Which glasses lenses are better - plastic or glass?

Rating of photochromic lenses in 2021 buy. TOP - 10 best.

Rating 2020

In the age of computer technology, it is becoming common to meet a person with poor vision. In order to improve it, you can use different methods - have surgery, wear lenses or glasses. Despite the fact that contact lenses do not spoil the appearance of the face, their use creates some inconvenience for a person - after a while the eyes begin to become inflamed and irritated, and turn red. And putting them on is inconvenient - all manipulations must be carried out with clean hands and in the presence of a mirror, which is not always possible to ensure.

Many people prefer to wear classic glasses. Like other medical devices, they are also constantly being improved, and one of these improvements has been the use of photochromic optics. This technology has been known since 1964, and is being improved more and more every year. Chameleon glasses have the ability to change the amount of light transmission depending on the light level. Outwardly, it looks like this: when bright light hits them, they darken and reduce the number of rays that penetrate the eyes, and when going into a dark room, transparency increases.

In this article we will tell you how to choose glasses with photochromic optics, what to look for so as not to make mistakes when choosing, and also make a Rating of the best Ratings of high-quality and popular optics models from the best manufacturers.

How to choose the right lenses for glasses

Before you go to the optician, you need to visit an ophthalmologist and undergo a full examination, especially if you are choosing this accessory for the first time. An ophthalmologist will examine refraction, measure the curvature of the cornea, pupillary reactions, intraocular pressure, examine the fundus and then make an accurate diagnosis. You should not save time on going to the doctor, because even the slightest deviation in the prescription will doom you to the wrong purchase and lead to unnecessary financial expenses.

After the doctor has written a prescription, you can go to the optician. The frame can be metal or plastic. The first ones are the most highly durable and less susceptible to deformation, but they make the glasses heavier and can cause allergies. Plastic options are not as massive, but are inferior in strength. The ideal option is metal temples and plastic temples. It would be good if there were silicone pads on the nose pads.

What determines the price of chameleons?

It is very difficult to navigate the wide range of the market, especially if you are choosing an accessory for the first time. Price plays a huge role here, it is important not to fall into the hands of scammers.

Many increase the cost, at their own discretion, attributing supernatural properties to ordinary chameleons. If you focus on price, you need to remember a few tips:

• The final cost of the product will depend on the quality of the frames and lenses. Analyze the product offered, visit the websites of well-known manufacturers. You should not trust the seller; he often offers cheap goods at a high cost.
• Many buyers want to decorate the frame using various decors. Of course, such glasses will be a little more expensive than their regular counterparts.
• For vision correction, prescription lenses cost significantly more than glasses for style.
• The brand matters; well-known companies, as a rule, increase the price due to their fame. Of course, trust in the manufacturer makes us overpay. No need to look at the brand; stick to the rules of choosing by quality, not by price.
• Store markups are the scourge of modern trade. To increase profits, unscrupulous sellers purchase cheap goods and sell them at an inflated price in order to profit from the consumer. You shouldn't buy glasses at the first store you come across.
• If you analyze the entire market and follow the advice of experts, you can purchase high-quality chameleons within two thousand.

Refractive index

The choice of the base of glasses is carried out according to several indicators at once, one of the most important is the refractive index. It determines the ability of glasses to transmit sunlight. The higher this indicator, the thinner, lighter and more expensive the lenses will be. High index elements reflect 50% more light than their low index counterparts. They provide maximum efficiency and often feature an aspherical design.

When focusing on the refractive index, it is worth taking into account individual characteristics, doctor’s advice and frame material. According to the refractive index and modification of the lenses, they are distinguished:

The only disadvantage of highly indexed glasses is the low dyspepsia coefficient; such lenses cause severe color distortions. Light passing through the polymer is decomposed into several components, which can cause iridescent distortions at the edges, which in medicine are called chromatic aberration. The lower the dyspepsia factor, the more colored spots you will see around objects.

