More than half of elite gamers experience eye fatigue

More than half (56%) of elite gamers experience eye fatigue according to a new study that examines the health impact of participation in electronic sports.

The research, which is published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, also highlighted that 40% of electronic sports athletes get no physical exercise in any given day. 

Hallie Zwibel, from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, highlighted that most people assume it is impossible to get injured while playing a sport that only involves sitting.

“The truth is they suffer over-use injuries like any other athlete but also significant health concerns from the sedentary nature of the sport,” he emphasised.

As well as eye fatigue, 42% of players reported neck and back pain, 36% wrist pain, and 32% hand pain.

Mr Zwibel highlighted the need for sports medicine to cater to the unique needs of electronic sports athletes.

“We’re really just now realising how physically and mentally demanding esports can be,” he shared.

Image credit: Pixabay/Olichel