Did you know that photochromic lenses have been around since the 60s? We probably used to chuckle at our parents wearing these ’magic’ glasses that turned from clear to tinted as soon as they stepped outside. What once was used primarily for photochromic sunglasses is now becoming the popular choice for every day glasses wearers. This article dives into the reasons why photochromic lenses are the next big thing!
What’s the difference between photochromic lenses and Transitions® lenses?
They may seem the same, but there is a slight difference between the two. Photochromic lenses refer to the type of lens that reacts with light to transition between clear and dark. Although Transitions® lenses achieve the same results, ‘Transitions®’ is a brand of photochromic lenses. They offer three different levels of photochromic lenses to match your lifestyle, requirements and budget.
Are Photochromic lenses good for my eyes?
Absolutely! One of the huge advantages of photochromic lenses is that they protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays, whether clear or dark. Meaning your eyes are fully protected, no matter how bright your environment is. Better yet, some photochromic brands, such as Transitions®, include blue light protection, reducing the impact of blue-violet rays coming off digital devices.
How Do Photochromic Lenses Work?
Although we like the idea of magical lenses, it comes down to science! There is a special dye that contains silver halide molecules. These molecules react to light exposure: darkening when exposed to light and reversing back to clear when the light disappears. This dye (which can come in an array of colours) is inserted into your glasses lens, turning any pair of specs into functional photochromic glasses!
What Are Photochromic Lenses Made From?
Photochromic lenses can be made from glass, polycarbonate, plastic or resin. The last two are a common choice as they’re more flexible when inserting the photochromic dye. These lenses are also much lighter for the wearer, sturdier, and more resilient to scratches and day-to-day handling.
The Benefits Of Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic lenses offer great flexibility to the wearer. They can be made with a prescription and with a wide variety of different coatings to protect them from scratches, glare, and more, they can provide an all-around solution for the patient with only one pair of glasses.
UV protection at all times
The primary purpose of photochromic lenses is that they protect your eyes from sunlight. Not only to improve your vision but also to stop harmful UV rays from reaching your eyes. Clear or tinted, they consistently block UV rays, reducing eye strain and headaches and supporting overall eye health.
They work with any lens
By this, we mean that photochromatic lenses work with prescription and non-prescription glasses. Whether you require glasses throughout the day, for driving, reading or as standard sunglasses, photochromic lenses can protect your eyes no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
They’re fully bespoke
Along with UV protection, you can also personalise your photochromatic lenses with additional finishes. Pick your tint colour and gradient, as well as any extra finishes that will extend the longevity of your glasses and help provide better overall vision.
Save money with one lens
By choosing photochromic glasses, you can comfortably move from different environments and light settings, knowing your lenses will react and transition to the level of shade required. This removes the expense and faff of switching between two sets of frames.
The Disadvantages of Photochromic Lenses
To be honest, these light adaptive lenses have only a few disadvantages, but they’re worth noting.
Not all photochromic lenses work while driving
Windscreens are designed to block UV light from coming through to protect your eyes and help create safer driving. But without these rays reaching your glasses, the molecules in your lenses won’t react and darken. However, brands such as Transitions® XTRActive and Transitions® XTRActive Polarized™ will transition behind a windscreen
Differing transitioning times
On average, photochromic lenses can darken within 30 to 60 seconds. Depending on the brand of photochromic lens, the fade-back time to a clear lens can take up to 5 minutes. Again, the geniuses at Transitions® have designed the Gen S range, which fades back in less than 2 minutes!
They’re not always dark enough
Some glasses wearers find that once their photochromic lenses have fully transitioned to sunglasses, the tint is still not dark enough to protect their eyes and improve their vision. This comes down to the density of the dye in your photochromic lenses. At Lensology, our tints are available in a range of densities and gradients to meet your preferences.
Hot weather can slow them down
It may sound silly, but temperature can influence how quickly your photochromic lenses react. The modules within the lens are designed to react when they come into contact with warm UV light. If the modules are cold, they’ll move slowly and take longer to transform from clear to darker lenses.
Are Photochromic Lenses Suitable For Driving?
Car windshields are designed to block UV light. But if you’re wearing your photochromic glasses, this means fewer rays reach your glasses, and your photochromatic lenses won’t darken.
If you’re still squinting whilst driving due to bright sunlight, our Transitions® XTRActive Polarized™ lenses offer a solution! The molecules within these premium lenses are designed to react to UV and naturally bright lights. Meaning the lens will transition to a darker lens whilst driving.
Why Choose Lensology Transition® Signature Lenses?
Photochromic glasses are becoming more popular amongst glasses wearers. Not only do they provide adequate light protection, no matter where you are, but they also save you money by purchasing one pair of glasses.
With our Transitions® lenses, they take this one step further by including additional features to their photochromic lenses. From a range of coloured tints and gradients to quicker transition times, enhanced colour perception and even blue light protection, they offer the ultimate visual comfort in one lens.
If you’re looking for a lens to take you from the couch to work to the tennis court, all whilst knowing your eyes are fully protected, check out our Transitions® lenses to enhance your lifestyle.
