Photochromic lenses are a special type of lenses that react to ultraviolet radiation and, as a result, can darken depending on the intensity of the radiation, or brighten if the intensity of the radiation drops. They are transparent indoors and you use them like regular glasses for reading and working on a computer, for any work indoors in general. When you go outside, the lenses are exposed to ultraviolet radiation and darken. Thus, they begin to act as sunglasses, protecting your eyes from both ultraviolet radiation and the glare of the sun's rays.

Which photochromic lenses are best?

In terms of material, today we have a choice between plastic lenses and glass lenses. Glass lenses are available to us only in the so-called photochromic mass. Photochrommas means that the photochrome is present throughout the entire mass of the lens.
What does this give? this gives fairly good photochromic properties with a small lens thickness. When the lens thickness is large (lens plus 6), due to the difference in thickness from the center of the lens to the edge of the lens, the photochromic elements react at different speeds. Thus, it turns out that the photochrome reacts faster along the edge than in the thick center. In this case, we get a not very good effect when photochrome begins to act only at the edges and very slowly reaches the center. Thus, uneven darkening of the lens does not give the consumer the desired effect, the desired darkening speed. It is worth remembering that a plus lens will darken faster at the edges because it is thinner at the edge and slower to darken in the center because it is thicker at the center. The negative lens, on the contrary, will darken faster in the center, since the negative lens is thin in the center, and darkening will occur more slowly at the edges, since the edges of this lens, on the contrary, are thicker. Such a lens meets all the characteristics of a photochromic lens - it completely protects our eyes from ultraviolet radiation, but does not fully satisfy us with the darkening speed and thus does not fully satisfy our aesthetic needs, that is, its cosmetic effect is reduced.
It is also important to note that there is another disadvantage to mineral lenses and this disadvantage is related to the choice of frames. We cannot put mineral lenses in forest frames and rimless frames, because the lens is fragile and will simply crumble if we try to put it in this type of frame.

Plastic lenses will not limit us in choosing the type of frame. We can insert them into both regular rimless frames and forest and rimless frames. Plastic lenses give us much more freedom.

Modern technologies make it possible to use so-called film technologies for applying photochromic coatings and thereby fully satisfy our needs in terms of aesthetics, clearing speed and other characteristics. Global manufacturers who use the latest technologies apply the so-called photochromic film, which is applied in a separate layer to the lens and when exposed to sunlight, the photochromic layer reacts, and not the entire mass of the lens.

What benefits does this provide to the user?

The first is the fastest possible darkening and the fastest possible brightening, because a very thin layer reacts.

Secondly, darkening and brightening occurs evenly over the entire surface of the lens, regardless of the thickness of the lens and regardless of whether the lens is positive or negative.

Third, a polymer lens is lighter and less traumatic than a glass lens. When the lens is deformed, there is no such high risk for the glasses wearer.

Plastic or glass lenses? which lenses are better?

Users of spectacle lenses today have a fairly large choice in terms of both price and technology that they can use in their glasses. Mineral glass lenses are more accessible, the cheapest, but heavier, and at the same time more dangerous.

Plastic lenses are lighter, more aesthetic, less dangerous, but since they use more modern technologies, they become more expensive and less accessible. At the same time, both plastic and mineral lenses protect our eyes equally well from harmful ultraviolet rays.

One of the most important problems of manufacturers of photochromic lenses in recent years has been to reduce the temperature dependence of the lens, especially during hot periods. That is, if in the cold at low temperatures the lens works perfectly, there have never been any complaints about this, then in hot weather, when lenses are most in demand, the lens, on the contrary, did not fully meet our expectations, that is, it was not darkened by 60-70%, as it should, and by 30-40%, maximum 50%.
The new generation lenses are less temperature dependent and therefore even in hot weather, somewhere in a hot climate where there is intense sun, they darken better and more closely meet the expectations that we place on them. New products in the field of photochromic lenses are lenses called Transition Extra Active, which are offered by French manufacturers. These lenses do not just react to ultraviolet radiation, these lenses react to the visible spectrum of light radiation, that is, they are able to darken to a certain extent even if the effect of ultraviolet radiation is not direct, but simply the effect of solar radiation on the lens. Thus, these lenses also work behind the windshield of a car, and they can even work in a room where there are very large stained glass windows, large windows.