Disadvantages of chameleon glasses

It’s worth noting right away that all the shortcomings that will be listed below apply only to products that are manufactured using outdated technologies. Currently, most of them are irrelevant; the only disadvantage of such accessories is the high price per unit. Flaws:

• Long time to change the lighting mode.
• Difficulties when working in conditions of elevated ambient temperatures.
• Uneven dimming in different areas, this is especially true for cheap products.
• Inaccessible to wear while driving, since car glass does not transmit ultraviolet rays.
• A small number of color options - most often, models with green and brown shades are found on sale.

When choosing photochromic optics, consultation with an ophthalmologist is required.

Optical zone selection

The next type of classification is the optical zone. It characterizes how many tricks the glasses have. There are three main types:

• Afocal. They do not have an optical zone and are prescribed by doctors only if there is no need to correct vision. Afocal options are installed in sunglasses, computer glasses, fashion glasses or office glasses.
• Single vision. They can provide vision correction either near or far. The entire surface of such glass has the same number of diopters. Single vision glasses are prescribed to elderly patients to correct poor accommodation.
• Multifocal. The surface of such glass is divided into zones with different diopters. Multifocal elements help you focus your gaze at different distances.

Lens shape

Modern production technologies make it possible to develop lenses not only with a high refractive index and different optical zones, but also of various geometric shapes. The shape affects the thickness, lightness of the frame, the aesthetic appearance of a person, and the brightness of peripheral vision. Based on their shape, lenses are divided into:

• stigmatic or spherical;
• astigmatic or aspherical;
• bifocal or biaspherical;
• progressive or trifocal.

Stigmatic form

This is one of the most popular designs - convex. The spherical shape is inexpensive and suitable for almost any occasion. The surface of such glasses is marked point by point with identical diopters and has an equal radius of curvature. The spherical elements provide high-quality vision only in the central part, the curved side gives a distorted view to the sides. There are two types of stigmatic form:

• biconvex – for correction of farsightedness;
• biconcave – to correct myopia.

Astigmatic

These are lenses in which one or two surfaces are non-spherical. Thanks to this geometric feature, they have minimal optical distortion of objects. When wearing aspherically shaped accessories, a distortion in the size of the eyes may occur. Disadvantages include multiple reflections that appear on the surface of the glass, which is why they are often produced with a special anti-reflective coating. Astigmatic type is prescribed to people with a high degree of myopia or farsightedness.

Bifocal lenses

They have two spherical surfaces on the inside and on the outside. The specific construction provides the widest possible overview and clarity of the image of objects. In addition, the bifocal shape is thinner compared to other types. Ophthalmologists recommend wearing it with high diopters or astigmatism, when the patient needs the lightest possible design.

Progressive

If earlier people bought several types of glasses at once (some for vision, others for watching TV or reading), today scientists suggest using progressive lenses. At the top there is an area for distance vision, and at the bottom for viewing nearby objects. They do not blur the contours of objects when moving from one type of vision to another. The only disadvantage is that it takes a long time to get used to. They are not recommended for patients who have cataracts, strabismus, or a large difference in diopters between the right and left eyes.

Photochrome lenses for drivers

Another category of optics for people who drive for a long time. It is very important for drivers to be able to see the road and accompanying vehicles in any weather and time of day.

Those who experience vision problems used to have to resort to a trick and use 2 pairs of glasses at once to protect their vision from sunlight and headlights from oncoming cars.

This is not only inconvenient, but also dangerous from the point of view of accidents. With the advent of photochrome on the market, everything has changed; now you don’t need to use various tricks, you can simply purchase photochromic lenses and enjoy comfort on the road.

Types of glasses lenses

If previously only glass was used for vision correction, now there is a wide selection of other materials that are safe for humans, and the technology for making glasses is improving every time. Glass or mineral elements still remain popular due to their low cost, but they are being replaced by polymer elements that are lighter but have a higher price.

Glass (mineral)

The most popular type of lenses. They are made from special grades of mineral glass, which are characterized by high oxygen permeability. The main advantages of mineral glasses:

• Durability. The glasses can be used for a long time, while the surface remains unclouded.
• High optical characteristics and increased resistance to scratches on the surface.
• The best option for people with a high minus. Their refractive index is higher than that of plastic options.
• High throughput, thanks to which glass elements are used to create anti-glare, polarized and sunglasses.

