Abstract: Glare is typically regarded as a sensation produced by light which enters the eye in such a fashion as to inhibit distinct vision. However, there are discrepant definitions and terminology in different disciplines and specialties. Many clinical glare testers have been developed, but results have been variable and no widely accepted testing protocol exists. In clinical and research fields, caution is needed to identify the bias lead by different glare definition and measurement method in visual quality assessment. Due to its complex, multidisciplinary nature, comprehensive and effective countermeasures for glare is absent. In this review, through the integration of publications in ophthalmology, illumination engineering, neurology, and other relevant disciplines, we provide the definition, characteristics, mechanisms, assessments and countermeasures of common type of glare including disability glare, dysphotopsia glare, discomfort glare and photophobia.   (Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2013, 37: 297-302)