Today, virtually any eyeglass frame can be transformed into prescription sunglasses with the right lenses. Whether you prefer non-prescription sunglasses or sunglasses with Rx, modern lens technology allows you to customize your eyewear with solid tints, gradient tints, mirrored finishes, polarized lenses, or light-responsive options—all while maintaining visual clarity and UV protection.
Below is a complete guide to the most popular sunglasses lens options and how they enhance both comfort and style.
Solid Tints: Classic Sun Protection for Everyday Wear
Solid-tinted lenses are a timeless choice for prescription sunglasses, offering consistent color and reliable protection from strong sunlight. These lenses help reduce brightness while allowing your eyes to perceive colors naturally.
Classic Tints (Up to 85% Darkness)
Designed for outdoor use, Classic Tints deliver strong sun protection and visual comfort. It is a timeless choice for prescription sunglasses, offering consistent color and reliable protection from strong sunlight.
Available colors:
Gray
Classic Tint (85% Darkness)
Brown
Classic Tint (85% Darkness)
Green
Classic Tint (85% Darkness)
Fashion Tints (40% Darkness)
Fashion Tints strike a balance between style and function, ideal for lighter sunlight or casual wear. Available colors:
Light Gray
Fashion Tint (40% Darkness)
Light Brown
Fashion Tint (40% Darkness)
Yellow
Fashion Tint (40% Darkness)
Therapeutic FL-41 Tints
FL-41 lenses feature a soft rose hue that helps reduce light sensitivity and eye strain, making them particularly suitable for individuals with migraine symptoms or those who experience prolonged screen use. Available colors:
FL-41 25%
Therapeutic Tint (Indoor)
FL-41 50%
Therapeutic Tint (Indoor/Outdoor)
FL-41 Outdoor
Therapeutic Tint (Outdoor)
In total, 9 solid tint options are available for tinted prescription sunglasses.
Gradient Tints: Two Worlds, One Lens
Gradient sunglasses are darker at the top and gradually lighten toward the bottom, offering both sun protection and visual versatility. The darker upper portion shields your eyes when looking up, while the lighter lower section makes reading in sunlight easier. Available options include:
Gray Gradient
One-tone gradient from dark to light
Pink Gradient
One-tone gradient from dark to light
Brown Gradient
One-tone gradient from dark to light
Green Gradient
One-tone gradient from dark to light
Yellow Gradient
One-tone gradient from dark to light
Candy Gradient
Two-tone color combination
Sunset Gradient
Two-tone color combination
This makes gradient lenses a popular option for sunglasses with Rx that transition seamlessly between activities.
Mirrored: Fashion Meets Function
Mirrored lenses feature a reflective coating that reduces glare, limits light transmission, and enhances visual clarity, perfect for bright environments. For Classic Mirrored, there are 4 color options:
Silver Mirrored
Classic mirrored finish
Ice Blue Mirrored
Classic mirrored finish
Gold Polarized Mirrored
Polarized with mirrored finish
Jade Green Polarized Mirrored
Polarized with mirrored finish
Polarized Mirrored combines the benefits of polarization with additional glare reduction from the mirrored finish. We offer the same four color options as the Classic Mirrored. Polarized Mirrored also adds a photogenic, fashion-forward edge while improving visual comfort.
Polarized Sunglasses: Superior Glare Reduction
Polarized lenses are designed to minimize glare caused by sunlight reflecting off flat surfaces such as water, roads, or snow. These lenses are ideal for outdoor activities like driving, boating, cycling, and skating. Available colors:
Gray Polarized
Superior glare reduction
Brown Polarized
Enhanced contrast
G-15 Green Polarized
True color perception
Olive Polarized
Natural color enhancement
A special chemical film and anti-reflective coating work together to improve contrast and reduce eye fatigue.
Photochromic & Light-Responsive Lenses: One Pair for All Conditions
Photochromic lenses appear clear indoors and automatically darken when exposed to sunlight, making them a versatile option for those who move frequently between indoor and outdoor environments. Payne Glasses offer 5 types of lenses, including Clr2Drk, Clr2Drk+Blue, the Transitions® Gen S,the Transitions® XTRActive and EveryWear:
Clr2Drk
With clear vision indoors and darkened outdoors. Budget-friendly lenses with full UV protection. Appear clear indoors and automatically darken when exposed to sunlight, making them versatile for indoor and outdoor use.
Clr2Drk Gray
Budget-friendly with UV protection
Clr2Drk Brown
Budget-friendly with UV protection
Clr2Drk Lavender
Budget-friendly with UV protection
Clr2Drk Ture Blue
Budget-friendly with UV protection
Clr2Drk Light Blue
Budget-friendly with UV protection
Clr2Drk Army Green
Budget-friendly with UV protection
Clr2Drk Petal Pink
Budget-friendly with UV protection
Clr2Drk+Blue
With clear vision indoors and darkened outdoors. Includes blue-light filtering in addition to UV protection. However, in appearance, Clr2Drk+Blue is identical to Clr2Drk. Available colors: Gray, Brown, Lavender, True Blue and Light Blue.
Transitions® Gen S
Advanced light-responsive lenses with faster adaptation.
Transitions® XTRActive
Extra-dark performance outdoors and behind the windshield, so it can also darken in the car.
EveryWear Light-Responsive Polarized Lenses
A premium option that combines polarization with adaptive tint technology. These lenses shift through three sun-responsive colors: Olive, Copper, and Brown, based on light intensity. With 100% UVA/UVB protection, EveryWear lenses are especially suitable for driving and rapidly changing light conditions. Unlike other photochromic lenses on the market, EveryWear Light-Responsive Polarized Lenses do not turn clear under any conditions.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're looking for non-prescription sunglasses or customizable sunglasses with Rx, these lens options offer unmatched flexibility. From classic tints and gradient styles to mirrored, polarized, and light-responsive lenses, you can tailor your sunglasses to match your lifestyle, vision needs, and personal style, all while maintaining protection and comfort.