Many advantages do not hide the significant disadvantages of glass lenses:

• They have low shockproof properties, so they are not recommended for wearing by children and athletes. To preserve the integrity of the glasses, it is recommended to store and transport such glasses in a special durable case.
• They can cause discomfort when worn for a long time, leaving marks from the frame on the bridge of the nose, causing headaches and dizziness.
• Lenses with photochromic coating have low light transmittance characteristics.

Polymer

Modern safe plastic has become an excellent alternative to glass for vision correction and quickly gained popularity among consumers. The main advantages of polymer elements:

• Short adaptation period. Compared to glass ones, they are much lighter, so they do not cause fatigue or discomfort when worn for a long time.
• Safety, low injury rate. The plastic is unbreakable, so even with a strong impact you don’t have to worry about a splinter getting into your eye.
• Plastic is easy to process, allowing manufacturers to create different designs.
• Polymer elements retain optical properties even under extreme conditions, do not fog up, and help you see clearly in the rain.

When choosing polymers, it is worth knowing that depending on the color palette, the perception of the surrounding world and even your mood may be slightly distorted. For these reasons, ophthalmologists recommend choosing clear or discreet glasses that minimize color distortion. Other disadvantages of polymers include:

• They scratch, so they should only be carried in a case.
• Not suitable for people with high handicap.
• High cost of glasses lenses compared to glass elements.

Depending on which organic material was used for production, polymers are divided into three subtypes:

• Thermosets are compounds of liquid monomer molecules, which are obtained by polymerization of ultraviolet light. The most common material is CR-39. Its properties are close to crown-type minerals, but it is 40% lighter.
• Thermoplastics are polymers produced by thermal interaction or by granule casting. The most famous thermoplastic is polycarbonate. It is highly resistant to injury.
• Quasi-thermosets are a combination of several types of plastic. They have high optical properties, are resistant to damage, and do not distort space.

Benefits of chameleon glasses

• There is no need to buy two accessories - they can replace both eyeglasses and sunglasses.
• Adaptability – depending on weather conditions, the degree of transparency of the optics changes, making the eyes comfortable in any weather, while protection from ultraviolet radiation is always at a decent level.
• A large number of design types and varied designs allow you to choose an accessory depending on the buyer’s preferences.
• They can be used not only by healthy people, but also by those who have various visual impairments.

Types of coating

When choosing glasses, you should pay special attention to the presence of special protective coatings. It can be anti-grease, with a mirror coating, antistatic or with a dirt-repellent effect. Popular types of spraying:

• reflective - prevents damage to the eyes from bright flashes of headlights, preferably for motorists;
• hydrophobic – will protect the surface from water accumulation;
• brightening – will reduce eye strain, preferable for those who sit in front of a computer monitor for a long time;
• mirror – provides maximum protection from UV rays, used to create sunglasses.

Water repellent

It is important for every consumer that the optical surfaces of glasses remain clean and transmit maximum light even in extreme weather conditions. To meet such needs, manufacturers apply a special hydrophobic coating. A thin silicone film completely covers all irregularities, allowing water droplets to easily roll off the surface. Such glasses are easier to get rid of dirt and dust; they almost never fog up when moving from a warm room to a cold one.

Anti-glare

This spray helps protect your eyes and help you recover faster from being blinded by bright lights in poor visibility conditions. Anti-reflective coatings are used to create glasses for motorists and are very popular. The special layer relieves tension from the eyes, soothes, and refracts light well in the dark. Anti-reflective coatings are used not only to create prescription glasses, but also for accessories not intended for vision correction.

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Strengthening

This coating helps maintain the integrity of the surface upon impact and prevents scratches that distort vision. Hardening coating is present only on lenses made of organic polymers; it is rarely used on glass. For different materials, manufacturers select hardening varnishes with the appropriate light refractive index.

