[Exposed] 4 Myths About Transition Lenses

Posted by Maddy D on

Statistics say that over 90% of people who wear or try transition lenses plan to continue to purchase them. If anything, this tells you that the convenience and science of transition lenses are greatly approved and accepted.

As with any product that has gotten such recognition, it’s hard to know the difference between the facts or truths surrounding the product and the myths. Such confusion can hold you back from a lifesaving purchase. Read on as we expose some myths about transition lenses alongside discussing some valuable information.

 

What are transition lenses and how do they work?

Transition lenses are also known as photochromic lenses and they describe optical lenses that darken automatically once exposed to high-frequency lights like UV radiation. When the high-frequency light is absent, the lens return to their clear state.

You can understand this as your crystal clear glasses transforming into sunglasses when you step outside into the sun. As magical as it may sound, there is a good deal of science behind this and benefits that make it worth your while.

A transition lens is made from carbon-based photochromic dyes. The carbon-based molecules change constantly or activate when there is a surrounding change in light. For example, when you move from within your home to outside your home you expose the lenses to UV light and they respond to it. The molecules respond by forming bonds which lead to darkening the lens, thus protecting you from the rays of the light. The lens stays this way until the exposure is removed, or it decreases. At this point, the molecule bonds break, and the lens returns to its original clear state.

Photochromic lenses can be made of plastic, glass, or polycarbonate. They come in different types which offer a range of features.

 

Benefits of transition lenses

Regardless of if we debunk the myths or not, the big question always is, what am I going to get out of a pair of transition lenses? Here are the benefits ready for your consideration.

  1. Sun protection

You heard it a thousand times already, UV rays can be unhealthy for your eyes. UV lights can lead to habits like squinting, and issues like migraines and photophobia. Not to mention breaking down the sensitive macula of your eyes that control your central vision. Photochromic lenses offer 100% protection against UV rays.

  1. Protection from light

Aside from the sun, transition lenses offer protection against other light sources that may damage the eyes. This includes harmful blue light from screens and various devices. The exposure is also associated with migraines, photophobia, eyestrain, fatigue, and squinting.

  1. Convenience

Transition lenses offer the extra convenience of being useful both within and outside the home. Hence, it eliminates the hassle of changing glasses or purchasing separate prescription sunglasses. This brings us to the next benefit.

  1. Saves you money

With a one-lens-fits-all solution on your hands, you save on money for the purchase and replacement of prescription or even non-prescription sunglasses and clear glasses. Photochromic lenses are highly versatile.

  1. Comfort

Wearing regular prescription lenses under the sun or in front of screens for an extended period often leads to eyestrain, fatigue, and discomfort. Transition lenses give wearers comfort whether you are under the sun or at home with any devices.

  1. Stylish to suit your needs

The versatility of transition lenses goes from type to color making sure you can always find something that suits your needs. This way you are not limited to just one look with transition lenses. The diverse styles are designed to fit the prescription needs of most people. Hence from shatter-resistant lenses to progressives, bifocals and more, you are sure to find something for you.

 

 

 

 

The Myths Debunked

  1. Transition lenses don’t work in the car

Windshields of cars are usually designed to reduce or block UV rays. So while regular transition lenses may not darken in the car because of insufficient exposure, Transitions XTRActive lenses darken moderately while driving. The difference is that Transitions XTRActive lenses react easily to visible light which is what you get in the car when the UV rays hit the windshield. The reaction to visible light causes the lenses to darken significantly, giving you a more enjoyable driving experience. Also, Transitions Drivewear is often recommended for driving as it is specifically designed to respond behind the wheel.  

 

  1. Photochromic lenses are for the older population

This myth mostly stems from misinformation for younger persons. Transition lenses are not for a specific age group or demographic. They are versatile and suitable for everyone. Here is a breakdown of how transition lenses work for everyone.

Computer geeks or users – It’s safe to say that a larger number of young people spend their time on a computer for various reasons. Blue light exposure is a critical issue we are all only just beginning to understand. It can be found across a majority of digital devices and even the sun. The sun contains 100-500 more times blue light than digital devices. Researchers have discovered that the impact of blue light exposure includes;

  • Health complications for the eyes.
  • Increases fatigue and the appearance of under-eye circles.
  • It interferes with melatonin, thereby disrupting the sleep cycle.
  • It affects pupillary constriction which in turn increases the light sensitivity of the eyes.

 

Kids– It’s important to protect and preserve eye health from childhood. Children of modern times are easily exposed to all sorts of rays from sunlight to blue light of screens and devices. Studies have shown that 80% of ocular sun damage occurs before 18 years of age. Also, children are 3 times more susceptible to sun damage than adults. Transition lens helps protect kids from such a statistic. It is also a convenient and lifesaving solution for kids who can’t keep up with over one pair of glasses.

Migraine sufferers or those who are at risk of migraine – If you have ever experienced it then you know how over 80% of migraine sufferers are affected by light sensitivity. Normal light levels can be very uncomfortable for migraine sufferers and even trigger a headache. Using transition lenses that adapt to changes in light levels can be highly beneficial for migraine sufferers.

Fashionable persons – Believe it or not, photochromic lenses have long made it to fashion magazines and fashionable appearances on social media. The lenses are appreciated for their depth of color which traditional sunglasses can’t offer.

 

  1. Transition lenses never get clear

Transition lenses do get clear, especially when indoors and the source of light change is absent. Some transition lenses do acquire a small tint indoors, but the Transition Signature series guarantees a crystal clear lens indoors. The Transitions Signature series lenses are designed with Chromea7 technology to reduce how temperature affects tint intensity. This gives you a completely clear lens indoors.

 

  1. They take forever to darken and forever to clear

What happens are consequences of the chemical reaction between the molecules that cause a transition lens to darken and clear. While it doesn’t take forever to either darken or get clear, here is how it works.

Darkening takes only a matter of seconds as soon as the light change is detected. However, changing back to clear form takes a little longer as the quickly formed bonds now have to break. Temperature also plays a role in affecting the speed of darkening and becoming clear again. For example, in cold areas or under cold temperature molecules vibrate closely together, making it quick and easy to darken. In warmer temperatures, the molecules are less active and thus take longer to darken when exposed to change in light. All of these are only seconds long as stated earlier.

 

So there you have the 4 biggest myths about transition lenses debunked. To know what or how to choose your suitable transition lenses, you need to consult with your doctor or lens expert. The major transition lenses available are;

Transition Signature 8

The Signature series are quite popular and mostly because they offer fully clear glasses indoors. They also block 100% of UVB and UV light and are commonly recommended for teenagers and fashion-conscious persons. Transition Signature 8 is available in several colors including brown, grey, graphite green colors, and 4 new vibrant colors emerald, sapphire, amber, and amethyst.

Transition XTRActive

XTRActive stands out as the range of transition lenses that respond to visible light. They are popular for use while driving and block 100% of UV light. They also block 20% of harmful blue light indoors and more than 85% outdoors. You can find Transition XTRActive in colors similar to the Signature series, which are graphite green, brown, and grey. When in use indoors there is a hint of tint to protect you from harmful lighting. Everyone can consider this series.

Transition Drivewear

This transition lens is described as ‘the only polarized sun lenses that adapt to light behind the wheel and outdoors’. Transition Drivewear is especially recommended to those who drive often and have to go outdoors as well. It removes glare and offers high contrast in all situations. The lenses stay mildly tinted in response to light and are ideal for use even at night.

 

If you need help or more information, you can reach out to us for a chat. Check out our entire collection of photochromic lenses here.

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