Photochromic Lenses Explained

Nigel Robinson on June 19, 2025

A man outside, smiling, while wearing glasses with brown tinted lenses.

Every glasses-wearer knows the struggle – one minute you’re indoors with crystal clear vision, then dazzled by sunlight the moment you step outside. Then there’s the constant juggling between regular specs and sunglasses, the fumbling in your bag or, worse still, forgetting your shades entirely and spending the day squinting.

Photochromic lenses offer an elegant solution to this age-old problem. These clever glasses that change in sunlight automatically adapt to different lighting conditions, giving you perfect vision, whether you’re pottering about the kitchen or basking in the garden. At Robinson Optometrists, we’re particularly excited about HOYA Sensity lenses, which represent some of the most advanced technology available in this category.

What are photochromic lenses?

A person holding a pair of glasses with photochromic lenses against the sky.

Think of photochromic lenses as the chameleons of the eyewear world. They automatically darken when exposed to bright light and return to clear when you’re back indoors. It’s like your regular prescription glasses and sunglasses rolled into one.

These innovative lenses don’t just adjust to brightness – they also provide excellent UV protection, shielding your eyes from those rays we can’t see but which can affect our long-term eye health.

The science behind the magic

A diagram showing how a photochromic lens changes when light is present.

The secret sauce lies in special light-sensitive molecules embedded within the lens material. When they’re hit by UV light, a chemical reaction causes them to change structure and darken the lens. When the UV light disappears (like when you go indoors), the molecules return to their original state, and the lens becomes clear again. Modern photochromic lenses respond remarkably quickly to these changes – and they’re built to last.

Why HOYA Sensity lenses are something special

Sourced from HOYA Lens UK. Image of a man and his son outside wearing HOYA Sensity lenses.

HOYA has built an outstanding reputation as an innovator in optical solutions, and its Sensity range shows why the brand is considered a leader in the field. These aren’t your average photochromic lenses – they’re engineered with precision.

HOYA Sensity lenses boast impressively fast transition times. The colours you see remain true-to-life, whether the lenses are clear or tinted, giving you natural vision in every situation. Indoors, they provide exceptional clarity that rivals the best standard lenses.

They’re also reliable across different climates. Some older photochromic technologies can be sluggish in colder weather, but HOYA Sensity lenses activate effectively even when there’s a chill in the air.

These lenses also offer comprehensive protection from both UV rays and blue light, supporting your eye health throughout the day.

Expert guidance from your local Optometrists

An optician holding up two spectacle lenses for a patient.

Choosing the right lenses can feel overwhelming with so much choice available. That’s where our experienced team comes in. As your trusted opticians in Whitley Bay, we take time to understand your lifestyle, daily activities and vision needs before recommending suitable lens options for you.

Our team has extensive knowledge of HOYA’s full range and can explain how their different photochromic lenses might work for your specific requirements. Whether you spend most of your time indoors, enjoy outdoor sports or drive frequently, we’ll help you find your ideal match.

Ready to discover how HOYA Sensity photochromic lenses could transform your daily vision experience?  Get in touch today. Better yet, pop in and let our friendly team show you the full range of options.

Photochromic Lenses And Polarised Sunglasses – Are They Worth It?

Nigel Robinson on May 1, 2023

Photochromic Lenses And Polarised Sunglasses

Summer is just around the corner, so it’s time to make sure your eyes are well protected. We often get asked about the differences and benefits of photochromic lenses for glasses and polarised sunglasses, so we’re here to answer your questions about whether these specialist lenses are worth it and are right for you.

Polarised Sunglasses

Polarised Glasses Whitley Bay

When it comes to buying new sunglasses, an important decision to make is whether to opt for polarised lenses or not. First, let’s answer the question, what are polarised lenses? In simple terms, they are equipped with a special coating that helps block horizontally polarised light, significantly reducing glare and providing better clarity of vision and contrast, particularly on bright days.

Glare caused by the sun’s reflection off flat surfaces like metal, water, glass, or anything bright can lead to squinting, compromised vision and even headaches and eye strain. Polarised sunglasses prove to be especially beneficial for activities such as driving or if you spend time on or near water. However, their advantages go beyond that. You’ll also notice that colours become more vivid and vibrant, offering an improved view of your surroundings.

There are a couple of factors to keep in mind. Polarised sunglasses are not suitable for night driving, and they may distort LCD screens such as phones and sat navs.

Photochromic Lenses

Light-reactive lenses, also known as photochromic lenses for glasses, automatically darken when exposed to sunlight. They contain special molecules that react to UV rays, absorbing light and darkening into sunglasses. When you step back indoors, the reaction to the molecules adjusts back swiftly changing the lenses back to clear.

At our practice, you can experience the advanced Sensity photochromic lenses from one of the leading glasses lens suppliers worldwide, Hoya. These offer not only full UV protection but also exceptional visual clarity in any light conditions. Say goodbye to the need for separate sunglasses if you wear prescription glasses. Sensity lenses adapt swiftly, darkening when spending time outdoors and reverting to clear indoors. Keep in mind not all light-reactive lenses are effective in cars due to the windscreen’s UV filtration.

Image source: Supplied by Hoya

What’s the Verdict?

Are polarised lenses worth it? Are light-reactive lenses right for you? The answer depends on your lifestyle and needs. Photochromic lenses may be the way to go if you spend a lot of time outdoors and want glasses that adjust to different light conditions. Polarised lenses are great for reducing glare from reflective surfaces, making them ideal for water sports or driving. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preferences and lifestyle needs.

We think both these lens types are highly beneficial and encourage you to book an appointment with our optometrist in Whitley Bay to discuss which type of lenses are best for you.