Gunnar Optiks Wi-FIVE Digital Performance Eyewear

Usage Impressions & Conclusion

I wore the Gunnar Wi-FIVE glasses as much as I could for about three weeks while using the computer for work, surfing the web & gaming. I also do a fair amount of photo editing but did not wear the Gunnars because of the color shift the lenses create. When you first put them on, there is only a slight perception of magnification but the increase in clarity/contrast is immediately obvious due to the amber lenses (remember ‘Blue Blockers’?). This is especially true when the background of the computer screen is white.

As mentioned, comfort was not an issue and I forgot I was wearing them several times. While the color shift is odd for the first few minutes, it disappears and is no longer noticeable through sensory adaptation. This is similar to what happens when you put on some cologne (or perfume for the ladies) and after a bit, you can no longer smell it which is why people tend to overuse it and walk around reeking like they marinated in the stuff.

The gaming experience didn’t suffer through the use of the Wi-FIVES
either. For the review, I took one for the team (woe is me!) and spent quite a few hours playing L4D2 and BioShock 2. I did notice less eye fatigue and the color shift didn’t bother me a bit. For those who already wear prescription glasses, you will be pleased to know that you can get prescription lenses through your nearest authorized Gunnar retailer.

When I look at the overall experience of wearing the Gunnar Wi-FIVE’s, I can say they are worth the $99 it will cost to pick up a pair. They are comfortable and definitely help with close-up clarity and mitigate eye fatigue. As for reducing dry eyes, I can’t discern either way and that’s partly because I already have some issues with dry eyes plus it’s the middle of the winter where ambient humidity is very low.

I’d like to try the CRySTAL lenses for photo editing work as this activity really makes you focus hard on specific areas of the screen and can increase the stress on your eyes. I’ve also made several comparisons to Oakley’s in this article which is really a compliment. Oakley is very highly regarded in the eyewear industry and I’ve been wearing their sunglasses for years so there’s familiarity on my part. I really have no complaints at all with the Hi-FIVE’s or my experience using them (ok, they were difficult to photograph!). In addition, I don’t really see anyone else making/marketing digital eyewear. As such, we would like to recognize them with the Legit Reviews Innovation Award!

Legit Bottom Line: The Gunnar Wi-FIVE digital performance glasses are an affordable and effective tool for mitigating eye fatigue and possible long term eye injury for those who spend more than a casual amount of time in front of a computer screen. With a wide range of styles and colors, everyone can find a design to suit them.