Video games and your vision

Video Games and Vision: How Healthy Eyes Can Help Beat Your High Score
Dr. Michele Quintero  and the American Optometric Association Share How to Gain a Competitive Advantage by Giving Eyes a Break
 
Spring break is in full swing and we know a high percentage of kids will be spending a lot of time playing video games.  With the popularity of video games and competitive gaming on the rise, players are always looking for an edge. Whether battling a computer opponent or Player Two, one secret weapon can help land the high score: the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) 20-20-20 rule, which encourages gamers to give their eyes a 20-second rest every 20 minutes.
The AOA’s 2017 American Eye-Q® survey revealed that 41 percent of Americans spend more than four hours a week playing video games. Staring at digital devices can lead to digital eye strain, sleep problems, blurred vision, headaches and neck and shoulder pain, among other things. Yet, only 21 percent of Eye-Q® respondents have talked to an eye health professional about the amount of time spent playing video games.
In addition to encouraging players to discuss game usage with an optometrist, Dr. Quintero is sharing some insider tips on how to help ease eye discomfort during this year’s Save Your Vision Month in March.

• Level up with the AOA 20-20-20 rule: When you are using any electronic gaming device or computer, make a conscious effort every day to take a 20-second break and look away from the screen, every 20 minutes and view something 20 feet away.
• Position yourself: Maintain a comfortable working distance from your gaming device by using the zoom feature to see small print and details, rather than bringing the device closer to your eyes.
• Beat the glare: The AOA recommends reducing the glare by adjusting device settings or using a glare filter to decrease the amount of blue light reflected from the screen.
• Consider buying protective eyewear: Experiment with blue light filter glasses to limit the blue light beaming from your screen.
• Power down before you turn in: Turn your digital devices off at least one hour before bed.
• Schedule an appointment: Contact Dr. Quintero to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam to detect and address vision problems.

 
“Those who spend excessive time in front of screens may experience physical discomfort, like the nearly one-third of gamers who reported headaches or blurry vision in our survey,” said Dr. Michele Quintero, OD, “Save Your Vision Month is the perfect time to prioritize eye health by practicing the 20-20-20 rule.”
If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below due to prolonged exposure to digital devices, schedule an appointment with Dr. Quintero. For additional information on how eye health may be impacted while playing video games, please visit www.aoa.org.

Symptoms:

• digital eye strain
• dry eyes
• eye irritation (burning and stinging)
• blurred vision
• sleep problems
• headaches
• neck and shoulder pain