Modern eye protection technologies: photochromic glasses. How to use chameleon glasses for vision

Excessively bright sun can damage your eyes and discourage you from going out on a clear day. With poor eyesight, it is inconvenient to wear sunglasses, and a wallet does not always allow you to start special darkened glasses in addition to ordinary ones. But even from this situation there is a way out - photochromic lenses, or the so-called chameleon lenses.

Glasses with such glasses in the room are no different from ordinary ones. But as soon as their owner goes out into the light, the lenses themselves darken to the required level, protecting the eyes from exposure to ultraviolet rays. All this thanks to special photochromic elements added at the manufacturing stage. They react to sunlight and darken, due to which they protect the user's eyes.

When choosing photochromic lenses, you need to rely on several very important criteria:

1. The degree of dimming (minimum). It is important to pay attention to the minimum parameter, which shows how transparent the lens is in its normal state. The lower the value, the more transparent they are.
2. The degree of dimming (maximum). A parameter that indicates how dark the lens can be in bright sunlight. The highest value for today is 90%. The higher the number, the darker and more expensive the glasses.
3. Speed ​​reaction. Old lenses darkened for a very long time, and brightened for the same amount. Modern materials make it possible to increase the reaction rate of photochroms to sunlight.
4. Wearing in a car. If such glasses are needed for use in a car, then it is worth clarifying whether they will be darkened in the cabin (that is, whether they react to visible light).
5. Additional coverage. Most manufacturers make glasses using Transitions technology, and add coatings on their own. These coatings can be different - dirt-repellent, ultra-durable, and so on. So you can choose according to your taste.

Not only the cost of one lens, but also the wearing comfort will depend on these parameters. With the right selection, you can find the perfect option. In our ranking of the best photochromic lenses, we have selected the most successful options with reasonable prices. Models are selected according to the most favorable characteristics and reviews of ophthalmologists. Remember: the price is for one piece, not a pair.

TOP 5 best photochromic lenses

5 Cantilen Clear Vision Photo 1.56

The cheapest photochroms
Country Russia
Average price: 1200 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.3

Russian single vision lenses in spherical design made of polymer. They belong to the budget class of photochromic options and do not have the quality of more expensive counterparts. However, the model is able to protect from sunlight at a decent level, so it copes with the main function. I am glad that the manufacturer has added an excellent Clear Vision coating, which has many functions. In addition to the traditional hardening and dirt-repellent properties, it also protects against electromagnetic waves. A feature is a polarizing coating, so now there will be no extra glare and splits in the eyes.

There are not so many diopters here - only from -8 to +6. The cylinder is not provided at all, so the model will not work for astigmatists. The lenses will be relatively thick at high diopters since the refractive index is only 1.56. Available in two diameters - 65 and 70. You can choose from two standard colors - brown and gray. Interestingly, they do not have dimming in a calm state - indoors, such photochromic lenses are perfectly transparent. For the same reason, they will not be suitable for drivers, although a polarizing coating can improve driving comfort.

4 Rodenstock Perfalit 1.54 ColorMatic

The best ratio of price and quality
Country: Germany
Average price: 2950 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.4

Inexpensive, but high-quality photochromic lenses made of organic polymer. German quality pleased here too. For a reasonable price, you can get good mid-range lenses. Able to provide dimming up to 85% in bright light. Indoors, they do not become completely transparent - the residual effect retains about 8% dimming. The lens is not the thinnest, the refractive index is only 1.54. But the polymer material made it possible to make it thinner than plastic and even more so glass counterparts.

The diopter range is frankly small - only from -6 to +4. There are two diameters - 65 and 70 millimeters. Available in two standard colors - brown and grey. The lenses themselves are coated with one of two options: SPP or Duralux. The first is a nanotech coating with many functions, from anti-reflective to dirt-repellent and strengthening. Duralux simply makes the surface more durable and resistant to physical damage. I am glad that the lens quickly responds to changes in illumination - it takes several tens of seconds for it to change color.

3 HOYA DriveWear Hi-Vision Aqua 1.5

Best for drivers
Country: Japan
Average price: 10,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

Japanese quality especially for drivers. These photochromic resin lenses were created for those who spend a lot of time behind the wheel. They have everything you might need on the road - a high-quality polarized coating and a sensitive photochromic coating that can change the degree of darkness in a matter of seconds. The color changes very gently from light yellow-green to rich brown, the maximum darkening is up to 85% outdoors. In the car, the lenses will only be darkened by 50% to create a comfortable driving environment.

