Throughout the day you travel between a variety of activities and light conditions. Whether you are outside gardening, walking, or visiting the local shops, you want to protect your vision from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Once you venture indoors you notice the need for filtered glasses to help you with glare control, contrast, or visual acuity. This leads to questions that many face: Which filter color is best for my eye condition? Are there filters that will help me read easier? Do I need two pairs of filtered glasses one for outdoors and one for indoor activities?
When you are searching for the filter lens color that is right for you, trying different color options in varying light conditions is not only helpful, but also recommended. Since no two people’s eyes are alike, the most important aspect is to find filters providing the greatest comfort to you. However, there are some practical guidelines you can follow which will help you narrow down your search.
Glare Control
At times the amount of glare we are seeing whether it is in or outdoors, affects how much of our surroundings we can see. Glare can result from light reflecting off water, long flat surfaces, or roadways. Glare causes an image to appear faded, washed out, or hazy. By reducing glare, you can sharpen an image, reduce the haziness, and improve eye comfort. If your goal is to reduce glare then the most effective colors tend to be: amber, orange, green and gray.
While outside gardening, sightseeing, or driving, consider a darker gray or green color for glare control, UVA/UVB protection, and general comfort. When sitting down to read the newspaper in your favorite reading spot, grab a pair of amber lenses which reduce glare and enhance contrast. Amber lenses also help to control glare and light sensitivity when you are using a CCTV for reading.
Contrast Enhancement
A decline in contrast sensitivity is one of the earliest signs of glaucoma. However, glaucoma patients are not the only ones who have to contend with reduced contrast sensitivity. This loss of contrast with our vision is also a result of normally aging eyes, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and other eye conditions. Losing contrast has a great effect on our vision and how we perform day-to-day activities, such as reading, walking, or climbing stairs. To enhance contrast the most effective colors tend to be: orange, yellow, and amber.
When out and about you need to protect your eyes from the sun while still getting the contrast enhancement you need. For this try putting on a pair of tinted amber lenses for heightened contrast and glare control. Yellow or light orange lenses are perfect for indoor reading because they increase the contrast which helps the letters and words to stand out, so you can read in comfort.
Eye Conditions
There are more precise lens color suggestions for specific eye conditions, though; these still vary from person to person. Testing them yourself is the recommended way to find the right lens color which may require trial and error.
Macular Degeneration – Amber, orange, or a copper lens will help with contrast and visual acuity. Orange or a tinted amber will aid in glare control.
Glaucoma – Yellow or gray/green will aid in glare control. Yellow or green will offer general comfort for your eyes while outdoors. Yellow, amber, and orange will enhance contrast for day to day activities.
Cataracts – After you have had cataract surgery you may consider wearing amber or tinted amber lenses which offer UVA/UVB protection, some glare control, and general comfort while outside. Before cataract surgery you may need some assistance with glare control and increased brightness: yellow, light orange, or gray/green lenses are suggested lens options for your needs.
Diabetic Retinopathy – Due to diminished contrast sensitivity using amber, tinted amber, orange, or bronze lenses outdoors will help with enhancing contrast and protecting your vision. Indoors consider using an amber or light orange to increase contrast for reading.
Talk to a Professional
Discussing your concerns with your eye care professional is imperative. Talk to your doctor on your next visit, let them know what activities you perform each day and what issues you need to overcome. Whether it is too much glare, not enough contrast, night blindness, or needing to reduce brightness during the day, your eye care professional will be able to offer practical suggestions.
