Abstract: An augmented reality system includes a light source configured to generate a virtual light beam. The system also includes a light guiding optical element, the light guiding optical element is transparent to a first real-world light beam, wherein the virtual light beam enters the light guiding optical element, propagates through the light guiding optical element by total internal reflection (TIR) and exits the light guiding optical elements. The system also includes a lens disposed adjacent and exterior to the surface of the light guiding optical element. The lens is configured with a gradient tint that transmits less real-world light at a world side top portion of the lens and transmits more real-world light at a world side bottom portion of the lens, wherein rainbow artifacts, generated from inadvertent diffraction of the overhead real-world light by the light guiding optical element, is minimized.