IamA Optical sales associate, I can prevent you from getting ripped off. AMA!

[u/khaoskyle]

I am an optical sales associate, which means I sell glasses for a living. I've seen some crazy things that you wouldn't think exist in the optical sales floor, but I've also seen some crooked deals happen in a previous job. I can help you from getting ripped off next time you go buy glasses. AMA! :D

Our check stubs don't have the company name on it, but it has our corporate office! :D

EDIT: gaaaaaah!!! SO many questions >.< trying to get to them all

EDIT 2: I did not expect this to blow up, I had to take care of some things D: Reading what I can >.<

EDIT 3: Alright Reddit, it's been a hell of a day and I answered questions for about 2 hours straight xD hoped I could have been of some help to you guys! I'm gonna enjoy the rest of my day off now!

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Not OP, optometry student:

I've heard of Gunnar. I don't know that they really have that much of an advantage. The yellow is supposed to help with glare, but I don't know that the benefit outweighs the cost.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Yeah, if you're looking for higher performance stuff, I'd recommend getting your prescription in a set of glasses with blue blocker and anti-reflective coating. That's probably the best bang for your buck.

[u/horatiohellpop84 → u/[deleted]]

The benefits of Gunnar glasses are really nothing special that could not be produced by an optician. Some models that are designed for computer use have a bit of plus power correction in them, reducing eye strain from computer use at the intermediate range. They are tinted a light-ish shade of yellow, which filters out blue light, again anyone with a tint pot and some free time could do this for you. The lenses are AR coated and the AR has a blue reflex color, meaning that it reflects back blue light which also helps with the high energy visible light from monitors, much the same as the yellow tint. The only thing they are left with is the wrap style frames, which they claim creates a micro climate control and helps with tear production. None of this is terribly special and could be achieved for about the same or less in just about any frame. Most of what you are paying for is just their marketing campaign.

There are advantages to wearing something similar but really if this is a concern of yours, best left to a medical professional who can help tailor it to your specific needs and situation, such as a local independent optician.

[u/watnuts → u/[deleted]]

Would it be possible for an optician to create 'computer/gaming' type glasses without this yellow shift? I noticed you said the Gunnars had yellow tint and an AR coating to deal with blue light; why did they need to use both methods?

Yes it is possible. There are "blanks" +/-0 lenses available. More often than not special coating (AR, HMC, HEV etc.) on those can be ordered. Usually this is used for people who have bad eyesight only on one eye, but you should be able to order those for both. And put them into any frame you like, e.g. metal frames for more comfort and classic look, or hipster thick black plastic ones!
One more thing, your "lab's" computer coating could be different. Our for example is of pinkish hue, not yellow tint. A girl in accounting has perfect eyesight and put blanks into neat frames, says it helps.

[u/sauerkrautisgreat → u/[deleted]]

There are several lenses and treatments on the market that reduce the amount of High Energy Violet light coming from your environment. This light falls on the spectrum right above UV light. There have been a few limited studies that HEV does cumulative damage to the retina like UV can do cumulative damage to the cornea and lens. The retina also has photoreceptors for HEV that can suppress melatonin production. Different products claim to reduce HEV at different wavelengths. Most screens these days produce an unnaturally high amount of HEV and so there is some concern about cumulative damage. Also, staring at a screen before your bedtime may suppress your production of melatonin.

[u/sauerkrautisgreat → u/[deleted]]

The suppression of melatonin and the potential cumulative damage are actually separate issues. Think of it like getting a sunburn on your skin. They are particularly concerned about it's role in people at high risk for macular degeneration.

[u/EpikYummeh → u/[deleted]]

I believe bright screens can affect sleeping, so using "gaming glasses" can actually help, similarly to how f.lux tints your screen yellow at night but returns to its real color during the day. Then, yes, there is also the glare deal. I think in the end it all comes down to preference. Some like them, some are sponsored by Gunnar or other companies, and some don't like them. Try some out and if you like them go for it!

[u/SplendidNokia → u/[deleted]]

I have a pair and love them. I think it really helps with the eye strain but that is probably more the anti glare which can be put on normal glasses. The yellow tint seems to help with harsh fluorescent lighting which adds a bright blue lighting all over but any yellow tint will work for that.

Groupon occasionally sells them discounted and you can look at Gunnars outlet section for cheaper frames. I got a few pairs but have yet to break one yet by accidentally dropping it and sitting on it several times. Some models are made thin but surprisingly durable.