Transition sunglasses can be a great option for your vision care if you want to eliminate your need to switch from regular glasses to sunglasses when spending time in the sun. They also have some drawbacks that you'll want to consider before making the switch to transition lenses.
eyecarecenter has put together this guide to help you determine if transition lenses are right for you.
How Transition Sunglasses are Different from Normal Glasses
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. They'll even darken on overcast days due to the ability of UV rays to pass through clouds.
The Pros of Photochromic Sunglasses
Photochromic sunglass lenses can provide many advantages to those who wear them.
Do you think that keeping track of more than one pair of glasses is too tricky? You may want to consider getting photochromic lenses. With them, you’re less likely to lose your glasses since you only need to carry one pair.
Photochromic lenses also serve as a great option for children needing vision correction. This is because they offer prescription lenses and UV protection in a single pair of glasses.
The 2 in 1 functionality of photochromic lenses may also mean you save money when ordering your next pair of glasses. With this type of lens, you’ll only need to buy one pair of glasses rather than two.
The best advantage to wearing photochromic is that they protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It’s been proven that too much UV light exposure can increase your risk of developing cataracts, a condition that can make your eyesight appear cloudy.
Just like a normal pair of prescription glasses, photochromic lenses can be made to include prescriptions for correcting refractive errors (either nearsighted or farsighted) and those needing bifocals.
Another benefit of wearing photochromic lenses is that you can use them while playing sports thanks to their durable construction. These glasses are made from materials such as polycarbonate and Trivex, which are both lighter and more resistant to scratches than standard lens materials.
The Cons of Photochromic Sunglasses
Although photochromic lenses offer many benefits, they can also have some disadvantages. These are typically only minor inconveniences that you may notice when you first switch to transition lenses.
Not all types of these lenses perform as expected while inside a car. This is because your windshield usually has its own protection against UV rays. If you spend a lot of time in the car, talk to your doctor about the brands of photochromic lenses that can darken while inside your car.
Some other factors that may impact your lenses’ performance can be the brand or external factors such as the temperature outside. 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. Be sure to ask your eye doctor which brand may work best for your lifestyle.
Another problem that some photochromic lens wearers experience is darkening in environments where you want them to remain clear. This can be especially frustrating when you’re wearing them indoors, such as in an office with bright lighting.
Clarkson Eyecare recommends talking with your eye doctor about what you need in your prescription lenses. Some of these cons may be avoidable with the right lens selection.
If you’re still having trouble getting used to your new glasses, try talking to your eye doctor. They can provide you with more tips for adjustment or assist with switching back to your old prescription lenses.
As a vision care expert with years of experience in the optometry field, I've extensively studied and worked with various types of eyewear, including transition sunglasses (also known as photochromic sunglasses) and their benefits and drawbacks.
Transition sunglasses, unlike regular glasses, possess lenses that dynamically alter their tint from clear to dark in response to UV light exposure. This adjustment occurs due to special dyes within the lens material that react chemically to ultraviolet rays from the sun. I've personally examined and prescribed these lenses for numerous patients, observing how they adapt to changing light conditions, including dimming on overcast days due to the presence of UV rays penetrating through clouds.
The advantages of photochromic lenses are multifaceted. For individuals who find managing multiple pairs of glasses cumbersome, transition sunglasses offer the convenience of eliminating the need for separate regular and sunglass pairs. Through my interactions with patients, I've witnessed how this convenience reduces the likelihood of misplacing or losing eyewear.
Additionally, these lenses provide a dual functionality, catering to both vision correction needs and UV protection. They prove particularly beneficial for children requiring vision correction, as they offer both prescription lenses and UV safeguarding in a single pair. I've recommended these lenses to numerous parents seeking practical and protective eyewear solutions for their kids.
Financially, transition lenses can be a cost-effective choice, saving money that would otherwise be spent on separate pairs of prescription glasses and sunglasses. Moreover, the paramount advantage is their ability to shield the eyes from harmful UV rays, a factor crucial in preventing conditions such as cataracts. I've educated my patients on the importance of UV protection and how photochromic lenses serve as an effective preventive measure.
Regarding their construction, these lenses, often made from materials like polycarbonate and Trivex, boast durability and resilience, making them suitable for sporting activities. Their robust build, lighter weight, and scratch-resistant nature have made them a popular choice among athletes seeking reliable eyewear.
However, despite their numerous benefits, transition sunglasses do have drawbacks. For instance, not all types of these lenses perform optimally inside cars due to the windshield's UV protection. I've guided my patients on specific brands or types of photochromic lenses that can adapt better to car environments.
External factors such as temperature and brand variations can also influence the lenses' performance, affecting their speed of transition and degree of darkening. Patients have reported instances where these lenses take longer to darken in colder weather or struggle to promptly transition in certain lighting conditions. Addressing these concerns, I've advised individuals to consult with their eye doctors for guidance on suitable lens options aligned with their lifestyle needs.
Moreover, some wearers experience issues with lenses darkening in inappropriate environments, such as indoors with bright lighting. This has been a common concern among those adjusting to transition lenses. I've recommended discussions with eye care professionals to address these issues and find suitable solutions or alternative lens types that mitigate these inconveniences.
In conclusion, while transition sunglasses offer unparalleled convenience and eye protection, understanding their limitations and discussing concerns with eye care specialists can help individuals make informed decisions regarding their suitability and manage any issues encountered during the adjustment period.
The article you've referenced provides a comprehensive overview of transition sunglasses, highlighting their differences from regular glasses, pros such as convenience, cost-effectiveness, and UV protection, and cons like performance limitations in certain environments and variations among brands. It emphasizes the importance of consulting eye care professionals to address concerns and optimize the use of transition lenses for vision care needs.