The lens is single-focus, manufacturers provide diopters from -9 to +7.5, but, unfortunately, the cylinder is not provided. Only one color, branded green-brown. But there are as many as three coating options - HVA (reflective and dirt-repellent), SHV (strong and reflective) and HVLL (a combination of the two previous ones with increased strength). All three variants are slightly greenish (up to 25%) even in the absence of darkening factors. Taking into account the polymer material, the lens of moderate thickness has a refractive index of 1.5. An important clarification is that glasses can only be used during the day, they are not suitable for night driving.

2 Essilor 1.59 Airwear Transitions Signature 7 polycarbonate Crizal Alize + UV

The best for computer use. Wide range of diopters
Country: France
Average price: 6200 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The manufacturer tried to make really high-quality and versatile photochromic lenses. And the French did it. This is a strong, thin and light lens that can easily save your eyes from excessive UV radiation. It is made of impact-resistant polycarbonate treated with a special Crizal Alize + UV coating. It gives the surface many useful characteristics - it is perfectly smooth and transparent, it is easy to clean it from dirt. An important feature is that dust and dirt will not linger on the lens, so you will have to clean it less often.

This particular photochromic spherical model is single vision, you can purchase options from -12 to +7.75 diopters. In addition, it is easy to pick up a cylinder - from -6 to +5.75. The lens has a refractive index of 1.59 - it can not be called the thinnest, but it looks quite aesthetically pleasing. The choice of the manufacturer provides two shades - gray and brown. In bright light, they darken up to 88%. But in fact, the lenses will have a slight greenishness even in poor light. I am glad that the manufacturers have provided the opportunity to use them when working at a computer due to the increased contrast of the image and in the car (even at night).

1 Top Vision ASP 1.67 Transitions XTRActive HMC

Maximum darkening in the light (90%)
Country Russia
Average price: 9900 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Lenses designed specifically for active people. In the bright sun, they darken by 90%, which is the best indicator compared to all other models. This is a spherical plastic lens with diopters from -10 to +8.75 and a cylinder from -4 to +4. It is single vision and very thin - a refractive index of only 1.67. There is also a spherical version, but it is noticeably thicker (IP is only 1.5). There are two colors on sale - brown and gray.

There is a multifunctional HMC multi-layer coating that has several properties at once. It eliminates glare, repels moisture and dirt, has anti-static properties and is incredibly durable. Manufacturers have made sure that the model can also be used in a car - it is darkened by 50%, so now driving will become noticeably more pleasant even in sunny weather. But it is worth remembering that the initial darkening of such a lens is 11%, so the shade will be visible even indoors.

Glasses with photochromic lenses have another name - chameleons, as they can change their color directly depending on the lighting. At night or indoors, they practically do not differ from ordinary colorless lenses or may not have a pronounced initial tint.

On the street, such glasses are darkened by themselves, in the sunlight they practically turn into sunglasses. If you enter any room, the photochromic glasses will become transparent again.

Principle of operation

Such properties of chameleon glasses can be explained by the presence in the lenses of special substances with a photochromic structure. Under the action of ultraviolet radiation, there is a change in their spatial structure, while they cease to transmit light, as a result, the lenses darken.

In the absence of ultraviolet light, the opposite changes occur, and such a lens becomes transparent again.

Until recently, the rate of dimming of such glasses depended not only on the degree of illumination, but also on the ambient temperature. Darkening occurred more quickly in the cold than at high temperatures, and on very hot summer days, the lenses may not have reached their maximum degree of darkening.

For photochromic lenses, which are produced using modern innovative technologies, the speed of the processes of enlightenment and reverse darkening, as well as the degree of darkening, practically do not depend on the ambient temperature.

Technology for the manufacture of photochromic glasses

In most cases, photochromic lenses in a darkened state come in two shades - brown and gray, and the maximum darkening index can be different: from weak (10-15%) to strong (80-85%).

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

At the core Sun Sensor technology, the distribution of photochromic substances is carried out over the entire mass of materials from which the lens is directly produced. Such products are called volumetric-colored. A number of companies also use a similar method to create their photochromic lenses.

Hoya, Kodak and Rodenstock manufacture spectacle lenses from their own polymeric materials with weight-dispersed photochromic agents.

Advantages of photochromic glasses

Photochromic glasses are ideal for people with poor eyesight. Such people acquire either sunglasses with diopters and, going out into bright sunlight, are forced to change them, or wear tinted glasses. Chameleons are able to replace several pairs of glasses.

