Sunglasses With Transition Lenses: Pros and Cons (2024)

Sunglasses With Transition Lenses: Pros and Cons (1)

If you wear glasses you’re familiar with the hassles of dealing with the sun. You carry your glasses and sunglasses wherever you go, switching back and forth each time you go outside and head back in. A simple alternative is to wear glasses with photochromic or "transition" lenses. These lenses automatically darken in bright sunlight and return to a regular tint in dimly lit environments.

Light-adaptive lenses have improved in recent years

Photochromic lenses have been around for decades. Years ago, all transition lenses were made of glass and came in a single color: grey. But today’s photochromic glasses are available in a rainbow of lens colors and are made with various materials.

These lenses contain proprietary dyes that undergo chemical changes and darken when exposed to UV light. Photochromic technology has come a long way since the very first transition lenses, which darkened when silver chloride or silver halide in the glass lens reacted with UV light.

Are photochromic lenses worth it?

Glasses with photochromic lenses certainly offer convenience, but they have some drawbacks too. Think about the advantages and disadvantages of these sunglasses before you buy.

Pros of transition lenses

  • They are convenient. You can use these glasses under most circ*mstances, whether indoors or outside.
  • They offer continuous UV protection. You will no longer forget your sunglasses or not bother to put them on for a trip outside.
  • They won’t get lost as easily. You and your children are less likely to lose glasses when you don’t have two pairs to keep track of.
  • They are available in many styles and colors, and can meet the prescription needs of most people. If you need shatter-resistant lenses, bifocals, progressives or have other specific needs, there’s almost certainly a photochromic lens for you.
  • They can save you money. You may not need to buy prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses as well.

Cons of transition lenses

  • They darken and lighten to varying degrees depending on the brand. Some lenses also take longer than others to adjust to brightness. Discuss your needs and options with an eyecare professional.
  • These lenses can take longer to adjust in cold weather.
  • They don’t darken as well inside cars. Auto glass has some UV protection, which can prevent photochromic lenses from darkening. Some lenses are designed to help solve this problem.
Sunglasses With Transition Lenses: Pros and Cons (2024)

FAQs

Do transition lenses work as well as sunglasses? ›

Protects your eyes – Transitional lenses do more than function as sunglasses. They actually filter out a good deal of the harmful UV rays emitted from the sun, leading to healthier and happier eyes.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of transition lenses? ›

Pros and Cons of Transition Lenses
  • Comfort. Transition lenses are comfortable to wear since they do not require switching between glasses. ...
  • Protection. Transition lenses protect your eyes from UV rays and blue light. ...
  • Convenience. ...
  • Cost-Effective. ...
  • Brand Differences. ...
  • Not Efficient in Vehicles. ...
  • Affected By Weather.

Are Transitions or prescription sunglasses better? ›

Transition lenses allow you to see clearly outdoors in the sun, as well as indoors. On the other hand, prescription sunglasses are great for having clear vision outdoors, but the permanently tinted lenses can be somewhat inconvenient when you are indoors.

Why are Transitions not a replacement for sunglasses? ›

Because Transitions lenses are triggered mostly by UV rays, and windshields are tinted to block UV rays, the lenses don't always darken completely while driving. This can leave your eyes susceptible to damage and your vision at risk of glare, which can distract you from the road.

Do you need anti glare with Transitions lenses? ›

In short, if you want to enjoy clear, comfortable, and visually appealing vision with your transition or photochromic lenses, an anti-reflective coating is a must-have addition.

Do transition lenses get as dark as sunglasses? ›

Transition sunglasses, which are also called photochromic sunglasses, have lenses that change from clear to dark in color. The lenses can darken and lighten because they are made with special dyes that chemically change when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Do transition lenses block as much as sunglasses? ›

Transition lenses can convert into sunglasses, but not entirely. If you need a darker lens to reduce the glare, then you need a dark sunglass or a polarized sunglass. So, transition lenses might not replace sunglasses in all situations.

