How Photochromic Lenses Adapt to Changing Light Conditions

How They Work

Photochromic lenses function by containing tiny special parts that are sensitive to the subtle UV light from the sun. Indoors, out of sunlight, they are optically clear and transparent. But once you step outside and those lenses are hit with UV rays, those little components transform and turn the lenses dark. That change is what gives them the sunglasses feel. This whole change process is known as photochromism and it protects your eyes against excess brightness.

How Photochromic Lenses Change

These incredible lenses are quite adept at adapting to various light conditions. They shift from clear to light, then to darker depending on brightness outside. The lenses typically take around 30 seconds to fully transition to the new light. It’s a really handy feature because it allows you to immediately transition from inside to out, without the need to swap out your glasses!