Given that over three billion people around the world identify as gamers, it’s understandable how the gaming landscape has become one of the most lucrative industries around.
Apart from gaming distributors and developers who are leading the charge, manufacturers of gaming peripherals are also enjoying their slice of this rather successful pie. Namely, the gaming glasses market is (pun intended) seeing serious growth. In fact, from this year until 2031, the global value of this sector is estimated to increase by more than 12%.
Apart from the surging gaming ecosystem, the primary driver of this rise is increased user awareness. While more people are becoming avid gamers, they’re also becoming more familiar with the necessary actions to take to enhance their experience. This extends to the eyewear they wear, which can influence their ocular state. In line with this, makers of gaming glasses are rising to the occasion by introducing specialized specs that address specific consumer pain points.
More inclusive model designs
For many, a significant concern that hinders them from using gaming glasses is the design. Traditionally, gaming glasses were designed like high-performance specs with larger wraparound frames and tinted lenses. While this type of style is appealing to some, such a specific and bold model was not always comfortable for others. In response to this, manufacturers have introduced new collections of gaming glasses that are more subtle.
Such is the case with retailer Eyebuydirect, which is known for being a premium source of glasses online. As an eCommerce platform, its site offers a variety of eyewear options ranging from in-house brands to other trusted names like Ray-Ban, Coach, and Arnette. For maximum convenience and efficacy, the models sold here come with numerous features, including prescriptions, polarization, and more. To further boost their selection, in 2021, the brand launched Elevate. A collection of gaming glasses, these specs are designed for those who want to wear sleeker gaming eyewear options. For instance, some of the silhouettes include modern aviators, rimless, and classic round frames. With these styles, users can find a pair that they feel more at ease with. Of course, despite their more fashionable appearance, gaming is still at the heart of these specs. Aside from eye-protective lenses, these glasses feature thin and lightweight frames for all-day gaming comfort.
Introduction of performance-enhancing tech
As more competitive games flood the mainstream, gamers are more keen to invest in accessories that can boost their performance. Evidence suggests that the right eyewear is one such accessory. This is why brands such as Oakley have made it their mission to produce competition-level gaming glasses.
An industry leader in performance goods, Oakley is a popular figure known for selling carefully crafted sporting products. While Oakley has always been a staple among serious athletes, it’s recently found more success as a fashion item. Because of its trademark sports-forward appearance that fits well with the Y2K trend today, many now wear the brand even as everyday sunglasses outside. In many cases, it’s now even used for more fashionable high-brow events with models like the Eyejacket being a hit style. That said, some of its most celebrated releases today have to do with gaming, given the special tech they’ve developed. For instance, they have their Prizm 2.0 lenses, which are made specifically to work with LED and OLED screens. Then, there are also the extra-large frames meant to provide a wider field of vision. All of these can help improve color saturation and visual acuity so details are better seen, thereby improving reaction time.
Integration of eye-caring features
Finally, more gaming glasses are also being created with eye health benefits frontloaded. As eye strain becomes a more prevalent issue following more rapid online adoptions, consumers are looking for products that can help prevent any ocular problems. This is where gaming glasses with blue light filters come in. Blue light is emitted by natural and artificial sources, including screens. When the eyes are overexposed to this light, there is the potential to develop issues such as dry eyes, blurred vision, and even retinal degradation.
As seen from brands such as Gunnar, these filters add an imperceptible tint that works with and without prescriptions. This is important, given that more people require prescription glasses, too. In the event that a gamer does require corrective specs, experts will test their eyes for factors, such as pupillary distance. From there, a prescription can be ascertained and then used to purchase the right gaming glasses that may include the aforementioned blue light filter. Since this protects the eyes, it can also safeguard against future gaming interruptions caused by poor vision.
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