Gaming with Contact Lenses

• Vision challenges in gaming
• Vision correction for gamers
• Benefits of contact lenses for gamers
• Eye care tips for gamers
• OptiBlue light filter contact lenses

Did you know roughly 40% of the world’s population are online gamers?

Online gaming has always lured everyone, especially teenagers. Whether you’re a casual or professional gamer, it is important to look after your eyes. Prolonged screentime can take a toll on eye health; it’s all game until your eyes start feeling tired or dry. This can be even more daunting for those who wear contact lenses.

According to online gaming statistics, over a quarter (26%) of adults in the UK spend between one and five hours a week playing video games online. The number of gamers is predicted to grow significantly by 2027.

Vision challenges in gaming

Gaming can be addictive; once you start, it’s hard to stop. However, it’s not the only challenge one faces with online gaming.

Causes eye irritation/dry eyes

A common challenge with online gaming is eye irritation. Spending prolonged hours while playing video games online, especially without regular breaks, can cause eye irritation and dry eyes.

Blue light emitted from screen scatters more than other types of light making it harder for the eyes to see fine details and reduces contrast, affecting the vision.

Affects concentration/focus

While few games can have positive cognitive effects, such as developing problem-solving skills, they can affect one’s focus/concentration power equally. Due to prolonged focus on the screen while gaming, eyes can become strained, tired or fixed at a particular position. Consequently, impacting the eyes' ability to easily shift focus from the screen to other objects in the surrounding environment.

The impact of video games on vision can vary from person to person and can also depend on various factors, including the duration and intensity of playing games online.

Playing video games can also cause headaches, blurred vision, and neck pain. Vision issues, if not corrected, can worsen over time.

Vision correction for gamers

If you’re experiencing constant eye strain, you must consult your optician and get your eyes tested. Blue light glasses are said to potentially help with digital eye strain.

Benefits of contact lenses for gamers

Both glasses and contact lenses can be beneficial when it comes to gaming. But if you’re a glasses wearer, you should read how wearing contact lenses can help you enjoy your gaming experience:

1. Enhanced comfort

Contact lenses can provide freedom from the hassle of adjusting glasses while gaming. There’s no nose pad, eliminating the discomfort of them pressing against the nose or simply slipping off your face.

2. Peripheral vision

Unlike glasses, you can enjoy a broader field of view while defeating your opponent. This is especially useful when playing fast-paced video games that require a broader visual field.

3. Say bye to fogging

Unlike glasses that can get foggy when you move between different temperatures, your contact lenses will always stay clear while you play video games.

4. Blurry vision

If not positioned properly, glasses can result in blurry vision. On the contrary, contact lenses are placed on your eyes and have a rare possibility of being displaced unless you squint/rub your eyes.

Eye care tips for gamers

Here are some tips for you to help with eye strain while gaming:

20-20-20 rule

Rest your eyes regularly with the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This will give your eyes the break they need and can help to reduce eye strain. Although following this rule might sound difficult or inconvenient while you’re gaming, perhaps try to do it every time you move to the next level or as often as possible.

Keep yourself hydrated

Drinking plenty of water at regular intervals will keep you hydrated. Whether you choose to wear glasses or contact lenses, staying hydrated is important for all round eye health. You can also use eye drops to help keep your eyes hydrated.

Blink, blink and blink

Whilst playing video games, your blink rate will naturally reduce. When you don’t blink enough, your eyes will become dry and tired, leading to eye strain. It’s important to remember to keep blinking regularly.

Blue light protection

Blue light screens and glasses are said to help protect your eyes from light scatter emitted through screens and digital devices. The blue light emitted from screens can inhibit melatonin production, making it more difficult to drift off to sleep after gaming sessions.

OptiBlue light filter contact lenses

Gamers can combat digital eye strain caused by excessive gaming with Johnson and Johnson’s Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day contact lenses. Made from Senofilcon A material, these lenses feature a unique OptiBlue™ light filter which filters 60% of blue-violet light to reduce light scatter. Not only do they provide you with comfort throughout your wearing time, but also the convenience of a daily disposable.

You can also find this contact lens in a multifocal pack.

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eyecare professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.