Photochromic lenses were first released in 1964 by Corning Glass Works Inc. to better protect the retinas of patients and make glasses more comfortable to use. It quickly became widespread technology due to its ease of use in adapting to dynamic sunlight conditions.
Modern day photochromic lenses use a modified version of this technology for lenses made of Polycarbonate Plastics. The lenses are coated with a film made of a blend of Silver and Copper molecules that have a transitional molecular structure that activates and darkens the lenses when in the presence of direct UV light from the sun, but not with artificial light or sunlight blocked by UV resistant glass (i.e. car windshield). This structural transformation creates a molecule that absorbs more light thus providing a tinting effect.
Photochromic lenses typically darken substantially in the first minute and continue to darken over the next 15 minutes. In the absence of sunlight the lenses are noticeably lighter in less than 2 minutes and revert fully back to their original clear state within 15 minutes. Photochromic lenses also filter 99% of UVA and UVB light to maximize protection to your eyes from sun damage!
Applying a dynamically adaptive lens to a sport like skiing where light conditions constantly change increases a goggles functionality when partaking in an action sport that requires clear vision!
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