The primary technology behind gaming glasses lies in their lens coatings.
With over three billion active gamers around the world today, the gaming industry is one of the most lucrative. Aside from video game developers themselves, the gaming accessories sector is pulling in some of the biggest revenues.
Just this year, Statista estimates that overall sales of gaming equipment will exceed $34 billion globally. Moreover, these numbers are expected to grow by 2,38% until 2029. This is because more gamers, both casual and professional, aim to improve their performance, with many investing in peripherals like gaming glasses.
After all, as a highly vision-based activity, gaming can be enhanced or impaired by a player’s own ocular status. That said, given the many claims that gaming glasses now pose, it’s worth taking a deeper look into how this eyewear actually works and if it’s really even worth it.
How do gaming glasses work?
The primary technology behind gaming glasses lies in their lens coatings. These are essentially the same filters found in blue light glasses. As its name implies, these are specifically designed to block out the potentially harmful blue light that comes from natural and artificial sources, like screens. In excessive amounts, this part of the visible light spectrum, which is between 400 and 455nm, can damage and deregulate the delicate eye’s systems.
Retailer Eyebuydirect’s collection of this type of specs further reveals that blue light filters can also be worn with and without prescriptions, offer UV protection, and be upgraded with customizations like light-adaptive tints. In gaming-specific glasses, this ability to protect the eyes from blue light can reduce eye strain, which can often impair gamer focus and visual acuity.
Aside from this filter, many gaming glasses also highlight their anti-glare functions. This is not to be confused with what polarized lenses offer, though. The latter is designed specifically to protect the eyes from harsh glare that often bounces from reflective surfaces. Various brands like Ray-Ban and Warby Parker often offer these for their sunglasses as an added way to provide eye comfort.
The anti-glare properties in gaming glasses, though, are more so targeted at addressing glare that comes from dimmer sources, like monitors. This is why anti-glare filters can actually be applied on clear, unlike polarized coatings. For gamers, not having to force the eyes to adjust to random bursts of light can help prevent ocular fatigue and migraines and even help regulate eye lubrication, as blinking rates won’t be affected.
What does the gaming glasses market look like?
Nowadays, there are several gaming glasses providers. Aside from the aforementioned lens technologies, which are the root of why these glasses help, manufacturers try to sweeten the deal with special frame designs and collaborations targeted to current gamer sentiments. One of the most successful companies in this area is the performance brand, Oakley. In their own line of gaming specs, they’ve integrated design elements meant to complement longer gaming sessions.
For example, their Holbrook model is specially designed with lightweight materials and thinner arms. This is so they can be worn comfortably with other accessories, like gaming headsets, for longer periods without digging into the skin. Recently, they’ve also taken the initiative to release video game eyewear collabs. The latest of these includes one with Fortnite. A free-to-play battle royale title, Fortnite is still one of the most successful multiplayer games to date, and it is known for its timely developments.
For example, fans rejoiced when developer Epic Games announced a “Keep Playing Together” feature. Aside from this, though, they’ve also been applauded for their many brand partnership, such as the one they have with the brand. Available as limited edition goods, these gaming glasses further compelled more people to try them.
Apart from fans, even esports pros are fond of gaming glasses. In 2021, Call of Duty icon Scump signed a partnership with Oakley. As their brand ambassador, he once told Metro that this was a timely deal given that esports are taxing on the eyes. Similarly, another gaming glasses manufacturer, GUNNAR Optiks, is known to sponsor esports teams. Such is the case in their year-long deal with North American esports organization Oxygen Esports.
In closing, it’s clear that gaming glasses are more than just hype. Made with technologies that center on real gamer eye concerns, these can help maintain better player well-being, which makes them worth the buy. That said, if you’re hoping that these will immediately boost your ability, practicing your performance may be a better investment.
