01 · GRAY
Grey can preserve colour balance relatively well
Grey tints can be designed to reduce visible wavelengths in a relatively even way.
They are commonly chosen when the wearer wants less change in the apparent colours of the environment.
A grey tint can be designed to reduce visible light relatively evenly across the spectrum, helping preserve colour relationships more naturally. But the word grey does not specify an exact transmission curve. Dyes, material and tint density can all change the spectrum, so two grey lenses can look similar while transmitting wavelengths differently.
02 · BROWN
Perceived contrast depends on the actual spectrum
Brown or amber products can make the scene look warmer and may change perceived contrast depending on the specific transmission spectrum.
They are popular for some driving and outdoor uses, but the colour name alone does not define performance.
Brown and amber tints often reduce some shorter wavelengths more strongly and can produce a warmer view with greater perceived contrast in certain environments. That does not create new visual information or guarantee better acuity, and colour perception changes along with the tint. Claims that a colour is 'best for driving' or 'best for golf' should therefore be tied to the actual spectral transmission and use conditions.
03 · GREEN
Green lenses also vary by product
Green tints can produce different balances of colour and brightness depending on their spectral transmission.
Two green lenses can therefore look and perform differently.
Green tints are often designed to reduce brightness while maintaining a reasonably balanced colour impression, but green is not one fixed optical filter. Different products can have very different transmission curves despite sharing the same colour name. Spectral transmission is the more precise description.
04 · YELLOW & ORANGE
Strong colour filters change colour perception
Yellow and orange filters can substantially alter colour appearance.
They are sometimes used to create a particular contrast impression in cloudy conditions or sports, but they should not be described as improving vision in every situation.
Blue, red, violet and other fashion tints can substantially alter colour perception. Mirror coatings are a separate surface treatment that reflects part of the incoming light, so the colour seen from the outside is not necessarily the colour the wearer sees through the lens. The base tint and mirror treatment need to be considered separately.
05 · TRANSMITTANCE
VLT and the transmission spectrum matter more than the colour name
Even two grey lenses can have different visible-light transmission (VLT), and two brown lenses can transmit wavelengths differently.
A more useful comparison is how bright the lens is (VLT) plus which wavelengths it transmits (spectral transmittance).
Choose sunglass colour within the requirements of the task. Visible-light transmission, filter category, colour-recognition needs and whether the lens will be used for driving are more important safety constraints than the fashion name of the tint. No single colour can be said to improve contrast or reduce fatigue for every wearer and environment.
SOLUTION GUIDE
When choosing a sunglass colour
Compare neutral grey designs.
Compare the actual transmission of brown or amber products.
Check VLT and the transmission spectrum, not colour name alone.
GLANOS LENS CHECK
The same colour name does not mean the same optical performance
Dye, coating, density and spectral transmittance can all differ between products.
CAUTION
Do not claim that one tint improves vision for everyone
The result depends on the environment, product spectrum and the wearer’s visual characteristics.
GLANOS EYEWEAR
There is a reason glasses feel uncomfortable.
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