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Extended screen time can lead to eye strain, and blue light filtering glasses have become a popular way to reduce its effects. Gunnar is a well-known brand in this space, offering a range of glasses designed to minimize eye fatigue. The Gunnar Dume model, part of the Quantum Collection, is inspired by the aviator-style glasses worn by none other than Tony Stark. This particular model resembles the sunglasses from Avengers: Age of Ultron, giving it a stylish edge beyond just function. Priced at $89, this model features amber-tinted lenses, gold-colored stainless steel frames, and a quad-fold case for compact storage. While it succeeds in reducing blue light exposure, there are a few considerations that come with wearing it throughout the day.
One of the biggest selling points of these glasses is the build quality and materials, which are comparable to high-end sunglasses, just like many of the company’s other offerings. The stainless steel frame feels solid, and the black polycarbonate rim accents give them an iconic, sleek look without adding extra weight. They sit comfortably on the face, but their fit depends. As they are meant to be worn while on the computer, the suitability often comes down to the headset. While they are lightweight, their thin metal frame can cause slight pressure when used with some over-ear headphones. Aside from the practical function of filtering blue light, the Dume model also serves as a fashion accessory, although the style is always in the eye of the beholder.
What’s in the Box
The Gunnar Dume glasses come with a well-thought-out set of accessories that add to the overall experience but don’t overcrowd the packaging with needless brochures, destined immediately for the trash. The package includes:
- The Gunnar Dume glasses with amber-tinted lenses
- A quad-fold case with a faux-leather exterior and soft-touch interior
- A microfiber pouch for storage
- A microfiber cleaning cloth
The quad-fold case is one of the highlights, folding flat when not in use, making it convenient for storage. The magnetic closure adds a nice touch, keeping the case securely shut. The microfiber pouch and cleaning cloth are standard but useful additions for keeping the lenses clean and smudge-free. Overall, the accessories feel well-made, complementing the glasses’ premium design.
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Design and Comfort
The Dume model takes clear inspiration from Ironman Tony Stark‘s eyewear in Age of Ultron, giving it a sleek frame. However, it is notable that the company also has released a separate Stark Industries version, with slight modifications to this Dume model. The gold-colored stainless steel construction feels sturdy, while the black plastic sleeves around the frame give it the iconic aviator style. The design leans toward a lightweight look but has a sturdy, even hefty feel. Also, the solid hinge construction makes it feel durable enough for daily use.
In terms of comfort, the glasses fit well depending on the type of headset or headphones worn alongside them. The thin frames make them more headset-friendly compared to bulkier alternatives, but some over-ear headphones might still press against them, which can be uncomfortable over long sessions. The hinges arrive stiff enough out of the box, ensuring they probably won’t come too loose even after months, perhaps years of daily use.
Gunnar Dume glasses are extremely high quality, as are their other glasses, whether for computer usage or sunglasses.
One thing to note is the slight zoom factor present in the lenses. It’s subtle, but noticeable when first putting them on. This and the fact that the lenses have a strong tint means that the eyes require a short adjustment period, both when wearing them and when removing them, especially after extended use.
Lens Performance and Effectiveness
Gunnar’s amber-tinted lenses are designed to filter out blue light, which is known to contribute to eye fatigue, particularly during long gaming or work sessions. The tint gives the view a sepia-like effect, slightly muting certain colors. This can be a positive or negative, depending on preference. Those who are sensitive to blue light may find the warmer tone relaxing, while others may find it slightly distorts colors, particularly in design work or gaming. The same goes for the small magnification, which can make some details sharper. However, this can also cause discomfort and other issues.
In terms of effectiveness, the blue light filtering works well, reducing eye strain noticeably after several hours of screen use. The anti-reflective coating helps minimize glare, making it easier to focus on the screen without distractions. Unfortunately, light sources like windows introduced to the environment can still create some reflections in the lenses. It isn’t a dealbreaker but worth considering.
Amber tint changes color perception
For casual gaming, office work, and extended screen time, the glasses provide a comfortable visual experience once the adjustment period passes. The tint’s impact on color accuracy might not be ideal for those working in fields that require precise color matching or gamers who want to enjoy their epic adventure in all its original glory. However, for casual use and working on documents, the benefits of reduced strain can certainly outweigh the minor inconveniences. Also, competitive gamers who aren’t worried about color accuracy might really appreciate the benefits.
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Overview
The Gunnar Dume glasses combine a stylish design and functional eye protection, but they come with trade-offs that depend on individual preference. The metal frame and sturdy build quality make them feel more like high-end sunglasses, and with 100% UV protection, they also provide similar benefits. Instead of all plastic computer glasses, these Tony Stark-inspired aviator-style glasses offer much more heft and durability. The quad-fold case is a standout feature, offering convenient storage when the glasses aren’t in use.
However, the amber tint’s sepia-like effect may not appeal to everyone, especially those who need true-to-life color accuracy or don’t enjoy off-colors in games. The slight zoom factor can be anything from a minor initial distraction or even a headache-maker, depending on whether the user is used to glasses or their eyes are sensitive to these changes. The adjustment period when putting them on or taking them off is also a thing to consider, although we find it more curious than anything else. In our tests, headsets or headphones didn’t add significant pressure through the glasses’ arms.
For those looking for a well-made, stylish blue light filter solution, the Gunnar Dume glasses offer strong build quality and effective eye strain reduction. For tasks that require precise colors, the tint may be a drawback. Whether they are the right fit depends on how much weight is given to style, comfort, and visual adjustments over extended use.
Gunnar Dume Computer Glasses
The Gunnar Dume computer glasses are inspired by Tony Stark’s aviator-style glasses. The glasses offer excellent blue light elimination for reducing eye strain. The glasses also have 100% UV protection.
- Comfortable to wear with lightweight materials (depending on headset)
- Solid build quality with a premium metal frame
- Effective blue light reduction
- High-quality case with folding design
- Amber tint changes color perception
- Some headsets and headphones may press against the frames
- Slight magnification that might cause issues
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