Sun in sight. The optician offers us "glasses with variable shade" for our glasses. Real solution or pure gadget?

What is it exactly ?

It is an optional treatment on the lenses of our glasses, as well as "anti-reflective" or "anti-scratch". A very thin layer of UV reactive molecules embedded on the glass, which darken instantly if there is sun. And that, whatever the correction (myopia, presbyopia ...).

Note: when you go back into shadow, it takes a few minutes for the glasses to lighten. But, unlike sunglasses, the vision is not embarrassed because only the outer layer of the glass is treated.

Can it replace a pair of sunglasses?

It depends. At sea or in the mountains, category 4 sunglasses are needed, while variable-shade lenses are at most category 3 when they darken. That said, the latter is very sufficient for the city or most outdoor sports (tennis, cycling, golf ...). We are no longer obliged to change our glasses systematically if we have to go out (go shopping, have a quick coffee on the terrace with a friend ...).

The downside: above 30 ° C, we forget, because their effectiveness is distorted.

Does it work also by car?

No. The windshield does not let the UV. As a result, the glasses do not darken. For driving in the sun, it is better to opt for solar with integrated correction.

It's expensive ?

Enough. We must add about 40 to 60 € per glass. And the duration of treatment is 3 years approx. Beyond that, the glasses do not darken anymore.

Thanks to Jean-Manuel Finot, director of EB Meyrowitz opticians.