Photochromic Lenses

Also known as “variable tint lenses”, Photochromic lenses are lenses that darken automatically when exposed to sunlight and lighten to clear (or nearly clear) indoors.  The molecules responsible for this process are activated by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.  UV rays penetrate clouds thus allowing the lenses to darken even on overcast days, however, the windshield of vehicles block UV rays and prevent photochromic lenses from darkening inside the vehicle.  Over the last few years technology has allowed some photochromic lenses to activate with both UV and visible light providing some darkening behind the windshield.  Another benefit of photochromic lenses is that they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays which have been associated with cataracts and other vision problems.

Photochromic lenses are available in nearly all lens materials and lens designs.  The most popular and widely advertise brand of photochromic lenses in the United States is “Transitions” lenses.  Due to the fact that this particular brand has been widely advertised the name “Transitions” has become synonymous with photochromic. 

Salem Optical Outlet offers all brands listed below.  Due to lens design exclusivity not all lens designs are available in all brands. Pricing 

Popular Brands of Photochromics in the United States

Transitions Signature (Essilor) -Available in Gray, Brown and Graphite Green

Transitions Xtractive (Essilor) -Available in Gray, Brown and Graphite Green

Transitions Vantage (Essilor) -Available in Gray only. Polarizes as it darkens

Transitions Drivewear (Essilor) -From green/yellow to dark red inside of vehicle

Sensity (Hoya) -Available in Bronze/Brown, Silver/Gray and Emerald Green

LifeRx (Vision-Ease) -Available in Gray and Brown

Photofusion (Zeiss) -Available in Gray and Brown-Others coming soon

Colormatic (Rodenstock) -Available in Gray, Brown and Green

PhotoViews (Signet Armorlite) -Available in Gray and Brown

SunSensors (Corning) -Available in Gray and Brown

PhotoGray/PhotoBrown (Corning) -Available in Gray and Brown

Thin & Dark (Corning) -Available in Gray

All the above brands are registered trademarks of the manufacturer  listed.