When Nike MaxSight tinted contact lenses (CLs) were first introduced commercially in 2005, there rightfully were concerns.1 No one had previously tinted contact lenses in this way, and certainly not intended them for use by patients who needed sun and glare protection but who might not need optical correction. When MaxSight CLs were taken off the market in 2008 – because of contamination issues with the storage and cleaning solution, not the lenses themselves – over 2,500 eyecare practitioners throughout the US were actively prescribing and dispensing the lenses.
One recognized short-coming of MaxSight was that it was available only as 30-day replacement lenses. The technology to be able to tint other materials, such as those used for daily disposable CLs, did not exist. And that meant that any patients who intended to use the lenses on multiple days would need to clean, disinfect, and store them properly and safely. Nonetheless, in the few short years that MaxSight was available, there were no reports to the FDA about injuries, infections, or other adverse reactions when using the MaxSight lenses, even in light of the fact that about two-thirds of users were emmetropes or first-time CL wearers.
But the landscape changed in recent years. VizionFocus, working collaboratively with Performance Vision Technologies, Inc., (PVTI) developed a method of tinting an established and well-tolerated daily disposable CL material, ocufilcon D, that could maintain a shelf-life of 5 years and does not leach. Thus, combined with the same tint and filter characteristics as MaxSight – they block 100% of UV and over 99% of “blue” (up to 500 nm) – ALTIUS® Amber and Grey-Green Performance-Tinted Single-Use CLs came into being!
Of course, a couple of critics now were skeptical of the efficacy of ALTIUS® CLs, how they were cleared by the US FDA, and how they are marketed and dispensed.2 Make no mistake, ALTIUS® CLs went through rigorous and lengthy testing before receiving FDA clearance.3 The lens material provides for good comfort and handling, with no substantiated adverse effects reported to the FDA over its 20+ year history of use by other CL manufacturers. ALTIUS® CLs are being prescribed successfully for athletes, much in the same way that MaxSight was used, and now especially for those who participate in water sports, since the daily disposable modality does not require cleaning or storage. And – because of the unique light-filtering characteristics and total tint immersion – ALTIUS® CLs can be used to treat patients with light sensitivity due to migraine, concussion, mild to moderate traumatic brain injury, and other conditions.4 In addition, a NIH-sponsored study is investigating the use of ALTIUS® CLs for myopia management in 7-12 year-old subjects.5 Finally, ALTIUS® CLs are available in the US only by prescription and through a qualified eyecare practitioner.
Rest assured, ALTIUS® CLs are not merely “cosmetic” or “novelty” tints. They are designed for specific purposes and conditions. And, as all regular wearers will attest, they are safe and they work!
References
Recently, a video of Phillies outfielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. went viral after he made an incredible catch while frantically trying to put on his sunglasses in the middle of tracking a fly ball.
While sprinting to make a catch, a Professional Baseball Player has to take one hand out of play to reach above the brim of his cap for his parked sunglasses, and fumble trying to put them on … all this made a routine catch ALL BUT ROUTINE. Athletes search for consistency and dependability … neither existed here. Incredible athleticism. But here’s the bigger question…What if he never had to reach for his sunglasses at all?
Imagine stepping onto the field already equipped with vision engineered for the game. No fumbling with frames. No lost split seconds. No distractions. Just complete focus from the first pitch to the final out.
That’s the idea behind ALTIUS® Performance-Tinted Contact Lenses.
With 100% UV protection, 99%+ harsh Blue Light filtration, and 360° total tint immersion, ALTIUS® filters light before it can interfere with your vision. The result is enhanced visual clarity, visual comfort and improved contrast without the countless limitations of sunglasses.
The future of baseball performance isn’t something you put on when the sun gets in your eyes. It’s something you start the game wearing.
Ready to experience what better vision can do for your game? Contact us
Eye black. A tradition. A look. Smeared under the eyes before every game since your grandfather's era.
But here's the truth nobody puts on the back of the label: there's no solid clinical proof it actually cuts glare significantly. It's ritual, not results. You want to trust your eyes to something scientifically unproven? On a ball moving 90+ mph?
