Is Pokemon Go Affecting Your Vision in Elko, NV?

The Nintendo app Pokemon Go has rapidly gained popularity in the weeks that it has been out. While this game is encouraging people to go outside and stay on their feet, some are concerned that it might affect their vision. 

Your Elko Optometrist Warns about the Dangers of Staring at Screens

Pokemon Go requires players to watch their phone screen while they are out looking for Pokemon to catch. As players walk around, they either have to keep their eyes focused on the screen or check it frequently to see if there are any Pokemon in the area. Playing the game for short periods of time every now and then is not likely to have a negative effect on your vision. However, playing it often or for long periods of time might increase your risk of digital eye strain. This occurs when you stare at a phone, tablet or computer screen long enough to strain your eyes. As you stare at your screen, you might not be blinking as often as you should to keep your eyes feeling comfortable. This can result in dry eyes, headaches and blurry vision. In some cases, people with digital eye strain also experience double vision after looking at a screen for too long. 

The glare from cell phone screens can also hurt your eyes in other ways. The light that comes off of these screens can enter your eyes and increase your risk of damage and vision problems. Turning your phone to a night shift setting while playing Pokemon Go, if available, reduces this light. 

Reducing the Risk of Vision Problems

If you are an avid Pokemon Go player, you can lower your risk of developing eye problems from watching your phone screen by taking frequent breaks while playing. During these breaks, put your phone away and look around you into the distance to reduce eye strain. You can also ease eye strain by blinking more often. 

One of the most important ways that you can protect your eyes no matter how often or how much you play is by having regular eye exams done. Our Elko optometrist can check your eyes and vision for any signs of frequent eye strain or other problems that might require treatment. You should also let our optometrist know if you are having trouble seeing your phone screen clearly, which might indicate that you need corrective lenses or a prescription adjustment if you already wear these lenses. Eye exams also give us a chance to catch eye problems early and start treatment for them before they are able to become serious. 

Visit Our Optometrist in Elko for an Eye Exam

Coming in for routine eye exams is an important part of protecting your vision. If you have been experiencing any vision problems, it is also essential to visit our optometrist in Elko for an exam. Please contact Total Eyecare at 775-738-8491 to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor.