Tinted Lenses: From History to High Fashion
Thursday, April 4 2024 | 08 h 16 min | Fashion Frames
By Sarah Bureau, RO
Tinted lenses are an integral aspect of Opticianry dating back centuries. The earliest examples are from Roman times when Emperor Nero used polished gemstones to watch gladiator matches. In the 12th century, Chinese magistrates wore tinted panes of glass during court proceedings to hide their expressions. During the 18th century, tinted lenses were prescribed to enhance the wearer’s vision and by the 20th century the health benefits of specific tint colours were used to treat medical conditions, including syphilis induced photophobia.
The Rise of Tint Technology
In these modern times, tinted lenses have come a long way. With choices for any colour you can think of, polarized filters and mirror coatings, the options are seemingly endless. Tinted lenses are not limited to sun protection though. There are many uses for specific colours and filters which are being used to treat conditions including post-concussion therapy, anxiety, ADHD, migraines and more.
When sitting down with a client, crafting the perfect pair of eyeglasses starts with a detailed discussion about their expectations of the finished product. As Opticians, it is our responsibility to explain the visual benefits of each tint colour. For some, it is a practical decision. Which colour is going to offer me the ideal visual experience? For others, it is a fashion decision. Which colour is going to make these glasses look the coolest? The discussion between Optician and client however is only the beginning. Having an understanding of the science behind lens tinting is integral to keeping your promises to the client and avoiding a disappointing outcome.
Exploring the Craftsmanship Behind Lens Tinting
The art of tinting lenses is just that. An art. It is important for the Optician to have an understanding of how lens tints interact with specific materials and coatings in order to be able to meet the expectations of the client. We’ve all experienced a lab returning a product that doesn’t match our request or have had them refuse the job entirely. But why does this happen? Most lens tinting is performed by an immersion tint bath, submerging the lens into a heated liquid dye. The colour is absorbed into the lens material and can be applied in solid or gradient patterns with varying densities and combinations of colours.
However, not all lenses will absorb the colour in the same way and there are many details which can affect the accuracy of the final product. For instance, high index lenses cannot be tinted as dark as other materials due to the composition of the lens. Coating on the lens will also interfere in the absorption of the dye. A lab can create the perfectly matched tint of your dreams, but this accuracy can be affected by the next step of coating application. If you are requesting a matched tint, it is always beneficial to discuss the feasibility and expected outcome with the lab and relaying this information to the client in advance. An informed client is a happy client and avoids disappointing results.
A Therapeutic Frontier
Practitioners who specialize in vision therapy are now using unique lens colours and filters to treat certain visual and sensory processing issues by modifying the wavelengths of colour that enter the eye. These conditions are often characterized by sensitivity to specific wavelengths of light, leading to visual discomfort, headaches, and difficulty with reading or focusing. Each patient is unique, and by assessing their specific needs, these symptoms can be alleviated by prescribing a precise tint.
The Fashion Forward World of Lens Tints
And who can overlook the fashion aspect of lens tints? Indoor tints are becoming increasingly popular as we see fashion designers using unique colours to enhance the aesthetic of the eyewear their models are wearing on the runway and celebrities can be seen on and off the big screen sporting lightly tinted lenses in a full spectrum of colours to create a unique fashion statement.
Dust off that old set of tint samples and step outside of the limitations of your basic brown, grey, and green recommendations. Have some fun partnering with your client to craft a truly unique set of eyeglasses!
Sarah Bureau has been a licensed dispensing Optician in Niagara, Ontario for more than 20 years. She is the woman behind sbspecs, specializing in repairing and customizing eyewear for Opticians all across North America. Her love for restoring eyewear and modifying frames for unique fits is evident in the care she puts into each pair that crosses her workbench.
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