Enlightening

A coating that is used to increase the clarity of a lens and reduce the reflection of light from its surface. The disadvantage of anti-reflective film is that it reduces impact resistance. If the glass is subjected to heavy loads, falls or impacts, the anti-reflective elements may crack or peel. For these reasons, wearing glasses with this coating is recommended only when working at a computer.

Anti-reflex

A coating that helps eliminate glare from the surface of glass. In addition, their presence interferes with eye contact between interlocutors. To eliminate the defect, manufacturers often apply an anti-reflex film to the surface of glass or plastic. It improves picture quality, the passage of light and oxygen, eliminates glare, and does not interfere with the view. In addition, the anti-reflex coating improves visual acuity.

Mirror coating

A coating that has a high level of ultraviolet ray filtration. Mirror coating is used for the production of sun protection accessories, both with and without diopters. This type of coating is applied to obtain a cosmetic effect and protect the eyes; it does not have any effect on the sharpness, quality and correction of vision. Mirror coating in different colors gives the accessories a stylish look and unusual design.

Production methods

There are two popular options sold in stores - glass or plastic. Their production method is different. For example, to create a glass model, a special coating is used, consisting of molecules with a photochromic structure. It is added only when it is in a liquid state.

The production of plastic lenses can be carried out in three ways. However, each of them is different from the other:

• Adding photochrome to plastic and subsequent hardening is the most reliable and durable method;
• Impregnation of plastic lenses with photochrome;
• Apply a thin layer to the front side. This method is convenient, but less reliable.

Which glasses lenses are best to choose?

There is a lot of different glass and high-quality organics that help protect vision, complement the image and even create a special attractive accent in appearance, have a neat appearance and are suitable for people with varying degrees of vision distortion. Before purchasing a particular model, you should consult an ophthalmologist. The top 10 popular models include:

Features of choice for children

The main criterion is that glass is excluded due to the fact that it can break and scratch the skin and mucous membranes. When you come to optics, you should pay attention to transparent polymer - acrylic or polycarbonate. Metal frames are also excluded. It is too hard, can cause allergies, bend and ruin delicate parts. The frame should be soft, monolithic. It is desirable that the frame be on flex hinges, which will prevent distortion, even if the child removes it with one hand.

For active sports

Sports eye accessories must provide a clear picture of the surrounding space so that the athlete can accurately calculate the coordination of his movements. To achieve this, most specialized sports accessories are available with an anti-reflective coating. To ensure that the frame fits tightly to the face, it is equipped with silicone gaskets on the nose folds, rubber temples and made at a certain bending angle. A special neck strap helps to secure the frame tightly on the face.

When choosing types of professional glasses, it is necessary to take into account the athlete’s occupation:

• For cycling and motorsports, polymer inserts with diopters are preferred. The degree of shading of the glass should not be higher than 1–3. It is better to choose a gradient mirror coating with yellow, gold, green or sea green spraying.
• For swimming, the best lens material is polycarbonate with a hydrophobic coating. The color of the glass is selected depending on the pool.
• To play tennis, volleyball, badminton, glasses must have a UV filter. The frame is a semi-rim so as not to narrow the viewing angle.

For motorists

Glass lenses are contraindicated for car enthusiasts. The optimal material is plastic or fiberglass (polycarbonate, Trivex). Lenses must be transparent so that the degree of light transmittance is not reduced. For daytime driving, polarized options are suitable, which effectively protect against the blinding sun, glare on wet asphalt or on buildings. For night driving, it is advisable to buy anti-headlights with yellow or orange lenses.

Rating of the best Rating of popular models of photochromic lenses

Price category up to 5,000 rubles

When purchasing a product in this price category, it is worth considering that the quality of the optics will not be at the highest level, but it is capable of performing basic functions.

BBGR Transitions VII Signature

The country of manufacture of the product is France. This is already the seventh generation of optics, which was developed taking into account all the operating features of its predecessors. The main drawback of the previous model has been eliminated - at high ambient temperatures, photochromic technology practically did not work, color changes were carried out slowly. The model is intended for everyday wear and has a wide range of color variations.

