Photochromic Lenses

Photochromic glasses, also called transition glasses, light reactive glasses, or reactolite glasses. Automatically darken when exposed to UV light outdoors and return to clear indoors. They provide 100% UVA and UVB protection and are available in single vision, bifocal, and varifocal prescription lenses.

Photochromic lenses typically begin darkening within one to two minutes when exposed to UV light. They reach their maximum tint within around five minutes. Fading back to clear when moving indoors takes approximately two to five minutes.

The time they take to darken and clear will depend on UV levels and temperature. Transitions® GEN S™ lenses are specifically designed for faster reaction and fade-back than previous generations.

Yes. Both our Adaptions® and Transitions® lenses block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. Whether the lenses are completely clear or fully tinted.

This continuous UV protection helps protect your eyes against cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea). This makes them an excellent choice for long-term eye health, even on overcast days.

Photochromic lenses darken in bright sunlight and provide strong UV protection and reduce glare. This makes them comfortable outdoors in most conditions.

However, they generally do not reach the same darkness of dedicated prescription sunglasses. Particularly in very intense light conditions such as skiing or beach environments. For extreme brightness, prescription sunglasses may be preferable alongside your photochromic glasses. The amount of light that the lenses are exposed to will affect how dark the tint becomes.

Yes. At Direct Sight, we offer photochromic prescription glasses in a range of lens types. These including single vision and varifocal options.

Both our own Adaptions® range and Transitions® Signature® GEN S™ are available in grey or brown with your prescription. Simply enter your prescription details when ordering and our dispensing team will do the rest.

Adaptions® is our own brand photochromic lens offering premium quality at a lower price point. An ideal choice for those seeking excellent light reactive performance without the premium brand price tag.

Transitions® Signature® GEN S™ is the latest generation of the globally recognised Transitions® brand. With faster activation, quicker fade-back to clear, and more advanced blue light filtering.

Both provide 100% UVA and UVB protection and are available in grey and brown tints.

Standard photochromic lenses react to UV light, which most car windscreens are designed to block. This means that while driving, they may not darken as much as they would in open sunlight. If you specifically require tinted lenses for driving, we recommend dedicated prescription driving lenses or sunglasses. Transition Xtractive lenses do adapt in the car, however, we do not stock this lens type.

Yes, this is exactly what they are designed for. Photochromic lenses adapt automatically whether you are working indoors, reading, walking, cycling, or gardening. The lens transitions smoothly throughout the day.

You can wear one pair of glasses comfortably in any lighting condition. They are particularly popular with people who move frequently between indoor and outdoor environments during the working day.

Photochromic lenses darken automatically in response to UV light. Reducing UV exposure is the only way to prevent them from darkening. To allow your lenses to fad back to clear, move indoors, stay in shaded areas, or store your glasses in a case.

There is no manual override required, simply remove the UV source or the amount of light. The lenses will clear on their own within a few minutes.

You can buy photochromic prescription glasses directly from Direct Sight online. We stock both Adaptions® (our affordable own brand) and Transitions® Signature® GEN S™. Both are available with single vision and varifocal prescriptions in a wide range of frames.

Ordering is quick and straightforward. Simply choose your frame, select a photochromic lens option, enter your prescription, and we will take care of the rest.