The consequences of gaming on mobile devices versus laptops on binocular visual functioning

Context: For an image to be viewed as a single image, the visual axes of the two eyes must be aligned so that the image strikes the corresponding retinal points. This occurs from the coordination of the sensory, motor, accommodative and convergence functions of both eyes. Prolonged near work affects the accommodation and vergence functions of the eye which are essential to maintain binocular single vision. Aims: To assess the short-term effects of mobile and computer gaming on binocular vision functions. Settings and Design: Prospective cross-sectional study design. Methods and Material: In this prospective study, a total 60 individuals were included in the study. A baseline binocular vision assessment was done for the included study subjects. The following day, participants were made to play 'Asphalt 8' game on mobile and on laptop for 1 h each after division into groups, and binocular vision assessment was reassessed. Statistical Analysis Used: Data analysis was done using paired t-test with the help of SPSS v23 software. Results: Sixty students of 18–25 age group with a mean age of 20.30 ± 1.95 were a part of this study. The result from the study showed that there was a statistically significant decrease in stereopsis after gaming on mobile. The motor component changes noted were clinically significant though not statistically significant. The result also showed that there was a statistically significant increase in the amplitude of accommodation (OS, OU) and accommodative facility (OD, OS and OU) after playing game on mobile. The decrease in amplitude of accommodation (OS) values was statistically significant between mobile and laptop gaming. The increase in near point convergence with an accommodative target was statistically significant after gaming on mobile. There was a statistically significant increase in NPC with an accommodative target with P value of 0.022 (break), NPC with a non-accommodative target with P value of 0.036 (break) and 0.047 (recovery) and VF (0.019), respectively, after playing game on laptop. There was statistically significant increase with P value of NPC with non-accommodative target 0.020 (break) and 0.040 (recovery) after playing game on laptop than on mobile. Conclusions: There were significant changes noted in stereopsis, accommodation, and convergence values after gaming on mobile and laptop. Hence, it is concluded that playing games on mobile and laptop for 1 h may harm binocular vision. There was no statistical difference in the binocular assessments between mobile and laptop.