What is the purpose of lens tints?

The purpose of lens tints is primarily to enhance contrast and reduce glare. Tinted lenses are designed to filter specific wavelengths of light, which can help improve visual clarity and comfort in various lighting conditions. For example, darker tints can significantly reduce the amount of bright light that enters the eye, thereby minimizing glare from surfaces like water or roads. This makes tinted lenses particularly beneficial for outdoor activities where bright sunlight is prevalent, helping users see more clearly and reducing eye strain.

The other options do not effectively capture the primary function of lens tints. While tints can indeed affect the appearance of the lenses, their main role is not related to fashion or making lenses heavier. Tints are not designed to provide a reflective surface; that function is usually served by coatings rather than tints themselves. Thus, understanding the practical advantages that tints provide is essential for selecting the right lenses for specific activities and environments.