So you love video games- and there's nothing wrong with that! But did you know that you may be damaging your eyes as a result? Here are some tips to help you avoid some of the most common problems faced by gamers as a result.

1. Take Frequent Breaks

This may sound obvious, but unless you actively commit to taking frequent breaks, a few hours can pass unnoticed. The popular recommendation is 20 minutes. But, if that’s too frequent, shoot for every 45 minutes to an hour. Give your eyes a rest. Go for a quick walk. Close them and sit back for a few minutes. Make sure that your eyes don’t become literally glued to the screen. You’ll feel better at the end of the day and your eyes will too.


2. Look at Objects in the Distance

Another tip to keep top of mind: when your eyes aren’t on the screen, train them to look at objects in the distance. Too often, our line of vision is too short and we don’t give our eyes a chance to focus on faraway objects. The less we look at faraway objects, the less adept we become at it. Protect your vision by focusing on objects in the distance when you’re taking breaks from screen time.

3. Listen to Your Eyes

Every person is different and that’s one of the great complications of any and all healthcare – there is little advice that is one-size-fits-all. Knowing your own body and listening to what it’s telling you is an important skill to develop. If your eyes are bothering you after just a half hour of gaming, consider sticking to gaming at half hour intervals. It sounds easy, but too many people ignore telling signs because they’re not paying close enough attention. All eyes are unique. Listen to what yours are telling you.

4. Prioritize Health

Gaming is a sedentary activity (at least for now – looking at you, Pokemon Go!) If you’re a heavy gamer, make general health a top priority. This includes things like getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and getting adequate sleep. Not coincidentally, all of those things will also help protect your eyes. Vision health is tied directly to overall health and focusing on your overall health will help your vision.

5. Get a Color Blind Glasses

Ok, this one isn’t just for gamers – it is for everybody! Getting a color blind glasses helps to prevent color blindness as a result of excessive exposure to lights.