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
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.
In football, every position demands split-second reaction time and precise vision. Whether you’re a quarterback reading coverage, a receiver tracking the ball in glare and shadow, or a lineman reacting off the snap, comfortable and clear vision can be the difference between success or failure.
That’s where ALTIUS® AMBER Performance-Tinted Single-Use Soft Contact Lenses come in. Engineered to sharpen visual clarity, cut glare, and improve target tracking, they deliver an edge that athletes can feel immediately. ALTIUS® gives athletes the freedom to perform without distraction because they don’t fog, don’t distort, and don’t interfere with peripheral vision as sunglasses or visors do.
The American football, nicknamed the “Pigskin” dating back to its origins in the 1850’s, still retains the same low-contrast brown color, especially the pro-level ball that lacks the white stripes used in college and youth play, is arguably one of the hardest objects in sports to visually track. When seen against complex, ever-changing backgrounds like stadium seating, spectators, the turf, player uniforms, and bright sky or stadium lights, the ball can almost disappear. The improved contrast and clarity created by ALTIUS® helps the ball “pop” from the background, making it easier to locate, track, and catch.
At every level, athletes are realizing that Vision, the guiding sense to most of performance, can be protected, optimized, and trained. ALTIUS® is leading that shift. So if you’re noticing more athletes with that signature amber-red tint in their eyes, it’s not just a trend. It’s a sign of athletes protecting their vision, enhancing their performance, and gaining an edge that could change the game.
When you think of elite performance in water polo, one name stands out: Maggie Steffens. A three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and a force to be reckoned with in the pool, Steffens has dominated the sport with her precision, speed, and strategic execution. But what if we told you that vision plays a critical role in her success?
At the International Sports Vision Association’s (ISVA) Sports Vision Combine, ALTIUS® Contact Lenses showcased how its cutting-edge performance-tinted single-use contact lenses are revolutionizing vision for high-performance athletes like Maggie. ISVA brings together experts in optometry, sports science, and elite athletics to advance the understanding of how vision impacts performance. This event is where innovation meets expertise, making it the perfect stage for ALTIUS® to highlight its game-changing technology.
In high-stakes competition, Vision is everything. Whether it’s tracking a fast-moving ball, anticipating an opponent’s move, or making a split-second decision, athletes rely on visual clarity, contrast, and quickness—three areas where ALTIUS® excels.
As a top-tier athlete, Maggie Steffens understands that every advantage counts. In water polo, vision isn’t just about seeing—it’s about reading the game, staying ahead of opponents, and making game-changing plays. ALTIUS® allow her to stay focused and perform at her best without the discomfort of harsh lighting.
"I use it [ALTIUS® Contact Lenses] a lot in my training and in competition. It definitely elevates my game, I didn't know what I was missing before these lenses" Maggie shares.
Beyond her performance in the pool, Maggie also turns to ALTIUS® Grey-Green Lenses for relief from light-triggered migraines. With over 99% blue light blockage, these lenses help reduce eye strain, minimize visual noise, and create a soothing effect—allowing her to recover faster and maintain her focus both in and out of competition.
“The second way I use it [ALTIUS® Contact Lenses] is in my day-to-day life. I unfortunately get a lot of migraines, I get migraines with aura, I am really sensitive to light so specially the Grey Green lenses have really helped me on a health side of life and navigate those migraines and headaches where otherwise I would be experiencing them probably weekly” Maggie shares.
ALTIUS® Contact Lenses isn’t just for Olympians. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a dedicated competitor, or someone looking to elevate your visual experience, ALTIUS® brings next-level vision performance to everyone.
Experience the ALTIUS® Contact Lenses Effect—because in the game of life, seeing better means performing better.
Never worn contacts? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! ALTIUS® Performance Contact
Lenses are for anyone, whether you need vision correction or not. That means we see a lot of
people wearing and benefiting from our lenses that have never worn contacts before.
For anyone new to wearing contacts, the process can feel overwhelming. That’s one of the
reasons it’s so important to start by working with your eye care professional (ECP). Your ECP
will walk you through application and removal of our contact lenses, a crucial first step in the
process.
It can take some practice getting used to applying and removing the lenses. So, if you need
some help with handling your lenses, here are some simple steps to follow.
Handling the lenses
Cleanliness is the first step in handling your lenses. Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry your
hands before handling your lenses. Also ensure that you aren’t using any products on your
hands that will leave a residue or could cause irritation to your eye. These are soft contact
lenses and need to be treated with care, so try not to touch the lenses with your fingernails or
any sharp objects.