In addition, manufacturers of photochromic lenses have prepared another surprise for users: photochromic transition lenses of a new generation, already the 7th in a row. By and large, this is an improved version of previous photochromic lenses with new technologies, new developments that allow these lenses to brighten the room faster and darken faster.

Many people have vision problems. A certain part of them have discomfort on a sunny day. In such a situation, it becomes necessary to use glasses or contact lenses. One of the latest ways to combat bright light is chameleon glasses, which can be worn literally everywhere - be it on the street or indoors.

What it is

Chameleon glasses are products with photochromic glasses that can change the degree and tone of darkness depending on the number of rays hitting the surface of the lenses. They are brightened in a building when the amount of sunlight is reduced to a minimum. This is how glasses protect your eyes from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Such accessories can be with or without diopters. Therefore, both people with low vision and normal vision can wear them without constantly changing glasses or wearing soft contact sun protection products.

Shows how special glasses work

Chameleon glasses are suitable for those people who have increased sensitivity to blinding light. Because of this, unpleasant symptoms often appear in the form of redness of the eyes, photophobia and lacrimation. Since they combine several types of vision accessories, the process of using them is greatly simplified.

Their frames come in metal and plastic. Metal ones are considered lighter. But the lenses themselves for such glasses must be made of glass, since only on their surface can a real high-quality photochromic layer be created to protect against UV rays.

What a black dot in the eye looks like and what can be done about such a disease is indicated in this

According to the degree of darkness they are divided into three types:

Weak form;
Medium shape;
Strengthened form.

The video shows how glasses with special lenses work:

The weak form is represented mainly by brown glasses. Absorbs only 15% of incoming rays. These models are most often worn by women. The average shape absorbs up to 60% of light. These models are preferred by people who love walks on sunny days, as well as by drivers. Glass of this type has a gray tint. The enhanced form absorbs up to 80% of the rays, and the lenses have a greenish tint. This model is most suitable for those people who often suffer from conjunctivitis, increased sensitivity to light, dryness and pain.

When choosing such glasses, make sure that you are comfortable wearing them and that the available shade does not strain your eyes. All shades should look as natural as possible!

But what to do when the computer hurts your eyes and what products you should use is described in great detail.

How to use

Doctors recommend, if there are no indications, to give preference to a medium degree of darkness. They are the ones who can cope with the correction and protection of the organ of vision. Such products are quite durable and have a long service life. During the purchasing process, you should understand that counterfeits are often distributed under photochromic chameleon glasses.

What you need to know about such products in order to use them correctly:

The real lens has a dark edge. With a light shade of the ribs, we can simply talk about the applied coating, which will quickly be erased. That is, such glasses are not photochromic.
High-quality glass does not cause color distortion. If fake, the colors will appear unnatural.
The protective coating layer must always be applied evenly, otherwise we can talk about poor quality of the product and a fake.
If there are vision problems, the buyer should immediately purchase glasses with diopters. And for this you need to visit an ophthalmologist, who will write out the necessary prescription. In optics, such glasses will be made to order.
Lenses need to be changed every couple of years. The lens coating loses its function over time and the product stops working in the desired mode.
Care for the product is the same as when using conventional accessories of this type.– daily the surface is wiped with a special cloth, the glasses themselves are stored in a case, and placed on the surface with the lenses facing up.

You might also find it useful to know which ones are worth using and what their cost is.

The video shows how to use glasses correctly:

If we talk directly about use, then there is nothing complicated - put it on and wear it to your health. There is no need to photograph them outdoors or indoors, since the color of the glass changes depending on the light. Accordingly, the glass in the building becomes transparent, like ordinary glasses.

It will also be useful to learn about how to use and what effect they can bring from use.

