Gaming glasses became a thing due to the aches that come with having one’s eyes fixed at the computer screen for long hours especially into the night. It is no hidden knowledge that this causes the eyes to get all strained and tired. Even, it could lead to Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) with itchy eyes, dizziness, headaches, and impaired vision as identifiable symptoms. In view of this, gamers have become accustomed to gaming glasses.
Gaming glasses primarily designed for gamers are equally known as minor corrective glasses. Between 2007 and 2008, they were fully introduced into the market with leading companies like Gunnar and VC Eyewear producing the accessory in varieties. Most of these glasses have anti-reflective coatings that reduce the blue lights. Also, they are usually tinted yellow just to increase the contract on the screen and reduce the effect of harsh lights. That way, the muscles on the eyes will not be strained.
Beyond protecting the eyes, it is believed that gaming glasses helps one to keep up with competitive games as they portray high definition of the game as well as reducing the blurry effect if there is any. That’s not all, the glasses also ensure and improve focus while playing. It allows gamers to deal with specific detail in the game, increasing and adding color to the graphics displayed in the game. In addition to that, some gamers have expressed that it adds an edge to their fashion sense especially when attending professional gamers’ events.
Enough of the chit-chats, the following are some of the best gaming glasses out there.
Best Gaming Glasses
Gamma Ray 801 Classic Gaming Glasses
This cutie tops the pyramid. They are lightweight amber tinted glasses weighing 3.2 ounces and are made from polycarbons. These FDA/EU regulated glasses are quite flexible; they would easily fit anyone and comes with carrying cases. Gamma Ray glasses help to reduce glare and strain on the eyes. They filter out harmful blue light from computer screens during games.
Gunnar Optiks MLG Phantom Gaming Glasses
Gunnar shades provide impeccable image qualities for optimum graphical perception. They weigh 2.4 ounces and come with a silicone nose pad and ear guards which make them very comfortable to wear. Apart from the exceptional ability to block ultraviolet rays, they grip firmly to the face – you can jerk and swirl all you want, they won’t come off.
Gunnar Optiks Vertex Gaming Glasses
This one weighs 1.28 ounces. They enhance the game’s visual resolution as you won’t have to squint or glare behind these glasses. They provide 65% protection against blue light; when playing outdoors, you can be sure of maximum protection from UV rays. They are very durable for professional players who want to enjoy their gaming experience. It clearly increases focus and amplifies details.
HyperX Gaming Glasses
HyperX weighs 11.5 ounces. Their flexible frames with sleek design are a perfect camouflage. No one will easily tell that they are gaming glasses. But importantly, their MR-8 technology ensures minimal color distortion. They also have enhanced blue light protection which filters blue light and gives a better contrast.
Gunnar Optiks Razer RPG Computer Gaming Glasses
These glasses promise high-level protection irrespective of the screen type. There is 65% protection from blue light and 100% protection from ultraviolet rays. Their optimum protection helps to stave off headaches and eye strain. It’s bye-bye to painkillers. They weigh 2.4 ounces and the slits along the edges of the eye guards make them super flexible and comfortable to wear.
Gamma Ray Blue Light Blocking Computer Glasses
These are gold tinted glasses weighing 2.4 ounces. They have a nice nose guard for comfort and also come with a hard shell case and a small lens cleaning towel of good quality. But nay, that’s not its strongest suit. The Gamma Ray is admired for its ability to provide a clear vision for players; it does a fine job in reducing eye strain and blocking UV rays energy from screens.
Gunnar Optiks Sheadog Gaming Glasses
Sheadog glasses come with clear lenses and angular shaped frames. They weigh 5.1 ounces and maximum protection from ultraviolet rays can be assured. However, only about 15% protection from harmful blue light can be expected. If you would want to use the glass for other things, you could consider The Versatile Sheadog. Like its names implies, this set is very flexible and can be used for a variety of tasks. Apart from gamers, graphic designers and editors can enjoy this type of glasses as it provides a free hinge design which makes it comfy while it strives to combat eye irritation or dry eyes.
Things to Look Out For In Gaming Glasses
When purchasing a gaming glass, one has to be careful as there are those that their coatings sometimes peel off because they were just dipped while others are baked on it. Gaming glasses are quite affordable for the nonprescription version. Others without the anti-reflective coating can be of a lesser price. But the prescription versions which have the coating could cost more than a hundred dollars.
There are certain factors you must put into consideration before choosing which gaming glasses to buy, they include the following…
Frame Material
The frame of gaming glasses should be comfortable and serve for the long run. They should be lightweight, scratch resistant, and made of flexible but durable materials be it polycarbonate, acetate, plastic, or metal frames. If you are a lover of colors, you can go for a frame with multiple designs.
Protective Capacity
Blue light is very harsh light spectrum emitted from mobile phones and computer screens. This light damages the eye at a very high rate. As such, gamers and indeed anyone who spends much time looking at a computer screen needs glasses that have a high blue light filtering capacity via a reflection technique.
The glasses help to relax eye muscles, reducing all fatigue and strain on the eyes. As such, one can spend hours on the screen without fear of harmful exposure. Gaming glasses should have an anti-flicker coating; they should also give protection against ultraviolet rays, dirt, dust, fog, and smudges.
Lens Color
There are tendencies of excessive reduction of the bright intensity of other colors in the process of blue light filtration. Gaming glasses should have color tints which help shield against dangerous light yet not distorting the quality of the graphics. Image contrast should be enhanced for optimum viewing pleasure. Amber or grey tints will do just fine and good magnification power will also come in handy.
Comfort
Every single detail about the glasses; shape, frame, lens, nose guards, and ear guards should be made for the users’ comfort. This way, you can relax and enjoy your game.
Feel free to pick from the gaming glasses listed above as they successfully fulfill all criteria. For us, they are the best glasses you can use to enjoy your games to the fullest and still keep your eyes protected from the harmful light emitting from your computer screen.
Read Also: Everything You Should Know About Gaming Keypads- Best 4
What You Should Know
Even as gaming glasses have proved their effectiveness, it is important to point out that it doesn’t totally or immediately stop the eyestrain; it only reduces the harshness of the blue light. Also, gaming glasses usually does not completely eradicate the effect of the blue light, instead it reduces its effect on the eyes.
Sitting and working for hours on the computer even with the computer glasses on does not eliminate the chances of having computer vision syndrome (CVS), it just hands you more time to look at the screen. Thus, it’s advised that one take breaks when working on the computer.