Sunglasses. Better in theory. Messy in practice.
For decades sports eyewear companies have been trying to create a truly functional eyewear design that actually worked for baseball … flip downs, lenses that slowly change darkness, lenses with activation systems, high wrap frames, and a myriad of others. Consistent Result: FAILURE.
Fumbling with cleaning lenses in the dugout. Glasses sliding, fogging, breaking focus at the exact moment you need to be dialed in. Speed is everything in this game and every second you spend adjusting eyewear is a second you're not spending being ready.
ALTIUS® Performance-Tinted Contact Lenses were engineered for athletes and instead of trying to block light from outside your eyes, ALTIUS® uses proprietary Light Architecture™ technology to precisely filter the light entering your eye.
ALTIUS® Amber lenses are specifically engineered for dynamic, reactive sports like baseball. And, they are designed for every baseball player, whether or not they use a vision correction or use contact lenses.
ALTIUS® helps by:
Because when you see more clearly, you react with more confidence. Learn more at altiusvision.com
The Proof Is Already on the Field
More than 25 years of vision science led to the development of ALTIUS® Light Architecture™ technology, originally inspired by one simple question: Could there be a better solution for athletes?
That question led to research that eventually evolved into one of the most recognized sports vision technologies ever created and today lives on in ALTIUS®’s single-use daily disposable lenses.
This isn't ALTIUS®'s first time under the lights. That same research once became Nike MaxSight, the first performance-tinted contact lens to reach the pros. More than 100 Major League Baseball players wore it, and most had never worn a vision correction or contact lens of any kind before. But once they experienced it at the plate and in the field, they wanted it. MLB Stars like Bronson Arroyo, A.J. Pierzynski, Ken Griffey Jr., and Brian Roberts all wore Nike MaxSight.
Players call it the WOW Effect, and it's the same effect ALTIUS®, now the next generation, delivers on the field today. Learn more at altiusvision.com
Martin Schelar was fit with ALTIUS® during his high school junior year in Marietta, Georgia, and has been wearing them ever since. The highly touted outfielder was just selected this month in the 9th round of the 2026 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox, taking his game, and his vision, to the next level.
Tripp Hannah, a shortstop and pitcher from Yulee, Florida, is a top-ranked Class of 2026 prospect with a Perfect Game Grade of 10, placing him in the top 1% nationally. Signed with Oklahoma State for 2026–2027, he relentlessly pursues every competitive edge.
After adding ALTIUS® Amber to his game, Tripp shared:
"I have really good vision (but) I got the the point where I was struggling really bad, I couldn't see, especially during the daytime...I put them (ALTIUS) on and I walked outside and I instantly knew... the contrast was so easy to see. I wore them in a game and it was so much better right away."
Our congratulations to both Martin and Tripp as ALTIUS continues to help the next generation of elite players.
Every few years, the world’s top soccer nations come together for the most anticipated international competition in the sport. Billions of fans tune in from around the globe, watching every match, every save, and every game-changing goal.
For athletes, it represents the pinnacle of competition. For fans, it’s a celebration of passion, national pride, and unforgettable moments.
But while most conversations focus on speed, strategy, and skill, one critical performance factor often goes unnoticed: Vision.
Few sports place greater demands on the visual system than soccer.
Players must constantly:
At the highest levels of competition, fractions of a second can determine the outcome of a match.
Research has demonstrated that enhanced visual clarity, contrast sensitivity, and visual comfort can positively influence athletic performance, especially in sports requiring rapid decision-making and moving target tracking. ALTIUS® Performance-Tinted Contact Lenses were engineered specifically to optimize these visual demands through proprietary Light Architecture™ technology.*
International soccer tournaments are played in a wide range of environments: Bright midday sunshine, overcast conditions, stadium shadows, artificial lighting and reflective playing surfaces
These conditions can create glare, visual stress, and reduced contrast sensitivity, making it more difficult to identify important visual details quickly.
