The popularity of mobile video games has skyrocketed in recent years, with millions of people worldwide spending hours playing their favorite games on their smartphones and tablets. While playing mobile video games can be a fun and engaging activity, it is important to understand how it can affect your eye health. In this blog post, we will discuss the potential impact of mobile video gaming on your eyes and provide tips for maintaining healthy eyes while playing.
Eye Strain and Fatigue
One of the most common side effects of playing mobile video games for long periods of time is eye strain and fatigue. This is because the small screens and high levels of brightness and contrast of many mobile devices can put a lot of strain on your eyes. Additionally, focusing on the screen for extended periods can cause your eyes to feel tired and strained.
To minimize the risk of eye strain and fatigue while playing mobile video games, it is important to take frequent breaks and to use proper lighting. You should also adjust the brightness and contrast of your device to reduce the strain on your eyes. For example, you can lower the brightness of your screen in a dark room to reduce eye strain.
Blue Light Exposure
Another potential concern with playing mobile video games is exposure to blue light. Blue light is a type of high-energy visible (HEV) light that is emitted from the screens of digital devices, including smartphones and tablets. Prolonged exposure to blue light can disrupt your natural sleep patterns and contribute to digital eye strain.
To reduce your exposure to blue light while playing mobile video games, consider using blue light blocking software or glasses. You can also reduce your exposure to blue light by reducing your screen time before bedtime and by taking breaks every 20-30 minutes to give your eyes a rest.
Increased Screen Time
Playing mobile video games often results in increased screen time, which can lead to other health problems. Excessive screen time has been linked to disrupted sleep patterns, decreased physical activity, and a higher risk of obesity. To minimize these effects, it’s important to limit your screen time, engage in other activities, and take breaks during game play.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while playing mobile video games can be a fun and engaging activity, it is important to be mindful of the potential impact it can have on your eye health. By taking frequent breaks, using proper lighting, and adjusting screen brightness and contrast, you can help reduce the risk of eye strain and fatigue. Additionally, reducing your exposure to blue light by using blue light blocking software or glasses and reducing your screen time before bedtime can also help maintain healthy eyes while playing.
Lecturer (Nethradhama School of Optometry)
Moptom