Price

The cost of different products depends on the quality, brand and other indicators, as well as on related accessories for chameleon glasses. The cost is also affected by the materials used in the production of this product:

Photochromic glass lenses:
Korean-made glasses with and without diopters cost from 2030 to 2900 rubles. This price range is explained by the presence or absence of anti-reflective coating, as well as what lenses are used to produce them. Astigmatic glasses are the most expensive. In terms of quality, they are generally not inferior to expensive brands, especially in relation to optical indicators. but their resistance to scratches is not as high as that of expensive glasses, and therefore they are significantly inferior in this matter. The main disadvantage is the slow brightening indoors after an abundance of sunlight outside. Sometimes the process takes almost 4 minutes, which naturally creates discomfort during use.
Korean made glasses
Photochromic brand lenses from Carl Zeiss, model Umbramatic Brown Gold ET, cost about 5,300 rubles per pair of lenses. Their pre-darkening is 15%, and the darkening color is brown. Indoors, the lens will have an almost imperceptible brownish tint. This model has proven itself to be the best among users. The enlightenment process takes about 2 minutes, which is fully consistent with modern standards.
Photochromic polymer lenses made from plastic:
Korean-made polymer lenses start at 3,700 rubles. These are products with anti-reflective coating and nothing more. Products with diopters may cost more. Chameleon glasses for astigmatism from a given country of origin can cost up to 6,800 rubles. Such products have a high resistance to scratching the surface of the lenses. But at the same time, the main drawback remains - enlightenment in the room lasts up to 5 minutes.
An analogue of the previous point is Korean lenses with a refractive index of 1.6. They are thinned aspherical lenses. The cost starts at 5,100 rubles per pair of lenses.
Corning produces Sunsensors glasses. For a pair of non-toric lenses, that is, regular lenses, they offer a price of 4,800 rubles. Astigmatic lenses are made to order and therefore the cost is clarified with consultants. The clearing process lasts 3 minutes, and the scratch resistance of this accessory is one of the highest among analogues. It will also be interesting to know whether it is necessary to constantly wear glasses for presbyopia and what effect can be achieved from
Another model from Carl Zeiss – Clarlet Transitions VI LotuTec. For a pair of lenses they charge from 8,000 rubles. They have high protection against mechanical damage thanks to the top layer of protective coating, as well as increased durability of the reagents in the lenses. The clearing time is 1.5-2 minutes. But what kind of glasses should be used for strabismus in children and how to choose the right ones is indicated.
Japanese plastic lenses from Seiko, model AR-Diacoat Transitions VII, have similar properties. But their cost is much higher. They charge from 8,600 rubles for one pair. But what kind of glasses should be used for strabismus in adults and how much they can help. indicated
Altolite Transitions VII XTRActive from the Israeli company Shamir are ideal for drivers. They charge 8,900 rubles for a pair. They tend to darken up to 60% under the windshield of a car, and up to 85% on the street. These lenses were developed specifically for motorists, have a pre-tinting of 8% and high-quality multi-layer coating, making even driving at night comfortable and safe. It will also be useful to know how to properly use

Before purchasing a product, make sure that you are not being offered a counterfeit. Such glasses must have certificates.

It will also be useful to learn about in what cases glasses with holes are used to improve vision and what types exist

Photochromic lenses for glasses. Characteristics and protective properties of photochromic glasses

Glasses with photochromic lenses are often called chameleons because they change color depending on the light. Indoors or at night, photochromic lenses are no different from ordinary colorless spectacle lenses or have a slight initial tint.

On the street, such glasses darken themselves, practically turning into sunglasses in very bright sunlight. If you go indoors, the photochromic glasses become transparent again.

How do photochromic lenses work?

These properties of chameleon glasses are explained by the presence of special photochromic substances in the lenses. Under the influence of UV radiation, their spatial structure changes, and they stop transmitting light and the lens darkens. In the absence of ultraviolet light, the opposite changes occur and the lens becomes transparent again.

Previously, the speed of darkening of photochromic lenses depended not only on the degree of illumination, but also on the ambient temperature. In the cold, darkening occurred more quickly than at very high temperatures. So on a very hot summer day the lenses might not reach maximum darkness.

With photochromic lenses produced using the most modern technologies, the speed of darkening and clearing processes and the degree of darkening depend much less on the influence of ambient temperature.

Manufacturing technologies

Photochromic lenses in a darkened state, as a rule, come in two shades - gray and brown, and the degree of maximum darkening can also vary: from weak darkening (10-15%) to strong darkening (80-85%).

Photochromic lenses are produced using various technologies. For example, using Transitions technology, photochromic substances are evenly distributed over the surface of the lens to a certain depth. Many well-known manufacturers of spectacle lenses, such as Essilor, Hoya, Sola, Zeiss, Seiko, produce photochromic lenses using this technology.