Placing the lens on your eye
When you open your lens package you will find the lenses are in a sterile solution, ready to
place on your eye. Gently place the lens on the tip of your dominant hand index finger, which
should be clean and dry. Make sure the lens is not turned inside out. It should look like a small
bowl sitting on the tip of your finger. If the lens is turned inside out, you can easily reverse it and
place it back on your index finger. Again, you want to avoid using your fingernails with these
lenses.
Next, look straight ahead and pull up your upper eyelid using your other index finger. Keep both
eyes open as you look down slightly. Place the lens on the upper white part of the eye. Once
you have the lens on your eye, release your eyelid and slowly close your eyes while gradually
looking straight ahead. By doing this, the lens should move to its correct position. If not, you can
use very gentle pressure with your index finger to move the lens.
You’ll repeat these same steps for your other eye.
Don’t panic if you have some trouble the first few times you insert the lenses. Your eyelids want
to protect your eyes from any harm and may want to close. Remain calm and keep both eyes
open during this process. And make sure that you are holding your eyelid open enough that you
can easily place the lens on your eye.
There is no perfect way of inserting your lenses. If this method doesn’t work for you, that’s why
you see an ECP! They will work with you to find the best practice for you and your ALTIUS
lenses.
If the lens ever feels stuck on your eye after use, apply a few drops of contact lens rewetting
solution and blink several times. If you feel any discomfort, or the lens doesn’t move freely,
contact your ECP for some added support.
Removing your lenses
ALTIUS performance contact lenses are single-use, meaning they are only meant to be used
ONLY once and then disposed of after usage. When you’re ready to remove your lenses,
cleanliness is just as important as when applying the lenses. Thoroughly wash and dry your
hands before attempting to handle the lenses.
Then, you’ll look at your eyes and make sure that the lenses are centered on the cornea. If the
lens is off-center, gently re-center it before attempting to remove it.
Look up while keeping both eyes open. Using the middle finger of your dominant hand, gently
pull down the lower lid of one of your eyes. Using the tip of the index finger on the same hand,
touch the lens and slide it onto the white of the eye.
Lightly pinch the lens between your index finger and thumb and remove. Remember to be very
gentle and not use your fingernails during this process to avoid any issues.
Repeat this process on the other eye.
If the lens cannot be easily removed, apply a few drops of the contact lens rewetting solution
and blink a few times. When the lens moves freely, remove it in the same manner described
above.
Once you’ve removed your lenses, dispose of them immediately.
Removing contact lenses can be just as intimidating as applying lenses. It may take several
attempts to get the lenses out when you’re new to wearing them. It’s important to remain calm
and be gentle. If you have any issues, reach out to your ECP for additional support.
Once you get the hang of applying and removing your lenses, it will become second nature.
There is very low risk in using these contact lenses, and there’s so much more to gain in terms
of the benefits you’ll get from improved performance vision.
If you have any questions, reach out to us!
ABB Optical Group, America’s leading independent eye care distributor, announced today that it will be the exclusive distributor of Performance Vision Technologies, Inc.’s (PVTI) Performance-Tinted Single-Use Soft Contact Lenses under the brand name ALTIUS™, meaning “Higher” in Latin.
With its patent-pending technology, PVTI designed the ALTIUS™ Performance-Tinted Contact Lenses to eliminate visual distractions while elevating visual details to optimize performance.
ALTIUS™ incorporates Light Architecture© and 360 Degree Total Immersion Technology© into a single-use soft contact lens modality to decrease visual distractions. This design allows athletes and recreationists to perform with maximum visual comfort, clarity and quickness under wide-ranging environmental conditions.
The lenses are designed for patients who may or may not need vision correction and are available in two outdoor use tints, ALTIUS™ Amber and ALTIUS™ Grey-Green. ALTIUS™ Amber is engineered for dynamic, reactive sports in a wide range of outdoor light conditions. ALTIUS™ Grey-Green is engineered for open-air activities on water and land in varying outdoor light conditions.
Both ABB and PVTI are thrilled about the new partnership and opportunity to provide patients with top-quality eye care.
"This lens is the result of decades of research to develop "game-changing" optical solutions to address a wide range of lighting conditions in sports, recreation, education or work," said Alan W. Reichow, OD, MEd, FAAO, Founder, President & CEO of PVTI. "We are delighted to have ABB Optical group as our exclusive distributor."
"ABB is thrilled to be able to provide our customers this unique opportunity to differentiate their practice and serve their patients," said Aaron See, Senior Vice President of Manufacturer Partnerships for ABB Optical Group. "ALTIUS™ lenses are now available through a select group of eye care practitioners in the United States. We plan to work together to make the lenses available to a larger network of eye doctors in the spring of 2022."
ABB Exclusive Distributor of ALTIUS™ Performance Vision Contact Lenses_Press Release