In a glazed room, photochromic lenses do not darken, since glass is not capable of transmitting ultraviolet radiation, so these glasses also “do not work” in a car.

Therefore, drivers wearing glasses for vision correction, and in sunny weather, need to use sunglasses with diopters, or use special clip-on glasses.

But recently, many well-known companies have begun to produce photochromic lenses that can darken not only under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, but also under the action of short-wave blue rays of the solar spectrum, penetrating directly into the car interior.

In addition to the fact that fluorochromes protect one hundred percent from dangerous ultraviolet radiation, they provide the light transmission necessary for the eyes, reacting to the slightest changes in street lighting, while eye strain and visual fatigue are reduced, and visual contrast is increased. This is extremely important for those who have increased lacrimation or have.

In addition to visual convenience and comfort, photochromic glasses also have certain medical indications:

• as an alternative to sunglasses
• they are recommended for patients suffering from degenerative diseases of the retina
• reduce the risk of developing cataracts

Photochromic lenses can be either polymer or mineral, including polycarbonate. The buyer has the opportunity to choose any refractive index for their photochromic glasses, if necessary, they can be made more refined.

Photochromic lenses are sometimes coated with a special multifunctional coating that gives the glasses the necessary useful properties. Modern glasses are available in absolutely any design: aspheric, traditional monofocal, progressive.

Photochromic lenses are very popular with customers who want to have glasses that not only provide high performance, but also reliable protection from solar radiation.

Photochromic glasses help people with visual impairments, protect from ultraviolet radiation and have many advantages over other optical devices. How do they work and are there any downsides to using them? Let's figure it out.

Photochromic glasses change color as the light changes.

How photochromic glasses work

What are photochromic glasses and what are they for? This is a device in which lenses simultaneously correct visual acuity and are able to adjust the level of dimming. The impetus for action is the degree of illumination and the angle of sunlight on their surface. Chameleons are the second name for such glasses.

If a person is indoors, chameleons do not give themselves away in appearance. Reincarnations occur when you go outside, when the windows begin to darken quickly and protect from the sun no worse than special solar ones.

When you enter the room, the lenses adapt to moderate lighting in a matter of seconds and brighten

Such glasses are designed for the convenience of people with poor eyesight. This is especially true in summer, when the eyes of even a healthy person lose their visual acuity in the bright sun and get tired quickly.

Chameleon lenses contain pigment molecules of a sensitive substance that actively react to ultraviolet light. They are activated when it appears and return to its original position when it is absent.

The intensity of glass tinting is the higher, the brighter it is outside and the more aggressive the solar radiation.

In other words, glasses with photochromic lenses on a clear day protect the eyes by transmitting much less visible light rays. The color of these lenses can be brown or gray.

Photochromic glasses: pros and cons

Glasses with photochromic lenses cannot be 100% protected from sunlight for a long time. This is the task of special sun protection models. Therefore, going on vacation, it is safer to take both pairs with you.

It happens that in office conditions and when working at a computer, glasses often change color, and this provokes rapid blinking when lighting changes, eyes get tired quickly, redness and headaches are observed.

One of the most popular types of eyeglass lenses are photochromic lenses, also called chameleon lenses. Such products darken under the influence of UV rays and return to their previous state when such exposure stops. Today, glasses with such lenses are recommended for almost all patients with visual impairments, as they can replace their sunglasses, as well as conventional reading optics.

Photochromic eyeglass lenses are a type of special optics that contain photochromic substances. Such substances react to UV radiation, as a result of which the glasses are darkened (in bright sunlight). As soon as UV radiation ceases to affect the glasses, they again become completely transparent.

A few years ago, the processes of dimming such glasses were associated not only with the influence of UV factors, but also with the ambient temperature. The higher it was, the faster the darkening of the glasses occurred, so that it was very inconvenient and did not allow such glasses to be used effectively enough in the northern latitudes, as well as in the cold season. However, at present, manufacturers of such lenses have managed to completely eliminate this problem and make new samples completely insensitive to the temperature factor.

Photochromic lenses are produced from polymers that have the highest refractive indices today. The largest countries producing such products are Germany and Japan - their products are presented in most optics stores. The largest companies supplying such optics to a wide range of consumers are Hoya, Kodak and Rodenstock.