According to SunSensors technology, photochromic substances are distributed throughout the material from which the lens is made; such lenses are also called volume-colored. And also a number of companies use this method to manufacture their photochromic lenses.

Hoya, Rodenstock and Kodak produce spectacle lenses from their own polymers with a photochromic agent distributed throughout the mass.

Benefits of photochromic lenses

Photochromic glasses are ideal for people with poor vision. Such people usually have to either purchase prescription sunglasses and, when going out into bright light, change their glasses or wear tinted glasses. Chameleons replace two pairs of glasses: regular glasses + sunglasses with diopters.

Chameleons replace two pairs of glasses: regular and sunglasses with diopters

Photochromic lenses do not darken in a glassed room, since glass does not transmit ultraviolet radiation, so photochromic glasses also “do not work” in a car. However, recently, some well-known companies have begun to produce photochromic lenses, which are capable of darkening not only under the influence of ultraviolet, but also when exposed to short-wave blue rays of the solar spectrum penetrating into the interior of the car.

Thus, drivers who wear glasses for vision correction, and in sunny weather must either use sunglasses with diopters or use special clip-on attachments for glasses, have the opportunity to comfortably drive a car in any weather without thinking about changing glasses.

In addition to the fact that photochromes protect 100% from harmful ultraviolet radiation, they provide the light transmission necessary for the eyes, reacting to changes in outdoor lighting, while reducing eye strain, visual fatigue, and increasing the contrast of vision. This is especially important for those who have developed photophobia or increased tear production.

In addition to visual comfort and convenience, photochromic glasses also have medical indications: as an alternative to sunglasses, they are recommended for patients suffering from degenerative diseases of the retina and reduce the risk of developing cataracts.

Photochromic lenses can be either mineral or polymer, including polycarbonate. You can also choose almost any refractive index for your photochromic glasses, making them more subtle if necessary.

Photochromic lenses can be coated with a multifunctional coating that gives the glasses the properties you need. Modern photochromic glasses are available in any design: traditional monofocal, aspherical design, progressive.

Photochromic spectacle lenses are very popular among buyers who want to have glasses that not only provide high vision, but also reliable protection from solar radiation.

Most people have difficulty seeing, and some experience discomfort in bright and sunny weather. In such a situation, to protect the eyes, they need lenses or glasses.

One of the modern devices can be called chameleon glasses. They are worn in any light, put on outside and not taken off indoors.

Chameleon glasses have photochromic lenses, which are lenses that can change the tone and degree of darkness depending on the amount of sunlight they receive. The lenses are brightened while the person is in the building, since the amount of ultraviolet rays received is minimized. When going outside, the glass darkens, trying to protect the visual organ from exposure to large amounts of light.

Chameleon glasses have a main feature, which is the presence and absence of diopters. That is, they can also be worn by people with poor eyesight.

The degree of darkness of chameleon glasses

Chameleon glasses are perfect for those people who have increased sensitivity to blinding light. This often causes them to suffer from photophobia, watery eyes, and red eyes. These glasses combine several types of products at once, which facilitates the process of their use. This saves a person from simultaneously wearing soft lenses and constantly changing one glasses to another.

The frame of the accessories can be made of any material: plastic or metal. It is believed that metal products are much lighter and more convenient to use. But the lenses themselves should be made of glass, since this is the material that helps create a real photochromic plane.

The glasses are divided according to the degree of darkness.

For weak form. Absorb up to fifty percent of light. They have brown lenses. Often these models are worn by the female half of the population.
For medium shape. They absorb light from fifteen to sixty percent of light. Such models are perfect for walking on the street and for those people who drive a car. They have gray glass.
For enhanced form. Absorb up to eighty percent of light rays. The lenses are green in color. These models are mainly used by patients suffering from conjunctivitis, increased sensitivity to light, pain and dryness.

Experts say that it is better to choose chameleon glasses with a medium degree of darkness. After all, they do an excellent job of correcting vision and protecting it, while the products have a long service life and are quite durable.

Chameleon glasses for drivers

Chameleon glasses can also be used by drivers who are constantly behind the wheel. For their manufacture, photochromic lenses are used, which have the property of changing color depending on the light level. For drivers, this accessory will be a godsend, because the visual organ will always be protected without any damage.