The athletes aren’t the only ones facing challenging lighting conditions. Tens of thousands of fans spend hours in stadiums exposed to bright sunlight, glare, reflections, and changing light conditions before and during the match.
For individuals who experience light sensitivity or visual discomfort, these environments can make it difficult to fully enjoy the experience. ALTIUS® Performance-Tinted Contact Lenses are engineered to filter 100% of harmful UV radiation and over 99% of Blue Light, helping provide visual comfort and clarity so fans can focus on the game.
Because some of the greatest moments in soccer happen both on the field and in the stands.
ALTIUS® for Every Soccer Player & Fan, whether or not they wear contact lenses or even have a vision correction. Find an eye care professional near you and ask about ALTIUS® Performance-Tinted Contact Lenses. Visit altiusvision.com/find-a-provider to get started.
When we think about vision, most people assume that “perfect” means 20/20.
But step into the real world, on the field, on the water, or under bright lights and that definition quickly falls short. Because vision isn’t just about clarity. It’s about how efficiently your brain processes light, contrast, movement, and glare.
And that’s where things break down.
Athletes miss critical details in motion. Patients with light sensitivity experience discomfort or even migraines. Everyday activities become more challenging under harsh or changing lighting conditions.
The reality is simple:
Everything starts with what you're seeing versus what you think you’re seeing.
Dr. Alan Reichow
For decades, contact lenses have served one purpose: vision correction.
ALTIUS® changes that paradigm.
You can benefit from ALTIUS® even if you don’t use a vision correction. In fact, more than 75% of ALTIUS® Lenses are prescribed in plano (= zero power / non-correcting) a clear signal that patients and athletes are seeking something more:
✔ Better visual performance
✔ Greater comfort in bright conditions
✔ Relief from light sensitivity
Even individuals with “perfect” vision still struggle with:
These aren’t vision correction problems. They’re light management problems.
ALTIUS® confronts these challenges at the source: light itself. Using proprietary Light Architecture™ Technology, ALTIUS® lenses are engineered to:
The result?
A more efficient visual system that allows you to:
See Better. Feel Better. Perform Better.
Sources:
We are honored to be featured in the March 2026 edition of Vision Monday, and we extend our sincere thanks to Sarah McGoldrick for highlighting ALTIUS® and the work behind our mission.
The feature captures a powerful conversation with our CEO, Dr. Alan Reichow, OD, MEd, FAAO, whose decades of research have helped shape the modern field of performance vision.
From early innovations that led to globally recognized sports vision technologies to the development of ALTIUS®, Dr. Reichow’s work has consistently focused on first and foremost optimizing the quality of the visual signal.
As he shared in the article:
“Vision, the guiding sense for most of human performance, is first and foremost dependent upon the quality of the visual signal leaving the eyes to the brain to better enable the most efficient and accurate visual information processing. It all begins with visual clarity and contrast.”
This philosophy continues to guide ALTIUS® today.
There is a growing understanding that managing light is essential not only for protecting the eye, but for optimizing how well the brain processes visual information. This is where ALTIUS® stands apart: delivering a solution that bridges clinical need and performance enhancement through advanced light filtration.
We are proud to contribute to a future where eye care professionals, athletes, and patients alike recognize that visual clarity and contrast are a fundamental driver of how we feel, function, and perform.
Read the article: ALTIUS VisionMonday | Pages 86 and 88
As another baseball season begins, players face one of the most visually demanding environments in sports. Bright midday sun. Low-angle afternoon glare. Stadium shadows cutting across the infield.
In baseball, milliseconds matter and so does visual clarity.
From tracking a 90+ mph fastball to judging spin on a breaking pitch, your visual system must process fine detail in ever-changing light conditions. That’s where ALTIUS® Performance-Tinted Soft Contact Lenses CHANGE THE GAME. Even if you’ve never worn contact lenses, ALTIUS® were designed with every baseball player in mind, including those requiring no vision correction. ALTIUS® for Every Player.
Baseball is an extremely demanding dynamic, reactive sport that requires:
Research spanning over two decades shows that Performance-Tinted Soft Contact Lenses can dramatically improve visual performance in bright outdoor conditions*.
