Hello, gaming enthusiasts! I'm Lewis and Welcome to another XPN Gaming review! For the past few months, XPN has been partnering with GUNNAR Optiks, a leading eyewear brand known for their blue light glasses, prescription lenses, and even sunglasses. I've had the privilege of testing several pairs, wearing each for several weeks, and I can confidently say these glasses made a huge difference.
As someone who needs to spend a while at their computer as PR Manager, my days are filled with emails, meetings, interviews, and writing in-depth reviews. Thanks to GUNNAR's glasses, I've been able to power through those late hours without the eye strain or headaches I usually experience. In fact, I noticed a significant reduction in migraines, which was a game-changer for me!
In this review, we’ll explore everything these glasses can do. Plus, after a great chat with Mike from GUNNAR Optiks (who was a pleasure to talk to), I’ll share why you should consider getting yourself a pair of GUNNAR glasses as soon as possible!
Who is GUNNAR Optiks?
GUNNAR Optiks are a company that specialises in designing and manufacturing eyewear specifically aimed at reducing digital eye strain and improving visual comfort for people who spend extended periods in front of screens. Founded in 2006, GUNNAR is well-known for its blue light-blocking glasses, which are designed to protect the eyes from the potentially harmful effects of blue light emitted by digital devices like computers, smartphones, and gaming monitors.
Key Features of GUNNAR Glasses:
Blue Light Filtering: GUNNAR glasses are designed to filter out high-energy visible (HEV) blue light, which is associated with digital eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns. Their lenses typically block up to 65% of blue light and 100% of UV light.
Patented Lens Technology: GUNNAR uses a patented lens technology that includes an amber tint, anti-reflective coatings, and slight magnification. This combination helps reduce glare, improve contrast, and enhance visual focus, making it easier to work or game for long hours.
Wide Range of Designs: The company offers a variety of frame styles to cater to different tastes, ranging from sleek and minimalistic designs to bold and colourful options. They also offer prescription lenses, sunglasses, and even custom lenses.
Collaborations: GUNNAR has collaborated with several major brands, such as Marvel, Blizzard Entertainment, Call of Duty and many, many more! Working together to create special edition glasses themed around popular characters and franchises, further appealing to gamers and pop culture enthusiasts.
GUNNAR Optiks has become a trusted name in the gaming and professional communities for its focus on eye health, comfort, and style. Their products are used by gamers, office workers, and anyone who spends long hours in front of screens, aiming to enhance visual performance and protect eye health over time.
Let's start by diving into the wide range of designs and features GUNNAR has to offer. I've taken photos of each pair, and we'll explore the unique details and design features of each one.
TAHOE
First, I possess a question, have you ever visited or seen Lake Tahoe? If you have, then you will completely understand what the Tahoe is entirely based on, and if you haven’t, like myself, then you will know you are missing out on seeing one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen.
Yes, inspired by the pristine, crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe, the GUNNAR Tahoe Blue Light Glasses embodies both natural beauty and cutting-edge eye protection. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains of the United States of America, Lake Tahoe is a breathtaking destination, and these glasses capture the very essence of what GUNNAR can deliver with their exceptional quality they are known for.
Designed with precision engineering and top-tier optical materials, the Tahoe features a sleek, rectangular modern design with an acetate frame built with GUNNAR’s patented technology. The real game-changer, however, is the revolutionary mineral glass lenses—crafted from the same material you will find used in high-end cameras and telescopes.
This material ensures unmatched visual clarity, superior optics, and extraordinary durability, offering resistance to scratches and shattering like never before! With the Tahoe Blue Light Glasses, you’ll experience the sharpest vision possible like looking into Lake Tahoe itself all while safeguarding your eyes in style.
The Tahoe are expertly crafted in a sleek slate coloured frame made from premium Italian acetate and lightweight aluminium magnesium alloy, both derived from natural materials for exceptional durability and comfort. Featuring flexible hinges for a comfortable fit, the Tahoe incorporates GUNNAR’s patented lens technology and G-SHIELD Premium Plus coating.
