Gaming Eyewear: How It Works and Who Needs Them

With the mass availability of gadgets, many people spend their days in front of screens. According to statistics on TIME, the average screen time for adults in the US and other developed countries had increased by 60-80% from before the pandemic. A similar study on Americans in their early twenties found that the average phone usage rose from 25.9 hours per week in 2018 to 28.5 hours per week in 2020.

This excessive use of digital devices has led to several adverse health effects, especially in children and adolescents. One particular problem that may have long-lasting consequences is digital eye strain, which increases the risk of myopia or nearsightedness. Fortunately, eyewear companies have been working towards resolving issues related to heightened screen time, particularly through gaming eyewear. Here, we visit what gaming eyewear is, how it works, and who may need them

What is gaming eyewear?

Many people, gamers especially, spend a long time in front of screens in dark rooms. This leaves them at higher risk of eye strain that leads to many symptoms, such as headaches, blurred vision, eye fatigue, and dry eyes. According to our “10 Must-Have Gaming Accessories in 2021” post, gaming glasses have become an essential tool for gaming and are just as critical as the right gaming chair or headset for maximum comfort during long sessions. It is designed to protect users from blue light, preventing these eye-related problems while using gadgets for an extended period.

With increasing screen time, more high-end brands have invested in these gaming glasses to resolve eye health concerns. To illustrate, one of the leading sports performance eyewear brands, Oakley, has recently expanded its collection to include gaming eyewear. The Oakley glasses proprietary Prizm Gaming™ 2.0 Lens Technology are designed for OLED and LED displays, filtering blue light exposure by up to 30% while retaining screen sharpness and minimal color shift.

How does it work?

As aforementioned, gaming glasses work by blocking blue light from screens. Without this eyewear, extended exposure to blue light can lead to a plethora of problems. Aside from eye-related issues, a scientific review by Heliyon notes that blue light can also complicate a person’s circadian rhythm, disrupting sleep patterns and increasing the risk of other health problems.

Considering these negative effects, gaming eyewear has evolved to not only safeguard from blue light but also include enhanced protection to keep eyes at ease. Gaming gear company HyperX has its eyewear line also equipped with UV protection. All of their glasses are also prescription-ready for distance correction or close-vision correction. Some eyewear models come with anti-reflective lenses, reducing reflections and glare from users’ screens. Other lenses may also include slight magnification, reducing the need to squint and improving focus when using a digital screen for a long time.

Who needs gaming glasses?

Gaming glasses are created and aptly named for the benefit of gamers, who often spend time in front of a computer screen. They often come with functional designs like flatter temple arms, which maintain comfort even when users are wearing headphones. Thanks to its innovative design, other heavy-gadget users outside of gamers can also benefit from gaming glasses, including:

• Remote employees – Almost all workers rely on laptops or computers to facilitate work, which keeps them exposed to blue light for hours. Gaming eyewear can minimize eye strain and improve work focus.
• Children – Many kids in the digital age use various gadgets, from phones to tablets, and may forget reminders to take breaks. Kid-sized glasses can reduce the negative symptoms of eye strain and help them sleep better at night.
• People struggling with sleep – Blue light may be interfering with sleep, so having glasses can minimize exposure for better rest.

Is gaming eyewear worth it?

Gaming eyewear can go a long way in protecting eyes from blue light and the risks it may cause. However, these shouldn’t be treated as a single solution to long-term screen use. For the best eye health, it’s critical to pair these glasses with other eyecare habits, such as:

• Blinking more to lubricate eyes
• Playing or working in a well-lit room
• Following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Using “night mode” settings on your device

By following these routines and wearing gaming eyewear, even the heaviest users of screens can prevent eye strain and other complications.