Key Takeaways
- Transition lenses can be a convenient all-in-one eyewear solution. They darken in bright sunlight and return to their clear state indoors, offering perfect vision everywhere, every time—in and out—without switching to sunglasses.
- These lenses use special light-sensitive molecules that respond when exposed to UV light. They automatically darken outdoors and turn back to completely clear indoors, offering all-day convenience and protection.
- Photochromic materials in transition lenses not only shield your eyes from harmful UV rays but enhance visual clarity, making them a practical option for various activities.
- You can get transition lenses in most materials, colors, and tints. This level of customization allows you to customize their weight, durability, and aesthetic appearance to suit your unique style and life demands.
- Things such as cold weather or other specific driving conditions can affect their performance. This is why it’s crucial to determine your specific needs.
- Talk to a professional optician to help you get the most out of your transition lenses. Do your research on reputable brands and find the perfect pair that accommodates your lifestyle, prescription, and UV protection needs.
Transitions lenses are glasses that adjust their tint based on light conditions, providing clear vision indoors and reducing glare outdoors.
These lenses use photochromic technology. When UV light strikes them, the photochromic molecules react by darkening and absorbing UV rays in sunlight but immediately revert back to clear when indoors.
This smooth transition from indoor to outdoor spaces works to shield your eyes from damaging UV rays while providing all-day comfort and convenience.
Read on to learn what makes them so great and how they seamlessly integrate into everyday life.
What are Transition Lenses?
Transition lenses, or light-intelligent lenses as they’re known, transition beautifully to shifting light. They are a unique class of photochromic lens that adapt to ensure best visual acuity in any environment. They respond to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, turning dark when outside and fading back indoors to their clear form.
This two-in-one performance removes the hassle of switching between glasses and sunglasses, providing a convenient two-in-one solution for everyday activities.
1. How Do Transition Lenses Work?
The secret to the transitioning abilities of these transition lenses is in their molecules that are sensitive to light. Upon exposure to UV rays, these molecules experience a structural transformation, triggering the lenses to shift from clear to dark. This process is photochromic, meaning the extent of darkening depends on the level of UV light exposure.
For example, they might look a little bit tinted on an overcast day, but then in bright sunlight the lenses will turn dark completely. One of the best things about transition lenses is how quickly they react. So instead of being immediately reactive, they typically require around 30 seconds to fully darken outside.
This speedy reaction protects your eyes from dangerous rays the moment you step outside. Once back indoors, the lenses restore to their clear self almost instantaneously. It only takes two to five minutes for this process to occur, depending on the temperature and light intensity.
2. Photochromic Materials Explained
This flexibility in usage comes as a result of advanced photochromic materials used in transition lenses. These materials have super small molecules that can translate UV exposure into transmission response, allowing the lenses to automatically change to a better tint.
No other design is so effective at blocking UV light by minimizing the amount of light that contacts your eye. The advanced materials in transition lenses make them incredibly durable and high-performing. You can fit them into any frame flat or fashion.
Whether you’re more into fashionable Ray-Ban frames or athletic Oakley frames, these prescription-ready sunglasses are ideal for everyday versatility for prescription glasses wearers.
3. UV Light and Lens Activation
The process by which transition lenses activate is directly tied to UV light. When UV rays strike the lenses, the photochromic molecules undergo a chemical reaction that starts the darkening process. This built-in reaction brings you comfort by reducing glare and squinting.
Beyond those immediate effects, it protects drivers from serious long-term dangers, such as cataracts due to ultraviolet exposure.
4. Deactivation Process Detailed
Once UV exposure stops, the lenses slowly revert back to their clear form. This deactivation process is affected by several factors including ambient temperature, with cooler conditions occasionally slowing the transition process.
The lenses’ capacity to adapt time and again without diminishing efficacy underscore their convenience and dependability.
Key Features of Transition Lenses
Transition lenses are truly one of the best developments for eyewear, offering dual functionality without the need for a second pair. Engineered to automatically and intuitively darken and lighten in response to UV rays, they make a stunning technological statement while providing effortless everyday versatility.
These lenses are perfect for those who want a single pair of glasses that suits multiple environments while providing optimal visual comfort. Here’s a quick overview of their most important features.
Light Adaptation Range
That’s one of the best things about transition lenses—that they adjust fast. They reactively and automatically adapt to the quickest variety of lighting situations. Outdoors, they begin to darken almost instantly, normally reaching their full pitch black darkness within around 30 seconds.