Designed to block harmful blue light and provide 100% UV protection, these lenses ensure optimal eye safety. Unfortunately, these models are not available as a prescription lens. But they do come in both 65 GBLF Amber protection and the new 20 GBLF Clear Pro. Plus, these GUNNAR glasses, come with a 24-month warranty.
These glasses come in GUNNAR’s Mythic-level glasses case, which comes in a beautiful Italian leather and felt case. The GUNNAR Optiks signature microfiber pouch and microfiber cleaning cloth.
Specs
Lens width: 55 mm
lens height: 35 mm
nose: 18 mm
frame width: 136 mm
temple: 140 mm
weight: 20 grams (without packaging)
Performance Level: MYTHIC
Fremont & Campbell (Luma Collection)
Released at the end of January 2025, GUNNAR Optiks introduced their newest Luma Collection, offering a more stylish way to protect your eyes from digital strain without the need for bulky frames. The collections feature two standout models: the Fremont and the Campbell, both designed with a perfect blend of fashion and function, each designed to block out harmful blue light while delivering a more modern aesthetic.
The Fremont, which personally aligns more with my style, features a refined rectangular frame, while the Campbell takes a rounder silhouette. Despite their distinct shapes, both models share the same high-quality construction, combining a matte metal front with premium acetate temples. Finished in a sophisticated Onyx coloured with dark grey and black accents, these frames offer a more timeless and versatile look.
Of course, they may look good, but do they include everything GUNNAR is known for? My answer to that question is yes! Of course, the Fremont and Campbell feature the same GUNNAR patented lens technology along with the advanced G-SHIELD plus lens coating, ensuring superior anti-reflective protection while preventing smudges—keeping these glasses as clear and pristine as possible.
The Fremont and Campbell are available in prescription and GUNNAR’s 65 GBLF Amber protection and the new 20 GBLF Clear Pro.
Both glasses come in a leather and felt tri-fold glasses case, GUNNAR’s signature microfiber cloth and pouch and 12-month warranty.
Fremont Specs
lens width: 59 mm
lens height: 39 mm
nose: 17 mm
frame width: 137 mm
temple: 137 mm
weight: 20 grams (without packaging)
Campbell Specs
lens width: 52 mm
lens height: 44 mm
nose: 19 mm
frame width: 137 mm
temple: 145 mm
weight: 20 grams (without packaging)
Performance Level: EPIC
Mustang
I feel the need… the need for speed! If anyone is a fan of Top Gun, then these are the glasses you have been looking for, although these are only designed based on the look and not of any collaboration with the franchise itself, they still hold a great place in GUNNAR’s newest releases.
Yes, the Mustangs are part of GUNNAR’s new Flight Deck Collection which truly do soar to new heights! Inspired by the same aviators used by the iconic fighter pilots Maverick and Goose. With a navigator-shaped frame, this eyewear brings a fresh, contemporary edge to a timeless look, perfect for those that want to feel like fighter pilots wherever they go.
The Mustang are built using high-quality stainless steel, flexible hinges with a lightweight yet still durable, ensuring a comfortable fit that lasts all day. These glasses come in three different coloured frames, Onyx (which I was sent), Chrome, and Gold. Letting you choose which suits you better.
Mustang is available in the 65 GBLF and 35 GBLF again, there is no prescription lens available for these glasses. But they still use the same GUNNAR patented lens technology and G-SHIELD lens coating.
The Mustang come in a quad-fold case made of leather and felt, with the GUNNAR logo microfiber cloth and pouch plus, 12-month warranty.
Specs
lens width: 55 mm
lens height: 35 mm
nose: 18 mm
frame width: 136 mm
temple: 140 mm
weight: 20 grams (without packaging)
Performance Level: EPIC
Overwatch Reaper
Lastly, I had to save the best for last as these are a pair of glasses, I have been waiting a long time for since they were first shown to me at GUNNAR’s CES 2025. You can’t escape death!
Yes! GUNNAR have teamed up once again with Blizzard Entertainment to bring one of my all-time favourite characters from the game—REAPER. Built using a precision-engineered polymer material crafted into a rectangular military style frame using multi-barrel hinges and a Black Ash coloured frame, you will feel like death himself. The sides of the glasses are wrapped showcasing Reaper's iconic logo for all your friends and enemies to see and fear.