What color for Transitions is best? ›

If you are looking for better contrast to increase visual acuity for things like golfing and fishing, then transition brown is the color for you. If you are looking for the absolute darkest transition lens possible, you should veer towards transition gray.

How many years do transition lenses last? ›

Transitions lenses are designed to last two years, which is generally the lifetime of your vision care prescription. In order to keep your prescription lenses current, regular, comprehensive eye exams are recommended to determine any prescription changes and help prevent any other eye problems.

Do transition lenses work in the car? ›

“Transitions Signature GEN 8 lenses are meant to replace your clear lenses. Because the windshield of your car blocks the UV light that is required for these lenses to activate, they won't work in the car.

Do transition lenses help with driving? ›

Combining the benefits of photochromic and fixed polarization, Transitions® Drivewear® provide you with the optimal vision experience and color contrast while you are driving, reacting to both UV and visible light. The lens color and the level of darkness adapt to light conditions while driving.

Can I wear transition glasses all the time? ›

Transition lenses are popular with people who work outside. They don't have to worry about keeping an extra pair of sunglasses or safety glasses that either have their prescription or fit over their regular frames. They can just wear the same pair all day.

Can transition lenses cause blurred vision? ›

One of the most commonly reported side effects of progressive lenses is blurry or fuzzy peripheral vision.

Which is better progressive or transition lenses? ›

For progressive lenses, you won't need to carry a pair of glasses for distance and another for reading. For Transitions lenses, you don't need to carry a pair of regular glasses and a pair of Transitions lenses. Another major difference is that Transitions lenses provide much more protection of your eyes.

Can transition lenses also be polarized? ›

Transitions®XTRActive® Polarized lenses are designed for patients who need extra protection in high-glare situations. The unique polarization technology reduces glare outdoors, providing sharper vision, a larger field of view and bright, vivid colors. Lens materials are subject to availability in US Market.

Can transition sunglasses be polarized? ›

Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses are designed for wearers who want extra protection in high-glare situations. Indoors they are clear with a hint of tint and outside they achieve a polarization efficiency of up to 90%1, which is similar to polarized sunglasses.

Why don't my transition lenses get very dark? ›

Temperature affects how Transitions change. When they're hot (like in the summer), the lenses will change slower and won't get as dark. Transition lenses don't change behind the windshield of a car. When Transition lenses do wear out, they will take on a yellowish tinge when they're clear.

Do you need blue light with transition lenses? ›

The answer is yes! In fact, many people prefer to get their blue light glasses with transition lenses because it offers the most protection from harmful blue light. Transition lenses are a type of photochromic lens that gets darker in the sun and lighter indoors.

Which is better photochromic or transition? ›

Well, they're essentially the same thing, with Transitions® being a specific brand of photochromic lens that's produced by lens manufacturer, Essilor. But, while they both achieve the same effect, Transitions® offer a more premium lens experience by changing between tinted and clear more quickly.

Should I put my transition glasses in the freezer? ›

“Transition” or “Photogray” Lenses

Use extreme cold temperature; put the glasses in their case. Then put the glasses and case in freezer for 30 minutes, or. Set the glasses in bright sunlight for about an hour.

What is the difference between photochromic and transition lenses? ›

Photochromic lenses (adaptive lenses) adjust their tint based on the lighting and temperature conditions. On the other hand, Transitions lenses are a popular brand of photochromic lenses from Transitions Optical Limited. They block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Are gray or brown sunglasses better? ›

If you want a good all-around pair of sunglasses or can only take one pair on a trip, then brown lenses are a good choice. They are not as good as gray lenses when it comes to blocking sunlight, but they do an excellent job while increasing contrast, clarity, and depth perception by filtering out blue light.

What does a good transition look like? ›

What are the components of good transition sentences? They make an explicit connection between ideas, sentences, and paragraphs. Good transitions use specific words. Try to avoid using pronouns like “this” to refer to an entire idea because it is not always clear who or what “this” refers to.

What color lens is best for bright days? ›

Gray Base Lenses

A Gray Base is a great neutral lens color that excels in bright conditions. Perfect for day driving and a variety of other outdoor activities because of its dense tint while still preserving the color integrity of surrounding environments.

