The 30 best photochromic lens brands
Walleva, Serengeti and Oakley lead our ranking of 30 photochromic lens brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Photochromic Lens brands, ranked
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1
Walleva
Walleva sells sunglasses and clip-on eyewear, including models with photochromic and polarized lens options.
Website: walleva.com |Brands like Walleva
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Serengeti
Serengeti makes sport and driving sunglasses, with photochromic lens options in its Drivers and Photochromic ranges.
Website: serengeti-eyewear.com |Brands like Serengeti
Popularity 7.2/10
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3
Oakley
Oakley makes sport sunglasses and goggles, offering photochromic lens options in several frame lines.
Website: oakley.com |Brands like Oakley
Popularity 7.1/10
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4
Galaxylense
Galaxy Lense offers a wide range of replacement lenses and sunglasses for its customers worldwide. They have their physical store in Florida, so you can rest assured about their credibility. They aim to provide better clarity in vision and help protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. They offer different lens technologies that are best suited for your eyes. Mirrored finishes designed are to prevent your eyes from harmful glare, while polarized lenses minimize the damage from horizontal glare. Galaxy Lense is strict about its shipment quality to provide its customers with nothing but the best.
Website: galaxylense.com |Brands like Galaxylense
Popularity 5.6/10
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5
VEITHDIA
Does sunglasses excite and fascinate you? If yes, Veithdia got all types of sunglasses under the sun. From unisex sunglasses, polarized sunglasses, retro vintage sunglasses to sports sunglasses and stainless steel aviators, it has a wide range. The company not just produces shades but also fabricates caps and hats. It is based in Colorado, USA but is a worldwide retail brand for the new generation who love their comfort. Furthermore, they are an admirer of style and fashionable glares.
Website: veithdia.com |Brands like VEITHDIA
Popularity 4.9/10
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6
Carrera
Carrera makes fashion and sport sunglasses, including some frames offered with photochromic lenses.
Website: carrerabicycle.com |Brands like Carrera
Popularity 3.0/10
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7
Black Flys
Black Flys makes sport and lifestyle sunglasses, with photochromic lens options in several models.
Website: flys.com |Brands like Black Flys
Popularity 2.8/10
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8
KINGSEVEN
KINGSEVEN makes budget sunglasses, including polarized and photochromic lens options sold online.
Website: kingsevensunglasses.com |Brands like KINGSEVEN
Popularity 2.7/10
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9
Epoch
Epoch is Texas' ultimate Wedding Collective, providing full-service wedding planning and design for the whole event. From personalized invitations to the most stunning floral arrangements and everything in between, it assists you in celebrating your special day in style. Epoch...
Website: epochcoevents.com |Brands like Epoch
Popularity 2.4/10
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10
Tifosi
Tifosi makes sport and cycling sunglasses, including photochromic lens versions of several frames.
Website: tifosicycles.co.uk |Brands like Tifosi
Popularity 2.0/10
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11
Bobster
Bobster makes sunglasses and goggles, offering photochromic lens options in several frame styles.
Website: bobster.com |Brands like Bobster
Popularity 1.9/10
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12
DE
DE is a sunglasses store that sells the most recent and fashionable sunglasses. When there are such wide varieties of sunglasses on the market today, it's easy to get lost. Still, they help make your selection more manageable by giving...
Website: de-sunglasses.com |Brands like DE
Popularity 1.8/10
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13
Global Vision
Global Vision Eyewear makes sport and safety sunglasses, with some models offered with photochromic lenses.
Website: globalvisioneyewear.com |Brands like Global Vision
Popularity 1.7/10
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14
Smith
Smith makes sport and lifestyle sunglasses, with photochromic lens options in several frame lines.
Website: smithsystem.com |Brands like Smith
Popularity 1.6/10
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15
Julbo
Julbo makes mountain and sport sunglasses, and is widely known for its Reactiv photochromic lens technology.
