A Complete Guide to Custom-Made Tints

Tinted Glasses Tailored for Comfort, Vision, and Style

Whether you’re shielding your eyes from harsh light, seeking relief from migraines, or simply looking for a modern aesthetic, custom-made tints offer a unique blend of functionality and style. From indoor-friendly lenses to outdoor protection, the world of tinted glasses is broader and more customisable than ever.

Let’s dive into how custom tints work, why they matter, and how to choose the perfect lenses for your lifestyle.

Are Custom Tints Compatible With All Frames?

Yes, most of the frames available in our inventory can be fitted with custom tinted lenses. Whether you prefer full-rim, semi-rimless, or rimless styles, our lens specialists can tint prescription and non-prescription lenses in a wide range of materials.

Why Do People Choose Custom Tinted Glasses?

Custom tinted lenses serve a variety of purposes beyond just looking stylish. Six common reasons include:

1. Light Sensitivity Relief

For people with conditions like photophobia or post-concussion syndrome, bright indoor lights or natural sunlight can cause discomfort or even pain. Tinted lenses, especially FL-41, help ease these symptoms.

2. Migraine and Headache Prevention

Specialised tints like FL-41 filter out blue-green wavelengths known to trigger migraines in sensitive individuals.

3. Improved Vision in Specific Lighting

Tints such as amber or brown can enhance contrast and depth perception, especially helpful for driving, sports, or foggy weather.

4. Digital Eye Strain Reduction

Blue light from digital screens can lead to fatigue, dry eyes, and sleep disruption. Custom tints like amber or blue light filtering lenses help reduce this strain.

5. Outdoor UV Protection

Custom tints let you choose the ideal darkness level and colour for your outdoor lifestyle, including photochromic lenses that adjust to light automatically.

6. Fashion and Aesthetic Appeal

Sometimes it’s about standing out. Coloured tints, green, pink, blue, or gradient, let you express your personal style without compromising comfort.

Do Tinted Glasses Help With Migraines?

Yes, especially FL-41 tinted lenses, which have been specifically developed to filter the most irritating parts of the light spectrum for migraine sufferers. Studies show that FL-41 tints can reduce migraine frequency and light-triggered discomfort by blocking the blue-green light that stimulates hyperactive neurons in the brain.

These tints aren’t just for migraines; they’re also beneficial for people with:

• Blepharospasm
• Photophobia
• Post-concussion syndrome

They can be added to prescription tinted glasses or worn as clip-ons over your regular lenses.

Can I Wear Tinted Glasses at Night?

Yes, but only with the right tint. Yellow and amber tints are commonly recommended for night use because they improve contrast and reduce glare from streetlights and headlights. These tints enhance visibility without overly dimming your surroundings, making them ideal for:

• Driving at night
• Walking in low-light conditions
• Nighttime screen use

Avoid using dark tints at night, as they can reduce overall visibility and pose a safety risk.

Are Tinted Glasses Bad for Your Eyes?

This is a common myth, and the answer is no, tinted glasses are not harmful when used correctly. 

In fact, they can:

1. Reduce eye strain
2. Minimise glare
3. Protect against UV and blue light

Problems arise only if you use dark tints inappropriately, for example, wearing high-category sunglasses indoors or while driving at night. Always choose the right tint type, colour, and darkness for your needs.

What Tint Percentage Should I Choose?

Tint percentage refers to how much visible light the lens blocks. 

Here’s a breakdown:

Your tint darkness should match your daily environment. For office or computer use, light or Category 1 is ideal. For sunny outdoor activity, opt for Category 3 or higher.

Do Tinted Glasses Work Indoors?

Yes, lightly tinted indoor glasses can ease discomfort from artificial lights and digital screens. Common indoor tints include:

• Rose or FL-41: Migraine and photophobia relief
• Yellow or Amber: Screen comfort and contrast enhancement
• Light Grey: Glare reduction without colour distortion

People who work under fluorescent lights or on computers often experience fewer headaches and less eye fatigue when wearing indoor tints.

Can Tinted Glasses Be Removed or Changed?

Yes, you have three main options for tint flexibility:

1. Fixed Tint Lenses

• Permanently tinted during production
• Available in prescription and non-prescription options
• Ideal for consistent sunlight exposure

2. Photochromic (Transition) Lenses

• Automatically darken in UV light
• Clear indoors, tinted outdoors
• Excellent for all-day wear, no need to switch glasses

3. Clip-On Tints

• Attach to your existing glasses
• Removable and interchangeable
• Most affordable option, ideal for occasional use

Which Tint Colour Is Best for Computer Work?

For digital eye strain, the best tints are:

• Amber:  Filters blue light and increases contrast
• FL-41:  Helps with migraines triggered by screens
• Blue Light Blocking Clear Lenses:  Maintain colour accuracy while reducing eye fatigue

Avoid dark or colourful fashion tints for screen work, as they can reduce visibility and distort colours.

