8 Benefits of Coloured Sunglasses Lenses Explained

Do Lens Colours Really Matter?

Between daily screen use and constant sun exposure, our eyes are working harder than ever. Choosing the right sunglass lenses isn’t just about style, it’s about protecting your eyes, reducing strain, and improving visual clarity.

Coloured lenses are one of the most common features in sunglasses, yet many people don’t realise that different lens colours provide very different visual benefits. Each tint affects contrast, glare reduction, depth perception and overall comfort.

If you’re deciding between multiple styles or lens colours, Try Before You Buy allows you to compare frames and lenses at home before committing.

What Are Coloured Lenses in Sunglasses?

Coloured lenses are lenses that feature a tint such as grey, brown, green, yellow or rose, designed to filter light in specific ways.

Different lens colours can:

• alter contrast and depth perception
• reduce glare in bright environments
• enhance visibility in low-light conditions
• support different activities such as driving, sport or everyday wear

Understanding what each lens colour does helps you choose sunglasses that perform as well as they look.

Benefit #1: Improved Contrast in Low Light (Yellow Lenses)

Yellow lenses increase contrast and depth perception, especially in low-light, foggy or overcast conditions.

Best for:

• skiing and snow sports
• hunting and shooting
• flat-light environments

Benefit #2: Reduced Glare & Eye Strain (Amber Lenses)

Amber lenses are highly effective at reducing glare and visual fatigue, making them ideal for bright, reflective environments.

Best for:

• driving
• boating
• high-glare outdoor conditions

Benefit #3: Enhanced Depth Perception (Brown Lenses)

Brown lenses enhance contrast and depth perception while maintaining a natural colour balance, making them one of the most versatile lens options.

Best for:

• everyday wear
• walking and commuting
• people wanting one lens for most situations

Benefit #4: Glare Control for Sport (Blue & Green Lenses)

Blue and green lenses reduce glare while preserving strong colour contrast, helping visual clarity during sport.

Best for:

• tennis and golf
• outdoor sports
• bright daylight conditions

Benefit #5: Natural Colour Accuracy (Grey Lenses)

Grey lenses reduce overall brightness without distorting colours, making them one of the most popular lens choices worldwide.

Best for:

• everyday use
• driving
• general sun protection

Benefit #6: Better Visibility in Changing Light (Rose & Red Lenses)

Rose and red lenses boost contrast in softer or changing light conditions, helping improve clarity when light levels fluctuate.

Best for:

• early morning or late afternoon driving
• variable lighting environments
• enhanced visual definition

Benefit #7: Reduced Visual Fatigue Across Activities

Choosing the right lens colour can significantly reduce eye strain by filtering harsh light and improving visual comfort. This is especially important during long periods of driving, outdoor work or extended wear.

Benefit #8: Matching Lens Colour to Lifestyle & Comfort

The biggest benefit of coloured lenses is choosing a tint that matches how you actually live, not just how your sunglasses look. Comfort, clarity and reduced strain matter more than aesthetics alone.

If you’re unsure which lens colour or frame suits you best, Try Before You Buy allows you to compare options at home before making your decision.

Do Lens Colours Affect UV Protection?

This is one of the most important and most misunderstood aspects of sunglasses.

Lens colour does NOT determine UV protection; lens material and UV-filtering technology do.

UV protection comes from the lens material and coatings, not the tint. Dark lenses without proper UV filtration can actually be more dangerous, as they cause your pupils to dilate while allowing harmful rays through.

AM Eyewear sunglasses use high-quality bio-based nylon polyamide lenses, with Carl ZEISS sun lenses featured across many styles, providing guaranteed UV protection up to 400nm regardless of lens colour.

How to Choose the Right Lens Colour

When choosing the right lens colour for your sunglasses, consider:

• your primary activities (driving, sport, daily wear)
• the lighting conditions you’re most often in
• how much contrast or brightness reduction you prefer
• comfort over long periods of wear

Style matters, but functionality matters more.

Explore AM Eyewear Sunglasses:

• Women’s Sunglasses
• Men’s Sunglasses
• Current Collection