The Real Benefits of Tinted Sunglasses
Tinted sunglasses offer more than fashion—they solve real vision problems. At Not Another Eye Store, we’ve seen firsthand how the right tint can change how you see and feel. With over 10 years of experience as a licensed optician, I’ve matched hundreds of clients with the right tint for their needs. You’ll find options that go beyond sunglasses—whether you need prescription sunglasses, blue light protection, or transitional lenses, we’ve got you covered.
1. Orange Tinted Sunglasses Sharpen Contrast
Orange tints enhance contrast and depth. They filter out blue light and heighten detail in dim or hazy settings. My regular cycling clients swear by them for pre-dawn rides.
Great for:
Overcast or hazy days
Cycling, trail running, or driving at dusk
Reducing eye strain from screens
An avid runner once told me these were a game changer on foggy mornings—less squinting, more control.
2. Yellow Tinted Sunglasses Boost Clarity in Low Light
Yellow lenses brighten your field of vision and enhance depth in poor lighting. They’re perfect for people who:
Drive at night
Spend time indoors under fluorescent lights
Have mild cataracts or dry eyes
They also ease eye fatigue. One client, a warehouse worker, told me yellow tints made fluorescent lighting feel less harsh and helped with long shifts. It’s a smart upgrade for those who already wear single vision glasses.
3. Blue Tint Sunglasses Reduce Glare and Look Bold
Blue-tinted sunglasses help cut glare off reflective surfaces—especially useful in the city. I’ve fitted these for clients who work downtown and constantly battle window reflections.
Best for:
Urban glare
Snow and water environments
Everyday fashion with function
Celebrities love the blue tint aesthetic—but it’s not just for looks. Some wear them as bifocal glasses for both style and utility.
4. Mirrored Tint Lenses Reflect Harsh Light
Mirrored tints act like shields. They reflect sunlight and prevent excess brightness from hitting your eyes. A ski instructor I fitted said mirrored lenses reduced snow blindness and fatigue by half.
Works best for:
Beaches, mountains, and water
Sports and high-glare activities
Privacy—your eyes are hidden behind the mirror
Available in blue, red, silver, and gold variants. Some clients opt for mirrored lenses when replacing lenses in old frames, keeping the look fresh.
5. FL-41 Tinted Lenses Help With Migraines and Light Sensitivity
These lenses aren’t as widely known but they work. I’ve sold countless FL-41s for clients with migraines, photophobia, or light-triggered headaches. One MRI engineer told me they made a huge difference in her daily life—less pain, more focus.
FL-41 lenses:
Filter the specific light wavelength linked to migraines
Reduce glare and sensory overload
Come in light pink or rose tint
Not a cure-all, but a reliable aid. Many of my migraine clients keep a pair on standby just in case. FL-41s can also be combined with your existing prescription safety glasses for all-day comfort at work.
6. Celebrities Sparked the Tinted Trend
Actors, models, and musicians have embraced tinted sunglasses as part of their daily look. The rise in orange, yellow, and blue tints in fashion shows and music videos has only boosted their popularity.
But this isn’t about looks alone. When fashion meets function, the trend sticks. Want more style ideas? Check out our guide on glasses style for your face shape.
7. Tinted Lenses Are Personal. We’ll Help You Pick
Each tint serves a purpose—some reduce glare, others enhance detail. But one size never fits all. At Not Another Eye Store, we don’t guess. We fit based on your lifestyle, medical needs, and personal style.
Ready to see what tinted sunglasses can do for you?
Visit our Calgary shop at 1321 9th Ave SE or explore more in our progressive lens service page. For those curious about lens upgrades, our blog on how much prescription glasses cost breaks down your options.
Tinted sunglasses can change your day. Get matched with the right tint—your eyes will thank you.
FAQ - Tinted Sunglasses
What is the point of tinted sunglasses?
Tints reduce light entering the eye, acting like a dimmer. Standard colors include brown, gray, and green. Gray is darkest, brown is easier on the eyes and boosts contrast, though it may slightly distort colors.
Is color tint better for your eyes?
The tint color itself doesn’t make sunglasses safer—but it can improve comfort. The key to real eye protection is UV400 coverage, which blocks 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. An anti-reflective (AR) coating also helps by cutting glare and reducing eye strain. That said, the right tint can support your vision needs
Which sunglass tint is best?
The best sunglass tint depends on your environment and visual needs.
As a licensed optician, I recommend:
Gray for bright sun and true color perception. Ideal for everyday use.
Brown for higher contrast and comfort—great for driving or outdoor sports.
Yellow or orange for low light, haze, or fog. These enhance depth and clarity.
Green offers balanced contrast and brightness—easy on the eyes in varied light.
Blue or red are more fashion-forward but can help with specific glare issues.
What are the disadvantages of tinted lenses?
Standard tinted lenses can reduce brightness but don’t block glare effectively.
As a licensed optician, I often explain this to clients shopping for driving or outdoor glasses.
Without polarization, tinted lenses:
Struggle with glare off water, wet roads, or snow
Can cause visual strain in high-glare settings
May reduce visibility in reflective environments
If you drive often or spend time near water or snow, polarized lenses offer better visual comfort and safety. We help clients choose the right option based on their needs.
What color tint is best for light sensitivity?
FL-41 rose-tinted lenses are the best choice for light sensitivity.
They filter out specific wavelengths of light (480–520nm) often linked to discomfort from sunlight, fluorescent lights, and digital screens.
As an optician, I’ve seen FL-41 lenses help clients with migraines, photophobia, and screen-related eye strain feel more comfortable in everyday settings.
