Photochromic Sunglasses

Sunglasses that Adjust to Changing Conditions

Smith Optics photochromic sunglasses, glasses, and prescription lenses automatically adjust their tint as the light around you changes, darkening in open sun and lightening in the shade. That means one pair that keeps pace as terrain and weather shift, instead of swapping glasses mid-ride or mid-hike. Smith Optics pairs this with ChromaPop™ for sharper color and contrast, plus a lens that transitions faster and adjusts across a wider range of light than standard photochromic lenses.

That combination comes built into Smith's performance frames, so you're not choosing between adaptive lenses and a fit designed for your sport; you get both in one pair.

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FAQs

How do photochromic sunglasses work?

Photochromic lenses use a compound that reacts to UV light. When UV exposure increases, like when you step into direct sunlight, the compound changes and the lens darkens. When UV exposure drops, such as under cloud cover or shade, the lens gradually returns to its clearer state.

What are ChromaPop™ lenses?

ChromaPop™ is Smith Optics’ proprietary lens technology. When you're outside in bright light, certain wavelengths overlap, causing colors like greens, blues, and reds to blend rather than stand out. ChromaPop™ filters out that overlap, so colors look sharper and details are easier to pick out against the background. On photochromic styles, that same clarity carries through as the lens adjusts to changing light.

What photochromic lens colors does Smith Optics offer?

Smith Optics offers three photochromic lens options, not including the Glacier PhotoChromic line. ChromaPop™ PhotoChromic Brown adjusts from a lighter to darker brown tint as light changes. ChromaPop™ PhotoChromic Clear to Gray shifts from clear to a darker gray. ChromaPop™ PhotoChromic Brown Opal Mirror pairs the brown photochromic tint with a mirrored finish. 

Who needs photochromic glasses?

Anyone who moves between different light conditions throughout the day can benefit from photochromic glasses. Cyclists, fishers, hikers, runners, skiers, and workers in changing environments all deal with the same problem: light that shifts faster than they can react to. Photochromic lenses adjust on their own, so you don't have to.

Can I get prescription photochromic glasses? 

Yes. In addition to photochromic sunglasses, Smith Optics offers prescription glasses with the option to add photochromic lenses. That means you can get your prescription built into a frame that also automatically adjusts to changing light, rather than choosing between corrected vision and light-adaptive lenses. 

A Heritage of Innovation — Since 1965, Smith Optics has been part of the ride — pushing boundaries, chasing lines, and sharing the experience with riders around the globe.

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