Do Gaming Glasses Really Work?

Staring at screens is a constant in this day and age. From the computers we work on to the phones we communicate with to the televisions where we find our entertainment, blue light is constantly inundating our sight and flooding our senses.

Imagining a time when our lives existed without these screens is hard to recollect, but have you ever stopped to wonder exactly how all this additional blue light is impacting your eyes?

Is it safe to spend so much time staring at this artificial light source? Are their glasses available that can lessen the impact that sustained screen time has on ocular muscles?

Understanding the way in which blue light impacts your sight and how to protect yourself from any long-term damage is essential to enjoying your time online while also ensuring your eyesight does not sustain any damage along the way.

Blue Light & Your Eyes: What You Need to Know

During the day, blue light has been shown to be extremely beneficial, playing a significant role in establishing a healthy circadian rhythm and boosting your attention and overall mood.

Blue light is visible light with a wavelength between 400 and 450 nanomeers (nm).

• As the name suggests, this type of light is perceived as blue in color but may be present even when light is perceived as white or another color.
• Blue light is of concern because it has more energy per photon of light than other colors in the visible spectrum, such as green or red light.
• At high enough doses, blue light is more likely to cause damage when absorbed by various cells in our body.

According to the US National Institutes of Health, current research on blue light suggests that there may be a link between eye exposure to blue light in the 400-470nm wavelength (Blue LEDs generally output light at approximately 464nm) and damage to photoreceptors in the eye.¹

Are Blue Light Gaming Glasses Effective?

Effective gaming glasses are basically specialized eyeglasses designed for people, like gamers, who spend a lot of time in front of blue light screens. They are made to increase contrast and reduce glare, which is a major cause of eye fatigue.

• A study done by the University of Toronto measured melatonin levels of people in an environment with bright blue light while wearing blue-light blocking goggles, and a group in dim light wearing no goggles.
• The two groups of people had very similar melanin levels, suggesting that there is some benefit to reducing your eye exposure to blue light.

n most cases, the effectiveness of gaming glasses depends on their coatings. Whether we are talking about prescription or non-prescription lenses, the coatings remain the same – AR (anti-reflective) coatings and color tints.

Anti-Reflective Coatings
As their name suggests, AR coatings reduce glare from light sources, such as TV screens and monitor displays.
The quality of the coating is of crucial importance here.
Cheaper coating formulas tend to catch smudges and dirt really easily, forcing you to clean them every few hours. High-end ones, on the other hand, don’t have such problems, allowing you to concentrate more on your gaming session.

Color Tints
The trademark yellow tint on certain types of gaming glasses isn’t there simply for aesthetical purposes.
Yellow tint is present because it effectively increases the contrast while filtering out uncomfortable light spectrums.
This helps your eye muscles relax and see the action more clearly.
Computer gaming glasses that filter out this spectrum of light is an effective way to shield your eyes from early macular degeneration and typically a great investment for both occasional and professional gamers alike.
While investing in a quality pair of gaming glasses can prove to be an excellent decision, other important preventative measures include: reducing on screen time, turning off your devices an hour or so before bedtime, and resting your eyes frequently.²

 

Here’s How to Know if You Need Blue Light Gaming Glasses

There are many factors influencing the necessity for blue light gaming glasses.

These include:

• Your particular age group
• Pre-existing eye conditions that impact blue light exposure
• Typical daily screen time associated with hobbies and professions

Identifying your own specific needs is important.

However, at the end of the day, if you find yourself spending four or more hours a day staring at a screen, or find that you have been struggling with headaches or eye strain, then investing in a pair of quality blue light gaming glasses may be just the thing you need to increase your enjoyment while also decreasing the negative impact that blue light is having on your eyes.

 

Are Blue Light Gaming Glasses and Computer Gaming Glasses the Same Thing?

Typically, computer glasses are made with the working professional in mind, so they are often in modern styles that are contemporary and unobtrusive.

The professional can make a personal statement with functional eyewear that protects them from blue light disruption.

They can block unwanted symptoms of eye strain with the bonus of a stylish appearance. While there are some similarities in style, gaming glasses are typically a bit larger and hug the sides of the user’s head more closely.

They often feature a lightweight frame for extended use and a silicone nose for comfort. Flat temples are also popular since gaming glasses are often worn with a headset.

 

Have a Prescription? You Can Get Prescription Gaming Glasses

Finding a pair of gaming glasses online seems easy enough, but fitting lenses with your specific prescription requires a bit more planning and preparation.

You can start by contacting your optometrist – such as the team at iCare – in order to schedule an appointment to discuss your specific needs.

A comprehensive in-person eye exam will allow you to identify any and all existing eye issues, while also discussing your options for gaming glasses and the most cost-effective method of getting your exact prescription in the frames and lenses of your choice.

Want to enjoy gaming more? Take care of your eyes and give them the relief they need.

Schedule a healthy eye exam and talk to your doctor about gaming glasses.

Schedule Your Healthy Eye Exam

References:
¹ National Center of Biotechnology Information. Research progress about the effect and prevention of blue light on eyes. Accessed June 25, 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6288536/.
² National Center of Biotechnology Information. Effects of Filtering Visual Short Wavelengths During Nocturnal Shiftwork on Sleep and Performance. Accessed June 25, 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3786545/.