Gamers around the world rejoiced after Rockstar Games revealed that the eighth main installment of Grand Theft Auto (GTA VI) will soon be released. Despite the lack of specific details like the official release date, fans were nonetheless excited by the unveiling of the game’s first trailer, with the Instagram post garnering two million likes in less than three hours. But as the gaming world eagerly anticipates the release of games like GTA VI, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, Tekken 8, and more, it should be noted that extended gaming sessions could inadvertently affect enthusiasts’ eye health.

The immersive nature of modern video games often leads players to spend prolonged hours in front of digital screens, raising concerns about potential eye strain and related issues. In this article, we explore essential eye safety tips tailored for gamers, helping them strike a balance between enjoying the virtual adventures of GTA VI and maintaining optimal well-being.

Eye safety tips for gamers

Create a visually ergonomic gaming setup

A visually ergonomic setup enables gamers to see the details of a given task easily and accurately while reducing eye discomfort and fatigue. For this, place the screen directly in front of you rather than off to the side. Position the screen about four to five inches below eye level and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes. In terms of lighting, try to keep your screen as bright or slightly brighter than the room to prevent eye strain. Glare can also make it harder for the eyes to focus on your screen, so make sure it is angled away from direct light.

Moreover, orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Ahmad Nassr suggests investing in a standing desk to improve circulation, decrease the strain on joints, and reduce neck and back pain. But if a standing desk is out of your budget, try to maintain a good posture instead. While sitting, both your feet should rest flat on the floor or a footrest, the knees should be at hip level with a gap between the front of your chair and the back of the knees, and adjust your chair to support your back.

Get blue light glasses

When gamers spend hours trying to complete a game, they’re exposed to blue light, which is known to cause damage to the human eye. Consider using blue light glasses for extended gameplay as a proactive measure against the potential negative effects of prolonged exposure to digital screens. Digital screens emit high-energy visible (HEV) light waves, the shortest but highest energy wavelength that tends to create glare and reduces visual contrast. This type of light has also been shown to disrupt sleep patterns. Incorporating blue light glasses into your gaming routine equips you with an additional layer of defense, promotes healthier eyes, and enhances overall visual comfort.

Alternatively, you can opt to manage blue light exposure by using a blue light filtering screen protector. Eyesafe’s screen protectors reduce peak levels of high-energy blue light using patented technology that also maintains your screen’s vivid color.

Take frequent screen breaks

Gaming typically means that your eyes are focused in a fixed or limited position for long periods. An article from PC Mag highlights that US gamers clock in an average of 16.5 hours per week, resulting in neck and eye strain as well as numbness in the extremities. To combat these symptoms and ensure better gameplay, it’s important to take frequent screen breaks. For this, you can follow the 20-20-20 rule, where for every 20 minutes, look away from your screen at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Better yet, take some time to go outdoors in the sunlight to scan the horizon and give your eye muscles a moment to relax.

Avoid gaming before sleeping

The Sleep Foundation reports that over 60% of US adolescents prioritized gaming over their sleeping. Meanwhile, the NHS found that more than 50% of young adults in the UK have trouble sleeping due to excessive screen time from phone use, TV, and gaming. Sleep plays an important role in maintaining healthy eyes as this period of rest gives the eye muscles a chance to recover and helps alleviate eye strain. Avoid gaming at least one hour before you sleep to improve sleep quality and alertness the following day. At the very least, try not to play action-heavy games that are overstimulating too late at night and instead opt for more relaxing activities like reading or meditating.

GTA VI is just the tip of the iceberg for highly anticipated releases. From futuristic adventures laid out in Homeworld 3 to the fantasy realms of Last Epoch, the gaming community is in for a treat. However, with the excitement comes the responsibility to safeguard our vision health. By incorporating these eye health tips, gamers can revel in these forthcoming adventures with confidence, ensuring that their passion for gaming remains a rewarding experience throughout this year and the next.

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