Gunnar Optiks - Digital Performance Eyewear Review

Catalyst Collection, Crimson Wi-Five Frame, Neoscopic Amber Lens

Introduction

When did you last stop to think about your eyesight? What you see is simply an interpretation of visible light reaching your eyes. Therefore eyesight, or vision, involves three parts; the eye, the object, and the space between the eye and the object. As far back as 1021 A.D. it was discovered that by placing a glass of water or lens between the eye and an object that you can “enhance” one’s vision.

Using this age-old concept, Gunnar Optiks has created sophisticated lenses capable of enhancing vision when viewing particular objects, specifically illuminated or backlit screens. As costs of these devices continue to fall, consumers will continue to see more and more use from them, increasing the time they spend in front of these devices. Between work, a gaming habit, an LCD television and my iPhone, I spend an at least 8-10 hours each day bathed in the glow of a monitor.

While the thought of digital performance eyewear may sound gimmicky, the company is anything but. A quick visit to www.gunnars.com will take you to a modern and trendy website where you can browse their selection of products, read testimonials, view endorsing celebrities and learn more about the concepts and technologies behind the lens.

Here are the features and claims of Gunnar Optiks:

• fRACTYL lens geometry hugs the shape of the face closely, creating an ocular microclimate that traps in humidity and blocks evaporative air currents, alleviating dry-eye effects.

• diAMIX lens material provides high quality, distortion-free optics in a durable, flexible and lightweight lens that allows Gunnar to design a variety of styles and be extremely comfortable.

• i-Fi lens coatings keep your lenses clean and vision clear via an anti-reflective, protective barrier that resists scratches finger smudges and fogging.

• iONik lens tints enhance contrast and are specifically tuned to environments for maximum visual efficiency and a sharper viewing experience.

• Neoscopic lenses are specifically tuned for close viewing applications. This lens gives the greatest visual enhancement, but is a limited in variable viewing distances. Engineered for the most demanding computer users who spend long hours in front of a monitor.

• Transcopic lenses are specifically tuned for variable viewing applications - excellent for across-the-room gaming, home theatre applications, and outdoor electronics use. Also appropriate for computer users who multi-task in environments with varied focal distances.

Lenses, by default, are available for those with 20/20 vision or corrected 20/20 vision (those with contacts or Lasik eye-surgery). For additional fees and through select retailers; however, you are able to order prescription lenses through their Rx program. Not all frames are Rx compatible.

Design

Having recruited the aid of some Oakley veterans, Gunnar Optiks has the same appeal and flare as the sunglass giant (Looking at the two websites you’d think they were the same company). Needless to say, by way of design, Gunnars are very stylish and will appeal to the masses. With currently over 19 frames available in various colors and multiple lens options, you’re sure to find a pair that you’ll like.

Gunnar’s eyewear is divided into Indoor and Outdoor lines – the indoor variety are available in Amber or Clear lenses while the outdoor are available in Gradient-Grey or Gradient-Gold. Frame colors vary by style and include: Onyx, Espresso, Crimson, Ash, Graphite, and Chrome (among others). I was shipped a Crimson Wi-Five frame with Neoscopic Amber lenses.

The frames are made from a lightweight alloy that gives the frame stability without appearing bulky or obtuse. The hinges are firm and maintain their position until opened or closed. On the Wi-Five style specifically, the part of the frame extending back to the ear has a soft, suede-like coating that is very comfortable. After just a few minutes in use and the initial adjustment to the color change, I easily forget that I’m even wearing them.

One thing of note is the information about the glasses that Gunnar provides. I’m not an avid sunglass shopper but I really like how Gunnar presents the measurements of each frame style. This way, if I try on a particular style and think they are too tight or don’t cover enough of my vision, I can easily identify a style with a wider frame or taller lens without having to try on every pair. This also makes for more convenient online shopping if you know what size you wear or if you can measure yourself or another pair of glasses you already own.

Performance

What you all want to know is how they perform. When I first put on my Gunnars, the obvious change was the color. The lenses are tinted slightly yellow for anti-reflective properties specific to fluorescent lighting. While I noticed the change in color right away, eventually I came to recognize the amount of color on my monitor. It wasn’t apparent right at first because I was typing a document in Microsoft Word, just as I am now. However, when I opened by browser to pages with more color, the colors were very bright and the contrast was remarkable.

After using them all day at work, I decided to take them home for an extended gaming session of World of Warcraft – a world filled with color. As anticipated, the experience was fantastic! As I played late into the evening I noticed another feature of the lenses. They appeared to dim my surroundings – my computer desk, Optimus Prime figure, books and papers all seemed grayscale in contrast to the splash of color on my 24” monitor, bringing to my full attention what was on my screen.

For several days following I continued to wear my Gunnars when playing at night but had decided to ditch them during the work days. Then just yesterday, as I began to write this review I found myself constantly digging my fingers into my tear ducts because my eyes were drying out. It’s recently gotten colder here and the heat has kicked in – maybe that was the issue? However, last night while playing at home I was again wearing my Gunnars when I noticed that I was not rubbing or itching my eyes as I had been at work earlier that day. I continued playing late into the night with no discomfort, often forgetting that I was sporting my Gunnar eyewear.

Arriving late to work this morning (late night raiding), I went back to the Gunnar Optiks website and refreshed my memory of the fRACTYL lens geometry. Sure enough, the curvature of the frame and lens is such that the microenvironment near your eye retains humidity, relieving many dry eye symptoms. I was sure to bring my Gunnars with me to work today and my eyes have been doing great as I wrap up this review.

Summary

I was extremely skeptical when I first received my Gunnars. After reading up on proper eye care and taking the time to understand the purpose and technologies behind the product, only then did I see the value of their product. Having said that, I believe that the lenses do everything they set out to do – relieve dry eyes, reduce eye strain and improve contrast and color on digital screens – all in a durable, comfortable, and stylish package.

Now begs the question, “Would I spend $99 for this pair?” My answer is a confident, “Yes”. However it took my actual use of the product for 10 days before I was able to say that. Because you’ll not have the luxury of trying out a pair for a week before surrendering a Franklin, I encourage you to research the product via additional reviews, testimonials and tech videos available on Gunnars.com.

Gunnar Optiks provides Digital Performance Eyewear ranging from $59 to $189 dollars and are available online at www.gunnars.com or a variety of vision specialist shops across the country.

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