Website: julbo.com |Brands like Julbo
Popularity 1.6/10
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16
Oliver Peoples
Oliver Peoples makes luxury eyeglasses and sunglasses, but photochromic lenses are not a signature feature.
Website: oliverpeoples.com |Brands like Oliver Peoples
Popularity 1.6/10
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17
Rudy Project
Rudy Project makes cycling and sport sunglasses, including photochromic lens options in several models.
Website: rudyprojectna.com |Brands like Rudy Project
Popularity 1.2/10
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18
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson sells licensed motorcycle-themed sunglasses, which may include photochromic lens options.
Website: harley-davidson.com |Brands like Harley-Davidson
Popularity 1.1/10
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19
Spy+
Spy Optic makes sport and lifestyle sunglasses, including models with its Happy Lens photochromic option.
Website: spy.com |Brands like Spy+
Popularity 1.1/10
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20
FRAME
FRAME is an American fashion label known for its denim, cotton, leather, and cashmere collections for men and women. The company has a long history of artistry and craftsmanship, consistently delivering the best in American fashion. The seasons and their...
Website: frame-store.com |Brands like FRAME
Popularity 1.1/10
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21
Persol
Persol makes Italian luxury sunglasses and eyeglasses, with some frames offered with photochromic lenses.
Website: persol.com |Brands like Persol
Popularity 1.1/10
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22
uvex
uvex makes safety eyewear, including protective glasses with photochromic lens options.
Website: uvex-safety.com |Brands like uvex
Popularity 1.1/10
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23
Dirty Dog
Dirty Dog makes sport and fashion sunglasses, with photochromic lens options in some models.
Website: dirtydog.com |Brands like Dirty Dog
Popularity 0.9/10
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24
Suncloud
Suncloud makes sunglasses, and some of its frames are offered with photochromic lenses.
Website: suncloudoptics.com |Brands like Suncloud
Popularity 0.9/10
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25
Ryders
Ryders makes sport and fashion sunglasses, including some styles with photochromic lens options.
Website: ryderseyewear.com |Brands like Ryders
Popularity 0.9/10
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26
Brioni
Brioni is an Italian tailoring house that sells eyewear under license, which may include photochromic styles.
Website: brioni.com |Brands like Brioni
Popularity 0.8/10
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27
Ermenegildo Zegna
Ermenegildo Zegna sells luxury sunglasses under license, though photochromic lenses are not a signature feature.
Website: zegnagroup.com |Brands like Ermenegildo Zegna
Popularity 0.8/10
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28
Tom Ford
Tom Ford makes luxury fashion sunglasses and eyeglasses, though photochromic lenses are not a signature feature.
Website: tomford.com |Brands like Tom Ford
Popularity 0.8/10
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29
SunDog
SunDog makes sport and lifestyle sunglasses, with some models offered with photochromic lens options.
Website: sundogeyewear.com |Brands like SunDog
Popularity 0.8/10
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30
Coyote
The Coyote Cowgirl carries on the legacy of American Cowboys, started by Sarah Jo as a token of remembrance for her late grandfather. Their apparel collection is inspired by ranches, horses pictures, cow boys and girls, along with quotes from...
Website: thecoyotecowgirl.net |Brands like Coyote
Popularity 0.8/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walleva | walleva.com | /wallevalenses | walleva_lenses | @WallevaLLC | wallevalenses1 |
| Serengeti | serengeti-eyewear.com | /serengetifans | serengetieyewear | – | – |
| Oakley | oakley.com | /oakley | oakley | @oakley | – |
| Galaxylense | galaxylense.com | /GalaxyLense-766915343480634 | galaxylense | @LenseGalaxy | – |
| VEITHDIA | veithdia.com | /veithdiasunglasses | – | – | – |
| Carrera | carrerabicycle.com | /Red-Rose-Imports | – | – | – |
| Black Flys | flys.com | /blackflysfanpage | blackflyseyewear | @blackflysusa | blackflystv |
| KINGSEVEN | kingsevensunglasses.com | /kingsevensunglasses | kingseve_sunglasses | – | – |
| Epoch | epochcoevents.com | /epochcoevents | epochcoevents | – | – |
| Tifosi | tifosicycles.co.uk | /tifosibikes | tifosibikes | – | – |
Photochromic Lenses Buying Guide
Photochromic lenses, also known as transition lenses, are eyeglass lenses that automatically darken in response to sunlight and lighten when indoors or at night. The technology behind these lenses has come a long way in recent years, making them an increasingly popular option for people who wear glasses.
