Lens coating
Sunglass Tints
Turn any frame into prescription sunglasses with a permanent tint. Choose from a range of shades and densities — available with or without a prescription across all lens types and indexes.
What is sunglass tint
Your frames. Your prescription. Sun-ready.
A sunglass tint is a permanent colour applied to your prescription lens during the glazing process. The result is a pair of prescription sunglasses in any frame you choose — no compromise on style or vision.
What is a sunglass tint?
A sunglass tint is a pigment applied to the lens material itself — not a surface coating. This makes it permanent and durable. The density of the tint determines how dark the lens is, from a light 20% tint to a very dark 80% tint suited to strong sunlight.
Do I need a prescription?
No. Sunglass tints are available on non-prescription lenses as well as prescription. Simply choose non-prescription at the lens type step and select your preferred tint or polarised option at checkout — no prescription details required.
Key benefits
Why choose polarised lenses?
Eliminates reflected glare
No switching between prescription glasses and sunglasses. One pair adapts automatically to your environment throughout the day.
Safer driving
Both Gen S and XTRActive block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays whenever outdoors — with no action required.
100% UV protection
By automatically adjusting to light levels, transition lenses reduce the eye strain caused by squinting in bright conditions outdoors.
Improved visual clarity
Transitions XTRActive reacts to visible light as well as UV — meaning it darkens behind a car windscreen where standard transitions do not.
Tint options
Available tint shades and densities
Grey 50%
50% of light passes through. Suitable for driving. A natural tint that does not alter colour perception — ideal for general outdoor use.
Green 50%
50% of light passes through. Suitable for driving. Maintains natural colour balance — a popular choice for everyday sun wear and outdoor sports.
Brown 50%
50% of light passes through. Suitable for driving. Enhances contrast and depth perception — popular for driving, golf and outdoor activities.
Grey 75%
25% of light passes through. Not recommended for driving. A darker tint suited to very bright conditions such as beach holidays and high-altitude use.
Green 75%
25% of light passes through. Not recommended for driving. A darker tint for strong sunlight — preserves natural colour balance in very bright outdoor conditions.
Brown 75%
25% of light passes through. Not recommended for driving. A darker tint that significantly enhances contrast — suited to very bright sun, snow and water glare.
Key benefits
Why choose a tinted or polarised lens?
UV protection
All tinted and polarised lenses block 100% UV-A and UV-B rays — essential for protecting your eyes in sunlight.
One pair for everything
Prescription sunglasses mean no switching between pairs. Full vision correction and sun protection in one frame.
Comfort in bright conditions
A tinted lens reduces the amount of light reaching the eye, making prolonged time outdoors — driving, sport, holidays — far more comfortable.
Style flexibility
Any frame in our range can be tinted. Choose a style you love and have it glazed as prescription sunglasses in your preferred shade.
UK driving law
Sunglass tints and driving in the UK
In the UK, sunglass lenses are categorised by how much light passes through. Category 4 lenses are illegal to drive in at any time. Category 3 lenses can be worn during the day but are not recommended for night driving. Category 2 lenses are recommended for daytime driving.
Tint
Light transmitted
UK driving suitability
Grey 50%
50% passes through
✓ Suitable for daytime driving
Green 50%
50% passes through
✓ Suitable for daytime driving
Brown 50%
50% passes through
✓ Suitable for daytime driving
Grey 75%
25% passes through
Not recommended for driving — use only in very bright conditions
Green 75%
25% passes through
Not recommended for driving — use only in very bright conditions
Brown 75%
25% passes through
Not recommended for driving — use only in very bright conditions
Under UK law, sunglass lenses that transmit less than 8% of light (Category 4) must be labelled "Not suitable for driving and road use" and are illegal to drive in. Our 75% tints transmit 25% of light — they are not illegal, but are not recommended for driving. Our 50% tints transmit 50% of light and are suitable for daytime driving.
Available on all indexes
Choose your lens index with sunglass tint
Sunglass tints are available across all four lens indexes. Your base coating is included as standard depending on your index choice.
Lens types
Available across all lens types
Sunglass tints are available on every lens type — prescription and non-prescription.
Single vision
Available on all single vision indexes. Ideal for distance wearers who want prescription sunglasses for driving or outdoor use.
Varifocal
Available on all varifocal packages across all four indexes. One pair of prescription varifocal sunglasses for all distances.
Bifocal
Available on bifocal lenses across 1.50, 1.60 and 1.67 indexes.
Non-prescription
No prescription required. Choose any frame, select non-prescription, and add a sunglass tint at checkout.
How to order
How to order tinted or polarised lenses
1
Choose a frame
Browse our full range from £10. Any frame can be fitted with a sunglass tints — prescription or non-prescription.
2
Select your lens type and index
Choose your lens type and index. For non-prescription, simply select non-prescription and skip to the coatings step.
3
Choose your tint
Select your preferred tint shade and density at the coatings step. Add your prescription details if required and complete your order.
Ready to order your prescription sunglasses?
Sunglass tints are available on all lens types and indexes — with or without a prescription. Any frame from £10. All lenses glazed in-house.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I get prescription sunglasses in any frame?
Yes. Any frame in our range can be fitted with a prescription sunglass tint at the coatings step. Choose your frame, select your lens type and index, then add your preferred tint or polarised option at the coatings step during checkout.Do tinted lenses block UV rays?
Yes. All our tinted and polarised lenses block 100% UV-A and UV-B rays regardless of the tint shade or density chosen. UV protection is not related to how dark the lens appears — it is built into the lens material and coating.Are sunglass tints permanent?
Yes. A sunglass tint is applied to the lens material itself during the glazing process and is permanent. Unlike transition lenses which change depending on light levels, a sunglass tint remains at a fixed density at all times.Which sunglass tints are legal for driving in the UK?
Our 50% tints — Grey 50%, Green 50% and Brown 50% — transmit 50% of light and are suitable for daytime driving. Our 75% tints transmit only 25% of light and are not recommended for driving — they are better suited to very bright outdoor conditions such as beach holidays or snow sports. Under UK law, lenses that transmit less than 8% of light (Category 4) are illegal to drive in at any time. None of our tints fall into this category, but if you plan to use your glasses regularly for driving, we recommend the 50% options.Can I get varifocal prescription sunglasses?
Yes. Sunglass tints are available on varifocal lenses across all four packages and all four indexes. This gives you a single pair of prescription sunglasses with correction at near, intermediate and far distances.
