Review of Gunnar Optics - Glasses for software engineer

I'll start my review with a saying that each software engineer has to make breaks while working with computer screens. By Ukrainian legislation this break is set to 15 minutes/hour. I believe that this make sense no matter how good your LCD/LED screen is.

So what are the problems with our screens are?

Firstly, the problem with these(LCD/LED/CRT) screens is that they do produce light, but humans are used to look at objects there light is reflected (yes, this is all objects except our screens :) for a millions? of years.

Reflected Light

 E-Ink screens use reflected light technique, I will write about my Amazon Kindle 3(which have latest generation of E-Ink screen) experience a bit later.







Secondly, as for me that main problem is with eye's muscles. They are focused on one distance and this is not good. There is little that any glasses can do to overcome that limitation.




But first things first. So here are the glasses and my personal review.

Gunnar's Attache Phenom Computer Glasses

I am using these glasses more than one month. The ones I have cost something like $100, therefore we are to expect great performance. Down below you will find pros(+) and cons(-) from my personal experience.




Pros (+):
1. In case of bad light, a lot of sun - glasses are perfect. Increased contrast, easy to see.
2. Need to work intensively - they do reduce pain in the eyes.
3. Image is not flat, we get slim zooming effect. It is somewhat like feature, I like that.
4. Colors are transformed. Aggressive white color becomes pleasant white-yellow color.
5. I do not wear any prescription glasses, but have to notice that Gunnar's are quite stylish glasses.

Cons (-):
1. Although it is possible to work without eye tiredness a day or two, after that eyes become very red.
2. I have not felt that they keep moisture near the eyes.
3. Hard to drink hot tea with glasses. Lenses become filled with steam from the tea :)

To conclude, it must be said that these glasses are not 100% solution to eye fatigue problem, but they do help. So, in case of sticking to short breaks I think you will be fine.