Gaming is fast becoming one of the most popular pastimes, with more than 3.3 billion active players worldwide. While gaming itself has been linked to benefits like faster problem-solving, better memory, and stress relief, too much of it has also been connected to adverse health effects. This includes ocular concerns like blurred vision, eye pain, and strain.
One of the primary reasons why this happens is because of blue light exposure. A visible light spectrum, blue light is emitted by both natural and artificial sources. The latter includes devices such as gaming monitors, laptops, and mobile phones. Unfortunately, more than just affecting general ocular wellness, blue light-related eye problems can also impact gaming performance. As such, blue light-blocking eyewear has become more in demand. One of the most innovative forms that this has taken recently is contact lenses, which provide a more subtle solution.
The link between the eyes, blue light, and player performance
Gaming, in general, is a very visually intensive endeavor. To capture the details of the environment and the narrative, players need to have at least decent eyesight to perform the right and timely actions. This is why even developers themselves invest a great deal into related initiatives that ensure game dynamics are better tied to eyesight. For instance, Sony’s virtual reality headset incorporates eye-tracking software. Designed to account for the window of vision that the eyes have, this tech ensures that only the field in which a user can focus at any given time is fully rendered. This helps extend the life cycle of the product without compromising player experience.
That being said, blue light is also an area of interest for gaming entities, given that overexposure to this can impact their primary audience. Understandably, if gamers suffer from blue light-related eye concerns that put them off video games, they won’t be able to provide the social and monetary support that the industry requires to thrive. Evidence suggests that too much blue light can hurt the eyes by potentially causing retinal degradation, lackluster tear production and quality, and ocular fatigue. Over time, this can seep into player performance by affecting factors like reaction time, color perception, and even mood and mindset.
Blue light contacts for gamers: a bust or a boon?
In line with the above, blue light-blocking glasses have become a widely popular product among gaming stakeholders. One such example is from the performance eyewear brand Oakley. Under their Prizm Gaming line, which is even endorsed by gaming influencer Hector ‘Repullze’ Torres, these blue light gaming glasses claim to reduce eye strain while enhancing contrast, thereby improving overall performance.
However, glasses are not ideal or preferred for all gamers. Some may find the frames distracting, as they may cut off their field of vision. At the same time, others may not like how glasses alter their appearance. This is where contact lenses come in. Generally speaking, contacts from trusted brands now account for digital device use in their designs. At trusted retailer Target Optical, Acuvue Oasys is one such option. Using their Hydraclear Plus technology, these contacts ensure proper eye lubrication amid extended screen hours. This is helpful for blue light exposure since dry eyes are a common symptom of this. Well-moisturized eyes are helpful for gamers as this can help make up for the decreased blink rate that they often experience due to staring at bright screens for long time spans.
Going a step further, manufacturer Johnson & Johnson Vision has also developed another type of Acuvue Oasys called Max 1-Day. Available in sphere and multifocal, these advanced lenses can block up to 60% of blue and violet light using a chromophore. As a result, they also cut down on halos, glare, and starbursts. These can be especially useful for gamers who play particularly busy games with many moving elements and light shifts. This can prevent further ocular discomfort, which can help keep players at the top of their game for longer. As an added bonus, because contacts can be used with prescriptions too, they can double as corrective tools that keep the eyes healthier and functioning better for future gaming sessions. All in all, while neither gaming glasses nor contacts can automatically elevate a player’s ability, the ocular confidence, clarity, and safety they impart against blue light can help keep gamers physically capable of practising and enjoying their beloved titles for longer.