A glass article comprising a glass substrate and a diamond-like film deposited on the substrate is disclosed. The glass article is desirably responsive to actinic radiation, such as being capable of demonstrating a change in refractive index upon exposure to actinic radiation. The film permits passage of the actinic radiation through the film and into the substrate. In specific implementations, the film comprises at least about 30 atomic percent carbon, from about 0 to about 50 atomic percent silicon, and from about 0 to about 50 atomic percent oxygen on a hydrogen-free basis.