Key learning points
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Technology has evolved and GUNNAR Optiks offers blue light protection glasses for everyone, not just gamers.
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You can choose from several tint options to suit your needs, from enhancing contrast to better color accuracy.
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GUNNAR’s new Clear Pro Lens Technology delivers premium color reproduction, perfect for digital artists.
It’s interesting how technology has evolved and affected everything around us. I’ve seen this evolution and how new creations have shaped and changed the way we work, play, explore and live. I was born when laptops weren’t as portable as they are now, when phones weren’t smart and you had to remember phone numbers to call someone, when you didn’t have to pay extra to get secret things in the games you played and when you didn’t really care about sitting in front of a screen for hours.
It also meant that I heard my mother screaming all the time and that I had to get away from the TV because it would ruin my eyes when I wanted to play video games. Now it’s my turn to tell my kids the same thing because I know how much damage blue light can do to their eyes. However, there are several ways to protect our eyes, and the best one I know comes in a small package that is very convenient and affordable. What’s even better is that thanks to GUNNAR Optiks, you have a wide range of options to choose from.
I’ve always believed that the best things come in small packages, and that’s exactly what happened when I discovered GUNNAR Optiks and its offerings. I found the perfect accessory that I didn’t know I needed until I tried a pair on. Which brings me to the question: will you need a pair of blue light protection glasses in 2024?
As a business writer, I get to test and play with tons of great products, which normally include high-end gear and some pretty expensive products. However, I came across an email inviting me to cover deals and the launch of one of the company’s new frames. This came at the best possible time, as I was looking to replace my glasses.
To give you some context, let’s go back to 2017, when I started spending more than six hours in front of my laptop or other screens. By the end of the day, I would feel tired and usually get a headache or a very uncomfortable feeling in my eyes. So I got my eyes checked to make sure I didn’t need prescription glasses. It turns out my eyes were more than okay and all I had to do was buy a pair of glasses that protected against blue light, which cost me about $200. A few years later, I bought a second pair of glasses, which cost more than $400. So there I was, with two pairs of glasses, after spending more than $600 on each, and looking for my third pair.
Luckily that’s the moment GUNNAR contacted them and it has been GUNNAR ever since. I absolutely loved the experience, fit and finish of these blue light protection glasses, so much so that I became more and more interested in the brand and how they came to be. The guys were extremely helpful and more than willing to answer my questions.
A little history lesson
So, the idea started in 2003, when Joe Croft and Jennifer Michelsen teamed up to create a solution for digital eye strain. This problem was becoming more and more common as people spent more and more time in front of screens. Of course, there was a three-year process that included extensive research and development, studies, consultations with medical advisors, and tons of prototypes until the company finally became official. Since then, GUNNAR Optiks has continued to grow and develop some of the best lenses to reduce the effects of digital screen use.
If I had to define GUNNAR, I would say “protection with style.” I love the ones I have and I wear them all the time, even when I’m not at my laptop or monitor. I even wear them at night while driving because they help me see better. I usually wear the Stark Industries Edition Blue Light Sunglasses because they look great and they’re incredibly comfortable. They have an amber tint lens, which offers up to 65 percent blue light protection and improved contrast, which is usually great, even though they do tint everything you see a little yellow.
Are there any more options to choose from?
Of course, there are different tints to choose from, starting with the Amber Max tint that blocks up to 98 percent of blue light. They also improve how you see things, as they improve contrast, but don’t expect excellent color accuracy. These are perfect for you if you suffer from migraines and insomnia, as they will help you sleep faster and better. And if you’re more interested in going out, you’ll enjoy the Sun tint, which is basically a regular pair of sunglasses that blocks up to 90 percent of blue light and offers good contrast, but I wouldn’t recommend wearing them at night. Still, they’re quite popular among pilots and users who spend more time in the sun.
You can also opt for the clear variant, which offers 35 percent blue light blocking, which is great for those interested in photo and video editing. It will be even better for digital artists, graphic designers, and creative professionals, as it delivers exceptional color reproduction. Yes, you are sacrificing some blue light protection, but it is still better than none. Now, things have gotten even more interesting in the past few days, as we have witnessed the launch of a new tint that is absolutely insane. GUNNAR recently announced its Clear Pro Lens Technology, which is even better for digital artists and creators, as this new lens delivers top-notch color reproduction.
Do you have prescription lenses? Don’t worry, GUNNAR has you covered, and the best part is that you sexy looking frames for a very reasonable price if you choose one of the company’s signature frames, where you’ll find the Call Of Duty Alpha Edition frames, Spider Man Miles Morales Edition and more. The Signature Performance-level frames give you a durable and lightweight structure with some of the company’s best-selling models.
Looking to spend a little more and look even better? If so, you’ll want to check out the Epic and Legendary performance tiers. The former offers improved frame durability, flexible hinges, and a customizable fit. I have the COD Covert Edition frames and they’re always in my backpack, so they travel with me everywhere. You’ll find two of my favorite frames in this tier: the Marvel Stark Industries Edition and the Maverick. Finally, the Legendary tier includes the most premium frame materials, flexible hinges, and other goodies, so make sure to check them out before you decide which frame to buy.
New technology and announcements
To make things even more exciting, GUNNAR has also announced new frames that will enhance your experience. ARBOR collection is made from sustainable forestry wood and a carbon fiber inner core to make them last. You can choose between the Humboldt, Muir and the recently announced Guardians of the Galaxy Groot Edition Glasseswhich are perfect for Marvel fans.
I can’t wait to try out this new shade, as I also love to draw in my spare time. And yes, the amber tint on my Stark Industries Edition glasses often gets in my way when I want to choose the perfect color option for my drawings, especially when I sketch with blue lead.
Conclusion: Do you need glasses that protect against blue light?
So in the end I think everyone should have a pair of GUNNAR blue light blocking glasses. You would think they are only for gamers, but honestly they are perfect for anyone who likes to spend time in front of a screen. I have become a fan of the brand and I can’t even explain how satisfied I am with every model I have tried.
I honestly recommend getting a pair with an amber tint, as you can find options starting at just $30 if you go for the amber variant. Vertex Model on Amazon.comwhich is currently on sale for a massive 40 percent off. If you’re not sure which option is best for you, then you should also consider picking up a pair of Cupertino frames, as this option comes with interchangeable lenses that you can easily swap out whenever it suits you.
Do I recommend them? That’s a big, loud yes. I think everyone should have a pair, which is why I gave my Mavericks to my wife, and I’m seriously considering buying more for my friends and family. I honestly believe these are some of the best products I’ve tried in a long time, because I have indeed become a fan of GUNNAR and its products. So hurry up and grab a pair. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the experience too.