This combination makes them perfect for sunny environments, where they eliminate glare and increase visual experience. Indoors, they begin to revert to their clear state in just two minutes. In as little as five minutes they return to completely clear, providing seamless transitions with no sacrifice in clarity.
When it’s really hot, or really cold, this can have a small effect on how quickly this process works. These lenses adjust simply and easily, as if by magic. Whether strolling, driving, or having leisurely al fresco lunches, they offer the flexibility you need.
Available Lens Materials
Transition lenses are available in both polycarbonate and CR39 materials, which provide different advantages. With polycarbonate lenses being both durable and lightweight, these are ideal for anyone with an active lifestyle or kids.
CR39 lenses offer excellent optical clarity, while still being lightweight. Choosing the appropriate material maximizes comfort and durability in your eyewear. This selection allows them to work their best in your everyday life.
Prescription Compatibility
These lenses handle just about every Rx demand from the simplest to the most complex prescription designs, including single-vision and trifocal lenses. Their versatility means they’re easily added to the coolest frames on the market — including icons like Ray-Ban or Oakley.
This quality renders them particularly appealing for use in prescription sunglasses. Pairing vision correction with light-adaptive technology makes life easier, letting people ditch the hassle of using more than one pair of glasses.
Scratch Resistance Options
For added durability, transition lenses can be treated with anti-scratch coatings. These premium coatings protect lenses from scratches and smudges as part of their regular use.
They further increase user satisfaction by keeping the lenses clear and usable longer. Anti-reflective (AR) coatings can be applied as well, eliminating glare and increasing clarity, particularly while driving at night.
Types and Shade Variations
Transition lenses—those which darken automatically in response to sunlight—present an attractive option for convenience- and UV protection-seeking eyeglass wearers. Thanks to advancements in technology, you now have more types and shades to choose from than ever.
These choices are designed to accommodate a variety of lifestyles and preferences. Learning these options is key to putting together the perfect pairing of lenses for your unique needs.
Lens Colour Options
Transition lenses are available in a variety of colours, grey, brown and green the most popular shades. Grey lenses offer great all-around light reduction, making them the best choice for those who want to eliminate glare without distorting natural colour perception.
Brown lenses are probably the best for contrast-enhancing. This is what makes them a great option for driving and precision outdoor sports where clarity of vision is a must. Green lenses provide all-day comfort while sharpening overall colour perception.
This perfect pairing is what makes them particularly attractive for outdoor adventures. Besides functional needs, colour enhances aesthetic beauty. Grey lenses sometimes come up very futuristic and high-tech looking, as opposed to the brown which can provide a rich, traditional appearance.
Green lenses offer a classy, distinct hue that delivers all the eye-catching vibes without being overpowering. Transitions XTRActive Polarised lenses are only available in grey. Not only are they built to bring you more precise vision and added layer of protection, they’re super effective in intense sun conditions.
Lens Material Choices
Because the material of transition lenses is such an important aspect of them, it greatly affects their weight, durability, and optical quality.
Lightweight materials such as polycarbonate are extremely impact-resistant and shatterproof, which are convenient if you live an active lifestyle or if you are looking for children’s eyewear. High-index lenses, although lighter and thinner, provide great clarity, particularly for those who have strong prescriptions.
Standard plastic lenses are still the best-selling because they’re affordable and have a good compromise of features. Where you live and how you live should determine what material you choose.
Those who are more mobile can opt for lighter alternatives. Durability advocates are the first to choose materials that can stand up to weathering. These lenses can be fitted into various frames, including brands like Ray-Ban or Oakley, allowing flexibility in style and functionality.
Performance in Different Conditions
Transition lenses are the best option for anyone needing glasses that adjust to every possible lighting situation. In direct sunlight, they go dark in 30 to 60 seconds. Once the sunlight is gone, they dissolve in two to five minutes.
This easy transition brings ease and security, whether you’re in the car, walking on the street or moving inside. For a minor lift, high or low temperature excursions can begin to influence these timings.
High-end alternatives such as Transitions XTRActive Polarised lenses combine the photochromic technology with polarization. They do an excellent job at cutting glare and improving visual sharpness, even in complex settings.
For differences between outside and indoors, Transitions Signature and XTRActive lenses provide easy-going protection and convenience, with built-in comfort on a journey to different light environments.
Using Transition Lenses Effectively
Transition lenses, also known as photochromic lenses, are a beneficial purchase for those seeking practical eyewear. These adaptive lenses adjust to different lighting conditions, making them ideal for various environments. Understanding how to care for them and recognizing their pros and cons will enhance your vision experience and ensure you make the most of your new generation transition lenses.
