Gaming is a huge pastime. There are 212 million gamers across the United States, and 1.7 million are employed in the online gaming market. That is a lot of people across the country going to battle every day. For these gamers, the screen is their battlefield, and whether you’re sinking three-pointers in NBA 2K, scoring goals in EA Sports FC, or throwing touchdowns in Madden, your eyes (second perhaps to hands) are your most valuable asset. However, as gaming sessions stretch longer and longer, the need for proper eye protection becomes paramount. Ignoring this can lead to many problems that can take you out of the game, literally and figuratively. So, here are some tips and best practices for keeping your mind and body in peak sports gaming condition.
Tips & Best Practices for Staying in Peak Sports Gaming Condition
Corrective lenses
First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the dangers of not wearing corrective lenses if you need them. Many gamers, in the heat of competition, might forego their glasses or contacts, thinking they can manage just fine without them. This is a huge mistake. Without proper vision correction, your accuracy in League of Legends will drop, your passing in Madden will suffer, and your precision in Overwatch will falter. More importantly, you’ll strain your eyes trying to focus, which can lead to headaches, blurred vision, and even long-term damage.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, make sure they’re up to date with your current prescription. Glasses, in particular, offer an added layer of protection against dust and potential scratches from those frantic mid-game gestures. They also come with the option of blue light filters, which we’ll get into shortly. Contacts, while more convenient and less obtrusive for those who find glasses cumbersome, need to be handled with care. Ensure your hands are clean before putting them in, and always follow the recommended wear time to avoid irritation.
Blue light
Now, let’s talk about blue light. Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum and is emitted in large amounts by screens — your TV, your PC monitor, and even your smartphone. Prolonged exposure to blue light can cause digital eye strain, which is characterized by dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. This is particularly concerning for gamers who might spend hours on end in front of a screen, perfecting their skills in FIFA or strategizing their next move in Madden.
Blue light can also interfere with your sleep patterns. It tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daylight, which can suppress the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. If you’ve ever found it hard to fall asleep after a late-night gaming session, blue light might be the culprit.
Enter blue light glasses. These glasses have special lenses that filter out blue light, reducing the strain on your eyes and helping maintain a healthy sleep cycle, and the lenses can be fitted in top brands, such as Ray-Ban, to keep you fashionable when you’re on camera. For gamers, this can be a game-changer. With blue light glasses, you can extend your playtime in NBA2K without the accompanying eye strain and still get a good night’s sleep afterward.
Protecting your eyes
Just like you protect a flag on Call of Duty game modes, you need to protect your assets in real life, your eyes. But what about those intense gaming marathons? How does it work practically? Here are some tips to help you protect your eyes and stay at the top of your game. In addition, follow the 20-20-20 rule. That’s every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This simple exercise can reduce eye strain significantly and keep your focus sharp for those crucial free throws in NBA 2K. Also, screens should be about an arm’s length away and slightly below eye level. This helps reduce strain and keeps you comfortable during long EA Sports FC matches.
The room you’re gaming in should be well-lit to prevent your eyes from having to work too hard to see the screen. Avoid glare from windows or lights directly behind you, as they can reflect on the screen and cause discomfort. Lastly, it’s easy to get so absorbed in Madden that you forget to blink, leading to dry eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink regularly and keep a bottle of water nearby to stay hydrated.
Get out there and Play!
Imagine sinking that game-winning shot in NBA2K without the distraction of eye strain, or outmaneuvering your opponent in Fortnite with perfect clarity. Your eyes are your gateway to the game world — treat them right, and they’ll keep you in the game longer, better, and stronger. Remember, whether you’re wearing glasses, contacts, or blue light glasses, taking care of your eyes is just as important as mastering that crossover dribble or perfecting that goal celebration. Keep your vision sharp, and let your skills do the talking. Game on!
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