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Photochromic glasses are technologically advanced glasses that automatically change their tint depending on the light intensity, providing optimal visual comfort and protection from UV radiation. Thanks to the photochromic particles contained in the lenses, the glasses darken in the sun and return to transparency in the shade or indoors.
Photochromic glasses are those with intelligent lenses that react to light intensity. The photochromic molecules contained within the lenses react to solar energy and change their position. The effect of this change is a change in the color of the glasses. Thanks to the lenses' reaction to light intensity, the eyes always receive an optimal amount of light. Simply step out into the sun, and the glasses will darken, and upon entering shade, a forest, or indoors, they will return to being transparent.
The functioning of photochromic lenses depends on two main factors: UV radiation intensity and temperature. The lens darkening process will be fastest at low temperatures and high radiation intensity. Photochromic pigments, located in the lenses, are responsible for the color change. In their resting state, they are arranged in such a way that they do not block light. When exposed to UV radiation, the pigment molecules change shape. One of the atomic bonds breaks under the energy of the radiation, and part of the molecule rotates. After changing position, the pigments limit the penetration of light through the lens. As a result, we see that photochromic lenses have brown, gray, gray-green, or another chosen color.
Photochromic technology is developing very rapidly, as photochromic glasses are the most versatile way to protect and correct vision. Modern intelligent lenses react faster than before to changes in sunlight, and indoors, they have an almost imperceptible tint. The latest generations of photochromic lenses achieve full coloring in less than a minute, and indoors, they have a pre-tint of about 3%.
Photochromic lenses block UV radiation harmful to the eyes and excess light. Wearing such glasses, the user simultaneously has prescription glasses for indoors, for night, and sunglasses, as well as prescription lenses. Blocking excess light is particularly important with positive correction, as "positive" lenses act like a magnifying glass and concentrate sunlight. A great advantage of photochromic lenses is protection against glare and harmful UV radiation, regardless of whether they are transparent or tinted.
Do photochromic glasses work in a car? This is a common question among users. Traditional photochromic glasses may have limited effectiveness in a car because car windows block some of the UV radiation that is needed to activate the lenses. However, nowadays, special photochromic glasses designed for drivers are available, which work effectively even behind car windows, providing comfort and safety while driving.
People who spend a lot of time outdoors and want to ensure optimal visual comfort in varying lighting conditions most often choose photochromic glasses. They are an ideal choice for people who engage in outdoor sports such as running, cycling, or hiking. Additionally, they are valued by drivers who need sun protection while driving, and by people working in different lighting conditions.
Photochromic lenses are available not only in typical colors like gray or brown. Currently, photochromic glasses can tint to gray-green, and even blue, pink, or purple, allowing them to be matched with the frame color.
To ensure the longevity of your photochromic glasses, it's worth following a few rules:
In conclusion, photochromic glasses are a modern and functional solution for people who value comfort and eye health. Thanks to continuous technological development, they are becoming increasingly effective and aesthetically pleasing, offering a wide selection of colors and styles.