Indoor Performance Explained
Indoors, transition lenses are totally clear, so you get all the sharpness and comfort of a regular pair of prescription glasses. This added clarity provides strain-free vision, even while reading or working at a computer. As expected, in dark environments, the lenses are particularly good at being clear.
This new feature makes it very easy to do, giving you the added benefit of not having to switch to a second pair of glasses. When exposed to UV light outdoors, their photochromic technology is triggered, causing the lenses to darken in direct proportion to sunlight.
This adaptation usually lasts about 30 seconds to a few minutes, depending on the brand and the environmental conditions. When you’re indoors, the lenses return to their normal state in about two to five minutes. If it’s really cold outside, this process can take a little longer.
For anyone who regularly travels between indoor and outdoor environments, this ability to easily adjust is a major benefit.
Driving with Transition Lenses
Driving is a special consideration for transition lenses. Most varieties fail to darken sufficiently when in-car due to UV-blocking windshields. Purpose-built driving models, such as Transitions XTRActive, maximize contrast and clarity.
They do this by automatically darkening and reducing glare from headlights and bright sunlight. These special lenses improve safety and comfort while driving especially on long trips or at high noon.
That’s why it’s important to have an honest conversation about your driving needs with your optician, so you can find the specific lenses that will accommodate your needs. For example, when you add them with frames from quality manufacturers like Ray-Ban or Oakley, you can maximise performance even more.
Temperature’s Effect on Performance
Severe climate can have an effect on transition lenses’ activation and fade speeds. This is because cold temperatures will delay the darkening process. Excessive heat can lead to a longer lag before they go back to clear.
If you’re someone who lives in an area with variable seasons, it’s important to think about that when choosing your lenses. These changes do not affect their overall functionality, but knowing about them upfront will go a long way toward managing expectations appropriately.
Transition Lenses vs. Standard Sunglasses
Transition lenses vs external sunglasses both offer UV protection and improved visual comfort, but the differences lie in the fine print. Understanding how new generation transition lenses compare with standard sunglasses can help you make an informed decision tailored to your lifestyle and vision experience.
UV Protection Comparison
In reality transition lenses are great at protecting you from the full spectrum of UV rays, blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays. This ability is especially precious given that more than 80% of ocular injury takes place prior to youngsters reach their teen years. By protecting your eyes early, you can go a long way toward preventing long-term conditions such as cataracts or macular degeneration.
Standard sunglasses, although good, offer different UV protection, depending on the quality and brand of the lens. When sunglasses don’t offer 100% UV coverage, you risk your eyes becoming damaged. Damaging to your eyes occurs over time with long-term exposure.
Transition lenses darken with a change in light and help to ensure your eyes are safer in bright sunlight. They provide a smooth transition as you move indoors into artificial lighting. This seamless protection is a significant benefit, especially for people who often find themselves moving quickly from place to place.
Visual Clarity Differences
Perhaps the best aspect of transition lenses is their ability to provide optical precision in every lighting situation. Their transition lenses are designed to automatically darken in sunlight and become clear indoors. This feature provides sharpness without compromise, so you’ll never have to squint or strain.
Transition lenses offer a gradual change in shade, ensuring constant clarity. Unlike regular sunglasses, they protect against darkened vision in shadow or under variable light. The overall visual experience they give you carries over just as well indoors.
You could leave them on as you go inside a building. This is what lends them to being a more convenient option for anyone who frequently goes in and out of buildings or environments. This ability to darken and clear up quickly makes sure that your vision is always comfortable and crisp no matter your environment.
Convenience and Adaptability
In terms of usefulness, transition lenses are exceptional in their convenience. They take out the inconvenience of needing to bring two pairs of glasses. In as little as 30 seconds to 5 minutes, they transition automatically to everything from indoor light to bright sunshine.
Plus, they’re ideal for driving, since they lighten to accommodate oncoming light conditions but still let you see easily inside the vehicle. In the long run, this kind of versatility can be easier on your wallet, especially saving you from purchasing different prescription sunglasses on their own.
Transition lenses are compatible with almost any frame, making them a flexible option for users who prefer prescription glasses or specific styles. The sheer technological advancements made to their lightweight impact- and shatter-resistant design have changed dramatically, maximizing function and all-day comfort.
Transition lenses may have a higher initial expense. Their versatility and convenience, coupled with the price point, make them a practical choice for many consumers.
