fbpx
Close-up photograph of a brilliant green emerald.

Tinted Lenses: From History to High Fashion

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

Photograph of about 9 circular, different-coloured tinted lenses arranged in a pattern.

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.


Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

Artistic photograph of Sarah Bureau, holding a pair of round glasses framing one eye.

Featured Posts

World Council of Optometry

WCO Unveils Theme for 2025 World Optometry Week Celebration March 17-23

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the theme for World Optometry Week 2025: Eyes to the Future: Optometry Improving Global Wellness.

Learn More
CooperVision

CooperVision Reinforces Myopia Management Leadership with Key Infrastructure, Product, and Advocacy Investments

Jennifer Lambert Named Vice President, Myopia Management & Cornea Care

Read more
An infographic explaining how myopia control spectacle lens designs work for treating childhood myopia. On the left, under "Single vision correction," it states that peripheral light rays focus behind the retina, encouraging eye growth and increased myopia progression. The diagram shows peripheral light rays focusing behind the retina, leading to the eye growing longer and becoming more myopic. On the right, under "Myopia control design," it explains that lenslets focus light in front of the retina, slowing the progression of myopia. The diagram includes illustrations of the Essilor Stellest and Hoya MIYOSMART lenses, showing light rays focused by individual lenslets and reduced myopia progression. All of the text also appears in French.

Childhood Myopia (part 4 of 4)

Opticians are the first and most consistent line of communication with the wearer (and their parents). As part of the circle of care treating childhood myopia, they have unique responsibilities and rewards.

Read more
Safilo Group

Safilo and Dsquared2 Announce Early Renewal of Global Multi-Year Licensing Agreement for Eyewear

Safilo Group and Dsquared2 announce the early renewal of their global licensing agreement for the design, manufacturing and distribution of Dsquared2 branded eyewear collections until the end of December 2031.

Read more
Global Myopia Awareness Coalition

Global Myopia Awareness Coalition Names 2025 Board Members

The Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) announced its 2025 Board of Directors, reaffirming its commitment to raising awareness and driving global action to address childhood myopia.

Read more
World Council of Optometry

WCO Unveils Theme for 2025 World Optometry Week Celebration March 17-23

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the theme for World Optometry Week 2025: Eyes to the Future: Optometry Improving Global Wellness.

Learn More
CooperVision

CooperVision Reinforces Myopia Management Leadership with Key Infrastructure, Product, and Advocacy Investments

Jennifer Lambert Named Vice President, Myopia Management & Cornea Care

Read More
An infographic explaining how myopia control spectacle lens designs work for treating childhood myopia. On the left, under "Single vision correction," it states that peripheral light rays focus behind the retina, encouraging eye growth and increased myopia progression. The diagram shows peripheral light rays focusing behind the retina, leading to the eye growing longer and becoming more myopic. On the right, under "Myopia control design," it explains that lenslets focus light in front of the retina, slowing the progression of myopia. The diagram includes illustrations of the Essilor Stellest and Hoya MIYOSMART lenses, showing light rays focused by individual lenslets and reduced myopia progression. All of the text also appears in French.

Childhood Myopia (part 4 of 4)

Opticians are the first and most consistent line of communication with the wearer (and their parents). As part of the circle of care treating childhood myopia, they have unique responsibilities and rewards.

Read More
Safilo Group

Safilo and Dsquared2 Announce Early Renewal of Global Multi-Year Licensing Agreement for Eyewear

Safilo Group and Dsquared2 announce the early renewal of their global licensing agreement for the design, manufacturing and distribution of Dsquared2 branded eyewear collections until the end of December 2031.

Read More
Global Myopia Awareness Coalition

Global Myopia Awareness Coalition Names 2025 Board Members

The Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) announced its 2025 Board of Directors, reaffirming its commitment to raising awareness and driving global action to address childhood myopia.

Read More
World Council of Optometry

WCO Unveils Theme for 2025 World Optometry Week Celebration March 17-23

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the theme for World Optometry Week 2025: Eyes to the Future: Optometry Improving Global Wellness.

Learn More
CooperVision

CooperVision Reinforces Myopia Management Leadership with Key Infrastructure, Product, and Advocacy Investments

Jennifer Lambert Named Vice President, Myopia Management & Cornea Care

Read more
An infographic explaining how myopia control spectacle lens designs work for treating childhood myopia. On the left, under "Single vision correction," it states that peripheral light rays focus behind the retina, encouraging eye growth and increased myopia progression. The diagram shows peripheral light rays focusing behind the retina, leading to the eye growing longer and becoming more myopic. On the right, under "Myopia control design," it explains that lenslets focus light in front of the retina, slowing the progression of myopia. The diagram includes illustrations of the Essilor Stellest and Hoya MIYOSMART lenses, showing light rays focused by individual lenslets and reduced myopia progression. All of the text also appears in French.

Childhood Myopia (part 4 of 4)

Opticians are the first and most consistent line of communication with the wearer (and their parents). As part of the circle of care treating childhood myopia, they have unique responsibilities and rewards.

Read more
Safilo Group

Safilo and Dsquared2 Announce Early Renewal of Global Multi-Year Licensing Agreement for Eyewear

Safilo Group and Dsquared2 announce the early renewal of their global licensing agreement for the design, manufacturing and distribution of Dsquared2 branded eyewear collections until the end of December 2031.

Read more
Global Myopia Awareness Coalition

Global Myopia Awareness Coalition Names 2025 Board Members

The Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) announced its 2025 Board of Directors, reaffirming its commitment to raising awareness and driving global action to address childhood myopia.

Read more
World Council of Optometry

WCO Unveils Theme for 2025 World Optometry Week Celebration March 17-23

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the theme for World Optometry Week 2025: Eyes to the Future: Optometry Improving Global Wellness.

Learn More
CooperVision

CooperVision Reinforces Myopia Management Leadership with Key Infrastructure, Product, and Advocacy Investments

Jennifer Lambert Named Vice President, Myopia Management & Cornea Care

Read more
An infographic explaining how myopia control spectacle lens designs work for treating childhood myopia. On the left, under "Single vision correction," it states that peripheral light rays focus behind the retina, encouraging eye growth and increased myopia progression. The diagram shows peripheral light rays focusing behind the retina, leading to the eye growing longer and becoming more myopic. On the right, under "Myopia control design," it explains that lenslets focus light in front of the retina, slowing the progression of myopia. The diagram includes illustrations of the Essilor Stellest and Hoya MIYOSMART lenses, showing light rays focused by individual lenslets and reduced myopia progression. All of the text also appears in French.

Childhood Myopia (part 4 of 4)

Opticians are the first and most consistent line of communication with the wearer (and their parents). As part of the circle of care treating childhood myopia, they have unique responsibilities and rewards.

Read more
Safilo Group

Safilo and Dsquared2 Announce Early Renewal of Global Multi-Year Licensing Agreement for Eyewear

Safilo Group and Dsquared2 announce the early renewal of their global licensing agreement for the design, manufacturing and distribution of Dsquared2 branded eyewear collections until the end of December 2031.

Read more
Global Myopia Awareness Coalition

Global Myopia Awareness Coalition Names 2025 Board Members

The Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) announced its 2025 Board of Directors, reaffirming its commitment to raising awareness and driving global action to address childhood myopia.

Read more