Photochromic and polarised lenses are two terms you may have heard many times when shopping for eyewear, but what do they actually mean? More importantly, how are they different from one another?

If you don't want your prescription glasses to have completely clear lenses, Fashion Eyewear also offers Photochromic and Polarised lens finishes that can be fitted to your preferred frame. This means you don't have to choose a specific sunglasses frame to enjoy these lens technologies; they can be applied to the frames we sell (subject to the selected frame and lens option), giving your everyday glasses extra functionality without compromising on style.

Choosing the right lens finishes isn't only about your prescription. The way your lenses behave in different lighting conditions can make a big difference to everyday comfort, especially if you regularly move between indoors and outdoors or spend plenty of time in bright sunlight.

So, what exactly do Photochromic and Polarised lenses do, and which one could work better for you? Let's break it down.

 

New to prescription glasses?

You may also find our A Beginner's Guide to Prescription Glasses and Lens Options helpful before exploring the differences between Photochromic and Polarised lenses.

 

What Are Photochromic Lenses?

Photochromic lenses, also known as Light Sensitive lenses, are designed to change their tint depending on the surrounding light.

They remain clear indoors before automatically darkening when exposed to UV light outdoors. Once you return indoors, they gradually become clear again.

This makes them particularly useful if you're regularly moving between different environments throughout the day.

Photochromic lenses are ideal if you...

• Move frequently between indoors and outdoors
• Want one pair of glasses for different lighting conditions
• Prefer clear lenses indoors
• Don't want to carry a separate pair of sunglasses
• Want light-sensitive lenses with your prescription

One thing to remember: because photochromic lenses react to UV exposure, they may not darken fully inside a car, as most windscreens block much of the UV light that activates the lenses.

 

What Are Polarised Lenses?

Polarised lenses are designed to reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as water, roads, snow and glass.

Rather than changing colour depending on the light, polarised lenses maintain their tint while filtering out much of the intense reflected glare that can make bright environments uncomfortable.

They're particularly popular for outdoor activities, driving and holidays where strong reflected light is common.

Polarised lenses are ideal if you...

• Spend lots of time outdoors
• Drive regularly
• Enjoy beach holidays or watersports
• Spend time around snow or other highly reflective surfaces
• Find reflected sunlight particularly distracting

With a Polarised finish, your chosen optical frame takes on the appearance of sunglasses while your prescription remains intact. You can choose from grey, brown or green for your preferred lens colour; allowing you to combine glare reduction with a personalisation that suits your frame and style!

 

Photochromic vs Polarised: What's the Difference?

The simplest way to remember it:

Photochromic = reacts to changing light.

Polarised = reduces reflected glare.

	Photochromic	Polarised
Changes tint outdoors	✓	✕
Stays clear indoors	✓	✕
Reduces reflected glare	Limited	✓
Useful for changing environments	✓	—
Particularly useful for driving	✓	✓
Great for beaches and water	—	✓
Available as prescription lenses	✓	✓

Choose Photochromic if...

Your lifestyle involves constantly moving between different environments. They're particularly convenient for everyday wear when you want your glasses to adapt without having to switch to sunglasses.

Think commuting, shopping, travelling, walking around town or spending a day moving between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Choose Polarised if...

You're mostly concerned with bright sunlight and reflected glare.

They're a great option for driving, beach holidays, boating, outdoor activities and long days in the sun.

 

And if you're wondering whether you can have both, there are also photochromic polarised lens technologies available, depending on the lens range and prescription.

Oliver Peoples R-17 OV1377S with Photochromic Polarised lenses

 

Final Thoughts

There isn't one universal winner between photochromic and polarised lenses. Photochromic lenses are about convenience and adapting to changing light, while polarised lenses are about reducing glare in bright outdoor conditions.

If you're constantly moving between indoors and outdoors, photochromic lenses could make everyday life easier. If you're spending your summer by the sea, behind the wheel or anywhere with intense reflected sunlight, polarised lenses may be the better choice.

And if you're choosing new eyewear purely for style, you don't have to compromise there either. Find a frame you love, then choose the lens finish that works for your lifestyle.

Your glasses should work for you, not the other way around!