Blue light filter glasses, do you need one?

It’s interesting how technology has developed and influenced everything around us. I have witnessed 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 today, when phones weren’t smart and you had to remember phone numbers if you wanted to call someone, when you didn’t have to pay extra to get secret stuff in the games you played and when you didn’t really feel like spending hours in front of a screen.

It also means that I kept hearing my mother yelling and telling me to get away from the TV because it would mess up my eyes when I wanted to play video games. Now it’s my turn to say the same to my children, because I know the damage blue light can do to their eyes. However, there are several ways to keep our eyes safe, and the best one I know of comes in a small package that is quite convenient and affordable. What’s even better is that thanks to GUNNAR Optiks you can choose from an extensive selection of options.

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 few. This brings me to the question: will you need glasses with blue light protection in 2024?

As a commercial writer, I have the opportunity to test and play with tons of great products, which typically include high-end gear and some quite expensive products. However, I came across an email inviting me to discuss deals and the launch of one of the company’s new frames. This came at the best possible time, as I wanted to replace my glasses.

To give you some context, let’s travel back to 2017, when I started spending more than six hours in front of my laptop or other screens. At the end of the day I felt tired and usually got a headache or a very uncomfortable feeling in my eyes. So I checked my eyes to make sure I didn’t need prescription glasses. It turned out that my eyes were more than fine, and I just had to buy glasses that protect bluer light, which cost me about $200. A few years after that I went for a second pair, which cost over $400. So there I was, with two pairs of glasses, having spent over $600 on both, and looking for my third pair.

Luckily that’s when GUNNAR reached out, and it’s been GUNNAR for me ever since. I absolutely loved the experience, fit and finish of these blue light protection glasses, so much so that I became more interested in the brand and how it came to be. The guys were extremely helpful and more than ready to answer my questions.

A little history lesson

So, the idea emerged in 2003, when Joe Croft and Jennifer Michelsen collaborated to create a solution for digital eye strain. This problem became 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 went official. Since then, GUNNAR Optiks has continued to grow and develop some of the best lenses to reduce the effects of using digital screens.

If I had to define GUNNAR, I would choose ‘protection with style’. I love the ones I have, and I wear them all the time, even when I’m not in front of 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 sick and they are incredibly comfortable. They have an amber lens, which offers up to 65 percent blue light protection and improved contrast, which is usually great, even though they will make everything you see look a bit yellow.

Are there more options to choose from?

Of course, there are several shades to choose from, starting with the Amber Max shade that blocks up to 98 percent of blue light. They will also improve the way 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 help you sleep faster and better. And if you’re more interested in going out, you’ll enjoy the Sun tint, which is basically regular sunglasses that block up to 90 percent blue light and provide good contrast, but I recommend you don’t wear these at night . . Still, they are quite popular among pilots and users who spend more time in the sun.

You can also opt for the clear variant, which blocks 35 percent of blue light, and is great for those interested in photo and video editing. It will be even better for digital artists, graphic designers, and creative professionals, as they will be able to enjoy exceptional color reproduction. Yes, you will be 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 will deliver top-notch color reproduction.

Do you have prescription lenses? Don’t worry, GUNNAR has got you covered too, and the best part is that you get it 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.

Want to spend a little more and look even better? In that case, you should check out the Epic and Legendary achievement levels. The former offers improved frame durability, flexible hinges and a customizable fit. I own the COD Covert Edition frames and they are always in my backpack, so they travel with me everywhere. You’ll find two of my favorite frames in this level: the Marvel Stark Industries Edition and the Maverick. Finally, the Legendary tier includes the highest quality frame materials, flexible hinges, and other goodies, so be sure to check them out before choosing which frame to purchase.

New technology and announcements

To make things even more exciting, GUNNAR has also announced new frames that will enhance your experience. The companies ARBOR Collection is made from sustainably forested wood and a carbon fiber inner core so they last a long time. You can choose between the Humboldt, Muir and the recently announced Guardians of the Galaxy Groot Edition glasseswhich are perfect for Marvel fans.

I’m personally eager to try out this new shade because I also like to draw things in my spare time, and yes, the amber tint on my Stark Industries Edition glasses usually gets in the way when I want to choose the perfect color option for my drawings, especially when I use blue pencil to sketch.

Conclusion: Do you need glasses with blue light protection?

So ultimately, I believe that everyone should have GUNNAR blue light blocking glasses. You might think they’re just for gamers, but honestly, they’re perfect for anyone who enjoys spending time in front of a screen. I have become a fan of the brand and I cannot explain how satisfied I am with every model I have tried.

I honestly recommend getting a pair with the amber shade as you’ll find options starting at just $30 if you go for the Vertex model on Amazon.com, which at the time of writing is currently at a massive 40 percent discount. If you are unsure which option is best for you, you can also consider purchasing a Cupertino frame as this option comes with interchangeable lenses that you can easily swap out at your leisure.

Do I recommend them? That’s a big and loud yes. I think everyone should have a pair, which made me give up my Mavericks to my wife, and I’m seriously considering buying more for my friends and family. I honestly believe that these glasses are one of the best products I have tried in a very long time as I have indeed become a fan of GUNNAR and its products. So be quick and buy a pair. I am more than certain that you will love the experience too.