Tints for Low Vision

Published on

October 26, 2022

In addition to finding the right prescription and magnification for someone with low vision, tints can also be important, mainly because they can help with comfort from glare and improved color contrast, and therefore improve their visual function. Despite their tint, glasses with tints can still look great.

Who is a good candidate for tints?

A variety of tints may be prescribed for a patient based on their disease, but also based on how they feel about it, since it is a very subjective process for each individual. Some of the common conditions where patients report a major benefit from tints include the following ocular diseases and conditions:

Diabetic retinopathy
Age-related macular degeneration
Retinitis pigmentosa
Glaucoma
Migraine sufferers
Strokes
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries

These eye conditions may cause patients to have difficulty with bright lights, driving at night, being outdoors in bright sunlight, reading a newspaper or using a computer or phone.

What are the different benefits of tints for low vision patients?

There are several tint options available. Several of these tints can be used indoors, some can be used outdoors, and some can be used both indoors and outdoors. It really depends on the task at hand, or the area that tends to have a lot of demand for it, and where they require a little more clarity. They increase contrast and limit the amount of light that comes in.

Orange or amber are common colors of tints that can be used for people with diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma. These patients need more help with contrast since their side vision is affected more, and it can overwhelm their system.

With tints, you can read in greater detail, especially when reading newspapers, since newsprint is really gray on gray, we think it's black and white, but it's recycled paper instead. Due to the printer running so fast, the print is not super dark, and bleed will occur on the back as well. This can improve contrast and make newsprint easier to read.

Any smartphone or computer user, or even someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, is susceptible to overexposure to blue light, which can be harmful over time and even cause vision loss as we age. In addition to blocking blue light completely, yellow-tinted lenses or yellow sunglasses can distort other colors if worn continuously.

Other tints can also be used to see comfortably and clearly outdoors besides brown and gray tints. People who suffer from headaches, which may or may not be related to their vision, may find pink or plum tints more comfortable.

Just as patients may feel more comfortable with different lighting at home, they may also feel better with these tints. It is one of those things that you don't know until you try it and that gives you the opportunity to do so during the exam.

Schedule a low vision exam

Tints are available in a wide range of colors and intensities, depending on the individual's eye sensitivity. Our low vision optometrist can confirm which tint or tints would be best suited to your vision during an eye exam. Call (562) 925-6591 to schedule a low vision exam.

Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.