How to protect your eyes while gaming can help you avoid damaging your eyes. Gamers spend long hours in front of one or multiple screens. Although they cannot minimize their screen time to less than 2 hours a day, it is important to have the right strategy for protecting your eyes when playing for long hours, whether by monitor placement, taking breaks, or choosing the right monitor. So, to assist you in protecting your eyes, follow the steps outlined below. Remember to also take a peek at some of the best gaming monitors available today.
Key Takeaways_
- Adjust the brightness of your monitor to fit the lighting of your room to reduce eye strain.
- Blue light from the monitor can cause eye pain and even headaches when you stare at the screen as you game for hours.
- Reduce your gaming time and take breaks after gaming for long periods.
- You’ll also want to choose the right gaming monitor with features for eye health.
How to Protect Your Eyes as a Gamer
STEP 1 Position Your Monitor at the Right Viewing Distance
The most obvious step is to position your screen at the right distance from your seat. When you increase the distance, you will reduce the blue light that your eyes are soaking. In addition, you will reduce eye strain.
STAT: Gaming glasses reduce the adverse effects of blue light by 10.6% to 23.6% without affecting your gaming session. (source)
We are not saying that you position your screen at a distance where you cannot be effective in your gaming. Instead, the goal is to find a sweet spot that you can comfortably game without straining your eyes. And at the same time, you also want to protect your computer so learn how to monitor your CPU temperature while gaming.
Adjusting screen brightness and using monitors with anti-reflective coatings can further enhance your comfort and reduce the risk of digital eye strain.
Blurred vision is a common symptom of eye strain from prolonged use of digital screens, especially during intense video games.
STEP 2 Take A Break Every Hour
This step seems obvious, but it is hard to do; taking frequent breaks is essential, especially when playing your favorite games for extended periods, to maintain healthy vision.
When you take breaks, your eyes can reset and relax, reducing irritation and eye strain. Additionally, a break can give you an edge in a game because while you break, you can easily refocus once you are back.
Implementing the 20-20-20 rule, where you look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, can prevent symptoms like blurry vision and eye fatigue during extended gaming sessions.
STEP 3 Purchase a Quality Monitor
Gaming monitors like Asus or BenQ are great for gaming. They have IPS panels that emit less harmful blue light. In addition, they have eye-care display options.
These monitors also offer better quality images because of the 144Hz or 240Hz refresh rates. In summary, immediately after you purchase a good PC, you need to go for a good monitor. Low refresh rates are one of the ways a monitor can affect gaming as well.
And if you would like dual monitor gaming, make sure you learn how to set the primary monitor.
Choosing monitors that reduce glare and have settings to minimize bright screens can significantly improve your gaming experience.
Using digital devices with eye-friendly features can reduce the effects of blue light on the eye muscles.
STEP 4 Avoid Playing in the Dark
Gaming in a dark space will make our eyes work harder, and you will feel the strain after playing for a while. When your eyes strain, they can run dry or feel irritated.
insider tip
Gaming in a dark space will make our eyes work harder, and you will feel the strain after playing for a while.
You may also get a headache. So, by all means, stay away from playing in the dark.
Regular breaks during hours of gaming can alleviate symptoms like dryness, shoulder pain, and fatigue. It’s crucial to maintain a balance between gaming and rest to ensure perfect vision and overall well-being.
