Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic lenses automatically lighten and darken depending on changing
daylight conditions, even behind a windshield. Corning Optics invented
photochromic lenses. Corning formerly owned Serengeti Eyewear, and since 1983
every Serengeti has had photochromic lenses. These have been honored by Fortune
Magazine as one of America's top one hundred products. Wenger, maker of the
genuine Swiss Army knife, also sells photochromic sunglasses. You can view these
at Wenger's Web site and purchase them from shades.com. Because they adjust to
light literally from dawn to dusk, photochromic lenses make the world's most
versatile sunglasses, suitable for all conditions.
Photochromic lenses are activated by ultra-violet light. It's not a coating --
it's microscopically engineered into the glass itself. It never wears out or
wears off. Serengeti reports that the photochromic effect takes place within one
minute. You can test that your glasses are lightening and darkening by keeping
them inside and covering a portion of the lens such as with masking tape. Take
your glasses outdoors, wait one minute, and remove the tape: the portion that
was covered will be darker than the rest of the lens. There are three main
Serengeti lenses:
Serengeti Drivers lenses are unique, all-weather phochromic lenses that
automatically lighten or darken to perform under the broadest range of daylight
conditions. Drivers filter the specific wavelengths of light to enhance
visibility and block the wavelengths that are potentially harmful to the eyes.
The Drivers lens aborbs 99.5% of UVA rays and 100% of UVB. When darkened, the
Drivers lens transmits 9% of available light. When lightened, the lens allows
24% light transmittance. The Drivers lens is copper colored, which increases the
contrast between colors. Drivers lenses are also gradient, darker on top than
below. This lens is ideal for driving and general use.
Serengeti Strata lenses absorb 100% of UVA and UVB light. They transmit 8% of
light when darkened and 20% when lightened. Strata are also polarized to block
glare. These lenses are mahogany colored and increase contrast. This lens excels
in bright sunlight conditions, and is excellent for sailing, boating and
fishing.
Serengeti Vermilion Rose Double Gradient Mirrored lenses meet the demands of
extremely bright daylight conditions. When lightened they allow 23% light
transmittance, and when darkened only 8% (the same as Strata). The rose glass
greatly enhances contrast, improving image definition in all types of daylight
conditions, and excelling in flat light. With their double gradient mirros (on
the top third and bottom third of the lens), they block glare from the sun above
and the snow, ice and water below. This makes them ideal for skiing and water
activities.
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