Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic lenses, also called light-adaptive or transition lenses, darken in sunlight and turn clear again indoors. That gives you glasses and sunglasses in one pair. With us, you choose Photochromic as the lens function when you order prescription glasses, for 500 SEK extra, with UV protection, anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coating.
What are photochromic lenses?
Photochromic lenses are glasses lenses that react to the sun’s UV radiation. Out in the sun they darken and work like sunglasses, and indoors they turn clear again. They are also called light-adaptive or transition lenses. At Corlin, they come as the Photochromic lens function in every one of our optical frames, for 500 SEK extra. Browse all optical frames
How do photochromic lenses work?
The lens contains light-sensitive molecules that react to UV radiation. When the sun’s UV light hits the lens, the molecules change shape and start absorbing visible light, so the lens darkens. When the UV light is gone, the molecules return to their original shape and the lens turns clear again.
That means it is the amount of UV radiation, not how bright it looks, that decides how dark the lenses get.
How fast do photochromic lenses darken?
The lenses usually darken within a minute or so when you step out into the sun. Turning clear again takes longer, often a few minutes after you come indoors.
Temperature matters too. In the cold, the lenses get darker but clear more slowly, and in the heat they do not get as dark.
Do photochromic lenses darken in the car?
Most photochromic lenses do not darken, or only a little, behind a car windshield. The windshield blocks most of the UV radiation, and that is what makes the lenses darken.
If you drive a lot in strong sunlight, you may want a pair of prescription sunglasses as well.
Photochromic lenses or prescription sunglasses?
Photochromic lenses replace sunglasses in everyday life, but not in every situation. The table shows the difference, including where photochromic lenses fall short.
When are photochromic lenses a good choice?
Photochromic lenses suit you if you go in and out many times a day, for example to work, at lunch or with the kids, and do not want to switch between glasses and sunglasses. They also suit you if you are sensitive to bright light, since the lenses adapt to the sun.
They are less suited if you mainly want sunglasses for driving, since the lenses usually do not darken behind the windshield. If you want to cut glare from water, snow or wet roads, polarized sunglasses are a better choice.
Indoors, photochromic lenses work like regular glasses, so you can use them at the computer and for reading.
How do I order photochromic lenses from Corlin?
You choose photochromic lenses on the product page of the frame you want. Choose prescription lenses, choose a lens type, and then choose Photochromic as the lens function. You add your prescription in the same step.
Good to know
Prescription glasses are made to your prescription and cannot be returned. If you are unsure about the fit, order the Blue Light version of the frame first, which can be returned within 30 days.
Frames for photochromic lenses
A selection of our optical frames. All of them can be ordered with photochromic lenses.
Optical frames
All optical frames
Questions about photochromic lenses
What is the difference between photochromic and transition lenses?
They are the same thing. Photochromic lenses are also called transition or light-adaptive lenses, and they all darken in sunlight and turn clear indoors.
Are photochromic lenses the same as Transitions?
Transitions is a well-known brand of photochromic lenses. Photochromic is the name of the lens type itself, which is made by several manufacturers.
Do photochromic lenses get as dark as sunglasses?
In strong sunlight they can get as dark as sunglasses, but how dark they get depends on the UV radiation and the temperature. Behind a car windshield they usually do not get dark at all.
Do photochromic lenses work in winter?
Yes, often very well. In the cold the lenses get darker, and snow reflects a lot of UV light. They do take longer to clear when you come inside.
Can you use photochromic lenses at the computer?
Yes. Indoors the lenses are clear and work like regular glasses, so you can use them at the computer and for reading.
Are photochromic lenses polarized?
Usually not. Photochromic lenses darken in the sun but do not remove glare the way polarized lenses do. If you want to cut glare from water or snow, polarized sunglasses are a better choice.
How long do photochromic lenses last?
Photochromic lenses last for several years, but their ability to darken can weaken slightly over time.
How much do photochromic lenses cost?
With us, the Photochromic lens function costs 500 SEK on top of the prescription lenses, which start at 895 SEK. With a frame from 1 299 SEK, a complete pair starts at 2 694 SEK. Anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coating is included.