Eye Disorders Associated with E-sports Athletes

• Eye pain, dry eye, soreness and fatigue, as well as headaches and shoulder pain, are all common problems affecting those who use computers, smartphones or tablets for prolonged periods of time. Such a condition is also known as “computer vision syndrome”.
• Aerobic forms of exercise can help to reduce the onset risk, relieve the of glaucoma, and also improve the overall vision of e-sports athletes.
• Reducing screen brightness, installing a film to reduce reflection, and taking regular breaks from the screen can all help to prevent against computer vision syndrome. Nevertheless, if you experience difficulties with your sight or eyes, an eye test and consultation should be made with a qualified ophthalmologist at the earliest opportunity.

Eye soreness, dryness and tiredness, as well as headaches and shoulder pain have been found to affect 75% of those who use computers, smartphones and tablets for long periods of time, especially in those who exhibit the following behaviors:

• People who stare at their screens while hardly blinking. This can lead to issues because blinking is how the eyes moisturize themselves. However, when we stare at computer screens, our blinking tends to decrease by more than 50%, leading to eye dryness, soreness and vision irregularities, including broken or unclear vision.
• Unsuitable brightness – including both the screen brightness itself, and a lack of brightness in the space where the computer is located – can lead to eye fatigue or eye socket pain.
• Screens being at an inappropriate distance from the eyes can result in the user having to over-focus, leading to eye discomfort. The safest and most appropriate distance from screen to eyes is 0.45-0.50 meters.

• Reduce your screen brightness, and install a protective film to help reduce reflection as these measures will ensure the eyes are not exposed to direct light. Also, take regular 5-minutes breaks from the screen, every 1-2 hours.
• The best way to rest your eyes is to close them as this will give them a break from having to over-focus, although looking at objects far away can also help your eyes to refocus and relax.
• Eat a nutritional diet, including plenty of orange or yellow fruits and vegetables, which are high in carotene, a chemical that helps us to see in the dark.
• Consult with an ophthalmologist if you experience any abnormalities or problems with your vision.

Although e-sports involve sitting in one place, they are still considered a sport. Thus, those playing these sports should stand up, move around, and take regular breaks from the screen to maintain good eyesight and general health. Research carried out at Johns Hopkins University has found that aerobic exercise leads to an elevated heart rate which, in turn, improves circulation throughout the nervous system, including the retina. This improved circulation can reduce the risk of developing glaucoma, improve optic nerve health. However, if choosing to run outside in bright conditions, sunglasses that offer effective protection against UV rays are also essential.

Moreover, aerobic exercise helps the body metabolize energy, reduces obesity, and aids in managing chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high blood lipid levels and diabetes, which is another risk factor behind the onset of glaucoma and cataracts.

Some people regard e-sports as a gray area between developing brain capacity, and being addicted to games. However, if the players are aware of how to manage their time, use critical thinking skills, plan ahead effectively, and understand the best ways to stay healthy and care for their eyesight, it could help them become a professional in this new era, giving them the chance to make a happy and prosperous future doing what they love.