Photochromic Lenses: Glasses That Darken in the Sun
Photochromic lenses are clear indoors and darken outdoors in sunlight. One pair works as regular glasses and sunglasses.
How they work
Molecules in the lens react to UV light and darken. When UV goes away, the lens clears again.
How fast
They usually darken in about a minute and take a few minutes to clear fully. They get darker in cold weather and slightly lighter in hot weather.
Limit: inside the car
Most car windshields block UV, so standard photochromic lenses darken very little while driving.
Price
At Verly, photochromic is +$49 on any frame, available in gray and other colors.
Frequently asked questions
Do photochromic lenses protect from UV?
Yes, they block UV rays both clear and dark.
Are they as dark as sunglasses?
Outdoors in strong sun they get close. For very bright places like the beach, polarized sunglasses can be more comfortable.
Related guides
This guide is for information only and does not replace an eye exam. If you have eye pain, sudden vision loss or flashes of light, see a doctor right away.