Abstract: A selective optical filter, intended to be placed before the eyes for protection and for improvement of vision, features a plurality of different light absorption zones comprising a central zone which is completely light permeable, or has low light absorption capability, a zone surrounding this central zone which is light permeable but has a relatively high light absorption capability, the said zone being included between the periphery of the central zone and a cone having its apex at the optical center of the eye and an included angle of between about 15.degree. and 30.degree., and the outer periphery of the zone adjoining a further zone of low light absorption capability corresponding to the peripheral part of the retina.