Transitions glasses have some great benefits, particularly when wearing them as everyday spectacles. The photochromic lenses in the glasses darken as they are exposed to the ultraviolet rays in daylight-but they have one significant disadvantage in that until now they have not been appropriate or beneficial for use as driving glasses.
When wearing glasses for driving, you are typically trying to address two primary concerns (apart from the prescription eyeglass lenses remediating vision of course) – glare from either oncoming traffic, or reflections from road surfaces caused by moisture for example, and as prescription sunglasses that can attenuate or reduce the brightness of incoming sunlight. Modern windscreens, however, take away one of these benefits as they are designed to absorb the ultraviolet light that has been necessary to activate the photochromic reaction in the glasses lenses.
Drivewear lenses resolve this conflict by using unique and patented dyes in the transitions lenses which do respond to visible light as well as ultraviolet light. This enables the driving glasses to change colour tint as the light intensity changes and consequently improving the driver’s vision. They also block 100% of incoming UVA and UVB sunlight.
In almost every driving situation where there is strong sunlight, these lenses provide optimized comfort and safety for the driver. When the daylight is of lower intensity, these glasses lenses have a slight yellowish tint which is known to provide high contrast and so enable the driver to easily distinguish between objects in his field of vision. When they have activated behind a windscreen of a car the yellowish tint changes slightly to a more copper tint which also reduces glare and actively filters out some of the visual sunlight while maintaining excellent visual characteristics.
Another benefit of this colour tint is that it is optimized to allow strong pass-through of colours in the red and green spectrum and so makes it easier to first see traffic lights from a distance and then to differentiate easily between the colours.
When worn as everyday spectacles outside of the car, the transitions photochromic lenses continue to darken and filter out visible light in proportion to the intensity of the daylight being received the lens-providing active comfort in changing sunlight conditions and filtering out excess daylight.
Like all tinted glasses, they should not be worn for night driving however as there is a wide agreement between experts and institutions that no attempt should be used to filter incoming light at night time as it is bound to reduce the visual integrity of the driver and so negatively affect safety.
FAQs
DriveWear lenses are particularly suited for driving, accommodating everything from noon's bright sunlight to dusk's dim light, enhancing the driving experience by providing a smooth transition between different light levels.
What are the drawbacks of transition lenses? ›
Photochromic lenses can take longer to darken in cold weather. In addition to the weather, it may take some time for your lenses to transition. Some brands of lenses can take up to five minutes to fully darken when exposed to sunlight. The degree to which the sunglasses darken often depends on the brand.
Do transition glasses work while driving? ›
Transition (or photochromic) lenses actually work the same way in the car as they do anywhere else – they variably darken in reaction to the presence of ultraviolent (UV) light. The problem stems from the fact that most modern automobile windshields already filter out harmful UV rays.
Why do transition lenses not 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.
Is gray or brown better for transition lenses? ›
Generally, brown transition lenses are great for sports and reading terrains, while grey is excellent for everyday.
What to avoid in transition lenses? ›
Avoid spraying household chemical cleaners on your glasses. These contain ammonia, which can deteriorate the special coating on your lenses.
What ruins transition lenses? ›
Dry-wiping can result in micro-scratches that may spoil your lenses with time. Use only soap and water to clean your lenses; do not use other chemicals. These may react with the special coating on your lenses and spoil them.
How many years do transition lenses last? ›
While three years is a commonly cited timeframe for Transition lens wear, it's essential to recognize that various factors can influence their performance. Temperature fluctuations, for instance, play a significant role in how quickly Transition lenses adapt.
What is the difference between Transitions Drivewear and XTRActive? ›
Transitions Drivewear sun lenses have a fixed polarization and Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses have a dynamic polarization.
What type of glasses should not be worn when driving? ›
As such, choosing the wrong coloured lenses can negatively impact how well a driver can see road signs and traffic lights, and spot potential hazards. Scientific research indicates pink, blue and green lenses should generally NOT be worn while driving as they can make red lights indistinguishable.
This guarantees faster recognition and quicker reaction times on the road. They are also capable of blocking 100% UV light. You should be aware that Transitions® Drivewear® lenses are not suitable for driving at night or for indoor use.
Which Transitions are best for driving? ›
From light to dark surroundings, Transitions XTRActive New Generation lenses are an ideal option for both day and night driving. During nighttime, Transitions XTRActive lenses will remain mostly clear as they react to sunlight only. It makes them a perfect choice for nighttime driving as well.
What is the difference between Transitions signature and XTRActive? ›
However, there are some differences between these two types of eyeglass lenses. Darkness. Transitions XtrActive lenses are designed to get darker than regular Transitions lenses. In fact, they can get up to 2x as dark in some cases, making them a better choice for people who spend a lot of time in bright sunlight.
Are transition lens bad for eyes? ›
Polarised lenses block your eyes from blinding glare. So, whilst transition lenses protect you from UV rays, eye damage can still occur as you react to the glare.
What color lens is best for driving? ›
The best lenses for driving sunglasses are grey and brown (with polarisation) because they are colour-neutral, meaning they do not alter how colours appear when worn. Many sunglasses specifically designed for drivers also feature yellow and amber-toned lenses, which can help to enhance contrast and definition.
Can you drive at night with transition xtractive? ›
Yes. Transitions XTRActive lenses are suitable for any activity that would normally require clear lenses, which includes driving at night. Adding an anti-reflective coating to Transitions lenses may make driving at night even more comfortable for your patients, as the treatment reduces distracting glare.
What is the difference between Transitions Drivewear and xtractive? ›
Transitions Drivewear sun lenses have a fixed polarization and Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses have a dynamic polarization.
Which lens is best for driving? ›
While gray, brown, and amber lenses are good for daytime driving, and clear lenses are best for nighttime driving, there are some lens colors that you should avoid wearing while driving at any time. Shades of blue, green, and pink all impact how much light reaches your eyes.