Photochromic lenses offer many benefits, including reducing eye strain, providing UV protection, and eliminating the need for separate prescription sunglasses. If you are considering buying photochromic lenses, here is a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
1. Consider Your Prescription
The first thing to consider when buying photochromic lenses is your prescription. Transition lenses are available in single vision, bifocal and progressive prescriptions. Single vision lenses are suitable if you have just one distance that you need to see clearly, whereas bifocal or progressive lenses are recommended if you require different prescriptions for different distances.
Bifocal lenses have two separate areas for viewing, while progressive lenses have a gradual change in prescription throughout the lens. It is essential to choose the right type of prescription for your needs to ensure maximum benefits.
2. Check the Tinting Speed
The tinting speed of photochromic lenses varies between different products. Some lenses can take up to two minutes to darken fully, while others can darken in less than 30 seconds. It is essential to choose a lens with a tinting speed that suits your needs and lifestyle.
If you spend a lot of time transitioning between indoor and outdoor environments, you may want to consider lenses with a faster tinting speed. However, if you spend most of your time outdoors, a slower tinting speed may be sufficient.
3. Look for UV Protection
One of the biggest advantages of photochromic lenses is providing protection against harmful UV rays. However, not all photochromic lenses offer the same level of UV protection. Make sure to choose a lens that provides 100% UV protection to ensure maximum protection against sun damage to your eyes.
4. Check the Clarity and Contrast
The clarity and contrast of photochromic lenses can vary, depending on the type of coating applied to the lens. Some lenses may appear slightly darker, which can affect clarity, while others may have a yellowish or brownish tint, which can improve contrast. Choosing the right lens coating is essential to ensure you get the best clarity and contrast for your needs.
5. Consider Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle and activities can also impact your choice of photochromic lenses. If you are an active person who spends a lot of time outdoors, you may want to choose lenses that are scratch-resistant and durable. You may also want to consider polarized lenses, which can reduce glare and improve visibility in bright sunlight.
If you spend most of your time indoors, you may want to choose lenses that have a lighter tint to ensure proper vision in low-light conditions. Additionally, if you drive frequently, make sure to choose photochromic lenses that are designed to work well with your windshield, as some lenses can have difficulty darkening behind certain types of windshields.
6. Compare Price and Features
As with any eyewear purchase, price should be carefully considered. Photochromic lenses can be more expensive than standard lenses, but the added benefits may be well worth the cost. However, it is important to compare prices and features to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.
Some photochromic lenses offer additional features, such as anti-reflective coatings, scratch-resistant coatings, and polarized options, which can add to the cost. It is important to weigh the benefits of these features against the cost to determine if they are worth the investment.
7. Consult with Your Optometrist or Optician
Finally, it is important to consult with your optometrist or optician before purchasing photochromic lenses. They can help you determine which type of photochromic lens is best suited for your prescription and lifestyle needs. They can also recommend specific brands and products that they have experience with and ensure that the lenses are fitted properly for your eyewear.
Conclusion
Photochromic lenses are an excellent choice for people who want the convenience of transitioning between indoor and outdoor environments without having to switch between glasses. When purchasing photochromic lenses, it is essential to consider your prescription, tinting speed, UV protection, clarity and contrast, lifestyle, and cost. Consulting with your optometrist or optician can also help ensure that you get the best photochromic lenses for your needs.
