Light adaptive transition lenses are a popular choice for eyeglass wearers who want the convenience of clear lenses indoors and the added protection of sunglasses outdoors. These lenses work by using a special photochromic coating that is made up of very small photochromic molecules. When exposed to UV light, these molecules undergo a chemical reaction that causes them to change shape and absorb more light, resulting in the lenses darkening. When the UV light is removed, the molecules return to their original shape, and the lenses become clear again.
The speed of the transition from clear to dark and back again is dependent on the intensity of the UV light and temperature. Generally, it takes about 30 seconds for the lenses to fully darken and up to five minutes to fully lighten. Transition lenses are available in different colours, with brown and grey being the most common.
Transition lenses offer several benefits, such as their convenience, saving you the hassle of switching to prescription sunglasses when you step outdoors. They also provide constant protection from harmful UV rays, as well as help to reduce eye strain and fatigue caused by squinting in bright sunlight or adjusting to sudden changes in lighting conditions. With the advancements in technology, some transition lenses are now available in higher prescriptions and can even be made in thinner and lighter materials for improved comfort and aesthetics. This is where our range of lens types and other lens coatings (such as our slim and light lenses) may be the perfect fit.
Are Transition Lenses Right For Me?
Transition lenses can offer great value for many people that wear prescription glasses, but maybe most beneficial for those who frequently move between indoor and outdoor environments – such as builders. They’re also well suited for those who spend a lot of time outdoors, as well as those who have light sensitivity issues or who are bothered by sudden changes in light.
In addition, transition lenses can be useful for people who wear glasses for vision correction and do not want to constantly switch between regular glasses and sunglasses, including children who may not remember to carry around two pairs of glasses with them (and wear them both appropriately). By automatically adjusting to changes in light, transition lenses can provide a convenient all-in-one solution.
To learn more about our light adaptive transition lens coating or see if it’s right for you, get in touch with our team at our Queensland and New South Wales clinics by selecting your preferred location here.