Do Insurance Plans Cover Tinted Glasses?

It depends. Medical tints like FL-41 may be covered by vision insurance if your doctor prescribes them for conditions like:

• Migraines
• Photophobia
• Post-concussion light sensitivity

Aesthetic or fashion tints generally aren’t covered. Talk to your eye care provider about documentation for insurance claims if your tint serves a medical need.

How Long Do Tinted Lenses Last?

With proper care, tinted lenses can last 1 to 3 years. However, the longevity depends on the type:

• Fixed Tints: Long-lasting if scratch-resistant coatings are added
• Photochromic Lenses: Usually last 2–3 years, but may gradually lose their ability to darken
• Clip-Ons: Can last for years if kept clean and stored properly

Replace lenses if:

• They fade unevenly
• Your prescription changes
• Scratches impair vision

In-Depth Tint Comparisons

Photochromic Lenses vs Fixed Tint Lenses

Overall, photochromic lenses are best for those who move between indoor and outdoor environments, and fixed tints are ideal for predictable, bright conditions.

Prescription Tinted Glasses vs Clip-On Tints

If you need tints all the time, a prescription is more practical. If you want versatility or are on a budget, clip-ons are the way to go.

Grey Tint vs Brown Tint

When choosing between grey and brown tinted lenses, it’s important to consider how each tint affects your vision. Grey tints preserve true colour perception, making them an excellent choice for bright sunlight and general everyday wear. They reduce overall brightness without altering how you perceive colours, which is ideal for activities like walking, running errands, or lounging outdoors.

On the other hand, brown or amber tints enhance contrast and depth perception, making them a favourite for driving, golfing, or other outdoor sports. They warm up the visual field and improve visibility in partly cloudy or variable light conditions. If you’re seeking natural colour balance, go with grey. If you want visual sharpness and definition, brown or amber is the better choice.

FL-41 Tint vs Standard Tints

FL-41 tints are specifically engineered for people with light sensitivity, migraines, or conditions like photophobia. This rose-coloured lens filters out blue-green light wavelengths that are often responsible for triggering migraines or visual discomfort, especially under fluorescent lighting or when using digital devices. Clinical studies have shown that FL-41 lenses can reduce both the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.

In contrast, standard tints, such as grey, brown, or green, offer general-purpose comfort by reducing glare and UV exposure. While they’re great for outdoor use, they don’t provide the targeted light filtration that FL-41 does. If you have a medical need, go for FL-41. For basic sun protection or aesthetic appeal, standard tints are usually sufficient.

Gradient Tint vs Uniform Tint

Gradient tints are darker at the top of the lens and gradually fade to a lighter shade toward the bottom. This design is particularly useful for driving, as it shields your eyes from sunlight while keeping the lower part of your field of vision clearer for dashboard visibility. They also work well for reading outdoors, where you need to reduce overhead glare but still see fine details below.

Uniform tints, by contrast, are evenly shaded across the entire lens. They’re better suited for activities under consistent lighting, like hiking, sunbathing, or water sports, where full light protection is needed throughout your field of view. Gradient tints offer flexibility and function in mixed lighting environments, while uniform tints provide consistent coverage in bright conditions.

Blue Light Blocking vs UV-Blocking Tints

Blue light blocking tints are designed to reduce eye strain from prolonged exposure to digital screens and artificial lighting. These lenses filter the high-energy blue wavelengths emitted by computers, phones, and LED lights, helping to minimise headaches, eye fatigue, and potential disruptions to your sleep cycle.

Meanwhile, UV-blocking tints are essential for outdoor use, protecting your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays that contribute to long-term eye damage, including cataracts and macular degeneration. Each serves a different but important purpose: blue light blockers are best for indoor, tech-heavy environments, while UV-blocking lenses are a must for sunny outdoor settings. If your day involves both environments, consider combining the two in one pair of lenses.

Yellow/Amber Tints vs Neutral Tints

Yellow and amber tints are excellent for enhancing contrast in low-light or hazy conditions. These lenses brighten your view and improve depth perception, making them especially useful for foggy mornings, dusk driving, or indoor sports. By filtering out blue light, they sharpen your visual field and reduce glare, improving safety and clarity.

In contrast, neutral tints, such as grey or green, maintain natural colour balance while reducing overall brightness. They don’t distort colours, making them suitable for everyday wear when you want comfort without altering your perception of the world. Choose amber for performance and visual enhancement in tricky lighting. Opt for neutral tints for versatility and true-to-life colour in a wide range of environments.

Category 1–2 vs Category 3–4 Tints

How We Can Help

Custom-made tinted glasses offer more than just shade; they offer protection, comfort, and even therapeutic relief. Whether you’re navigating migraines, reducing glare, blocking blue light, or making a bold fashion statement, the right tint can transform your vision experience.

Ready to explore your options? Browse our full collection of frames and request a custom tint consultation today.