How do adaptive lenses work?

Picture this. There you are, holding court at a social gathering when you suddenly realise you’re still wearing your sunglasses. Indoors. 

For those of us with 20/20 vision, all we need do is slip off our glasses and carry on. But those who wear prescription glasses now need to fumble around, taking off their sunglasses and switching them for their normal glasses before finding somewhere to stash them. 

That is unless you have adaptive lenses.

Adaptive lenses do precisely what they say they do. They adapt to the environment they’re in to provide tinted or clear lenses, depending on what’s needed. Also known as photochromic lenses, this invention saves you the hassle of having to carry around two pairs of glasses on sunny days. 

Adaptive lenses explained

These clever lenses will automatically respond to changing light conditions when they’re exposed to UV rays. It works by embedding molecules in the lenses, which change their structure when the UV light hits them. As their structure changes, they automatically darken the lenses to a tint that is comfortable for the light situation you’re in while still providing optimum vision. 

The photochromatic dyes used are part of the lens, so there’s no chance of it peeling or scratching off over time. This pair of lenses will suit you until your prescription changes.

These intelligent glasses will adjust their tint to suit your environmental situation. On very sunny days the lenses will darken considerably, while less sunny days will lead to a lighter tint. Regardless, you’ll experience no loss of vision as a result of the tint. The shift in brightness is so seamless that most people don’t even notice it. 

Who are adaptive lenses most suited to?

The good news is adaptive lenses come in many different materials, tints and designs so are suitable for both women and men. They’re just as suitable for kids as they are adults. 

In fact, kids, in particular, may really see the benefits of them. We know that long-term exposure to sunlight and UV rays can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration later in life. The more the eyes are protected, the lower the risk factor of eye problems as we age. Adaptive lenses will offer 100 per cent protection for both UVA and UVB rays.

If you spend a lot of time moving from indoors to outdoors and vice versa, then adaptive lenses are perfect. You can get on with your day knowing that whatever the weather, your vision will be unaffected.

Are there any drawbacks to adaptive lenses?

It’s important to know that adaptive lenses do have their limitations. Many drivers find that they don’t work very well in vehicles. This is because windscreens are designed to block much of the UV rays, so the tint in your glasses won’t be activated. However, technology is always pushing forwards and we are starting to see adaptive lenses that are triggered by both UV rays and visible light.

They can also be less responsive in the winter due to the temperature. This means that they can take longer to darken in the winter sun and to return back to their clear state. However, they do still work well on overcast days as UV rays penetrate clouds and, overall, make a good year-round solution.

Convenient and cost-effective

Although you should expect to pay more for adaptive lenses, they are still a cost-effective option. Instead of having to buy a pair of regular prescription glasses as well as a pair of sunglasses, you can purchase one pair with adaptive lenses and be confident that they will keep your eyes safe and comfortable in the sun. It’s the best of both worlds all packaged neatly up in one pair of glasses.

This also makes them far more convenient. You won’t need to carry around an extra pair of glasses or be caught out when the sun makes a surprise appearance.

How can we help?

If you’ve decided you’d like to try adaptive lenses, then speak to us! We’re the most experienced lens manufacturing team in the UK and have been making glasses for over 20 years from our optical lab in Cambridge. Our team of online optical experts include Qualified Dispensing Opticians, so we can provide knowledgeable advice and guidance to ensure you make the right choice.