According to buyers, the product combines both darkening and brightening properties well - the glass becomes completely transparent indoors, and dark enough outdoors to protect the eyes from bright colors. According to customer reviews, glasses with chameleons from this manufacturer can be used not only in the office (transparency up to 5%), but also when driving - visibility is not limited, and when exposed to sunlight, the degree of darkness corresponds to the third category of sunglasses.

The manufacturer states that modern technology was used in production, which includes 8 different pigments, which contain a large number of molecules that provide color changes. You can choose from 18 colors, not only standard shades, but also individual ones. The average price of a product is 3,000 rubles.

Advantages:

• budget price;
• completely transparent indoors;
• many coating colors to choose from;
• quickly respond to changes in lighting.

Flaws:

• With careless use, small scratches appear on the surface.

Shamir Altolite 1.5 Transitions XTRActive Gray HMC

Country of origin: Israel. The product is made of polymer material, which has a number of advantages compared to glass analogues - light weight, elasticity (due to which it can be used in any frames), etc. Compared to competitors, this model has the ability to darken even when used in a car, which is important for drivers. This possibility is realized through the use of a special coating that reacts to ultrashort light rays.

According to the manufacturer, its optics are the darkest in the world, since in bright sunlight the degree of dimming is 90% (despite loud statements, it should be noted that this figure is achieved only at an ambient temperature of no more than 23 degrees, and at elevated readings - the maximum value is 80%). The minimum value indoors is 12%, which is why some buyers complain about poor visibility. The darkness inside the car does not exceed 50%.

First of all, this product is intended for those who spend a lot of time outdoors and want to protect their eyesight from solar activity. These are the best lenses with UV protection - the protection level is 100%. The product is sold only in gray, there is no choice of other colors. The surface of the product is coated with a hardening compound that prevents the appearance of small scratches. The product with diopters is intended for those who need vision correction - most often it is prescribed to people with myopia and hypermetropia. The product is intended for use with rimless glasses and is not recommended for use with rimless or rimless frames. The average price of a product is 4,200 rubles.

Advantages:

• the highest dimming parameters;
• suitable for drivers;
• inexpensive optics;
• Buyers do not have any difficulties with where to buy the model - it can be ordered online in any specialized online store;
• high degree of protection against UV rays;
• There is a protective coating against damage.

Flaws:

• Suitable for rim frames only;
• low transparency in the room;
• Available in one color only.

Rodenstock Perfalit 1.54 ColorMatic

Country of origin: Germany. Like other competitors' products, this product is made of polymer material. The product represents good value for money. Compared to glass competitors, the darkness is uniform throughout the lens. There are two colors to choose from – warm (brown) and cool (gray). The first is distinguished by high contrast, and the second by realistic colors. Gradation of light transmission - from 8% to 85% (at ambient temperatures above 23 degrees, the value decreases). A product with an antireflective coating is intended for indoor use, with multifunctional (hydrophobic, antistatic, dust and dirt resistant) - providing protection from external influences.

According to the manufacturer, this model is the fastest among competitors in terms of the speed of change in light transmission (contrast changes within 10-15 seconds). Suitable for use by drivers, it protects against glare from the headlights of oncoming vehicles. Can be worn when working with a computer. Recommended for installation in screw and line frames. The refractive index is 1.54, which makes the model thicker than some competitors. The average price of goods is 3,300 rubles.

Advantages:

• rapid color change;
• high-quality coating;
• 100% protects against ultraviolet light;
• the optics in the room become completely transparent;
• low cost.

Flaws:

• small diopter range (from -6 to +4).

Price category from 5,000 to 10,000 rubles

Nikon Transitions

The well-known manufacturer of photography products presented a new product in the field of health optics. The country of origin of the product is Japan. The lenses are designed for everyday wear. As in the model that ranks at the top of the Best Rating in the price category up to 5,000 rubles, it uses Chromea 7 technology, in which the optics coating consists of 8 pigments that change color when exposed to sunlight.

