Gadgets: Computer glasses to ease eye strain

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We all do it. Some longer than others, but we can't escape staring at our digital devices for hours daily, often at very close range. Prolonged staring can result in digital eye strain. Gunnar Optiks computer glasses, which come in a variety of styles, are a solution for eye strain.

If you're not familiar with computer glasses, they can be prescription or non-prescription and, in many cases, fit over existing glasses. Gunnar says extensive staring causes digital strain in several areas, including dry eye, which occurs when intense computer use reduces your blink rate.

Gunnar set out to create patented optics to help relieve these issues. The glasses can be used all day, indoors or outdoors, even if you have a medical condition limiting you with sensitive eyes toward light.

Gunnar's newer Optiks Strata ($89) collection was created with a style inspired by popular California destinations. They have blue and UV light-blocking lenses and help prevent the harmful effects of computer vision syndrome caused by starting at a screen. They make a fashion statement, but more importantly they protect your eyes from harmful blue and UV light.

For testing, Gunnar sent me the Strata collection, which has three choices: Pacifica, Palomar and Pismo. The unisex frames are made with layered magnesium-aluminum and stainless steel architecture. They feel well-made and have a single-bar construction, flexible spring hinges and a minimalist design. The lenses, which are smudge-resistant and anti-reflective, block harmful blue light and 100% of UV light.

After using the lightweight and comfortable frames for about 10 days, I put them away. That lasted a short time, and I reached for them almost immediately while working on my desktop computer. I'll add that it is always good to consult a doctor for a professional opinion if you have eye or vision issues.

The Gunnar PalomarClear Pro glasses fit easily over my regular glasses, and amazingly, it didn't feel like I was wearing two pairs of glasses. And with contacts, they fit perfectly and worked great as well. While working on my computer, the Clear Pro lenses reduce the amount of light coming through to my eyes without changing the colors. As a professional photographer, this is ideal, as I need to edit in true color.

I've had problems with other types of light-blocking glasses or coatings on my glasses, making it difficult to edit because they change the colors I see on my screen; Clear Pro doesn't do this. My eyes feel less tired after several hours on my computer while wearing them compared to not wearing them.

Gunnar has recently launched digital lifestyle glasses designed for gamer girls who prioritize style and health. They offer the same protection for a digital lifestyle to protect your eyes from harmful blue and UV light.

The Gunnar site is a great source for educating yourself on computer glasses and providing guidance on getting yours with a prescription. There are endless choices of styles for daily use, gamers and readers. The prices vary depending on the style.

The width and size come in several choices: extra narrow, narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide. For frame shapes, you'll have a choice of cat eye, diamond, oval, rectangle, round and square.

https://gunnar.com