The photochromic lenses adapt themselves to the light, so they are quite practical. I've been using them every day for months and they are a great buy for anyone who wants to see well without having to change glasses all the time, although of course they have their details and don't always work the same depending on where you are or what you are doing.
Seeking comfort in my eyes
For years, carrying two pairs of eyeglasses, the ones for seeing and the sunglasses, was a total nuisance in my day-to-day life. It bothered me a lot to be taking off and putting on my glasses every time I entered a store or went out on the street, so I started looking for smarter solutions. That's why I started researching on prescription glasses that change color on their own.
The idea sounds great: a glass that turns dark in the sun and lightens when you enter an enclosed space. This not only saved me space in my bag, it also gave me extra protection against UV rays all day long. Here I tell you if this technology is the best there is for your eyesight or if, in certain cases, it's better to go classic and turn your prescription glasses into fixed sunglasses.
What makes photochromic lenses really work?
[*14718263951683,14718234231107,15130739147075,15130734887235,14718515970371,14720656277827,14719811813699,14718694654275*]
Don't think this works by magic, because it's actually pure chemistry. The surface of each lens has a bunch of molecules built into it that are very sensitive to light - we almost always use silver halides or organic compounds - and these go into action when ultraviolet radiation hits them. So, as soon as the UV rays hit the glass, the structure of those molecules changes completely, causing the lens to turn dark right away to stop the excess light that's bothering us.
Many people think they react according to temperature, but that's a common misconception; the truth is that the process depends on the intensity of the light and that UV spectrum. This way of adapting means that no matter what the day is like, your eyes always have just the right amount of clarity, which helps a lot so you don't end up with eyestrain. Plus, they give you that 100% UV protection permanently, protecting both the cornea and the retina from the damage that accumulates from the sun, and this works even when the day is cloudy, because the rays are still out there.
My personal experience: The good and the bad after several months
After wearing these lenses for a while, I've realized that the freedom they give you is very hard to beat. On days when I'm in the office and I have to go out for lunch or run a quick errand, the truth is that the change is not even noticeable and it works wonders. I can see everything with excellent clarity and I have noticed that the fatigue in my eyes, at the end of the day, has gone down a lot.
Of course, not everything is rosy. When you're doing intense sports like cycling, where you're riding in and out of a forest and the light changes all at once, you may find that your eyewear takes a little while to react. If your priority is to protect yourself in bright sunshine or where the light is constantly changing, you may need other solutions. But let's be honest, for everyday city life, that versatility makes them totally worth it, even if the tint isn't instantaneous.
Photochromic vs. polarized: which one should I choose?
It's the usual dilemma. Photochromic lenses adjust for clarity, while polarized lenses have only one goal: to erase those annoying reflections when the asphalt is wet or when you look at the water. So, whether you spend your life behind the wheel or you're into paddle surfing, polarized wins by a landslide.
[*14719205802307,14718263951683,14718234231107,14718203429187,14719206654275,15148382716227,15130739147075,14718515970371*]
To avoid making a mistake, I suggest you take a look at this sunglasses lens color guide, because the base color changes a lot how you see contrasts. And if you are looking for something very specific, learning how to choose the color of sunglass lenses according to what you do will give you a much more comfortable vision. Of course, the current photochromic models have improved a lot and, many times, they make a fool of any cheap sunglasses you find out there.
[*14719813026115,14720141230403,14718940938563,14718252548419,14718920229187,14719753781571,14718433493315,14719194005827*]
Technical things that are almost never explained to you
The most annoying thing, and one that catches first-time users by surprise, is how they work when you're in the car. Almost all windshields today come with standard UV filters that stop just the amount of radiation that photochromic lenses need to activate. So, basically, your glasses won't get dark - or you'll barely notice a minimal change - while you're driving, and you'll still suffer from the sun's reflection on your face.
There is also the issue of temperature: if it is extremely hot, it may take a little longer to clear, as the polymers react differently at higher temperatures. You need to be very clear about this to avoid disappointment. It is not a magic product that works for absolutely everything, but rather something very practical that works great if you understand its physical limits.
Final verdict: Are they worth it for your day-to-day life?
If you move around the city and are looking to simplify your day by not having to wear two pairs of glasses and protect your eyes from the sun all the time, then photochromic lenses are one of the smartest purchases you can make. That peace of mind of putting them on and forgetting you're wearing them is a plus that totally changes how you live your day-to-day life with prescription glasses.
However, if you spend your life driving or playing sports at a professional level and you need to eliminate any glare, you might want to have another pair of more specific glasses. To see what options you have and discover the top brands, you can browse through our selection of the best prescription eyewear brands. Technology has taken an incredible leap forward and, at this point, you shouldn't settle for less visual quality.
