I recently picked up a pair of GUNNAR Oakland glasses in the Crystal Dusk color, and I love them. They’re the first pair of blue light glasses that I don’t notice on my face after a few minutes.
The Oakland is one of their medium-fit, everyday frames. What makes it different is the weight (22 grams), the fixed nose ridge designed for lower nose bridges, and the fact you can pick from several lens tiers.
This review covers the frame design, the low bridge fit, and the lens options.
Key Takeaways
The GUNNAR Oakland is a medium-fit frame (53mm lens width) weighing just 22 grams, making it one of the lightest options for long sessions
Its fixed nose ridge and “low bridge fit compatible” designation make it a standout choice for guys who struggle with glasses sliding down their nose
You can choose from five blue light blocking levels (20% to 98% at 450nm) and five tiered builds (Signature to Pro eSports).
Table of Contents
Design, Build, and Fit: What the Oakland frame actually feels like
The first thing you notice is the weight. Or rather, the lack of it.
Frame material and construction
The frame is a quality nylon — durable but not heavy. The multi-barrel hinges feel solid when you open and close them, not flimsy. The whole thing comes in at 22 grams, which is light enough that you’ll forget you’re wearing them during a long workday or gaming session.
Shape and fit for different face types
It’s a rounded square shape. The dimensions are true medium: 53mm lens width, 41mm lens height, 133mm frame width, and 140mm temples. It should fit average adult faces well.
If you have a wider face, it might feel snug. If you’re on the narrower side, it might slide a bit.
Related: Gunnar Intercept Crystal Cobalt Glasses Review
Low bridge fit compatibility — what it actually means
This is the big differentiator. The Oakland has a fixed nose ridge. No adjustable pads. GUNNAR labels it “low bridge fit compatible.”
This fixed ridge is designed to sit right on a lower nose bridge without pinching or sliding.
The tradeoff is that you can’t tweak the fit. It works well for the right face shape, but it’s not universal. If you’re in the sweet spot, it’s a set-and-forget solution.
Lens Technology and Blue Light Blocking Options
GUNNAR’s patented lens technology blocks harmful blue light and 100% UV. They also have a dual-sided anti-reflective lens coating to cut glare from overhead lights and monitors.
The five lens options and their use cases
The choice is how much blue light you want to block at 450nm. Here are the five options:
- Most Popular (65%): The everyday sweet spot for computer work, reading, and data entry. This is what I’d recommend for most people.
- Graphic Arts (20%): Minimal tint for photo/video editing and graphic design. Colors stay accurate. If you’re a designer, this is the one.
- Less Tint (35%): A middle ground for office work and design. Good if you want some protection without a heavy tint.
- Extreme Photosensitivity / Sleep (98%): Heavy tint for sleep improvement, migraine management, or post-concussion. This is a medical-adjacent lens, not a fashion choice.
- Outdoor (90%): For bright conditions like using your phone in the sun. Useful for automotive, aerospace, or outdoor sports.
Related: Gunnar Mendocino Blue Light Glasses Review
Color rendition, contrast, and anti-reflective coating
The dual-sided anti-reflective lens coating is a benefit. It reduces reflections, so you’re not staring at yourself in the monitor. The 20% lens is the most color-accurate, but it still shifts whites slightly. For most people, the 65% lens is the best balance of eye comfort and color perception.
Tier Breakdown: Signature, Epic, Legendary, Mythic, and Pro eSports
GUNNAR offers the Oakland in multiple tiers. Here’s exactly what each one gives you.
Signature tier — the solid baseline
The entry-level line. Precision engineered polymer frame, impact resistant polycarbonate lenses, and G-Shield coating. Comes with a Microfiber Pouch and a 12-month Warranty. You get the core lens tech without the extras. Capable.
Epic tier — the practical upgrade
Hybrid frame materials, EPIC polycarbonate lenses, and G-Shield Plus coating (better anti-reflective properties). It also has a Hard Coat for scratch resistance. The big upgrade is the Protective flat fold case instead of just the pouch. Worth it if you want better durability and a case.
Legendary tier — the optical upgrade
Exotic materials, customizable spring hinges, and proprietary blended polyamid lenses. These have clearer optics and lower chromatic aberration (less color fringing). The G-Shield Premium coating is hydrophobic and oleophobic, so it resists water and smudges. You also get a 24-month warranty.