Early-season games create unique visual stress:
Standard sunglasses restrict peripheral vision, can fog, shift, and compromise performance during play. Clear lenses don’t filter harsh wavelengths that reduce visual clarity.
ALTIUS® Lenses were engineered specifically to solve these problems.
ALTIUS® Amber (50% Visible Light Transmission) is engineered for dynamic, reactive target tracking sports like baseball.
By reducing visual noise and filtering specific wavelengths, ALTIUS® enhances edge definition and contrast helping players with pitch recognition and seeing the ball’s seams, spin, and trajectory with greater precision. Outcome: University research with Collegiate baseball players demonstrated dramatic improvements in batting statistics.*
Trip Hannah
Tripp Hannah, a shortstop and pitcher from Yulee, Florida, is a top-ranked Class of 2026 prospect with a Perfect Game Grade of 10, placing him in the top 1% nationally. Signed with Oklahoma State for 2026–2027, he relentlessly pursues every competitive edge.
After adding ALTIUS® Amber to his game, Tripp shared:
"I have really good vision (but) I got the the point where I was struggling really bad, I couldn't see, especially during the daytime...I put them (ALTIUS) on and I walked outside and I instantly knew... the contrast was so easy to see. I wore them in a game and it was so much better right away."
Performance Vision Technologies, Inc. (PVTI) began 2026 by participating in one of the most important events in specialty eye care, The Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS), alongside our esteemed distributor partner, ABB Optical Group. Representing ALTIUS® on site were Rachel Ayars, PVTI Sales Director, and Fernando Bolio, PVTI Chief Operating Officer, who connected directly with eye care professionals, sharing how ALTIUS® is transforming lives through better vision.
ALTIUS® was more than just an exhibitor. This year, our single-use soft contact lenses were the subject of powerful case-based poster presentations and live educational sessions. These moments highlighted the growing clinical relevance of Performance-Tinted Contact Lenses, particularly for patients seeking enhanced visual performance and those looking for relief from light sensitivity.
We were proud to see ALTIUS® featured in a compelling poster presentation by Dr. Anthony Mac, OD, MPH, FAAO, FSLS. This case-based study demonstrated the profound clinical value of Performance-Tinted Soft Contact Lenses for managing migraine-related light sensitivity, a condition that impacts millions and often lacks sufficient non-medicinal treatment options. ALTIUS® was included as part of Dr. Mac’s clinical evaluation, reinforcing its relevance in advanced light management for photophobic patients.
Dr. Mac’s work aligns with recent data showing that ALTIUS® Grey-Green Lenses can lead to:
Also showcased at GSLS was a novel application of ALTIUS® in trauma-informed care, presented by Scott Samples, FCLSA, NCLEM. His poster described how ALTIUS® Amber Lenses were used to manage post-injury photophobia in a patient with traumatic iridodialysis. Originally developed for sports performance, these lenses provided this patient with meaningful relief by filtering 100% UV and over 99% of blue light.
This case reminds us that ALTIUS® can extend beyond sports and migraine management, serving as an important tool in neuro-optometric rehabilitation. The edge-to-edge total tint immersion with uniform coverage across the entire cornea, completely eliminates all annoying and compromising peripheral light leakage inherent with tinted spectacle lenses. .
An article published on the Contact Lens Spectrum website highlighted a powerful lesson at the intersection of therapeutic and cosmetic contact lens care. Drs. Amanda Dieu and Shazib Haq (Oregon Health & Science University) provided an expert framework for treating patients with photophobia, ocular trauma, and disfiguring congenital conditions such as iris coloboma.
The article, based on their lecture, emphasized best practices like:
You can read the article on this session at Contact Lens Spectrum
What made GSLS 2026 truly special was the collective message: ALTIUS® Performance-Tinted Single-Use Soft Contact Lenses, available in both corrective and non-corrective powers, are not a niche solution; they are a versatile tool that eye care practitioners can seamlessly integrate into both primary and specialty care.