Benefits of Transition Lenses
Transition lenses—known as photochromic lenses—have entered the modern age with cutting edge technology and fulfilling everyday needs seamlessly. Their ability to blend with their environment by reacting to light makes them a perfect match for any wearer’s desire for eye protection, comfort and convenience.
These lenses make your vision come to life. Beyond treating safety and eye care needs, they’re multifunctional in nature, making them an intelligent buy for those looking for multifunctional eyewear.
Cost Savings Over Time
Another one of the big benefits of transition lenses is how affordable they make it to have them. Because of this, you won’t need to purchase two different pairs of glasses.
These dual purpose lenses offer clear vision indoors and UV protection outdoors… all in one pair! This two-in-one function saves you money up front. It saves you money when you eventually go to replace or update your eyewear down the line.
An order of one pair of photochromic glasses will generally be less expensive. In comparison, purchasing prescription glasses and a decent pair of sunglasses can be several times more costly.
In the long run, this centralization can result in substantial hard dollar savings. Owning just one versatile pair lowers the risk of losing track of them. This easy decision can save you on replacement costs too.
Eye Health Advantages
Transition lenses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, even when clear. That all-around protection cuts down your exposure to dangerous UV rays by 90%.
In doing so, you reduce your risk of cataracts and other age-related eye diseases like AMD. Added eye comfort is another advantage.
These lenses contribute greatly to overall eye comfort by absorbing glare, particularly when used in combination with anti-reflective coatings. This feature becomes indispensable when driving at night or spending extended time in front of digital monitors, reducing eye fatigue.
As your surroundings brighten or dim, transition lenses react and cater to your needs, providing an uninterrupted visual experience. They provide convenient transitions between indoor and outdoor environments.
Convenience for Everyday Wear
To say that transition lenses are practical is an understatement. One pair of prescription glasses easily transitions from indoor to outdoor environments.
That means you can bid farewell to toting around or swapping between different pairs of eyewear! This convenience makes them perfect for everyday life, no matter if you’re stuck in the office or out and about in the sunlight.
In fact, they can automatically darken and clear up in as little as 30 seconds! Within only two to five minutes, they’re completely adjusted and ready for any setting.
This adaptability allows them to fit multiple activities, providing a convenient, continuous vision solution from day to night.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Although transition lenses provide great convenience, flexibility and versatility, knowing a few potential drawbacks will help you determine whether they’re right for you. Understanding these potential drawbacks allows you to weigh the advantages and disadvantages to make an informed decision. This ensures that your lifestyle and expectations align with the lenses you choose.
Here, we’ll discuss the top challenges with these lenses and how they will impact your experience.
Activation Speed Factors
The activation speed of transition lenses, or how quickly they darken or lighten in response to changing light, can vary based on several factors. Here’s the catch, though—the answer largely depends on your lenses.
One key consideration is what brand or type of lenses you select. In most cases, some brands are simply better at providing faster transitions, but their competitor might have a significant delay. The intensity of UV exposure is a factor, too—more intense sunlight usually causes quicker darkening.
Unfortunately, too hot or too cold temperatures can really delay the process, and colder climates tend to see more delays. If it’s a cold, wintry morning in the UK, the lenses will respond more slowly to the initial activation. This lag time effectively makes your eyes more sensitive to light for a short period.
Performance in Cold Weather
Cold temperature has a huge effect on the speed at which transition lenses react. When it gets cold out, the chemical reactions that allow the lenses to darken and lighten can start to hang out.
Under cold temperatures, such as on a clear January night, the optics could take longer to activate than expected. Get ready for longer stopping distances in winter weather!
Additionally, getting back to a totally normal world indoors can be pushed back too. For anyone that lives or spends time in cold weather climates, this is a big deal. If you rely on speedy transitions between outdoor and indoor environments, traditional sunglasses might offer a more reliable alternative during winter months.
Not Ideal for All Situations
There are situations in which transition lenses would be inadequate or impractical. These do not substitute for sunglasses that offer full UVA and UVB protection. Such protection is important when you’re spending six-plus hours underneath an unrelenting sun.
For some users, there’s a startling rush of lumens when you walk into late morning or early afternoon sun. The lenses take a second to calibrate which adds to this first shock.
When driving at night, photochromics can help limit glare from oncoming traffic by as much as 18%. Even with this, they cannot fully prevent discomfort from extreme glare sources.
Getting to know your unique needs and lifestyle habits is essential in determining whether these lenses are right for you.
