How Does Playing PUBG for More Than 5 Hours Affect Your Eyes?

Playing games like PUBG for prolonged periods, especially for more than 5 hours a day, can significantly impact your eye health. This article explores the various effects of excessive gaming on the eyes, including digital eye strain, blue light exposure, fatigue, reduced visual acuity, and an increased risk of myopia. It also provides practical recommendations on how to mitigate these potential risks.

Effects of Excessive PUBG Play on Eye Health

Extended gaming sessions can lead to multiple eye-related issues, the most common of which is digital eye strain. This condition is triggered by prolonged screen time and reduced blinking, causing problematic symptoms such as dried eyes, eye irritation, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing. These symptoms can diminish your overall gaming experience and potentially lead to long-term eye damage.

Another concern is blue light exposure. The screens of devices like smartphones and laptops emit blue light, which can cause eye discomfort and disrupt sleep patterns if used before bedtime. While the long-term effects of blue light exposure are still being studied, it is believed that excessive exposure can lead to retinal damage. PUBG, with its extensive screen time requirement, is particularly concerning in this regard.

Playing for extended periods can also cause general eye fatigue, leading to headaches and eye discomfort. Additionally, the continuous focus on a screen can temporarily reduce your ability to see clearly at different distances, particularly when switching your focus between the screen and your surroundings.

Is PUBG unique in causing these issues? Some players, like yourself, report experiencing double vision for hours after playing PUBG on their phones but not with other games. This might be due to the particular nature of PUBG and its high visual demands and frequent switching between close and far viewing distances. When played on a television screen via USB-C to HDMI, the issue is reduced, possibly due to the larger display and better screen settings.

Reducing the Risk of Eye Strain from PUBG

Several strategies can help mitigate the effects of prolonged PUBG play on your eyes:

20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This helps relax your eye muscles and reduces strain. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain eye moisture and prevent dryness. Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter eye drops can provide temporary relief from dryness and discomfort. Adjust Screen Settings: Lower the brightness and increase the contrast of your screen. Consider using blue light filters, which can help reduce the intensity of blue light reaching your eyes. Maintain Proper Distance: Keep your screen at a comfortable distance, about an arm's length, and at eye level. When using a television, make sure it is at a proper distance to avoid excessive strain. Limit Playtime: Consider reducing gaming time or taking longer breaks to rest your eyes. Tight play schedules can exacerbate the physical strain on your eyes.

It is advisable to consult an eye care professional if you experience persistent discomfort or vision problems. Early intervention can help prevent long-term complications and ensure you can enjoy your gaming experience without eye strain.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the potential negative effects of extended PUBG play on your eyes, and continue to enjoy the game without compromising your eye health.