Mythic tier — for collectors and enthusiasts
Ultra-rare or bleeding edge tech. Each Mythic style is unique, so check the individual features.
Pro eSports tier — built for competitive gaming
These styles have slimmer arms for headset compatibility, high wrap designs to keep your eyes from drying out, and oversized lenses for peripheral coverage. Check individual styles for lens tech, because not all Pro eSports frames have the same lenses. For office work, the standard Oakland with a 65% lens is fine.
How the Oakland Compares to Other GUNNAR Models
If you’re looking at GUNNAR, you’re probably also considering the Intercept or Phenom. Here’s the quick breakdown based on specs:
- Oakland: 53mm lens width, 22g, fixed nose ridge, medium fit, Low Bridge Fit Compatible.
- Intercept: Larger, sportier frame (55mm+ lens width), adjustable nose pads, wider fit.
- Phenom: Smaller, classic wayfarer shape (50mm lens width), adjustable nose pads, narrower fit.
The Oakland’s fixed nose ridge is the unique differentiator. If you have a lower nose bridge, the Oakland is probably your best option in GUNNAR’s lineup. If you need adjustable pads or a very wide or narrow frame, look at the Intercept or Phenom.
What’s in the Box and Warranty
Every Oakland comes with a Microfiber Pouch and a 12-month Warranty covering manufacturing defects. The Epic tier adds a Protective flat fold case. It’s harder than the pouch and easier to travel with. The Legendary tier doubles the warranty to 24 months.
The microfiber pouch is fine for storage in a drawer, but it won’t protect against drops. If you toss your glasses in a bag, spring for the Epic tier to get the case.
Value, Cost, and the Skeptic’s Question: Are They Worth It?
Some people think blue light glasses are a gimmick.
What do ophthalmologists actually say about blue light glasses?
Some studies suggest blue light can contribute to digital eye strain, but the effect is relatively small compared to screen distance, blink rate, and overall screen time. Many ophthalmologists say blue light glasses are a low-risk option that may help some people, but they’re not a substitute for proper ergonomics and breaks.
Prescription lenses and cost considerations
The Oakland is available with prescription lenses on GUNNAR’s site. The cost varies by tier and prescription strength. If you need prescription glasses, the Oakland is a solid option because you can pair the lens tier you want with your prescription.
The bottom line: The Oakland is worth the money if you specifically need a low bridge fit, a lightweight frame (22g), or a precise blue light blocking percentage (65% for general use). If you just want basic blue light filtering and don’t have fit concerns, cheaper alternatives exist. But the combination of fit features and lens options is hard to find elsewhere at this price.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the GUNNAR Oakland?
I got the Oakland in Crystal Dusk, and I like them.
Best for: Guys with medium faces who need a low bridge fit. The fixed nose ridge and Low Bridge Fit Compatible designation make this one of the most accommodating options in GUNNAR’s lineup for that specific need.
The weight: 22 grams is a real benefit for long sessions. You’ll forget you’re wearing them.
The lens: Choose the Most Popular (65%) lens for general computer work. If you do color-critical work, go with the 20% Graphic Arts lens.
The tier: The base Signature tier is fine. Upgrade to Epic if you want a hard case. Go Legendary if you want clearer optics and better coatings. If you’re a competitive gamer, consider the Pro eSports tier.
Who should skip it: Anyone who needs adjustable nose pads, has a very wide or narrow face, or just wants the cheapest blue light glasses possible.
People Also Ask
What does ‘low bridge fit compatible’ mean on the GUNNAR Oakland?
It means the frame has a fixed nose ridge designed to sit on a lower nose bridge without pinching or sliding, instead of adjustable nose pads. This is a game-changer if glasses usually rest on your cheeks, but the tradeoff is you can’t tweak the fit — it either works for your face shape or it doesn’t.
How does the GUNNAR Oakland compare to the Intercept or Phenom?
The Oakland has a 53mm lens width, weighs 22 grams, and uses a fixed nose ridge for low bridge fit. The Intercept is larger with adjustable nose pads and a wider fit, while the Phenom is smaller with a classic wayfarer shape and adjustable pads. The Oakland is the best choice if you need a low bridge fit.
