With roughly 3.24 billion gamers worldwide spending countless hours immersed in digital worlds, studies have shown a concerning 66% of them (around 2.1 billion) have suffered at least some symptoms of a worrying new condition known as Gamer’s Eye. This condition, also known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, refers to a range of eye-related symptoms caused by prolonged screen time. Before you start your next all-day gaming session, you should be aware of these three warning signs that might mean it’s time to take a break.
Oakley discusses three major warning signs of Gamer’s Eye and provides actionable tips to protect your eye health.
The Three Warning Signs
Dry, Irritated Eyes
One of the earliest and most common signs of Gamer’s Eye is dryness and irritation in the eyes. Hours of uninterrupted screen time can lead to reduced blinking, causing the eyes to become dry and irritated. This discomfort may manifest as a feeling of grittiness, a burning sensation, or excessive tearing up.
Oakley says, ‘Dry, irritated eyes may seem like a minor inconvenience, but they can indicate underlying issues that, if left unchecked, could lead to more severe complications such as corneal abrasions or infections.’
Blurred Vision
Another hallmark symptom of Gamer’s Eye is blurred vision, especially after extended gaming sessions. Prolonged focus on a screen can cause the eye muscles to fatigue, leading to difficulty maintaining clear vision. This blurriness may persist even after stepping away from the screen, impacting daily activities such as reading or driving. Blurred vision is a clear indicator that the eyes are under strain and in need of rest. Ignoring this symptom can exacerbate the problem and may result in more permanent vision issues down the line.
Headaches And Eye Strain
Frequent headaches and eye strain are often overlooked but significant symptoms of Gamer’s Eye. The intense concentration required during gaming, coupled with exposure to blue light emitted by screens, can lead to tension headaches, eye fatigue, and even migraines. Persistent eye strain may manifest as soreness around the eyes or difficulty focusing. Oakley notes, ‘Headaches and eye strain are your body’s way of signaling that it’s time to take a break. Ignoring these signals can lead to chronic discomfort and may impact your overall quality of life.’
Oakley’s Expert Tips For Fixing Gamer’s Eye
Fortunately, the experts at Oakley have provided several strategies gamers can employ to mitigate the risk of developing Gamer’s Eye:
The 20-20-20 Rule
Follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look away from the screen at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to give your eyes a rest.
Personalize Your Screen Settings
Reduce screen brightness, increase font sizes, and adjust display settings to suit your preferences and minimize eye strain.
Reduce Blue Light
Consider using blue light filter glasses or software to reduce your exposure to harmful blue light emitted by screens. Since screens emit blue light that can cause retinal damage with overexposure, start by looking for gaming glasses that can filter this out.
Light It Up
Maintain adequate ambient lighting in the room where you’re playing to reduce glare and avoid gaming in dark or overly bright environments.
Visit An Eye Care Professional
Regular eye exams are essential for detecting and addressing any vision problems early on.
Oakley says, ‘Recognizing the signs of Gamer’s Eye early is crucial for preserving long-term eye health and enjoying gaming experiences without discomfort or vision issues. By incorporating these expert tips into their gaming routine, gamers can protect their eyes and continue to game responsibly for years to come.’
