Lens Color Tints
Understanding tint percentages, colors, and choosing the right tint for your needs
What is Lens Tinting?
Lens tinting is the process of adding color to your lenses for both functional and aesthetic purposes. Tints can reduce glare, enhance contrast, provide sun protection, or simply match your style. Tints are applied to the lens material itself and can range from barely noticeable to full sunglass darkness.
Tint percentage refers to how much light the tint blocks. A higher percentage means a darker lens that blocks more light.
Understanding Tint Percentages
10-20% Tint
Light / Fashion TintVery subtle tint, mostly for cosmetic purposes. Provides minimal light reduction.
Light Transmission: 80-90%
30-40% Tint
Medium-Light TintNoticeable tint that provides some glare reduction. Good for overcast days or indoor bright lighting.
Light Transmission: 60-70%
50% Tint
Medium TintBalanced tint for variable conditions. Good everyday option that works in moderate sunlight.
Light Transmission: 50%
60-70% Tint
Dark TintGood sun protection for most outdoor activities. Comfortable in direct sunlight but not extreme conditions.
Light Transmission: 30-40%
80-85% Tint
Full SunglassMaximum sun protection. Standard sunglass darkness for bright conditions, beach, snow, or high-glare environments.
Light Transmission: 15-20%
Important: For driving, avoid tints darker than 80%. Very dark tints (90%+) are not recommended as they may impair vision in low light conditions. For nighttime driving, only clear lenses should be used.
Available Tint Colors
Grey
★ Most PopularNeutral color that reduces brightness evenly without distorting colors. The most versatile choice for all-around use.
Best for: Driving, general outdoor, true color perception
Brown / Amber
Enhanced ContrastIncreases contrast and depth perception. Filters blue light for sharper vision in variable conditions.
Best for: Golf, fishing, variable light, water sports
Green (G-15)
Classic AviatorClassic sunglass color. Good color perception with reduced eyestrain. Provides contrast enhancement.
Best for: General use, golf, tennis, outdoor sports
Yellow / Gold
Low Light SpecialistFilters blue light and increases contrast dramatically. Brightens vision in low-light or overcast conditions.
Best for: Overcast days, indoor sports, shooting, skiing
Rose / Pink
SoothingIncreases contrast against blue and green backgrounds. Soothing to the eyes for extended wear.
Best for: Computer use, water sports, snow sports
Blue
Fashion ForwardStylish color with mild contrast enhancement. May slightly alter color perception.
Best for: Fashion, mild sun conditions
Gradient Tints
Gradient tints are darker at the top of the lens and gradually become lighter toward the bottom. This provides sun protection when looking ahead while allowing more light for reading or looking down.
Gradient Tint Benefits:
Available in: Grey, Brown, Green gradients (typically 80% at top fading to 20-40% at bottom)
Choosing the Right Tint
| Activity | Recommended Color | Recommended % |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime Driving | Grey or Brown | 70-80% |
| Fishing | Brown or Amber | 70-85% |
| Golf | Brown, Green, or Rose | 50-70% |
| Beach | Grey or Brown | 80-85% |
| Skiing/Snow | Yellow, Amber, or Rose | 50-80% |
| Overcast/Cloudy | Yellow or Light Amber | 30-50% |
| Computer/Indoor | Yellow, Rose, or Light Grey | 10-30% |
| General Outdoor | Grey | 70-85% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does tint provide UV protection?
Tint alone does not provide UV protection. However, all our prescription lenses include UV protection regardless of tint level. The tint controls visible light, while the UV coating blocks harmful ultraviolet rays.
Can I use tinted lenses for night driving?
No. Tinted lenses reduce the amount of light entering your eyes, which can be dangerous at night. For night driving, use only clear lenses. Light yellow tints (10-20%) may be acceptable for dusk driving in some cases.
What's the difference between tint and polarization?
Tint simply darkens the lens by absorbing some light. Polarization specifically blocks reflected glare from horizontal surfaces like water, roads, and snow. Polarized lenses are also tinted, but not all tinted lenses are polarized.
Can I add a tint to any lens material?
Yes, tints can be applied to CR-39 (standard plastic), polycarbonate, and high-index materials. However, some materials accept tints more evenly than others. CR-39 provides the most even, consistent tint application.