There were so many lens flares in the pilot that JJ Abrams got jealous and promised more in the next ST movie.
Also the constant tilting and panning of the camera got old real fast. Half the pilot was at a 45 degree angle. Is steady cam dead?
They (the lens flares) fit for the alternate universe Trek, but not the prime universe--which this apparently takes place in. We'll see how much more use they get as the season progresses.
shareAs others have suggested, this was a measure to imitate the look of Jar Jar Abrams' Star Trek. Why the producers did not go in a different direction visually is but one sign that this series is bereft of good ideas.
shareJJ has even apologized about the lens flare:
https://www.theverge.com/2013/9/30/4788758/j-j-abrams-apologizes-for-his-overusing-lens-flares