In 1752, English optician James Ayscough developed tinted lenses, specifically blue and green, initially intended for vision correction. His innovation not only improved visual comfort but also introduced light-filtering benefits that would later be utilized in various applications. Ayscough's work laid the groundwork for advancements in eyewear and optical technology, influencing both fashion and functionality in vision care.

James Ayscough's development of tinted lenses aligned with the Enlightenment emphasis on reason and observation, inspiring Romantic poets' interest in perception and the sublime effects of light. Poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge utilized these themes to explore the interplay between human experience and the natural world.