Night Vision Improvements With Colored Lenses

For many people with deteriorating eyesight, the loss of night vision precedes any deterioration in daytime sight. Optometrists and Ophthalmologists offer prescription corrective lenses in contact or eyeglass forms. But when fear and unwanted limitations become difficult, people turn to whatever solutions they can. Some patients mistakenly turn to alternative options like colored lenses.

Yellow Lenses

• Numerous sunglass makers offer yellow tinted lenses. During the daytime, they help your eyes distinguish contrasts, which can aid in driving. However, at night they are dangerous. Optometrists at Laramy-K Optical in Indianola, Iowa, report that people tend to believe that yellow lenses improve their eyesight. However, in "Forensic Aspects of Vision and Highway Safety," Dr. Merrill Allen states that his research shows this isn't the case at night.

Partially Tinted Lenses

• A 1995 study by Texas A&M University investigated the use of colored lenses while driving. While investigators knew that fully tinted lenses hindered night driving, they thought perhaps partially tinted lenses might be helpful. The study, which was part of a graduate dissertation, showed that partially tinted lenses improved night vision slightly among drivers age 35 to 75 years old.

Prescription Lenses

• In the end, only prescription corrective lenses have been clinically proven to significantly improve night vision. While many people resist glasses, or find that their prescriptions don't offer them full relief, lenses are the best medical science has to offer, as of 2011. Laramy-K advises clients to beware of polarized lenses or anything tinted at night. While some colors of lenses improve contrast, anything that reduces the inflow of light into the eyes at dusk or night impairs vision. Even if tinted lenses help reduce the sometimes blinding glare from headlights -- which seems positive -- the overall sight reduction places drivers in greater danger.

Effective Use of Colored Lenses

• Polarized and colored lenses can be effective, and are often recommended for daytime use. People whose daytime driving is impaired should consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Additionally, research exists supporting colored lenses help those with dyslexia and other learning disabilities to focus and interpret information better. However, these tinted lenses also have specific uses and settings. They do not help people concentrate on the road or better interpret their outward environment.