ALTIUS for Everyone.
Ready to integrate ALTIUS® into your practice?
Email us at jenna.lopez@altiusvision.com
Or visit altiusvision.com to learn more.
It’s that time again, the year-end whirlwind. Between work, training, school, and festive chaos, it’s easy to feel like everything’s coming at you all at once. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to just survive the season, you can own it.
How?
You Set the Tone with ALTIUS®.
Before the to-do list kicks in, before the day gets away from you, start with a choice that helps you See Better, Feel Better, and Perform Better. Whether you’re braving the snow for your favorite game, prepping for a holiday race, or just trying to keep migraines in check through all the lights and noise, ALTIUS® Performance-Tinted Single-Use Soft Contact Lenses give you a clear edge.
Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, or scoring goals on a frosty field, snow can throw some serious glare your way. ALTIUS® Performance-Tinted Contact Lenses, available whether you wear a vision correction or not, are built for that, blocking 100% UV and over 99% of Blue Light, and are engineered to manage both the Quantity (Brightness) and Quality (Color) of Light reaching the eye through proprietary Light Architecture. This reduces the “visual noise” caused by chromatic aberration and blue light overstimulation, while enhancing visual comfort, clarity, contrast, and target tracking, even in blinding white landscapes.
Cold temperatures don’t reduce the sun’s intensity. In fact, snow reflects up to 80% of light, amplifying glare and creating a visual environment that pushes your eyes to work overtime.
Winter isn’t about slowing down. It’s about rising to it.
ALTIUS® helps you go higher, find your provider
Unlike ordinary tinted spectacle lenses or adaptive photochromic eyewear, the Light Architecture™ of ALTIUS® is precision-engineered. With over 25 years of research and development, these innovative filters not only control the brightness through their total tint immersion, but also through their targeted biological and neurological impact. ALTIUS® Lenses are designed to manage the quality and quantity of light reaching the eye, reducing “visual noise” caused by chromatic aberration and blue light overstimulation, while enhancing clarity, contrast, and target tracking.
In other words: ALTIUS® performance-tinted single-use soft contact lenses don’t just block glare, it builds a better visual environment for your brain to perform.
Both ALTIUS® tints, Amber and Grey-Green, utilize FDA-cleared Light Architecture™, offering 100% UV absorption and blocking over 99% of blue light (<500 nm) through full 360° total tint immersion. This uniform and complete coverage eliminates peripheral light leakage, surface reflections, and distortion common with spectacles, ensuring uncompromised performance and protection across the entire visual field.
What distinguishes ALTIUS® Amber is its calibration for 50% visible light transmission (VLT), a balance that reduces excessive light without over-dimming the visual field.
This makes it ideal for dynamic, reactive sports like baseball, tennis, and football, where rapid target tracking and contrast recognition are essential. By reducing chromatic aberration by 53%, Amber minimizes “visual noise,” allowing for sharper image formation and faster visual processing.
ALTIUS® Grey-Green’s 38% visible light transmission (VLT) makes it ideally suited for outdoor environments with intense glare, such as on water, turf, or pavement. Athletes and active individuals benefit from enhanced visual comfort, improved contrast, and reduced visual fatigue in bright, high-glare settings.
Traditional spectacle tints such as FL-41 only partially block blue light and allow light to reach the eyes from around or behind the spectacle frame. On the other hand, ALTIUS® Grey-Green and Amber soft contact lenses block over 99% of blue light (<500 nm) and allow no light to enter the eye other than through the lenses.
Clinical surveys show that when worn during migraine attacks, ALTIUS® Grey-Green users report:
Reports from users who suffer from photophobia due to traumatic brain injury, concussion, and other conditions suggest similar favorable results when using either tint.
Both ALTIUS® Grey-Green and Amber spectral transmission profiles are meticulously tuned to the human visual system.
As shown in the above Figure ALTIUS® filters nearly all violet and blue wavelengths, including virtually all energy related to iPRGC Sensitivity, while selectively transmitting narrow-band green light (~550 nm). Burstein’s research identifies this wavelength as uniquely beneficial, it reduces cortical hyperexcitability and evokes calming emotional responses during migraine episodes.