These glasses are an officially licensed Overwatch 2 product. Using both the GUNNAR patented lens technology and G-SHIELD lens coating you will be able to rush out on the battlefield and bring your team to victory. These glasses are available in both prescription and sunglass lenses, they also come in the 65 GBLF Amber lens, protecting your eyes from blue light and 100% UV.
The glasses do not come in a cool, stylish box compared to the other licensed products from GUNNAR, which I have to admit I was a bit gutted by, as they have created some of the best boxes I have seen, with the Tony Stark, Fallout Vault 33 and Black Panther ones being some of my favourite. But rest assured, they do make up for it with their Reaper-themed custom microfiber, custom cleaning cloth and pouch, which also includes a 12-month warranty.
So, if you or anyone you know is a fan of Overwatch 2, then this would be perfect in their quest to being victorious across the entire Overwatch community.
Specs
lens width: 58 mm
lens height: 38 mm
nose: 17 mm
frame width: 132 mm
temple: 126 mm
weight: 20 grams (without packaging)
Performance Level: SIGNATURE
What Lens Do and What You Need?
Now that we’ve explored various designs, let’s take a closer look at the different lens options and their ideal uses!
Clear Pro: These lenses are perfect for graphic arts and creation, such as drawing or any work that requires accurate colour representation. They block only 20% of blue light at 450 nm, Although it's low on blue blocking is it strong for colour rendition making them ideal for photo editing, graphic design, and other creative or scientific applications where colour fidelity is crucial.
Clear: For those who prefer minimal tint, these lenses block 35% of blue light at 450 nm, offering average colour rendition. They are ideal for office work, photo and video editing, and graphic design.
Amber: GUNNAR's most popular lens, and one I highly recommend! These lenses block 65% of blue light at 450 nm, offering lower colour rendition but higher contrast. They’re ideal for extended video gaming sessions, content creation, and any activity involving prolonged screen time.
Sun: These lenses are designed specifically for outdoor use, offering protection from both the sun and blue light. They block 90% of blue light at 450 nm and provide an average score across contrast, blue light blocking, and colour rendition. Perfect for automotive, aerospace, and sea navigation applications, as well as outdoor sports with digital performance monitors, and any digital work conducted in outdoor environments.
Amber Max: Designed for extreme light sensitivity and sleep control, these lenses block 98% of blue light at 450 nm. They offer the highest level of contrast and blue light blocking among all lenses. Ideal for improving sleep, managing migraines, and aiding in post-concussion treatment.
Now that you know more about the different lenses, the choice is up to you. Select the lens that best suits your needs and supports your eye health.
What is G-Shield?
Here’s a quick overview of the G-Shield lens feature in Gunnar glasses:
G-Shield lenses are designed to filter blue light rays, preventing them from reaching your eyes and potentially causing damage. The "G" refers to the green tint of the lenses, while the "Shield" indicates that they allow only 15% of light to pass through. These lenses have a grey/green tint, block 85% of visible light, and provide at least 99% UV radiation protection.
Final Thoughts
I have to admit, before using the blue light glasses, I had several headaches that would completely take me out of service for a couple of days, I would struggle to spend long periods on the computer, even streaming-wise.
Since using these glasses, and even finishing this review which I am currently writing now for 04:21 AM I usually would have a headache or start to struggle and yet with these glasses, my eyes feel fine, they aren’t going dry, minimising the glare of the screen and also reducing the digital eye strain.
Now I have explained every reason I can recommend these amazing glasses, please throw away any cheap pair you have as these will damage your eyes more! A fact Mike from GUNNAR explained in our interview.
Talking of the interview, please keep an eye out as soon as we will be dropping the interview XPN did with GUNNAR! Now change your entire gaming sessions, and your everyday life whilst saving your eyes permanently with GUNNAR by your side!
Thank you to everyone who took time out of their day to take a moment to read this review, your support is always appreciated and means the world to me!
So, from all of us and myself, thank you! Oh, and guys before you go always remember to… KEEP GAMING!
XPN Rating: Five (Out of Five) Platinum
(Thank you to Tyler at NewEra PR and Mike and the team at Gunnar Optiks for sending these products for this review)
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