How gameplay can affect the eyes

Protracted periods of time in front of the computer concentrating on games can induce unpleasant symptoms including blurred vision, headaches, fatigue and eye discomfort. The primary reason is the reluctance to take breaks once fully immersed in the game. The focus of the eye constantly changes when concentrating on video screens, potentially causing eye fatigue.

The importance of breaks

Lack of blinking when fully immersed in computer games causes dryness and irritation. It is imperative to try having five-minute breaks every twenty minutes or so. Where possible, it is advisable to aim to have a six-foot minimum from the screen.

Children requiring eye assessment?

Ascertaining ocular symptoms from children is an extremely difficult task. One must look for subtle signs, including:

• Squeezing the eyes together (‘squinting’)
• Covering one of the eyes
• Tilting the head
• Sitting closer to the TV

The mainstay of managing children is to prevent amblyopia, so called ‘lazy eye’. The signs described may be early signs and it is critical to seek advice and assessment.

This blog is contributed by Gurjeet Jutley.

Without doubt vision has a major impact on the ability to drive safely on the roads. This is highlighted by guidance and restriction on driving by the DVLA. For example there are a range of conditions that should be brought to the attention of the DVLA in order to ascertain legality to drive. Simple advice should be followed to ensure safety is preserved.

Follow your health care advice

• Use distance spectacles or contact lenses always
  • If possible, keep spare pair of spectacles in the car
• Consider anti-reflective coating to reduce symptoms of glare from headlights
• Avoid wearing tinted lenses in poor light conditions as they can make dark environments seem even darker.
• When choosing intra-ocular lenses, consider the visual requirements prior to deciding. For example, patients who drive in the evenings with lots of lighting on motorways may be debilitated with glare. Lenses that may potentiate glare should be avoided.

Visual aids for driving

• To optimise the field of vision, consider slimmer frames
• It’s important to perform an Easterman’s visual field in order to ascertain if driving is permissible
• It’s important to acknowledge that the rules of the road are different depending on the type of license required
• Visual requirements must be met, including:
  • Reading 6/12 on the Snellen chart
  • Reading a post-2001 number plate from at least 20 metres away.

Essentially, driving should be ceased immediately if told to do so.

Keep the DVLA informed

It’s a legal obligation that the DVLA is notified if the visual requirements of vision are not met. Vision-related conditions that must be disclosed include new double vision, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Tests could be needed

The DVLA will decide if further tests are required to determine the requirement to drive. Commonly, binocular visual-field tests are requested. Continual driving when told conversely is not endangering others, also poses risks of:

• Refused car insurance
• Fine
• Legal action

This blog is contributed by Gurjeet Jutley.