Do video game glasses work? The opinion of eye doctors
The market of blue light blocking glasses is currently in full expansion.
The use of digital screens being almost indispensable nowadays, users wish to protect themselves from the overexposure of their eyes to blue light emitted by LED screens.
Blue light blocking glasses would be the ideal solution to protect oneself when one has to spend several hours a day in front of screens, either to work (telecommuting has never been so widespread in this pandemic period) or to play video games.
But are these glasses really effective? Do they really improve your gaming experience? Will they reduce blue light? This is some questions that many potential customers ask themselves before buying them.
What do the professionals really think? Are ophthalmologists rather reticent or do they confirm the existence of the benefits of anti blue light glasses? Are these glasses for gaming recommended by professionals? This is what we will clarify in this article.
Digital Eye strain
Eye strain (or visual fatigue) is one of the most common symptoms associated with long exposure to blue light.
According to Professor Eric Souied, head of the ophthalmology department of the Hôpital Intercommunal de Créteil and the Hôpital Henri Mondor, blue light blocking glasses can have real benefits when it comes to consistent exposure in front of an LED screen.
"When you spend long hours in front of your computer, concentration can slow down the frequency of flashing, which can cause discomfort and irritation, which are the main symptoms of digital eye strain. In this context of dry eyes, blue light glasses can bring more comfort to your eyes, and also avoid headaches or computer vision syndrome."
He adds: "Even without the need for vision correction (like prescription glasses or prescription lenses), our eyes must be protected to the maximum in front of digital devices".
Regulate your circadian rhythm
Blue light is also known for its extremely harmful effects on sleep.
It promotes the destruction of the melatonin hormone, which is essential for the regulation of the circadian rhythm, which is a natural internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats itself approximately every 24 hours.
This symptom particularly affects people who use their electronic devices before going to bed, and without protection.
A study conducted by researchers at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business proves that blue light glasses promote a better sleep cycle, especially if worn just before bed.
In this study, the researchers studied the effects of sleep deprivation on work decisions, as well as on relationships in the workplace.
It was deduced that the commitment and execution of different tasks could be linked to the circadian rhythm, and therefore to sleep.
According to Cristiano L. Guarana, a professor at the university, "wearing blue light filtering glasses creates a form of physiological darkness, thus improving the quantity and quality of sleep”.
The eye, a fragile and precious element
The eye is a microcosm constantly exposed to light but also to pollution and other parasite elements that can cause vision problems. It is therefore essential to take care of it from a young age.
As previously mentioned, the blue light, ultra present in our current environment, does not make the task any easier.
According to Dr. Petra Kunze, homeopathic ophthalmologist and author of "Your eyes are precious", protecting your eyes from blue light should be essential for each exposure to screens: "Blue light is found in all artificial lighting, (except in the classic incandescent bulbs that have been banned) but also in daylight, even in dull weather.
The only way to protect yourself from it is to wear protective glasses, even in theory for the use of tablets and computers."
Blue light blocking glasses: the only solution?
Nowadays, there are very few ways to minimize the harmful effects of blue light.
"There is no real protection available, except for putting blue light filters between the light sources and our eyes," says ophthalmologist Dr. Petra Kunze.
Unfortunately, there are very few alternatives to a simple pair of gaming glasses, which according to several general practitioners and qualified opticians, remains the most effective means to date.
"These computer glasses block an important part of the light among the wavelengths identified as toxic for the retina. We can therefore assume that there is a real protection of the retinal cells", adds the neurobiologist Pr Serge Picaud.
It is therefore essential for anyone exposed to screens, whether they are subject to eye disease or not, to be constantly protected from screen light. Unfortunately, there are no regulated health products or medical devices for this purpose.
Wearing resting glasses, corrective lenses, contact lenses or even sunglasses (only effective for UV light) will not be efficient if you wish to preserve your eye health when exposed to a screen.
Conclusion
Numerous testimonies and studies confirm that gamer glasses are effective because they filter the so-called harmful light.
The lack of alternatives available for sale make them an essential item if you are exposed to several hours in front of a screen.
Whether you are a gamer, a social networker, or simply in front of a computer during your work sessions, a pair of blue light blocking glasses will reduce the risk of you developing disabling eye fatigue, sleep disorders, AMD or cataracts.
We offer a wide range of blue light glasses on our website.
The design and the rate of filtering vary according to the collections.
These glasses are specifically designed for gamers, and will accompany you during your gaming sessions, your work sessions or during your time on social networks.