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Gunnar Optiks Shredder Computer Glasses Review

Date: 2008-10-28  Reviewed by: Shane McGlaun  Manufacturer: Gunnar Optiks

9.5/10
I4U Rating

Features
The Gunnar Optiks Shredder glasses use special lenses form Gunnar that feature i-AMP lens technology. I-AMP is a proprietary lens technology that includes lens materials, lens tints, lens coatings, and lens geometry. The lenses are designed to reduce two medically recognized eye maladies called Digital Eye Fatigue (DEF) and Computer Visions Syndrome (CVS).

The special lenses help to reduce the strain on the eye muscles. Common symptoms of CVS are some that many might not relate to a vision problem and include neck and shoulder pain, blurred vision, headaches, and eyestrain. The reason for CVS according to medical professionals is the inability of the eye to focus properly on computer images.

In Use
Now that you know a bit about what CVS is we can talk about how these glasses help. The first time I looked at the glasses, they reminded me of high-end sunglasses. I guess that makes sense considering some of the Gunnar Optiks team came from Oakley. The lenses have a yellow cast to them when viewed and look a bit like driving glasses.

Gunnar offers a wide variety of different models, styles, and colors for the user to choose from. There is almost as much variety in the Gunnar line as there is in the Oakley line. The set I am reviewing is called the Gunnar Optiks Shredder. The glasses have metal frames and the lenses are glass rather than plastic.

I spend lots of time in front of the computer and I have noticed for years that as the day wears on I often end up with a headache or a sore neck. I never really equated the symptoms to eye strain. After wearing the Gunnar Optiks Shredder glasses for about a week, I can certainly tell a difference.

I forgot to wear the glasses for half a day recently and ended up with a raging headache at the end of the day. The days prior, I wore the glasses and didn’t get a headache as was typical for me. The glasses are light and comfortable to wear for extended periods.

The Gunnar Optiks Shredder pair I reviewed retail for $139, which is one of the more moderately priced styles. For those who wear prescription glasses the lenses can be ordered with your prescription. It's important to note that the Gunnar Optiks glasses aren’t meant to be used as sunglasses.

From what I have seen during the time I have spent using the Gunnar Optiks Shredder glasses is that they work. My eyes aren’t as tired at the end of the day, I have less headaches and neck pain when I wear them and I work more comfortably. My Gunnar Optiks Shredder glasses are now as important to me as my keyboard and mouse when it comes to working on the computer. The only drawback I see to the glasses is that creative professionals needing color accuracy may find the slight color shift the lenses create to be an issue in their work.





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