Choosing the Best Transition Lenses
Choosing the best transition lenses is about more than looks. To get the most out of them, you’ll want to choose a pair that fits into your lifestyle like a glove. Your best choice is to consider your lifestyle, daily routine, visual habits, and what you need to be comfortable and functional every day.
Careful consideration and expert advice go a long way towards ensuring that you make the best choice for your lifestyle and budget.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Your day-to-day life will have a huge impact on which lenses are best for you. Consider how much time you’re spending outside vs in, and your specific hobbies and interests. If driving takes up a substantial portion of your day, Transitions XTRActive or Drivewear lenses should suit you best.
These lenses will actually darken whilst you’re sitting inside a vehicle, through the car’s windscreen. Or, for overall outdoor use, the original Transitions GEN S lenses are a great option for dependable quality at a cost-effective price.
When picking lenses, colour choice is important! Emerald, Sapphire, Amethyst and Grey/Green (G15) colour options allow you to express your individual style. They provide better visual acuity indoors.
The convenience of having one pair of glasses that adapts to changing light conditions eliminates the need to carry separate indoor and outdoor glasses. This versatility makes transition lenses a smart and budget-friendly option for most people.
Discuss with Your Optician
An optician’s knowledge and experience can save you a lot of trouble and expense when selecting transition lenses. They can help determine your specific specialty visual needs and suggest the most appropriate lens type for your lifestyle.
They can get you excited about new features, like increased reaction times! For instance, when placed in the sun, transition lenses usually darken in about 30 seconds and clear up in 2–5 minutes.
If this timing is important to you, ask your optician to steer you to lenses that’ll perform in the time frame you’re expecting. Their expert guidance makes sure you’re not just throwing money at lenses, but getting quality and longevity that meet your individual requirements.
Check for UV Protection Standards
Eye health is the other extremely important consideration. Whether they’re clear indoors or dark outdoors, transition lenses will protect you from 100% UVA and UVB rays.
It’s important to opt for trusted brands that adhere to UV protection guidelines. This provides greater protection and durability as well as superior visibility. Protecting your eyes and providing visual comfort should always go hand‐in‐hand.
Costs Associated with Transition Lenses
These transition lenses, widely regarded for their ability to adapt to bright and dark environments, are an upfront expense. Their prices differ quite a bit, depending on different types of lenses and other factors.
Factors Affecting Price
Meanwhile, the average cost of transition lenses is £70 in the UK, according to how you shop. With us, you’ll find features such as the Transitions Signature Gen 8. You can pick them up for as little as £60, it’s the smart buy.
Electric impacts cost, but other factors such as the brand’s reputation significantly impact the cost. Premium brands with the latest technology and proven superior performance typically cost more, but they offer increased reliability and peace of mind. For instance, statistics show that 89% of glasses wearers prefer Transitions Signature Gen 8 over premium clear lenses, underlining their quality.
Lens materials—such as polycarbonate or high-index lenses—further affect cost. Lightweight materials like polycarbonate or high-index lenses are sometimes pricier because of their durability and comfort. Other extras, like anti-glare coatings or blue light protection, can increase the cost.
Though these add-ons come at a premium, they almost always enhance the experience enough to justify it, and many users won’t want to be without them. That’s why it’s so important to compare options before buying. Higher price doesn’t necessarily equal more value. Spend time looking at different brands and options and find the right pair to suit your needs.
Comparing Lens Packages
Package Type | Starting Price | Features | Pros | Cons |
Basic Transition Lenses | £70 | Light-responsive, UV protection | Affordable, functional | Limited features |
Transitions Signature Gen 8 | £60 | Faster adaptation, improved clarity | Budget-friendly, high performance | Fewer optional upgrades |
Premium Customised Lenses | £100+ | Advanced coatings, tailored prescriptions | Durable, enhanced visual comfort | Higher upfront cost |
Choosing the right package ultimately comes down to your lifestyle and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable, convenient option, the new generation transition lenses like Transitions Signature Gen 8 are a great fit. For those seeking more personalized solutions, our advanced packages will be a better fit.
Are Transition Lenses Worth It?
Transition lenses really provide tremendous value by not requiring separate prescription sunglasses, saving time and money. Their long-term benefits, like convenience and UV protection, will make up for that initial investment.
Understanding the way you live each day will make it easier to determine whether or not they fit with your lifestyle.
Where to Purchase Transition Lenses
Here’s why knowing where to buy transition lenses is so important. It helps to make sure that you’re getting the best quality and value for your eyewear. Whether you prefer the personalized service of a local optician or the convenience of online shopping, transition lenses are available to suit your style.
