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A Clear Improvement: Gunnar Optiks Digital Performance Eyewear

By Chris Chiarella

Just because you have 20/20 vision doesn't mean that you can't benefit from a good pair of glasses. Sometimes the problem isn't you, but what you're looking at. Consider your monitor, for example: We live in a digital world; of text, graphics and of course video; which means we are staring at bright screens more than ever, and actually blinking less. But are we seeing it all as intended? And are we properly protecting our eyes while doing so?

Enter Gunnar Optiks, with their line of stylish "Digital Performance Eyewear." The head-hugging, wraparound designs are remarkably lightweight, particularly enticing to non-eyeglass-wearers. They can also be ordered directly from Gunnar Optiks with prescription lenses.

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Don't let the iONiK lens tint fool you: Colors will appear truer with Gunnar Optiks eyewear.

The innovations which combine to provide these benefits fall into four key categories, all with catchy trademarked names:

  • fRACTYL Lens Geometry -- The shape of the lens helps the eyes focus naturally, increasing power while at the same time reducing muscular strain. Positioned up close to the face, they also block drying air currents and can maintain a more humid and comforting "micro-climate" around the eye, like our own personal rainforest.
  • iONik Lens Tint -- Utilizing organic dye compounds, the proprietary lens tinting tunes artificial light to make it more eye-friendly, increasing perceived contrast and optimizing the color spectrum, blocking blurring blue light along the way.
  • i-FI Lens Coatings -- Multi-layer lens coatings on both sides filter out glare and reflective light while at the same time catching and amplifying "good" light, also protecting the lens itself from damage.
  • diAMIX Lens Material -- Lightweight, no distortion-free, and comfortable over long periods, this works to reduce distractive external light and "visual noise," enhancing near vision. It's tougher than polycarbonate while comparable to the optical power of ground glass.

It's all a part of what they call the i-AMP lens technology optical platform, that brings together all of the above for genuine results.

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The i-FI coatings work the light in brand new ways, while also protecting the lenses.

I personally tried the rimless "Bit Surfer" style with Onyx-colored arms and amber lenses, easily adjustable with two quick bends to sit comfortably atop my big honking schnozzola. The benefits were immediate and self-evident. Images really pop, edge detail in particular was enhanced, but naturally so. A slight yellowish tint was introduced but it felt strangely appropriate, and it also seemed to yield colors that appeared more realistic than before. Switching back to my regular eyeglasses, I noted that images now looked flatter, they just seemed to lie there, and colors were suddenly less lifelike. Before long I was hooked, and looking at the world without the Bit Surfers didn't feel quite right. These things really work.

Prices range from $99 to 189 per pair.

Where to Buy:

(Different lens/arm color combinations and other styles also available.)

More information:

What did you think?

View all articles by Chris Chiarella
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