Photochromic Sunglasses Light Adjusting Lenses

OpticsPlanet.com is committed to deliver the latest and greatest in the optical technologies, and our modern Photochromic Body Specs, Serengeti, and Wiley X Sunglasses with Light Adjusting Lenses are a great example of a remarkably smart technology that enables you to see clearly and more comfortably in virtually any light condition. Photochromic sunglasses that changes its color or tint depending on the amount of light is not really new. The latest Photochromic eyewear features include advanced variable-tint technology that allows rapid darkening when you go outside (and rapid return to clear when you go in), 100% UV protection, and even polarization. We at Optics Planet now offer the best brand name light adjusting sunglasses that come in regular, lightweight plastic materials as well as in high-index plastic and polycarbonate. The photochromic molecules can be encapsulated inside of the lens or as a front-surface coating that changes color (to gray or brown) when exposed to ultraviolet light. The changeable photochromic coating means that the sunglasses lens color darkens evenly regardless of lens prescription or thickness.  

True Photochromic sunglasses lenses have millions of molecules of substances such as silver chloride or silver halide embedded in them. The molecules are transparent to visible light in the absence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is normal for artificial lighting. But when photochromic lenses are exposed to ultraviolet rays, as in direct sun light, the molecules undergo a chemical process that causes the molecules to change their shape. The new structure of the new molecules absorbs portions of the visible light, causing the photo chromic  lenses to darken. The number of molecules that change shape varies with the intensity of the UV rays.

Wiley X LA (Light Adjusting) lenses / have been developed by Wiley X and now offered by OpticsPlanet.com.  Wiley X Light adjusting goggles darken on bright sunny days to shield the eyes from harmful ultra violet rays. On overcast days or at night the lenses adjust to clear for perfect optical clarity.  Luminous transmittance of WileyX goggles with Light Adjusting lenses in the faded state 91.2% (almost clear) and luminous transmittance in the darkened state 33.2% (almost as dark as Wiley X Smoke Green Lenses).  Now you don't have to stop to interchange lenses. Please note that Wiley x Light adjusting lenses are not polarized. This new technology is also produced using shatterproof polycarbonate. This is much safer than the old photochromic lens technology that use glass or CR39, as it can shatter if struck by a rock while riding. Wiley X also incorporates the new Emerald 4 Anti-reflective coating to eliminate back-lit glare from the sun truly giving the wearer the most functional motorcycle riding lens available.  Developed by WileyX for the Wiley X G-Line sunglasses, this new shooting lens technology adjusts the light transmission levels of each tint, according to the amount of sun exposure. This maximizes target definition based on light condition, providing perfect optical clarity and enhanced performance at any time of day.  Need an Rx prescription? Now Authentic TRANSITIONS® lenses are available as prescription glasses / goggles virtually with any Wiley X prescription sunglasses frame!  

Serengeti Polarmax Sunglasses - the first-ever polycarbonate, photochromic, polarized sunglass lenses.  People said that it could not be done. A lightweight alternative to glass that doesn't sacrifice our premium lens technology. Meet Serengeti PolarMax from OpticsPlanet.com - a patented polycarbonate lens with photochromic properties from Serengeti, superior polarization and premium anti-glare coatings. Available in PolarMax Drivers® and PolarMax CPG™ (cool photo grey) lens color.  The lighter alternative from Serengeti. Available in Serengetti Polarmax Drivers and Serengetti Polarmax CPG (cool photogray) lens colors. Only from Serengeti.  Polycarbonate lens material from Serengeti as well as from Wiley X is virtually shatterproof, ultra lightweight and 20 times more impact resistant than glass.  Polarizing film eliminates glare and reduces eye fatigue by organizing how light comes through the Serengeti lens.  Serengeti Photochromic lenses automatically darken and lighten for superior definition and needed contrast. This time, Serengeti is introducing the first-ever polycarbonate, photochromic, polarized sunglass lens in a new lightweight line called PolarMax. The PolarMax lens features polarized properties with a patented photochromic technology which is literally injected or encapsulated into the lens to prevent the technology from ever scratching off which causes distortion when looking through the lens. The photochromic technology is a patented Serengeti process that activates the lens to constantly adjust to varying light conditions, seeking optimum light transmission. The combination of the exceptional Serengeti sunglass frame and lens materials offers a lightweight sunglass alternative to the traditional glass. Plus, Serengetti PolarMax sunlgasses offers equivalent light transmission to that of Serengeti glass-polarized lens at 10-19% light transmission. The Serengeti Polar Max glasses are offered in both Serengeti PolarMax Drivers (brown lens) and PolarMax CPG (Cool Photo Grey) sunglasses lenses. The Serengeti PolarMax Drivers and Serengeti PolarMax CPG lenses are available with premium anti-reflective coatings in four unique Serengeti frame designs. The Serengeti Alto sunglasses, a stainless steel frame, and Serengeti Stratus sunglasses, a titanium-frame style are ultra-lightweight and are offered in Henna and Gunmetal. The Serengeti Cirro sunglasses is also available in Shiny Black and Tortoise. This nylon frame features megol nose pads and temple tips for an extra secure fit whether one is playing a sport or out on the water. The Serengeti Cirro sunglasses is also available in both PolarMax Driver (brown lens) and PolarMax CPG (Cool Photo Grey) lenses.  Rimless Serengeti Nimbus Sunglasses is the latest in Serengetis PolarMax sunglass line, and they are also available in both polycarbonate, photochromic, polarized PolarMax Driver (brown lens) and PolarMax CPG (Cool Photo Grey) lenses.  The changes in light transmission of Serengeti lenses is more smooth and not as dramatic as Wiley X LA lenses - please see the numbers below for more explanation.  For more information on Serengeti sunglass technology see our Serengeti lenses page.

For your convenience, we provide you with the table  with the light transmission numbers for LA lenses.  Luminous transmittance (Light transmission) is the percentage of external light that passes through the sunglass lens measured against 100% external light source.

Serengeti Sunglasses Photochromic Lens light transmission:

• Serengeti Drivers: Lightened state 24% transmission / Darkened state 9% transmission
• Serengeti Drivers Gradient: Lightened state 24% transmission / Darkened state 9% transmission
• Serengeti Drivers Polarized: Lightened state 18% transmission / Darkened state 10% transmission
• Serengeti 555nm: Lightened state 15% transmission / Darkened state 9% transmission
• Serengeti 555nm Polarized: Lightened state 15% transmission / Darkened state 9% transmission
• Serengeti Sedona: Lightened state 24% transmission / Darkened state 9% transmission
   

Wiley-X Light Adjusting (LA) Lens light transmission:

• Light Adjusting: Lightened state 91.2% transmission / Darkened state 33.2% transmission