If you wear optical frames, you’re familiar with the hassle of dealing with sunlight, carrying both optical frame and sunglasses, switching them when going out, and then switching back. A simple solution is to wear glasses with photochromic or “transition” lenses. These special lenses darken in sunlight and lighten when you go indoors and outdoors.
Photochromic lenses have existed for decades. Once, Mineral glass lenses were the only material option, and gray was the only color. Today, photochromic glasses come in various materials and a range of lens colors. The most popular brand is Transitions, but photochromic lenses are produced by many manufacturers, including Sensity, Thin & Dark, and PhotoFusion.
Depending on the lens type and brand, photochromic lenses darken through different processes. The earliest glass photochromic lenses relied on silver chloride or silver halide to react to UV rays and darken. Most modern photochromic lenses use proprietary dyes that chemically change to darken the lenses when exposed to UV light.
Are “Transition Lenses” Right for You?
Glasses with photochromic lenses offer convenience, but are they suitable for you? Here are the advantages and disadvantages of photochromic glasses:
Advantages of Transition Lenses:
Convenience: You can use these glasses in most situations, both indoors and outdoors.
Continuous UV Protection: You’ll never forget your sunglasses or worry about carrying them when going out.
Less Likely to Get Lost: With only one pair to manage, you and your children are less prone to misplacing them.
Diverse Styles and Colors: They cater to most prescription needs. Whether you need shatterproof lenses, bifocals, progressives, or other special features, photochromic options are almost always available.
Cost Savings: You may not need to buy both prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses.
Disadvantages of Transition Lenses:
Varying Darkening/Lightening Speed: Depending on the brand, they may take longer to darken or lighten. Discuss your needs and options with an eye care professional.
Slower Adjustment in Cold Weather: Low temperatures can delay their color change.
Inability to Darken in Cars: Car glass blocks most UV rays, preventing photochromic lenses from darkening. Some lenses are designed to address this issue.
Today, advanced high-quality glasses with photochromic lenses are not a luxury but a smart solution for many. Consider whether they fit your lifestyle.
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