Why you need transition lenses
If you’re looking to update your glasses, you might want to consider the technology of transition lenses: lenses that adjust to the indoor and outdoor lighting for you so you don’t have to worry about sunglasses.
We spoke to Specsavers’ Ophthalmic Lens Product Manager, Silvia Zutavern, to find out everything you need to know about transition lenses before you make your purchase.
So, how do they work? “[Transition lenses] darken automatically when exposed to sunlight, then fade back when you return indoors. The lenses darken with the presence of UV light. They are designed to darken to just the right level depending on the available light,” Zutavern says.
When it comes to transition lenses, the technology has both its pros and cons. On the positive side, “One pair of glasses can fill the function of both clear prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses and they provide eyes with full UV protection in any state,” says Zutavern. Transition glasses are also a great option for people of all ages, including the grandkids. “They offer convenience as you don't need to carry a pair of prescription sunglasses with you everywhere you go. They are also great and quite practical for children as they do not have to worry about a second pair that could be lost, and they will always have their eyes protected from UV rays.”
However, transition lenses might not be the best option for those who seek to wear them while driving. “The lenses need UV light to activate, so the lenses tend not to react as quickly inside a car as they do in normal conditions. This is because the windscreen blocks the UV light needed to help the lens react. At night or in poor visibility, you must not wear tinted glasses when driving,” Zutavern explains.
“If one of the intended use of the glasses is for driving, then a second pair in the form of sunglasses is recommended.”