Can you use alcohol wipes on transition lenses? ›

Rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, should not be used to clean eyeglasses. This harsh chemical also runs the risk of damaging the lenses, their special coating, and the eyeglass frames.

Can you use lens wipes on transition lenses? ›

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY TRANSITIONS® LENSES? Transitions® lenses can be cleaned like most lenses – with a lens cleaner, mild soap or a microfiber lens cleaning cloth. Do not use window cleaner to clean your prescription eyeglasses, as it contains chemicals that could break down the coatings on your lenses.

Why is transition lens so expensive? ›

One reason progressive lenses cost more than other kinds is that they're harder to make. Cutting and shaping the gradient on progressive lenses is simply a more delicate and time-consuming process than cutting a lens with the same prescription throughout—or even one with multiple fixed prescriptions.

Can you drive with transition lenses at night? ›

Yes, Transitions XTRActive lenses are suitable for any activity that would normally require clear lenses, which includes driving at night4. Adding an anti-reflective coating to Transitions XTRActive lenses may make night driving even more comfortable as the treatment reduces distracting glare.

Do transition lenses make it harder to see at night? ›

Photochromic lenses aren't very helpful for night driving. Light adaptive lenses primarily protect against sunlight, UV rays and blue light. They don't activate indoors under artificial lighting or at night in the presence of headlights and streetlights.

Which Transitions are best for driving? ›

Transition™ has created several options over the years, but the four best known are Signature GEN 8, XTRActive, Vantage, and DriveWear. It is good to know that not all lens types have polarization capabilities, and only some are recommended to wear while operating a vehicle.

Why don't transition lenses work in a car? ›

Windshields in today's vehicles block most of the UV rays that cause Transitions lenses to activate, or darken. As a result, just like clear lenses, Transitions lenses do not activate inside a car.

What color lenses are best for driving? ›

Grey and brown coloured lenses are ideal for driving sunglasses, as they are neutral and will not alter how drivers see different colours. Yellow and amber lenses can even increase the contrast between colours, however shouldn't be worn during night.

Do transition lenses help astigmatism? ›

Do transition lenses help astigmatism? No. At this time, transition lenses are not available for patients with astigmatism.

Do transition lenses go as dark as sunglasses? ›

Transition lenses do not get as dark as typical sunglasses lenses, and they do not darken much behind the windshield of a car. They also get darker in cold weather than in very hot weather. You can add transition lenses to any pair of glasses.

Why don't my transition lenses get dark? ›

Temperature affects how Transitions change. When they're hot (like in the summer), the lenses will change slower and won't get as dark. Transition lenses don't change behind the windshield of a car. When Transition lenses do wear out, they will take on a yellowish tinge when they're clear.

Do transition lenses work on cloudy days? ›

Since UV rays are able to penetrate through the clouds, not only do transition lenses darken on bright sunny days, but also when the sky is cloudy and overcast. Transition lenses automatically adjust their color according to the light and UV intensity in the environment.

What is the lifespan of transition lenses? ›

Transitions lenses are designed to last two years, which is generally the lifetime of your vision care prescription. In order to keep your prescription lenses current, regular, comprehensive eye exams are recommended to determine any prescription changes and help prevent any other eye problems.

Will transition lenses work in the car? ›

“Transitions Signature GEN 8 lenses are meant to replace your clear lenses. Because the windshield of your car blocks the UV light that is required for these lenses to activate, they won't work in the car.

Do transition lenses darken when driving? ›

As a result, just like clear lenses, Transitions lenses do not activate inside a car. However, Transitions® XTRActive® lenses react to visible light so they do moderately darken behind the windshield. In fact, many people use them while driving.

How do you make transition glasses stay dark? ›

To make the transition lens darker, keep the lenses cool. If you are particularly photosensitive, you might want to consider adding some additional tinting to your transition lenses. This will keep them from reverting to a completely clear state. It will also allow them to reach a darker shade during transitioning.

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