Visual disturbances—such as glare sensitivity, visual “noise,” light-triggered discomfort, and difficulty focusing in bright or busy lighting—are more common than many realise. Research suggests that filters and tinted lenses can play a role in reducing these symptoms by altering the quality of incoming light and reducing sensory overload.

What are visual disturbances?

Visual disturbances (often labelled “visual stress” or “sensory visual overload”) may involve:

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  Sensitivity to bright/disco-lighting/flicker
  
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  Glare from highly reflective surfaces
  
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  Print or image distortions (in reading)
  
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  Fatigue, headaches or discomfort when exposed to harsh lighting
  

For example, a patient leaflet by the Association of Optometrists (AOP) states:

“Visual discomfort is a term often used to describe … sensitivity to light, difficulty focusing, blurred vision or increased sensitivity to light.” Association of Optometrists

And that tinted filters “are sometimes used to treat visual discomfort associated with eye strain while reading and with visual-perceptual distortions.” Association of Optometrists

How tinted lenses may help

The core idea is that by filtering or shifting portions of the light spectrum, reducing glare, or softening contrast, tinted lenses can reduce the load on the visual system. Some of the ways this may happen:

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  Glare reduction: Bright overhead lights, reflections from glossy surfaces or floors cause intense light input; a tint can reduce those peaks.
  
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  Light spectrum filtering: Some tints reduce short-wavelength (blue) light, which is more stimulating and contributes to glare or light-induced discomfort.
  
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  Contrast/colour shift: By changing the colour/contrast of the scene, the visual system may have to do less “correction,” reducing fatigue and tension.
  
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  Sensory calming: A more constant, less fluctuating visual field is easier for the brain to process, which may help when anxiety or sensory overload are factors.
  

What the research says

The research is nuanced. Here are a few key cited findings:

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  A 2010 placebo-controlled trial:
  
  G. Cardona et al. studied tinted lenses in adolescents who had reading difficulties and/or visual stress. They found tinted lenses improved comfort and reading speed compared to no-tint. PMC
  
  The authors reported fewer discomfort/distortion ratings with tinted lenses.
  
  While promising, this study involved a specific population (adolescents with reading issues) and tinted overlays rather than just any tinted spectacles.
  
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  A 2025 randomised crossover trial:
  
  Catherine M. Suttle & colleagues gave 29 participants (age 11-72) with visual stress either an “optimal” tint selected by colourimetry or a “sub-optimal” tint, each worn for a month. Reading speed improved with tinted lenses compared to no tint (p < 0.001) and discomfort was lower. But critically: there was no significant difference between optimal vs sub-optimal tints. PubMed+1
  
  Their conclusion: “While our patients read more quickly and were more comfortable when using a tint… precision tints are no more helpful than sub‐optimal, placebo tints.” City Research Online
  
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  Another 2023 study looked at broader aspects (contrast sensitivity, colour vision) and concluded tinted lenses are a “prominent subset” of ophthalmic devices—but cautioned that substantive evidence of benefit in all users is not yet robust. PMC
  

What this means in practice for CalmView

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  Tinted lenses can help individuals who experience visual discomfort (glare, high-contrast lighting, reflective surfaces) by reducing the visual load.
  
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  The colour/tint itself appears less crucial in some contexts: the benefit may derive from simply having a filter rather than a precisely matched shade.
  
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  The effect is likely individual: people with higher sensitivity to light, flicker or visual noise appear to benefit more.
  
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  It is not a guaranteed fix: the AOP notes “there is no firm evidence, but many people feel that coloured filters help reduce or get rid of the symptoms of visual discomfort.” Association of Optometrists
  
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  For a brand like CalmView, positioning tinted lenses as a way to ease visual stress (especially in challenging lighting environments) is consistent with current science—while making clear they are a comfort-tool, not a medical cure.
  

How CalmView’s range aligns with the science

Given the research and practical applications:

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  Environments with bright, reflective floors and strong overhead lighting (e.g., supermarkets) can create high visual load; a rose-tinted lens that softens lighting and glare aligns with the mechanism of reducing sensory input.
  
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  For screen/low-light tasks (yellow tint), the contrast-enhancing benefit supports clearer vision in dim conditions.
  
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  For evening/wind-down (red/orange), reducing blue light and shifting to warmer tones aligns with light’s role in alertness and circadian rhythm (though research in tinted spectacles for circadian effect is separate).
  
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  For general overload or flicker-sensitive settings (green, light-blue), the calming and glare- reducing influence of tinted filters may provide relief.
  

Key Takeaways for Users

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  If you experience discomfort from bright lights, glare, flicker, or a “busy” visual environment, a tinted lens may help reduce the burden on your visual system.
  
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  The exact tint colour is less important than the fact that you’re filtering light; however, matching environment → tint may enhance comfort and perceived effect.
  
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  Tinted lenses are not a substitute for a full eye-examination or treatment of underlying eye health issues. Always check with an optometrist if you have persistent vision problems.
  
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  Using tinted lenses is one component of managing visual comfort—complementary steps (glare reduction, proper lighting, frequent visual breaks) are important too.
  

Final Thoughts

The visual system is constantly inundated with light and contrast signals. In modern indoor settings—with fluorescent or LED overhead lights, shiny floors, reflective surfaces and screens—many people experience a sense of visual overload or discomfort. Tinted lenses offer a practical, low-risk tool to reduce that sensory burden and help the eyes and brain operate in a less taxing state.

At CalmView, our lens colours are designed with this science in mind: to provide visual comfort, reduce distraction, and allow you to move through challenging lighting environments with greater ease. While research continues to refine exactly which conditions respond best, what is clear is that many users find relief simply by introducing a light filter into their environment.