By modulating these neural responses, ALTIUS® Light Architecture™ minimizes pain activation while supporting balanced visual and emotional perception, truly architecting light for neurological wellness.
Traditional flat or spectacle lenses leave the eye exposed to stray peripheral light, a limitation overcome through the evolutionary progression of curved, high-wrap designs pioneered by industry leaders from Nike MaxSight™ to today’s ALTIUS® Light Architecture™ system.
With complete corneal coverage, ALTIUS® achieves the ultimate in light management, merging optical precision with clinical protection, from performance vision to migraine management, post-concussion care and TBI recovery.
With availability in both corrective and non-corrective (Plano) powers, ALTIUS® is truly for EVERYONE.
ALTIUS® Light Architecture™ redefines how eye care practitioners and patients address photosensitivity.
Related information:
As demonstrated in Burstein et al.’s seminal Neurobiology of Photophobia (J Neuro-Ophthalmol, 2019), photophobia is not merely discomfort, it’s a neurological condition involving overstimulation of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). These specialized retinal cells connect visual input to pain-processing centers in the thalamus, amplifying headache pain and emotional distress.
Use of ALTIUS® Single-Use Performance-Tinted Contact Lenses During Water Activities(2024)
Use of Performance-Tinted Contact Lenses in Patients with Photosensitivity (2024)
Every October, Prevent Blindness designates Contact Lens Safety Month to highlight an important message: contact lenses are medical devices, not accessories. With more than 45 million people in the U.S. wearing contact lenses, proper fitting, safe use, and daily hygiene are essential to protecting vision and eye health.
That’s where ALTIUS® performance-tinted single-use soft contact lenses bring peace of mind. Designed with both performance and protection in mind, they give wearers the visual clarity, comfort, and safety they need, every single day.
Improper use of contact lenses can put eyes at serious risk. Poorly fitted lenses or outdated prescriptions can injure the cornea, while exposure to water or improper cleaning may lead to painful infections such as Acanthamoeba keratitis. Even cosmetic or decorative lenses require a prescription and professional fitting.
The message is clear: healthy eyes depend on safe lenses compliance and professional guidance. That’s why speaking to an eye care specialist is always the first step.
Unlike planned-replacement lenses that require cleaning, disinfection and storage, ALTIUS® single-use daily disposable lenses deliver fresh, hygienic comfort every day, with no solutions, no surface build-up, and reduced infection risk.
But ALTIUS® goes further than safety. Built with Light Architecture™ Technology, they are clinically validated to:
ALTIUS® protects eyes from environmental stressors while enhancing the way users see and perform in daily life.
October is also recognized as Eye Injury Prevention Month, a reminder that vision protection goes beyond contact lens safety and extends into sports performance.
According to Prevent Blindness, more eye injuries occur from basketball than any other sport, followed by pools and water sports. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) notes that nearly 90% of serious eye injuries can be prevented with proper protective eyewear, and even spectators are at risk from unexpected contact with balls or players.
Sports-related eye injuries can include corneal abrasions, retinal detachment, and traumatic cataracts, many of which can be avoided with the use of appropriate, certified eye protection.
ALTIUS® Performance-Tinted single-use soft contact lenses, oftentimes used in conjunction with protective clear eyewear, help athletes see better and perform better. They provide up to 62% reduced Visible Light Transmission (VLT) in bright environments, 100% UV protection, and 99%+ blue light filtration for clearer, more comfortable vision.
Whether it’s basketball under bright lights or water sports on reflective surfaces, ALTIUS® can help protect what matters most: your vision.
Contact Lens Safety Month is a reminder, but safe practices should be part of every day. The best contact lens is the one that not only enhances vision but also protects eye health.
ALTIUS® delivers both. By combining the safety of single-use disposables with performance-driven benefits, ALTIUS® empowers users to live, work, and play with confidence.
👉 Talk to your eye care specialist to learn if ALTIUS® is right for you.
