Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets have increased the availability of video games to kids. Any parent knows it’s impossible to deny their kid all of the fun they’re having. It is essential, however, to be aware of the effects of video games on the eyes and to take measures to prevent or lessen eye strain.
The eyes of today’s tech-obsessed youth must adapt to new visual demands, such as those posed by computer and video game displays, which pose new risks to eye health. Eye strain, dry eyes, headaches, and weariness in the neck and shoulders may result from excessive usage of digital gadgets, including video games.
Visual Effects of Video Games
The eyes become tired from gazing at a screen with moving visuals all the time. This condition may cause visual problems, weariness, and even discomfort in the eyes. This is because your eyes constantly adjust their attention while you play a game with moving pictures on a screen. The eyes fatigue far quicker than they would from, say, reading a book because of this.
Reducing Distractions to Focus on the Issues
The eyes change their focus significantly while looking at a television screen as opposed to a flat surface like a sheet of paper. The human visual system and brain have evolved to coordinate perfectly in order to concentrate on the text at the correct distance. The eyes become weary from the repeated focus changes required to watch a video because of this.
The eyes also tend to get “locked in” to the screen while playing video games. This might cause blurred vision even after the game is shut off, which could hinder the player’s ability to concentrate on other tasks. In order to see clearly and comfortably, eyeglasses prescribed by a doctor are recommended.
More Harm Comes to Children
Surveys and studies show that today’s and recent generations’ children have worse vision than previous ones. This is largely a result of the effects of the modern era of the idiot box, and more specifically of the long hours of video game plays, which strain the eye and its machinery due to the lack of breaks in between game sessions, causing dryness of the eyes, a decrease in eyesight, and the need to start wearing glasses at an earlier age than was previously necessary. Kids are crazy while playing games. They even search online to see the walkthrough of games. They search in many ways, like how I can find wayfinders compass for this purpose. This makes the situation even verse.
Not playing video games at all is also not a solution; rather, it is more important to play games in a disciplined way while keeping the eyes’ health in mind since many games aid in enhancing attention and eyesight.
Digital Eye Strain
To answer your question in a nutshell: yes, video games could be bad for your eyes. While it’s true that video games may induce eye strain, it’s not an accurate generalization. Overuse of electronic devices with displays is known as computer vision syndrome. These days, it seems like every other object has a screen. All around us are many forms of electronic media, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and television sets. As a matter of fact, there are occasions when we multitask and use our phones while watching television. Eye strain is a common side effect of using any of these gadgets for extended periods of time.
It’s easy to think there’s not much of a difference between activities like watching a movie, browsing social media, and playing a video game. But if there’s one thing that needs your whole focus, it’s video games. When playing a video game, you have a lot more control over the result of the game than when you’re using social media or watching a movie, so you need to pay close attention. Because of this, you may find yourself staring at the screen for longer than usual. Video games make it more difficult to divert attention away from the screen than other screen-based technologies. As a result, it’s not only playing video games that might harm your eyes; any kind of screen time is dangerous. But the truth is, playing video games increases the risk of eye damage more than watching a movie does.
Discomfort, Redness, and Dryness
When a child is engrossed in a video game, he or she is less likely to blink. Reduced blinking rates are associated with decreased tear production, which may lead to dryness and discomfort. The cornea may be permanently damaged if a person spends too much time playing games without breaks. Those that play in a responsible manner shouldn’t have any issues with this.
Don’t forget to tell your kids to take breaks from video gaming on a regular basis. Have them do something different for five minutes every time the timer goes off throughout the 20 minutes. Make sure your kids have plenty of space between themselves and the TV. Playing video games on a console (PlayStation, GameCube, Xbox, or Wii) is best done from at least 6 feet away. Limiting your children’s time spent in front of electronic screens may save their eyesight in the long run.
Causes of Gamer’s Eye
A disorder known as “Gamer Eye” or “Computer Vision Syndrome” develops in those who spend too much time in front of a computer screen.
- Staring at a screen in dim lighting, for example, may also contribute to this condition.
- The reflection of light off of a computer monitor.
- Astigmatism and other vision problems that go uncorrected.
- You’re sitting too far away from the TV.
- Incorrect desktop preferences.
It’s important to Take Frequent Breaks.
If you’re a marathon gamer, it’s crucial that you contact a doctor to learn about eye exercises and regularly do them throughout your gaming sessions to prevent long-term damage to your vision. A good strategy is to take a little break every 10 to fifteen minutes and roll your eyes around, look at something else, and remove your gaze from the computer for about ten seconds. When challenging friends over a long weekend helps to reduce the stress on the eye, if you don’t, you may end up sitting there with a pounding head and, over time, become so sensitive to light that you have trouble focusing on anything.
Playing video games for extended periods of time may cause irreversible damage to the cornea, which might lead to severely impaired vision or, in extreme circumstances, the need for potentially dangerous laser surgery. It’s not only youngsters and teens who have been impacted by the advent of new-world gaming brought about by PlayStation and Xbox; even adults are hooked on this dynamic technology.
As a Closing Remark
Video games are safe for the eyes and will not create any long-term harm. However, they might cause headaches, dizziness, and dry or watery eyes.
If you experience any of these, see an eye doctor immediately. In addition, once per year or two, you may have an eye exam just to be sure.