Regardless, there are tons of great choices out there to suit your needs.
High Street Opticians
Local opticians are always your best bet for finding great products, including transition lenses. Take advantage of the benefit of in-person meetings and consultations! Our trained opticians are available to assist you in selecting frames and lenses that match your prescription and lifestyle perfectly.
Their experience will help you tailor your custom lenses to best suit your needs. With custom transition lenses you can get the exact UV protection you desire and the right tinting level. Most high street opticians have the ability to do a professional fitting—the next most important part of comfort and effectiveness.
A lens fitting ensures the lens is positioned in front of your eyes to get the best light-adaptive experience. Additionally, buying locally helps get money back into the businesses of your own community, creating a more personal bond, along with the localized potential to access aftercare, too.
Better yet, most opticians stock Transitions® brand lenses, so you can rest assured you’re getting the best quality lens. Your eye doctor and local optical shop want what’s best for you. You can count on them to provide quality care for your vision needs.
Online Retailers
If you or your customers appreciate the convenience and selection that online shopping provides, online optical stores create a great option. Websites like FramesDirect cater to customers seeking name-brand frames, while Lensabl simplifies the process with clear tracking and a 15% discount on first orders.
Eyebuydirect sales EyeBuyDirect frequently runs sitewide percentage-off sales and offers fast 2-day shipping on eligible items. You can usually find even more affordable prices on the internet by quickly comparing retailers’ prices, a convenience that simply isn’t available on the high street.
Be sure to make sure those lenses are genuine Transitions® brand products. Reading customer reviews and ratings is a great way to check the legitimacy of the online retailer. Websites that respect the one-for-one model, donating a pair of glasses for every pair bought, provide an ethical aspect to your purchase.
Getting a Professional Fitting
Even if you do eventually order your glasses online, finding a good professional fitting can greatly improve your experience. Correct alignment makes sure these lenses adapt smoothly to changes in light, allowing for greater comfort and efficacy.
This important step addresses issues like glare and mismatched tinting. Now you can enjoy the full benefits of your transition lenses in confidence!
Conclusion
Transition lenses quickly become an indispensable part of daily life. They react to changing light conditions, shield your eyes, and are the sleek way to avoid lugging around multiple pairs of spectacles. Whether you’re strolling in glaring sunlight or relaxing indoors, they transition flawlessly, protecting your eyes from discomfort and distortion in any environment. Whatever your lifestyle or aesthetic, there are paired lenses that will work with you, whether you’re looking for specific colors, tints, or high-tech coatings.
The add-on convenience Making the switch not only streamlines your routine but can provide additional convenience. When so many great style options are out there, plus all of these benefits for you to reap, the decision becomes a pragmatic one. Find out what’s available, weigh the pros and cons, and choose what would work best for you. Your ideal set of transition lenses are closer than you think. Whether you go to your favourite neighbourhood optician or buy glasses online, they will make your life super convenient!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are transition lenses?
Transition lenses, also known as photochromic lenses or adaptive lenses, automatically tint and clear based on UV light exposure, offering convenience and protection from harmful rays, making them a beneficial purchase for everyday use.
How do transition lenses work?
Transition lenses, also known as photochromic lenses, contain tiny molecules that react to UV radiation. When exposed to the bright sun, these adaptive lenses undergo a chemical transformation, resulting in a darker sunglasses tint. Indoors, away from UV light, they revert to clear lenses, providing effortless sight.
Are transition lenses suitable for driving?
Transition lenses, particularly the new generation transition lenses designed for driving, won’t darken properly in vehicles because most windscreens filter out UV rays, making photochromic lenses with visible light activation more suitable.
Do transition lenses protect against UV rays?
Yes, transition sunglasses do block 100% UV rays, protecting your eyes from dangerous UVA and UVB rays while enhancing your vision experience in different lighting conditions.
How long do transition lenses take to change?
Transition sunglasses, equipped with new generation transition lenses, typically take 30 seconds to a minute to fully darken in the bright sun. These photochromic lenses darken when exposed to UV light and revert to their clear state within minutes as UV exposure decreases.
What are the main benefits of transition lenses?
Transition lenses are a versatile and convenient option for everyday use, eliminating the need for a separate pair of sunglasses. These adaptive lenses provide protection from harmful UV rays and automatically adjust to different lighting conditions.
Are transition lenses expensive?
Because they are photochromic lenses, new generation transition lenses are more expensive than regular lenses, usually starting from about £100. Prices depend on the different types of lenses and other options, but they provide a beneficial purchase by combining functionality and convenience.