The phrase “to wear rose-colored glasses” has been a part of figurative speech for centuries, meaning to see the world in a favorable light. But where did this phrase come from and what can it tell us about vision science?

One theory about the origin of the phrase comes from the days of hand-drawn maps and the cartographers who created them. It is said that before the invention of washing machines, it was difficult to find a clean cloth to effectively and safely clean corrective lenses. Mapmakers would use rose petals to polish their glasses before settling in for their detailed work, leaving a pink residue on the lenses which tinted their vision.

Another theory suggests that the phrase wasn’t referencing ocular lenses at all, but was referencing drinking glasses. An empty glass of red wine might still hold enough of the beverage to tint the view of someone looking through it, which would understandably explain the association with a rosy, optimistic outlook on life.

And perhaps one of the most intriguing explanations on the origin of this phrase is during the United States Civil War wounded soldiers were given rose tinted glasses as treatment for ptsd.

While these theories may explain the origin of the phrase, science has also shown that a positive outlook can literally help us see the world more clearly. A 2009 study out of the University of Toronto found that our moods can change how our visual cortex operates. Using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) technology, researchers found that subjects with a positive mindset could take in more visual information, while more negative moods limited perception.

Evolutionarily, this makes sense. When we are feeling threatened or anxious, it’s wise to focus primarily on the threat and ignore other details. But when we see the world in a positive light, as one would through rose-colored glasses, our awareness widens to take in the details around us. With this research in mind, it’s clear that when we are happy, we see the world around us more clearly. Rose colored lenses like the lenses offered by AVIEW help make the world just a little better. To learn more about how rose lenses could help with migraine relief check out this article “Experience Relief from Migraines with Rose Colored Lenses“