The eyewear market is currently inundated with options. From unique shapes and styles of frames to vibrant tints, the variations are nearly unlimited. However, within the sea of choices, one type of eyeglass stands out! What are they, you ask! None other than photochromic lenses and glasses. They are stylish, multi-functional, and very practical. Whether it is summer, winter, or anything in between, photochromic glasses are something worth investing in.
What are Photochromic Lenses?
In simple words, we can understand photochromic glasses as eyewear that remains transparent indoors and darkens when exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Thus, they double up glasses and sunglasses in a single frame. It is noteworthy to remember that photochromic lenses are not a novel phenomenon. They have a long history that dates back to the mid-1900s. For instance, the first photochromic lenses were patented in the 1960s and were made of glass. Thereafter, plastic versions were introduced in the 1980s and 1990s and gained mainstream traction.
In addition, it is noteworthy to remember that photochromic lenses and transition glasses mean the same thing. Simply put, Transitions® lenses are a branded type of photochromic lenses. But, they are often considered synonymous with the more general product. In addition, it is also quite common for people to omit the ‘s’ from the end of ‘Transitions’ and call photochromic lenses ‘transition lenses.’
The Working of Photochromic Lenses
The way photochromic lenses work is quite fascinating. Unlike regular sunglasses that block out a specific amount of UV rays with the help of polarisation, photochromic lenses are carbon-based. The molecules present in these lenses react to the UV rays of the sun, resulting in a change in the structure of the lenses, as they absorb light and take on a darker appearance.
The darkness of the photochromic lens is premised on the amount of light present: the brighter the light outside, the darker the lens becomes. Typical photochromic lenses take around 30 seconds to darken and they go back to normal in 2 to 5 minutes of stepping into an indoor space.
Currently, photochromic lenses are incredibly popular as they come with several advantages. What are they? Let us find out!
Those Who Need Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic glasses, like ordinary spectacles, may be worn all day. They can assist anybody, but notably, those who frequently go from interiors to outside. Photochromic glasses may be especially beneficial for youngsters who wish to wear two different pairs of spectacles.
On the other hand, these glasses may filter more UV radiation than normal sunglasses. It protects their eyes from the sun’s UV rays from an early age, which benefits their eye health.
Photochromic Lenses – An Excellent Eyewear Investment
Photochromic lenses safeguard your eyes against the detrimental UV rays of the sun, are convenient, and also look quite stylish. Let us check out their advantages in detail!
- Phenomenal UV Protection: Most photochromic glasses offer Category 3 sunglass protection against the sun’s UV rays. Thus, wearing transition glasses amounts to wearing sunglasses whenever you step outside. So, you keep a lot of UV-induced vision problems, such as macular degeneration, cataracts, etc., at bay!
- Cost-effective: Transition or photochromic glasses are quite cost-effective, as they function as prescription glasses and sunglasses simultaneously. Thus, you do not have to invest in two different pairs of eyeglasses when you have photochromic glasses.
- Convenient: Thirdly, photochromic lenses are pretty convenient. They eradicate the hassle of switching between two pairs of glasses, prescription spectacles when indoors, and UV-protective sunnies when outside. Thus, you can step out of your home and step into your abode with confidence and comfort.
- Adaptable: Last but not least, one of the pivotal benefits of photochromic lenses is that they can be infused into your prescription glasses as an add-on. Such versatility and adaptability are very hard to find in eyeglasses.
Things to Consider Before Buying Photochromic Lenses
Now that we have touched upon the pros of photochromic lenses, let us conclude the post by checking out some pointers that you consider before getting transition glasses.
- The Price – Photochromic lenses are a tad bit more expensive than other alternatives. But, splurging the extra bucks is, in fact, cheaper than buying a separate pair of sunnies.
- Unpredictable Transition – It is not possible to control when the transition lenses change their form from dark to clear. It depends upon the amount of UV light they are exposed to. It can be a problem in places with bright and glaring lights, even though one is indoors. Likewise, the opposite can also happen when you are driving. As we all know windshields are designed to block out UV light, so the lenses might not transition inside a car even when you want them to.
- Blue Light Safety – Some transition lenses are not equipped with blue light protective filters, which might be a problem if your screen time is exorbitant.
- Transition Effects – Lastly, colder temperatures cause photochromic lenses to transition slower than normal. Thus, wearing them can be a bit frustrating during freezing winters.
Difference Between Photochromic vs. Sunglasses
Photochromic glasses adjust to light automatically. On the other hand, sunglasses, have the same level, which implies that sunglasses may not always give the highest quality of eyesight. Photochromic glasses are both quick and easy to use, and they may also save you money.
However, some polarised sunglasses just color the light, making it easier on the eyes. Transition-extractive sunglasses and photochromic glasses help keep the sun rays out of your eyes while driving.
Bottom Line
So, there we have it, a comprehensive overview of photochromic lenses. Nowadays, you can find some transition glasses with the next-day delivery option, as well. The choice of buying transition glasses ultimately depends on your lifestyle. If you have vision problems, such as near or farsightedness and you are frequently under the sun, then transition lenses are a worthy investment!
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