Photochromic Lenses: How Do They Work?

Photochromic lenses are a practical solution for anyone moving between indoors and outdoors. Their key feature? They adapt automatically to light.

How does it work?

These lenses contain molecules that react to UV rays.

  • Outdoors: under sunlight, they darken to protect your eyes.
  • Indoors: without UV exposure, they return to clear.

This reversible process repeats itself each time you step in or out.

Benefits

  • Full UVA/UVB protection,
  • More comfort and less glare,
  • One pair of glasses is enough, no need to switch between prescription glasses and sunglasses.

Things to know

  • Activation depends on UV intensity: they darken less behind a car windshield.
  • The clear/dark transition usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

👉 At Maison Mata, we offer photochromic lenses from leading brands (Zeiss, Hoya, Essilor), available with or without prescription. Visit our boutiques in Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak, or Sanur for a free eye exam and advice on our technical lenses.

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