Modern glasses can protect your eyes as much as possible inside the car. Glass contains substances that regulate not only ultraviolet radiation, but also absorb the blue light spectrum contained in the sun's rays. The lenses can darken up to eighty percent, which will allow you to control the situation on the road section even in bright, blinding light.

Such lenses are a great find for drivers who have problems with visual acuity. After all, simple products with diopters do not protect against glare and bright sun. Chameleon glasses are a replacement for several accessories at once.

Just a few years ago, glasses were not in such demand among people because the quality of the lenses was poor. But more recently, lenses made of high-quality material with diopters began to arrive in stores.

Popular chameleon glasses models for men and women

Chameleon sunglasses can be divided into two types: men's and women's. Products for the female half of the population have a more elegant appearance, while being small in size, with thinner arms and frames with different decorative elements. There are not many varieties of men's glasses. They differ only in their massiveness and variety of frame shapes.

Instructions for choosing the right chameleon glasses

To buy glasses, you need to be able to distinguish high-quality work from inexpensive analogues. To do this, you should follow several recommendations.

This lens has a dark colored edge. If it is light, it means that the glasses are just coated and they are not photochromic.
If you look through high-quality glass, they will not distort color perception. If you have a fake in front of you, the naturalness of the colors will be disrupted.
A good quality spray will lie perfectly flat. If it is poorly applied, then such glasses are fake.
If the buyer has vision problems, then glasses must be purchased with diopters. To do this, you should contact an ophthalmologist for a vision test. The doctor will write out a prescription, according to which the optician will make custom-made glasses.
Every two years, lenses must be replaced, as the coating loses its function and gradually wears off.
You need to care for them in the same way as regular accessories. Wipe daily with a special cloth, store in a case and place on the surface with the lenses facing up.

Price for chameleon glasses in stores

Cost of sun protection accessories.
The price of chameleon glasses depends on several parameters.

What material are the lenses and frames made of?
Availability of decor.
Availability of diopters.
Manufacturer's fame.
Store markup.

On average, the price for high-quality models ranges from one to two thousand rubles. If we talk about accessories from well-known companies, their prices range from two to five thousand rubles. But there are also fakes on sale that cost much less. Good glasses are absolutely safe for the consumer's eye health. But the fake not only does not affect the image quality, but also harms the eyes, not retaining ultraviolet and anti-glare rays.

Notes on choosing glasses

It is worth noting the fact that modern models can be selected to suit any clothing style and image. Naturally, chameleon glasses should be selected taking into account several circumstances - the season, face shape and type of clothing. For example, for people with a round and wide cheekbone face, models in the shape of a cat's eye and a fox with lenses that are tapered at the top are perfect. Narrow-faced people need to visually expand their face, so they should choose glasses with a small square shape. In addition to all this, the frames of men's accessories should be much more massive than those of the women's half.

Elegant glasses will go well with evening wear, especially with classic clothes. In the summer, you should pay attention to lightweight glasses that have light-colored frames. If the buyer prefers active winter recreation, then you need to select products with a large view and anti-reflective coating.

You can also match glasses to the color of accessories or clothing, or the shade of your eyes or hair. Today, glasses are not just a method of vision correction, but also a stylish element in the image.

Photochromic lenses- these are lenses that not only correct vision (improve vision to the maximum achievable with glasses) but also change the degree of their darkening depending on the intensity of sunlight. Glasses with photochromic lenses are called photochromic glasses, as well as “chameleon” glasses.

Photochromic lenses can be colorless indoors, like regular eyeglass lenses, but outdoors in bright sunlight they quickly darken. Photochromic sunglasses protect your eyes from excess sunlight outdoors just like sunglasses. If you enter a room from the street, photochromic lenses quickly become colorless again. Indoor photochromic lenses are practically no different from ordinary clear glasses used to correct refractive errors.

This “smart” behavior of photochromic lenses is explained by the presence of molecules of special photochromic substances in their material. The molecules of these substances, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, which is an integral part of the solar radiation spectrum, move from the initial state, characterized by a high degree of light transmission, to the activated state, in which they transmit much less rays of visible light. A photochromic lens becomes darkened when activated (usually gray or brown). When photochromic lenses are no longer exposed to ultraviolet radiation, the molecules of photochromic substances spontaneously return to their original state and again transmit all visible light. The lens becomes colorless again.

