Woman goes blind in one eye after playing mobile game all day

Are you on your mobile phone when not busy with your child or chores? Do you find it difficult to sleep at night without that last dose of adventure you get from mobile phone gaming? Or is your child spending more time on their mobile than you consider normal? If yes, it’s time for you to know more about mobile game dangers.

Mobile game dangers: Constant use can lead to a permanent loss of vision

Images: News YZZ CN

Reports in Chinese media say that a 21-year-old woman lost the vision in her right eye after playing an online mobile game — King of Glory — for the whole day. 

Upon hospitalisation, doctors diagnosed her with a condition called retinal artery occlusion. This irreversible condition results in a permanent loss of vision and has left her right eye damaged forever.

There have also been other such incidents in the past that report about the damage caused to your eyes by using mobile phones for a long stretch of time, and especially when in the dark.

Here’s how you can prevent long-term damage from mobile game dangers

File Image

Most parents may want to immediately pack away all their kids’ gadgets and send them away to Timbuktu! But you don’t have to go that far. Simple and easy lifestyle changes can help you keep your child (and you!) safe from mobile game dangers.

1. Limit screen time

Mum, whether it is your child or yourself, you should focus on limiting the overall use of mobile phones, laptops and TVs. Furthermore, make sure that the time your child spends on addictive things like mobile gaming, is minimal. 

2. Increase outdoor playtime

Introduce your child to the real adventures of life such as playing in gardens or visiting adventure parks. Keep them engaged in play outdoors so that their energy is channeled in the right direction.

3. Make time for bonding activities

Ensure that you are giving enough time to your child so that they also feel emotionally fulfilled. Engage in activities that can help you bond as a family, such as going for picnics, reading books together and so on.

Follow the 20-20-20 rule

Mums, let’s be realistic. While you can limit your child’s mobile or laptop usage, it’s impossible to stop the usage of these devices completely. The same applies to you and the rest of your family. 

So what do you do? You follow the rule that’s called 20-20-20.

According to this rule, after every 20 minutes of staring at a screen, look away for at least 20 seconds at a distance of at least 20 feet. This helps to relax your eyes.

Mum, with these useful tips and solutions, you can prevent your child from getting addicted to mobile gaming dangers, including their vision. 

Source: Asia One

ALSO READ: What to keep in mind when giving your child their first mobile phone?