As screen hours continue to rise, eye issues have become a growing public concern. Since 2020, when most people began to more rapidly embrace digitalisation, one such ocular problem that became more widespread is digital eye strain (DES). Believed to be brought on by excessive exposure to digital devices, especially among professionals who use them, DES has been reported in up to 90% of Brits. This is worrisome, considering that this condition is known to cause blurred vision, musculoskeletal exhaustion, and even difficulty concentrating and sleeping. Unfortunately, recent research has revealed that another more specific eye issue is cropping up due to extended device usage. Called “video game vision,” it was coined by experts from Quinnipiac University regarding the eye troubles that gamers experience. Considering that there are over three billion active gamers globally today, and this number is only expected to swell over time, it’s worth better understanding what this really means.
What is video game vision?
“Video game vision” refers to the excessive dry eyes that many gamers experience. According to the research conducted in cooperation with 41 participants, gamers are more prone to developing this than their peers. Specifically, evidence suggests that symptoms of dry eyes can increase by up to threefold in as little as four hours of gaming. It should be noted that this ocular condition is linked to light sensitivity, poor vision, discomfort, and itching. When dry eye is a chronic problem, it can even lead to more serious things like corneal ulcers and vision loss. The primary reason why “video game vision” happens to gamers is because of the more intense and engaged nature of gaming. Compared to other device-based activities, video gaming is much more fast-paced. As a result, many tend to blink less. A study in the Eye Journal even found that gamers’ blink rate dropped from an average of 21 blinks per minute to just nine, with larger intervals between each. This reduction means there is less recovery time and lubrication for the eyes. Additionally, video games are packed with multiple details requiring a gamer’s acute focus. This can be rather overwhelming for the eyes. Recently, this was even the basis of a slew of complaints and returns against Apple’s mixed reality headset. As per reviewers, the device caused them to experience pronounced eye strain, leading to headaches. Overall, this means that gamers face a higher risk of damaging their eyes.
How gamers can safeguard against it
The most obvious way to protect yourself against “video game vision” is by cutting down your gaming hours. Currently, most UK gamers spend over five hours gaming weekly. But since video gaming is a passion and an escape for many, it may be more realistic to implement healthier habits during your actual gaming hours instead. A good place to start is by wearing protective eyewear. If you wear specs, opting for gaming glasses like those from Oakley with special eye-soothing filters can be a big help. As an added bonus, these glasses are said to improve gamer performance. Alternatively, if you use contacts, try to find daily contact lenses with hydrating properties. Disposable lenses are preferable for gamers because they’re much more hygienic, so you don’t have to worry as much about bacteria growing even after extended play hours. At the same time, brands like Acuvue and Dailies offer technologies that ensure your eyes are moist and fresh throughout the day. This can help compensate for the screen time and reduction of blinking.
Aside from stuff you can wear yourself, you can also try using blue light screen protectors on your gaming monitors. Available from brands like Ocushield, these are designed to limit up to 54% of potentially harmful blue light that screens emit without impairing screen clarity. Evidence suggests that overexposure to blue light can also cause dry eyes because it can further disrupt the blink rate. So, by using a blue light filter, your screens are less likely to negatively impact your vision and ocular wellness.