Varieties

Photochromic lenses with diopters are currently available in various variations. They can be bifocal, single-focal, progressive, which allows you to choose such products for yourself for patients with various vision pathologies. Thanks to modern production technologies, it is also possible to manufacture glasses with such inserts with any diopter according to the prescription provided by the patient.

According to the method of production, organic, also mineral lenses are divided. Minerals are considered more durable, they are more resistant to UV radiation, but often they give non-uniform dimming. Organic samples always give a uniform darkening, but they deteriorate faster and are completely unrecoverable. Both versions of lenses are subject to aging and should be replaced after 3-5 years of intensive use, as their ability to darken decreases over time. It is for this reason that it is not recommended to use an old and a new photochromic lens at the same time, since they will not darken in the same way.

These lenses differ in the color of the dimming. Most of these samples are available in eye-pleasing shades - brown or green. There are also neutral versions of such lenses on the market - gray or bluish. It should be noted that samples made by one company will not differ in the quality of the shading and can be matched to any type of glasses.

Who will suit

Buying photochromic lenses for glasses is worth many people with vision pathologies leading an active lifestyle. They will be especially functional for drivers, people working in the open air, travelers. Thanks to such lenses, representatives of these categories will be able to get multifunctional glasses that replace classic models for reading, walking, as well as sunglasses.

There are medical indications for wearing photochromic lenses. These include the risk of developing cataracts in the patient, as well as degenerative changes in the retina. The use of such lenses in this group of patients in some cases will help prevent the progression of these diseases and can be considered as one of the most important preventive measures. For this group of patients, doctors recommend using this type of lens in the first place.

How to choose

Figuring out on your own which photochromic lenses are best for you is not so difficult. For this you need:

• Find out what type of lens you need (progressive, bifocal or single vision).
• Find out which type of lens is right for you. It will depend on your lifestyle. So if you are constantly in the bright sun, it is better to take mineral samples, they will last you much longer. If you often work indoors, you can take organic lenses.
• Contact an optics salon, study the range of lenses of the type you need, choose the best color option that is comfortable for you, and then order samples. It is best to opt for models manufactured by large companies: this will increase the chances that the lenses will be made for you quickly, in exactly the color you wanted, and will also strictly correspond to the specified diopters.

If you yourself can not choose such lenses for yourself, you should seek help from specialists. It is best to visit your ophthalmologist for this purpose, once again check your eyesight and get advice from him on the selection of photochromic lenses for glasses, then order them in an optics salon according to his prescription.

Glasses with photochromic lenses are often called chameleons because they change color depending on the light. Indoors or at night, photochromic lenses are indistinguishable from ordinary colorless spectacle lenses or have a slight initial tint.

On the street, such glasses are darkened by themselves, almost turning into sunglasses in very bright sunlight. If you enter the room, the photochromic glasses become transparent again.

How photochromic lenses work

Such properties of chameleon glasses are explained by the presence of special photochromic substances in the lenses. Under the action of UV radiation, their spatial structure changes, while they stop transmitting light and the lens darkens. In the absence of ultraviolet light, the reverse changes occur, 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 their maximum darkening.

For photochromic lenses produced using the most modern technologies, the speed of the processes of darkening and enlightenment, the degree of darkening are much less dependent 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 be different: from weak darkening (10-15%) to strong (80-85%).

Photochromic lenses are produced using various technologies. For example, according to the Trunsitions technology, photochromic substances are evenly distributed over the lens surface 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 mass of the material from which the lens is made, such lenses are also called volume-colored. And also a number of companies use this method for the manufacture of their photochromic lenses.

Hoya, Rodenstock and Kodak manufacture spectacle lenses from their own polymers with a mass-distributed photochromic agent.

Benefits of photochromic lenses

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

Chameleons replace two pairs of glasses: regular and prescription sunglasses

Photochromic lenses do not darken in a glazed room, as the glass does not transmit ultraviolet light, so photochromic glasses also "do not work" in a car. Recently, however, some well-known companies have begun to produce photochromic lenses that can darken not only under the influence of ultraviolet, but also when exposed to short-wave blue rays of the solar spectrum that penetrate 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 glasses, got the opportunity to comfortably drive a car in any weather without thinking about changing glasses.

In addition to 100% protection from harmful ultraviolet radiation, photochromes provide the light transmission necessary for the eyes, reacting to changes in street lighting, while reducing eye strain, visual fatigue, and increasing visual contrast. This is especially important for those who have developed photophobia or increased lacrimation.

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 retinal diseases, they 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 glasses that not only provide high vision, but also reliable protection from solar radiation.