The primary technology behind gaming glasses lies in their lens coatings.
With over three billion active gamers worldwide, the gaming industry is among the most lucrative. Aside from video game developers themselves, the gaming accessories sector is generating some of the highest revenues.
This year, Statista estimates that global sales of gaming equipment will exceed $34 billion. Moreover, these numbers are expected to increase by 2.38% by 2029. This is because more gamers, both casual and professional, seek to improve their performance, with many investing in peripherals such as 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 whether it is 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 used in blue-light glasses. As their name implies, these are specifically designed to block potentially harmful blue light from natural and artificial sources, such as 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 spectacle frames further indicates that blue light filters can be worn with or without prescription lenses, provide UV protection, and be customized with features such as light-adaptive tints. In gaming-specific glasses, this ability to protect the eyes from blue light can reduce eye strain, which can often impair a gamer’s focus and visual acuity.
In addition to this filter, many gaming glasses also feature anti-glare properties. This is not to be confused with what polarized lenses offer, though. The latter is designed specifically to protect the eyes from intense glare that often reflects off reflective surfaces. Various brands, such as Ray-Ban and Warby Parker, often offer these for their sunglasses as an additional measure to enhance eye comfort.
The anti-glare properties of gaming glasses, however, are primarily intended to address glare from dimmer sources, such as 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?
Currently, there are several providers of gaming glasses. 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 peripherals, they’ve integrated design elements intended to support 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, such as gaming headsets, for longer periods without irritating 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 remains one of the most successful multiplayer games to date and is known for its timely updates.
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 products, these gaming glasses further encouraged more people to try them.
Beyond fans, even esports professionals 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. This is the case in their year-long agreement with the North American esports organization Oxygen Esports.
In closing, it’s clear that gaming glasses are more than just hype. Designed with technologies that address real gamers’ eye concerns, these products can help maintain better player well-being, making them worth purchasing. That said, if you’re hoping that these will immediately boost your ability, practicing your performance may be a better investment.
