wHY PHOTOCHROMIC LENSES are a good buy
Photochromic lenses react when in direct contact with UV light and offer a great alternative to switching between glasses and prescription sunglasses. In brighter conditions, the lenses will darken and as conditions become darker, the lenses will once again become clear.
What are Photochromic Lenses?
Photochromic lenses are glasses lenses that react to different levels of UV light. When exposed to bright light on a sunny day, molecules in the lens react and become darker, offering protection from the sun’s radiation. As light levels decrease, the molecules go back to their original state and become transparent once again. Photochromic lenses only react when exposed directly to UV light, meaning that in the office or home environment, they will remain clear.
How do Photochromic lenses work?
Photochromic lenses are coated with special molecules, such as silver chloride, that change shape and absorb light when exposed to UV rays. It is this reaction that causes them to darken in sunlight. When taken away from UV light, the process reverses, causing the lenses to gradually become lighter. The lenses typically take around 15 minutes to fully darken, although some change will be seen within the first minute.
Photochromic Sunglasses
Photochromic sunglasses are normal sunglasses that are fitted with photochromic lenses. Their lenses behave the same way and will be transparent indoors and become dark outdoors. Some photochromic sunglasses lenses, however, do come with dark lenses and gradually become darker. These are typically worn for outdoors use only.
It is important to note that some photochromic lenses may not be suitable for driving. This is because car windshields are coated with a UV-blocking layer, which will prevent your photochromic lenses from adjusting to light conditions inside your car.
Transitions™ Lenses
"Transitions" lenses are the commercial term for photochromic lenses, such as those manufactured by Essilor, HKO, Hoya, and ZEISS.
At Smart Buy Glasses we offer several models of sunglasses with photochromic lenses, including the best-selling Oakley Radarlock Path, the Rudy Project Magster, and the Serengeti Tosca.
If you have any questions about photochromic lenses, you can ask one of our expert opticians!
