Tinted Shades: More Than a Fashion Piece

Summer may be coming to an end, but the need for eye protection is a year-round commitment. UV rays are present regardless of the season (including sub-zero days in the middle of winter!) and our sunglasses can double up as eye protection and a fashion accessory. With a variety of frames, styles and tints to choose from, anyone can look fantastic wearing a pair of sunnies – but what if your preferred tint or shade meant more than just “a nice colour that compliments your skin tone”? We have taken a closer look at eyeglass tints, and why you may opt for a different shade depending on your personal needs:

Grey:  Perhaps the most popular tint of glasses, grey is a fantastic all-purpose shade. Grey is also the optimal choice for glare reduction – whether it is caused by sunlight bouncing off snow in the winter, or sunrays reflecting off of ocean waves in the summer. This tint of glasses is perfect for all weather conditions, including overcast days (because UV rays don’t hide behind clouds!). If you are seeking a general pair of shades with a wide scope of usage, opt for a grey tint to start with.

Yellow: You may have to search for a sporting goods section to find a pair of yellow tinted sunglasses, as their popularity is not quite up to snuff compared to grey tints. Yellow is a circumstantial tint for conditions where natural lighting may be low, or where eyesight clarity is needed due to fog or haze. Yellow is ideal for early mornings or early evenings, where sunlight may need to be enhanced to see clearly.

Amber: The red-brown elements of amber tints offer enhanced depth perception and contrast. Preferred on sunny days, amber tints can reduce the reflection of sunlight while providing vivid enhancement to objects around you. Amber is ideal for sunny-day sporting activities where the focus is needed on your surroundings.

Red/Pink: Another “uncommon” tint, red is your optimal choice to reduce eye strain and relax the eyes. We would recommend red tints for outdoor activities that may cause eye strain, and also in the winter where contrast is needed.

Blue/Purple: Lastly, blue or purple tints offer up as a wonderful fashion statement that also improves colour perception.  These fun tints are also glare-reducing like common grey tints, but without sacrificing contours and the maintenance of true colour. Sport a pair of blue/purple tinted shades where glare may be present (driving in snow or hanging by a lake) and in activities where colour differentiation is needed.