Polarized
Photochromic
Tinted
Polarized vs. Photochromic vs. Tinted Lenses

All three darken your lenses, but they solve different problems. Here is how to pick the right one.

Three Different Technologies

These three terms get used interchangeably, but they describe genuinely different things -- and some lenses combine more than one.

Type What It Does Changes Automatically?
Tinted A fixed color added to the lens for style or light reduction No -- always the same shade
Photochromic Clear indoors, darkens in UV light outdoors Yes -- reacts to UV exposure
Polarized Filters horizontal glare from flat surfaces like water, roads, and snow No -- constant filtering effect
Which One Do You Actually Need?
Choose Tinted If...

You want a specific color or style, or mild, constant light reduction indoors and out.

Choose Photochromic If...

You want one pair of glasses that works both indoors and outdoors without switching.

Choose Polarized If...

Glare off roads, water, or snow bothers you specifically -- common for driving, fishing, and boating.

Polarized and photochromic can be combined. Some photochromic sunglass lenses also include polarization, giving you glare-cutting power once the lens has darkened outdoors. Ask about combining these when ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are polarized lenses the same as UV-protective lenses? +
No. Polarization filters glare; UV protection blocks harmful rays. A lens can have one, both, or neither -- always check for both separately.
Do photochromic lenses work as sunglasses while driving? +
Only partially. Car windshields block most UV light, so photochromic lenses darken less behind glass than they do outdoors in direct sun.
Can I get polarized prescription sunglasses? +
Yes, polarization can be applied to prescription sunglass lenses in most materials, including single vision and progressive.
What's the difference between a gradient tint and a solid tint? +
A gradient tint is darker at the top and fades toward the bottom, useful for driving; a solid tint is uniform across the whole lens.
More Helpful Guides
Find your right lens

Tinted, photochromic, and polarized options are all available across Shade Gray frames and sunglasses, starting at $49.