Yellow sunglasses seem to come out every few years. They are sold on the basis of increasing:
-visual acuity (daylight)
-better night vision (low light conditions)
Are these claims true?
And what about red-tinted lenses-do they have any benefits?
The yellow ones are supposed to increase contrast in low-light situations. If the drivers are wearing them at 24 Hours of Le Mans during the night shift, there must be something to it.
These claims go 'way back. Jearl D. Walker included an entry on these in his original edition of The Flying Circus of Physics, back in 1976. It was one of the few entries with no references attached – no one had any scientific evidence bearing on the issue. When he issued the edition “with answers” a few years later, there still weren’t any references, and Walker admitted that he didn’t know of any scientific work on the topic.
I haven’t looked into it since then, or at recent editions of the book, but I suspect the situation may not have changed. I’ll check when I have more time
Here’s his current webpage, with the item 6.56 – Yellow Ski Glasses.
http://www.flyingcircusofphysics.com/Topics/ChapterDetail.aspx?ChapterID=12
If you go to this page and scroll down to entries for 6.56 you’ll find references on the topic:
http://www.flyingcircusofphysics.com/pdf/Chapter6_Ref_Com.pdf
I had amber ski goggles in the early '80s for night skiing. Seemed to help visibility in low light.
I use them when flying my sailplane. They seem to darken the blue sky and make air traffic stand out better. I also see more detail in clouds. I have also noticed that they make different kinds of foliage stand out more.
I still wear my Ray Ban Ambermatics all the time. I have the Outdoorsman and Shooter versions.
The amber lens does brighten and enhance color contrast. Perfect for shooting, flying, skiing and sailing. Sadly, after 20+ years of wear, they’re getting some scratches. You can’t find replacement lenses anymore, and vintage pairs are over $300 each.
I found some a while back that were new in box for $600!
There’s nothing better than Ambermatics on an overcast day while driving or being out & about.
Yes, for the same reason automotive fog lights used to be yellow:
http://danielsternlighting.com/tech/lights/light_color/light_color.html
Selective yellow tint filters out blue light which increases glare and is harder for us to focus on.