Eye strain can affect anyone, but those with careers in gaming and hobbies such as gaming are at an increased risk due to extended time spent using technology. Thankfully, however, you don’t have to give up what you love – there are ways to reduce eye strain.
Signs Of Eye Strain For Gamers
First, let’s talk about the signs you may be dealing with eye strain. Signs and symptoms of eye strain may include but aren’t limited to:
- Headaches
- Sore, watery, or itchy eyes
- Dry eyes
- Double or blurry vision
- Eye twitching
You may also experience symptoms like trouble focusing or concentrating and, if due to sitting in front of a computer, laptop, or TV screen, body aches or stiffness. So, what can you do?
How To Resolve Eye Strain
Here are some ways to reduce eyestrain, both long-term and short-term:
- See if your environment could be a factor. If you’re a hobbyist and don’t game excessively, it’s important to look into other things that could be playing a role in your eye strain. Circulating air from a fan, poor air quality, and other factors can contribute to eye strain. Not sleeping enough may also cause eye strain.
- Make sure that your screens are suitable. A larger computer screen may help with eye strain, and your brightness settings may play a role as well. Check the settings on your computer or laptop, and if the size is the problem, consider that it may be time to purchase a larger monitor.
- Invest in blue light protection products. You can get glasses created for blue light protection, or you can buy a screen to place over your monitor. Often, these products are relatively inexpensive, and they’re worth it when it comes to your eye health.
- Use eye drops. Your local optometrist may be able to recommend a brand if you’re not sure which to select. Blinking more often is useful for many struggling with eye strain, too! Studies show that we blink less when looking at screens, so making a conscious effort to do so can help.
- Limit the time you spend playing. Last and most importantly, you’ve got to limit the amount of time you spend playing games. If most of your life is spent online, you will experience eye strain no matter what else you do. Strive for balance and use self-care activities outside of gaming that doesn’t require a screen. Your eyes will thank you, and that way, eye strain won’t get in the way when you do play.
- Make sure you have some go-to non-tech hobbies. Whether it’s a walk outside after work, cooking, art, or something else, when a large portion of your life is spent looking at screens, it’s crucial for your eye health to work other activities into your day that don’t cause stress and strain to your eyes. Even listening to a podcast or audiobook can help as long as you aren’t looking at the screen. Your body and your gaming life will both thank you!
When To See An Optometrist
If your eye strain is prolonged and doesn’t decrease with reduced screen time, see an optometrist to make sure that there are no underlying conditions or other concerns at play. If you’re the parent of an avid gamer who expresses eye strain that doesn’t go away, it is important that you take your child to the optometrist, too. If you or your child have trouble taking a break from gaming, experience distress while attempting to take a break from gaming, or find yourself unable to take a break at all, it may be due to internet gaming disorder or another similar concern. If you struggle with excessive gaming or think that you might be, a therapist can help.
Find Support
We all need someone to talk to from time to time, and a therapist can help. There are a number of different ways to find a therapist. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company to see who they cover, search the web for a professional in your area, or sign up for a reputable online therapy platform like BetterHelp. Regardless of how you find a therapist, you deserve quality care, so don’t hesitate to take the first step today.