According to the manufacturer, the model protects the eyes 100% from sunlight. Thanks to the low darkness threshold, the optics become completely transparent indoors. There are three color options to choose from - brown (designed for those who require maximum contrast), gray-green (best color rendition) and gray (realistic colors). According to research conducted by the manufacturer, the majority of buyers (90%) who once bought optics buy them again. A product with diopters is intended only for those who have vision problems; healthy people are not recommended to buy such a product. The average price of a product is 7,500 rubles.

Advantages:

• transparent indoors and dark outdoors (protects eyes from ultraviolet radiation by 100%);
• quality technology;
• a large number of positive customer reviews;
• react not only to direct light, but also to side light.

Flaws:

• small selection of colors.

Top Vision ASP 1.67 Transitions XTRActive HMC

The review continues with a Russian-made product. It is made of polymer and has high quality indicators. The optics are manufactured from blanks that are sourced from the USA and are subject to minimal processing. In the model under consideration, the highest refractive index is 1.67. There are three colors to choose from – brown, gray and green. Indoors, all three types of chameleons become almost transparent, and block only 5% of light.

According to the description on the manufacturer's website, the product does not transmit blue spectrum rays that come from a computer monitor, as well as artificial lighting sources. The color changes to the dark side in 1 minute, to the light side in 10. The optics provide complete protection from ultraviolet radiation. The product is offered with two types of coating - with and without anti-reflective coating. The coating is also able to repel water and dirt, including dust (antistatic properties). Resistant to mechanical damage, is plastic and not subject to cracking. Since the product reacts to the entire spectrum of radiation, chameleons are able to darken in the car, which is important for drivers. The range of compatible diopters is from -10 to +8. Buyers note the thinness of the product, since it is single vision. One of the disadvantages is the high initial darkness (11%), which makes the glasses look dark even indoors. The cost of the product is 9,000 rubles.

Advantages:

• large range of applicable diopters;
• high-quality coating;
• thin walls of optics.

Flaws:

• one of the most expensive Russian models that are on sale;
• a small number of glass colors;
• high initial darkness.

Carl Zeiss 1.6 AS PhotoFusion

The review continues with another German-made product, which is an aspherical lens. According to customer reviews, this optics dims quickly, within a few seconds. Enlightenment occurs more slowly, over several minutes. The speed of brightening depends on how much they were darkened. The light transmission range ranges from 9% to 23%. The refractive index of the rays is 1.6, which indicates the small thickness of the optics.

The product is intended for use with glasses without a rim or with a line mount. This feature is due to the material used to make the product, which has high ductility. The popularity of the models from this manufacturer is due to the high quality, which is also present in this product - users note wear resistance and resistance to mechanical damage. The aspherical shape avoids image distortion that is present in most standard glasses. Anti-reflective polymer technology ensures comfortable wearing of glasses in any environment. In the manufacture of the product, technology was used that provides oleophobic and hydrophobic functions, so that the glasses do not require special care during operation.

There are two colors to choose from – brown and grey. The first provides high contrast, and the second provides natural color reproduction. Chameleons provide 100% UV protection. The product is manufactured in three different diameters - 65, 70, 75. As buyers note, even with a high diopter value, the optics have an attractive appearance. The polymer itself is manufactured using modern technology, which allows the product to be formed 25% thinner than analogues with comparable parameters. The average price of goods is 7,500 rubles.

Advantages:

• multifunctional coating that provides protection from dust, moisture, and mechanical damage;
• there is no distorting effect at the edges of the lens;
• oleophobic coating prevents the formation of greasy fingerprints on the optics;
• chameleons are thin compared to their analogues;
• a large number of positive customer reviews;
• smooth transition between light levels.

Flaws:

• small number of colors to choose from;
• According to customer advice, you should take care of purchasing such chameleons in advance, since in most stores they are sold only to order.

Price category over 10,000 rubles

Seiko CURVED X 1.67 Transitions BC6/BC4

This product from a well-known Japanese brand is made using technology that allows plastic to be bent in such a way as to eliminate poor visibility at the edges and provide a natural view. The product is intended for installation in frames that have a non-standard shape and are characterized by a high base curvature. Can also be used with sports glasses.