On a sunny day, photochromic glasses replace prescription sunglasses outdoors, and indoors they are no different from ordinary glasses for vision correction.

Photochromic spectacle lenses Transitions

Photochromic spectacle lenses appeared on the optical market in the 1990s, when Transitions photochromic technology was developed and the first photochromic spectacle lenses Transitions made using this technology.

Transitions spectacle lenses quickly gained wide popularity. Transitions technology is used to produce spectacle lenses from many manufacturers, including world leaders: Essilor, Hoya, Sola, Zeiss, Seiko. These companies supply their finished clear glasses lenses to factories, where they are given photochromic properties by introducing photochromic substance molecules into the surface layer of the lens. From there, lenses from these and other companies, which have already become photochromic, are returned to customers.

Now the latest Transitions VI technology is widespread on the market, which differs from the previous (five) generations in improved characteristics. Indoors, these lenses are as colorless as, for example, reading glasses: they transmit almost 100% of the rays incident on them (if there is a high-quality anti-reflective coating on the glasses lens). Transitions VI photochromic lenses darken faster outdoors and return to their original colorless state more quickly than their predecessors. Moreover, the speed of these processes and the degree of darkening in the latest generation lenses are less dependent on the influence of temperature.

The fact is that at very high temperatures (for example, in direct sunlight on the beach), although photochromic lenses darken, they darken to a much lesser extent than sunglasses. This is due to the influence of temperature on the properties of the photochromic substances used. In cold, sunny (sub-zero) weather, photochromic lenses, on the other hand, will be very dark outside and will clear up more slowly when exposure to ultraviolet radiation stops.

Transitions VI photochromic lenses are available in all polymers, from standard plastic (CR-39) to the highest refractive index polymer available today, 1.74.

Transitions VI photochromic lenses are available in any optical design - single vision, bifocal and progressive.

Photochromic spectacle lensesSunSensors

In addition to Transitions VI photochromic lenses, there are other photochromic lenses on the optical market. SunSensors photochromic lenses are very popular in Russia. These lenses are made from a polymer in which the photochromic agent is distributed throughout the body (sometimes called volume-tinted photochromic lenses) rather than concentrated in the surface layer of the lens, as with Transitions spectacle lenses. SunSensors photochromic material is produced by Corning, and a number of companies use it to make their photochromic lenses. Corning recently introduced its technology to incorporate a photochromic agent into the surface layer of the lens, and SunSensors HPC photochromic lenses are now available on the market as a competitor to Transitions photochromic lenses. SunSensors HPC lenses are made from highly refractive index materials of 1.6 and 1.67 and polycarbonate.

Spectacle lenses made from their own polymers with a photochromic agent distributed throughout the mass are also offered by Hoya, Rodenstock and Kodak.

Transitions spectacle lenses and volumetric photochromic agent spectacle lenses are primarily available in two colors: gray and brown. Moreover, these two types of spectacle lenses differ somewhat in the rate of change in light transmission and the maximum degree of darkening.

Photochromic glasses replace two pairs of regular glasses

Modern photochromic lenses for glasses can be recommended as an alternative to any untinted spectacle lenses indoors. However, they can also be used as sunglasses lenses, as they reduce the bright rays of the sun. Thus, one pair of photochromic glasses can replace two regular ones: indoor glasses and sunglasses. They are ideal for situations where you alternate between being outdoors and indoors on a bright sunny day.

However, photochromic lenses are not a complete replacement for sunglasses if you plan to spend the whole day under the sun, for example, on the beach. To reliably protect your eyes from too bright sun rays during long stays outdoors, they are best suited to a constant degree of darkness.

Photochromic glasses for drivers

Let us also note that ordinary photochromic glasses do not darken the interior of the car, since ultraviolet radiation practically does not penetrate through the windproof glass of the car (modern glasses almost completely absorb ultraviolet radiation).

In general, the sector of photochromic spectacle lenses is now one of the fastest growing in the optical market, with new product models featuring better photochromic properties increasingly appearing in it; More and more companies are offering their photochromic spectacle lenses. The latest generation of photochromic spectacle lenses, such as Transitions and SunSensors, undoubtedly provide a very high level of visual comfort. They really allow you to replace two pairs of glasses (plain and sunglasses) with one - with photochromic lenses.