All of the everyday glasses-wearers out there know just how annoying it can be when you have to constantly change between your prescription eyeglasses and your protective sunglasses. There is an answer to this frustrating experience: Photochromic lenses! Photochromic lenses are traditionally known as Transitions lenses, due to the leading manufacturer producing them. As you may already know, transitional lenses are clear prescription eyeglass lenses that slowly become shaded into sunglasses when exposed to ultraviolet light. They give you all of the protection from harmful rays that regular sunglasses offer you, in the convenience on only one pair of frames. Who wants to fumble around looking for an additional pair, anyway?
Photochromic lenses were actually first invented in the late 1960’s. However, this is not always thought to be the case because they didn’t really become as readily available to the public until the 1990’s when the brand: Transitions was created. This is the reason for why we typically refer to them as Transitions lenses, instead of the aforementioned: Photochromic lenses. While most of us have heard of Transitions lenses, the real question you’re probably asking yourself is: ‘How exactly do they work?’
In order for the progression from clear lenses to shaded sunglasses to take place, the lenses must have a certain mix of chemicals that, when exposed to UV rays, they react with each other and become darker. The conversion doesn’t just happen in any lit atmosphere; it must specifically have the influence of ultraviolet light. Therefore, there may be times when you are outside but the lenses aren’t transitioning; this is because they aren’t receiving adequate exposure to UV rays.
One interesting thing to note about photochromic lenses is that you do not see them transition immediately. This can be a bit worrisome for new buyers; however, worry not! The moment you walk outside and the lenses come in contact with the UV light, they immediately begin protecting your eyes against the harmful UVA and UVB rays. The lenses can take up to fifteen minutes total to fully darken – although usually its visible within five minutes. Along the same note, when entering a room, the lenses may take a few minutes to fully adjust to being clear again.
If you generally wear your glasses everyday, trying to find your sunglasses when you go outside, and ensuring your prescription glasses don’t get smooshed in the process is a lot of work. It may behoove you to just invest in photochromic eyeglass lenses for your next pair of glasses. While it may initially cost a bit more, ultimately you will save more by only needing one pair of eyeglasses – instead of two different pairs. So, are you going to add transitions to your next pair of prescription glasses?