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In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, more and more people are staying at home and looking for ways to stay sane, including engaging in fun digital activities like gaming. Whether you are a casual or hardcore gamer, you likely spend enough time or even more staring at your handheld, monitor, or TV screen. As such, you might be wondering if it’s worth investing in a pair of gaming glasses. Do these specs actually work? Can prolonged use result in improved eyesight?
Here’s the lowdown on whether gaming glasses are worth it:
Let’s start with the basics: blue light
Monitors, handheld, and TV screens produce a form of ultraviolet light called “blue light” that is commonly found in sunlight. Blue light has been found to have negative effects on vision and melatonin production which is why many people will look to buy blue light blocking glasses from companies like Felix Gray.
Effects on vision
What exactly is so special about blue light that affects your vision? According to manufacturers of blue light glasses, exposure to this form of light has such a profound impact on vision simply because it forces the eyes to work harder when focusing on small objects on the screen. Images on a display lack the sharp contrast between objects, unlike in the real world. That is why when staring at digital screens for long periods, the eyes will have a harder time picking out objects, resulting in eyestrain and other symptoms, including itchy and tired eyes, headaches, and blurry vision.
In some cases, blurred vision can have a real negative impact on an individual’s life. Fortunately, there are always laser eye surgeries like LASIK, offered by a premier LASIK provider that could correct vision and make it much easier for people to see clearly, thus eliminating the need for glasses or contacts. After the surgery, you will experience sharper focus and less strain, which can be particularly beneficial if you are spending significant time on digital screens. To learn about the prices of surgery, visit https://sharpe-vision.com/pricing/ to read about it. It is also worth noting that after you get an eye procedure done, the eye becomes more sensitive to the screen glare and blue light, which might cause the eyes to strain. So, it might prove to be beneficial if you decide to invest in a pair of gaming glasses, if you happen to decide to get a procedure done.
Effects on melatonin production
Melatonin is a sleep hormone that is responsible for telling your body that it’s time to get a good night’s sleep. Blue light delays the production of this sleep-inducing hormone, increasing alertness as well as resetting circadian rhythm (the body’s internal clock) to a later time.
The benefits of gaming glasses
LEET glasses and other popular gaming eyewear are equipped with blue light filters, designed to reduce glare, increase comfort, and promote better sleep. They also include lenses that allow users to see all the colors on their screens accurately. Some models sport bigger frames that protect the eyes from dryness and irritation and against other forms of light, such as UV.
Are gaming glasses worth it?
The blue light filtering properties of gaming glasses offer some benefits to gamers according to manufacturers, but the jury is still out on the effectiveness of these specs. The American Academy of Opthalmology hasn’t found enough evidence that blue light exposure is harmful.
Additionally, medical experts have noted that gaming glasses are not needed if you take some basic precautions, such as having an ergonomic setup, taking a break from using gadgets once in a while, and adjusting blue light via apps or monitor settings.
What usually causes symptoms like eye fatigue, discomfort, poor sleep quality, etc., is the way you use your devices, which is not related to blue light exposure. Such symptoms can all be caused by bad sitting posture, improper viewing distances, poor lighting, screen glare, and unchecked vision-related issues.
Whether these gaming glasses could simply be another gimmick designed to attract consumers or could actually protect your eyesight, your best bet to keep your eyes healthy, especially if you play games for long periods, is to take extra precautions or see an optometrist.
