Computer glasses have always been a highly optional addition to a work or gaming setup. Protecting your eyes is important, but most of the time a good monitor can get the job done. However, glasses can help with eye strain and headaches, and among the different brands, GUNNAR is the more premium choice.
While GUNNAR has plenty of options for frames and designs (including collaborations with Fallout, Borderlands, Cyberpunk 2077, Call of Duty, and many more games), I opted for a more minimalistic Pendleton frame, priced at $84.99.
If you have been on the edge of getting yourself a pair of computer glasses, here’s our review of the Pendleton frame by GUNNAR.
Pendleton frame features
Pendleton is on the simpler side, with a clean black frame and rectangular lenses. According to GUNNAR’s scale, Pendleton has the Epic performance level. Essentially, it means the frame has an oleophobic coating, GShield Plus coating, a metal core, and a customizable fit. Epic frames also come with a case and a cleaning cloth.
The build is sturdy and high-quality, made out of stainless steel. When it comes to customizable fit, the frame hinges also slightly bend outwards. It allows the glasses to fit a range of head sizes and makes the frame more comfortable for everyday use.
Other contents included the microfiber pouch, cloth, and a case. Both the cloth and the pouch are simple and practical, while the case is quite basic. If you plan on using the case, make sure to put the glasses in the pouch first. Otherwise, the glasses will be loose inside the case.
Choosing the right lens
My default non-prescription pair came with the Amber lens, blocking 65 percent of blue light. Other prescription options include Clear (35 percent), Amber Max (98 percent), Clear Pro (20 percent), and Sun (90 percent). The clearer lenses are for those who work with colors, like graphic designers; Amber Max is for extreme photosensitivity and sleep control, and Sun is for outdoor work.
Having never used blue light glasses, the most I’ve done to reduce eye strain during long days at the PC is use the night light feature on Windows during late-night sessions. Most of the time, that was enough to relax my eyes, although sometimes I also have to use eye drops. This is just what happens when you stare at the screen for almost 12 hours every day.
Depending on your eyes, you might have to get used to the glasses. One thing I learned is that 65 percent tint is a bit too strong for me. At first, I couldn’t wear the glasses for too long without feeling discomfort.
Unfortunately, the Pendleton frame only has the 65 percent non-prescription option. To test a different lens, GUNNAR kindly provided a pair of Pinnacles with a 20 percent Clear Pro lens. These are much better for anyone working with colors or prefers less tint.
buyer’s advice:If you’re new to blue light glasses, choose a frame with multiple non-prescription lens options. This allows you to swap glasses if needed without changing frames. Not applicable if you’re able and willing to get a doctor’s prescription for prescription lenses.
Using for work and gaming
In my case, I ended up using the GUNNAR glasses occasionally rather than wearing them all the time. Out of a four-hour gaming or work session, I might’ve used them for half the time. Keep in mind that this is only my experience, and things like glasses depend a lot on the person wearing them.
During the day, I haven’t been using the GUNNAR glasses much, as the natural light is enough for me to work comfortably. If I were wearing glasses during the day, most of the time it was the Clear Pro lens, as the tint on Amber was too strong.
On the other hand, during the late-night sessions, the glasses often became lifesavers, whether I was working or gaming. For work, which is mainly typing and working with media files, the glasses are very comfortable to use. They reduce eye strain during long hours at the computer in dim light.
For gaming, it’s quite similar. I played Overwatch, Marvel Rivals, Destiny 2, The Division 2, and a few other games using Pendleton frames with the Amber lens. Despite the stronger tint, it doesn’t affect in-game colors that much, even in a game like Marvel Rivals where there’s a lot of visual clutter.
buyer’s advice:If you game or use headphones a lot when working or gaming, choose a narrower frame (around 136mm). Wider frames, like the Pinnacles (146mm), may be uncomfortable.
Verdict
GUNNAR Pendleton and GUNNAR glasses in general are worth it if you can find the frame and lens that’s perfect for you. This is also where the barriers begin, as there are many more things to consider than just the frame’s design.
If you plan to get a pair of GUNNAR glasses, Pendleton or any others, consider the different lens options and how sensitive your eyes are, especially if these are your first computer glasses. Frame width is also important when using headphones.
Once you do get the right frame, though, it’s all 20/20 from there. Both the Pendleton and Pinnacles frames I tried for the review have the same steel build with adjustable temples. For their price, GUNNAR glasses have the quality level you’d expect.
7 GUNNAR Pendleton review Pros
- High-quality stainless steel build.
- Highly adjustable temple hinges.
- Many styles to choose from, including gaming collaborations.
Cons
- Might take a few tries to find the right frame and lens.
- Pendleton frame only has a 65 percent lens as non-prescription.
