Eye Health: Video Games and Gaming – Tips From Your Maple Ridge Eye Doctor

While computer use and gaming can put strain on the eyes, there is also evidence emerging that video games and online computer games can help improve vision, according to the dedicated eye doctors in Maple Ridge. It appears that computer games are a double-edged sword when it comes to eye health, causing problems like eyestrain, but also improving some vision problems.

Video gaming can lead to eyestrain, headaches, nausea and even physical problems like neck pain. If you or your child is spending lots of time playing video games, and especially if you notice eye problems associated with gaming sessions, get an eye exam so your optometrist can help. At the very least, annual eye exams should be part of routine eye care to maintain eye health.

Avoiding Computer Screen Related Eye Strain to Protect Vision Health

Eye care advice from your eye doctors in Maple Ridge includes:

• Use anti-reflective or anti-glare screens.

• Take breaks often to rest your eyes.

• Limit screen time spent playing video games.

• Do eye exercises designed to improve blurry vision.

• Take mineral supplements and vitamins, which supply eye nutrients.

• Choose larger font sizes.

• Buy a large monitor to help you see clearly.

• Get an eye exam to preserve vision health. Optometrists can provide special computer glasses, and offer anti-reflective coating, to reduce computer glare during gaming, word processing or other computer usage.

Computer Gaming: The Plus Side for Vision Health

Research has shown that video gaming can help improve sensory motor skills, which is the way your sense of sight works together with your muscles for quick movement. In fact, it’s been shown that Tetris video games can improve "Lazy eye" (amblyopia), by helping both eyes learn to work together. Development of game-like eye tests may soon help diagnose eye problems, especially for kids too young to read.

If computer use, including video gaming, causes dry eyes, blurred vision or other problems, the eye doctors at Maple Ridge Eye Care can help. To schedule your exam, call today!

Are video games making your eyes water?