condition does cause blurry vision, redness, and discomfort.
Yes, DES will make you slow, because it comes with several symptoms that directly affect your visual capabilities. As a result, your gaming abilities will feel nerfed rather than just feeling slow.
Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
- Reduced Blinking Rate: Focusing intently on the screen for long durations subconsciously makes a person blink less. It causes quick tear evaporation, causing redness.
- Extended Screen Time: Exposing the eyes to the screen for longer periods causes excessive eye strain, reducing its ability to stay moist.
- Imbalanced Lighting Conditions: Playing in dimly lit rooms while facing unnaturally bright screens constantly exacerbates dry eye symptoms.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome
- Burning Sensation: The eyes will feel a stinging sensation, a burning sensation when kept closed for a few seconds.
- Redness: Pure bloodshot eyes, especially after long sessions or by playing in a dimly lit room
- Blurry Vision: Difficulty in focusing sharply or having slower visual acuity
- Eye Fatigue: Feeling heaviness in eyes after extraneous gaming sessions.
Top Known Vision Problems Among Gamers
Computer Vision Syndrome
- Gamers and streamers spending long hours in front of laptops, desktops, and screens will experience eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision.
Myopia
- Excessive screen time with the screens in extra proximity can quickly make distant objects appear blurry even when not gaming.
Other Vision Problems
- Continuously staring at the screen and blinking less causes eye muscle fatigue, leading to strain and discomfort.
- Exposure to blue light disrupts the sleep cycle and increases eye strain.
Early Signs of Vision Problems
Frequent Headaches
- Recurring headaches after gaming indicate severe vision issues including heavy eye strain.
Double Vision
- Seeing objects and character outlines choppy specifically after long gaming denotes double vision.
Focusing Issues
- Requiring extra efforts to focus on objects after looking away from the screen is a vision issue.
Eye Discomfort
- Persistent discomfort in the eyes, followed or preceded by pain is another sign of poor eye health.
Preventive Measures Against Vision Problems
- Blink Regularly
- Adjust Screen Settings for a softer viewing experience
- Wear Blue Light Blocking Glasses
- Maintain Proper Lighting
- Follow 20–20–20 Rule (Take Regular Breaks)
- Position Your Monitor about 20–30 inches away from your eyes.
- Sit in a Comfortable Chair
- Regularly Take Eye Exams
Game Recklessly but Responsibly
Playing interactive or fun games surely has its own benefits but if you want to do it for long hours, do take responsibility for improving your eye care. Please visit a dry eye clinic near Toronto if you are in Canada or wherever is the nearest for you and get your eyes tested regularly. Remember, play responsibly, to game recklessly!