Photochromic Replacement Lenses
Send us the frames you already wear. We cut photochromic lenses that darken in sunlight and clear indoors — $109.
- Darkens in sunlight, clears indoors
- Gray or brown tint options
- Anti-glare, scratch and UV coatings — included
- Prescription or non-prescription
One pair that handles both
Photochromic lenses are for people who don't want to swap between glasses and sunglasses. Indoors they're clear. Outdoors they darken. The transition is automatic, so you don't have to think about it.
The technology has improved a lot. Current photochromic lenses clear in about a minute indoors and reach a useful sunglass darkness in bright sun. They aren't as dark as dedicated polarized sunglasses, but they're dark enough for most everyday situations.
Keep the frames you already own
You don't need to buy another pair of glasses to get photochromic convenience. Send us the frames you already wear — we email you a prepaid shipping label, you box them up, and our opticians cut light-reactive lenses to fit.
Every frame is inspected by an optician before we cut anything. If your prescription won't sit safely in that frame, we call you first.
Curious how photochromic compares to Transitions®? Read our guide to Transitions® problems and fixes.
What you should know
Temperature matters
Cold weather makes them darken more and clear more slowly.
Not a full sunglass
They get about 80% as dark as dedicated sunglasses in bright sun.
Car caveat
Windshields block UV, so they won't fully darken while driving.
Long life
The photochromic response fades slightly over years of heavy use.
Photochromic lenses: frequently asked questions
What are photochromic lenses?
Photochromic lenses darken in sunlight and clear up indoors. The lenses react to UV light, so they automatically adjust as you move between bright and dim environments. They're a practical alternative to carrying two pairs of glasses.
How are these different from Transitions®?
Transitions® is a brand of photochromic lens. We use the same light-reactive technology without the brand-name markup. They darken in sunlight and clear indoors, and they're cut in our lab to fit your existing frames.
Can I put photochromic lenses in my current frames?
Yes. Send us the frames you already wear and we cut photochromic lenses to fit them. We also offer non-prescription photochromic lenses if you just want the convenience of light-adaptive lenses.
How much do photochromic lenses cost?
Single vision photochromic lenses are $109. That includes anti-glare, scratch-resistant, and UV coatings, plus free shipping both ways. Progressives are $229 ($199 base + $30).
Do photochromic lenses work inside a car?
Standard photochromic lenses are triggered mainly by UV light, and car windshields block most UV. They may darken only slightly behind the wheel. If you drive a lot, polarized sunglasses are often the better dedicated choice. Many people use photochromic lenses for walking around and keep a pair of polarized sunglasses in the car.
Put photochromic lenses in the frames you're already wearing
$109 for single vision photochromic lenses. Anti-glare, scratch-resistant and UV coatings come on every pair — no charge, no checkbox. Free shipping both ways.
Build my photochromic lenses →Questions about whether they're right for you? Call 385 261 2176 — our lab has been making these lenses for years.