Unlike previous models, this lens can be configured to order a large number of parameters: base material, type of coating, presence of polarization, color. The standard coating consists of 16 layers, each of which performs its own function - protection from mechanical influences, lightening, dust and dirt protection, antistatic, polarization properties. At the request of the client, it is possible to apply a mirror coating, which makes the surface opaque. There are 5 colors to choose from - gold, silver, blue, green, red.

There are also 2 proprietary finishes: Seiko SRC and SRB. The first is distinguished by increased strength and antistatic characteristics - according to the advice of oculists, it is suitable for those buyers who handle glasses carelessly (scratches do not appear even when worn without a case). The second coating blocks the blue light that comes from gadget screens. It is suitable for those who, due to the nature of their work, spend a lot of time on a computer, mobile phone or tablet.

In the case of custom-made lenses, some parameters can be selected depending on the client’s preferences - the use of additional coating, adjusting the diameter of the product, changing the thickness, reducing the prism, manufacturing in a certain style, etc. Lenses can be monofocal or bifocal. The average unit price is 17,700 rubles.

Advantages:

• individual production according to the required parameters;
• high quality materials;
• a large number of positive customer reviews.

Flaws:

• many buyers complain about how much the product costs - for 2 lenses you will have to pay more than 30,000 rubles;
• long production time (up to 20 working days).

HOYA DriveWear Hi-Vision Aqua 1.5

As is clear from the name of the product, its main purpose is for use by drivers, and therefore, it has a distinctive ability to react to sunlight, despite the protective properties of the windshield. Chameleons have a polarizing coating, which performed well not only in sunny but also in cloudy weather.

The development of the Japanese company has been awarded a large number of different awards and prizes, which is associated with a set of characteristics that combine not only an attractive design, but also high-quality materials, durability and ease of use. Japanese quality, honed over more than fifty years of history, is noted not only by ophthalmologists, but also by buyers of these products.

The brand's products are manufactured at the factory in a full cycle mode, which allows them to achieve high performance characteristics. The range of offered diopters is from -8 to +6. There are three diameters to choose from - 65, 69, 71. To ensure resistance to external factors, a coating is used that has a water-repellent, anti-reflective, and anti-reflective effect. At the buyer's request, its type can be selected individually from a large list of items. Users note the comfort on the eyes, stylish design and soft greenish color of the lenses indoors. The initial shade is green-yellow, and with changing lighting it turns into dark brown. The average price of goods is 14,500 rubles.

Advantages:

• attractive appearance;
• wide choice of coatings;
• belong to the category of branded lenses;
• Can be used while driving a car.

Flaws:

• high price;
• not transparent indoors, which some users do not like;
• difficult to find in stock in stores.

Younger Optics Drivewear Polycarbonate UV

The review continues with another representative of chameleons for drivers, this time made in America. According to the description on the manufacturer's website, the lenses darken in three stages - in low light, in cloudy weather they acquire a yellow-green color and retain 65% of light, in a car in sunny weather they become copper-colored (retain 78% of rays), in bright weather sun - brown (88%).

The product is designed for installation in a rim frame, has a spherical shape, and is made of polycarbonate. The lenses do not become completely transparent indoors, but the greenish tint allows you to enhance the contrast of the surrounding environment. 100% protected from ultraviolet rays. The product is made by combining two advanced technologies – Transitions and polarization. Thanks to this, the user's eyes are protected not only from the bright sun, but also from the glare of the headlights of oncoming cars. It is not recommended to use chameleons at night, as they can behave unpredictably if there is a sudden change in light.

Ophthalmologists recommend these lenses not only because they perform well in any outdoor weather, but also because the product is made of polycarbonate, which has high impact resistance, less weight, plasticity and an attractive appearance. The following diameters are available to choose from - 55, 65, 70, 72. Diopter range - from - 08 to 4. The average price of the product is 10,500 rubles.

Advantages:

• attractive appearance;
• can be used when driving a car;
• rapid change in darkness;
• Modern technologies were used in production.

Flaws:

• high price;
• Suitable for rim frames only.