Transitional Lenses 

Is it time for you to pick out a new set of glasses? If so, you may want to consider transitional lenses. Choosing the right pair of glasses can be a bit overwhelming, with so many types of glasses and lenses to choose from. Transitional lenses offer a unique mix of benefits, in that they both enhance your vision and protect your eyes. Read on as a local Redding CA eye doctor discusses transitional lenses. 

What Are Transitional Lenses?

Transitional lenses are lenses that change according to the light conditions. They are generally clear in indoor lighting. Once you go outside, however, and the lenses are exposed to UV rays, they will darken.  

Do Transitional Lenses Work When It’s Cloudy? 

Yes. UV rays are still present even on overcast days, so the glasses work in all weather conditions.

Why Are They Called Transitional Lenses? 

These types of lenses are often commonly called transitional lenses, in large part because of the popularity of the Transitions Lenses brand, which are made by Transitions Optical. However, the technical name for them is photochromic lenses. You may also hear them referred to as light-adaptive lenses and/or variable tint lenses. 

Can I Wear Transitional Lenses To Drive?

Yes. However, this may be one of the cons of transitional lenses… at least the traditional ones. As mentioned above, transitional lenses darken when exposed to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. Your windshield will block some of those UV rays, so the traditional ones may not change in a car.

However, there are now lenses that are made specifically for driving, which react to both UV and regular (visible) light. These give you both great vision support and color contrast.

Are Transitional Lenses Right For Me?

Transitional lenses are a great fit for many. We can’t overstate how important it is to protect your eyes from sunlight. Rather than dealing with the constant hassle of exchanging glasses and sunglasses, you can just get a pair of transitional lenses. These are wonderful for people who are often going in and out. 

Can I Get Polarized Transitional Lenses?

Yes! You can now get polarized transitional lenses. Polarized lenses help reduce glare, which can be a big problem for some drivers, as well as for anyone who spends a lot of time on or near the water. Ask your Redding CA eye doctor for specific recommendations.

How Fast Do Transitional Lenses Change?

Today’s transitional lenses darken the moment you go outside. Most will be completely clear within about three minutes. However, ask your eye doctor for specifics. 

What Colors Are Transitional Lenses?

For many years, transition lenses came in two main colors: gray and brown. The gray ones provide true color perception, meaning that they do not distort or enhance any hues. The brown ones enhance contrast and depth perception, and were ideal for overcast conditions. They were often preferred by those who want or need to see colors clearly and vividly.

However, there are now several other options. Amethyst or purple lenses add some contrast, though not to the extent of the brown lenses. Emerald lenses enhance natural vision, offering excellent clarity and contrast. Sapphire lenses also provide great color contrast, especially in lower lighting.

Of course, the good thing about glasses is that you don’t necessarily have to pick just one. You also have the option of choosing different glasses to wear on different days, according to the weather, your plans, or even your outfit!

Not sure which ones to get? Ask your Redding, CA optometrist for specific advice. 

What Are The Key Benefits Of Transitional Lenses?

Transitional lenses have become very popular, and with good reason. The biggest one is that they offer the best of both worlds, providing the protection of sunglasses and the vision enhancement of regular glasses. 

Let’s break those benefits down a bit further.

Reduce Eye Fatigue

Transitional lenses can help fight eye strain and eye fatigue, both of which can be detrimental to your vision and eye health. Glare and poor/over-bright lighting can also be hard on your eyes. Getting transitional lenses is one great way to protect your peepers.

Protect Your Eyes From UV Rays

UV light can cause serious damage to your eyes over time. Even low levels, such as what you would be exposed to on a cloudy day, can be harmful. Potential risks include cataracts, vision loss, and even cancer. Transitional lenses make protecting your eyes from harmful rays a lot easier, as you won’t have to worry about swapping glasses for sunglasses. 

Protect Your Eyes From Blue Light

We’re all spending a lot of time online these days. One downfall of that is exposure to blue light. The modern transitional lens blocks more blue light indoors than regular glasses. 

Choose Your Style

Early transitional lenses offered little or no color options, and took some time to transition. Today’s are not only much faster, they also look great. Transitional lenses come in a wide variety of shapes and styles. You can also choose the type of tint you like. You can also choose from various frame styles. Whether you like aviators, cat-eye frames, thin glasses, or oversized ones,  you’ll be able to find something that suits you.

Great For Driving

Many modern cars have windshields that block UVA and UVB rays. Transitional lenses won’t react as strongly to the light inside your car as they would outside, but they will darken enough to cut glare and help you see clearly. You can even get transitional lenses that were made specifically for driving. 

They’re Convenient

Constantly having to change your glasses makes it really easy to lose them! It can also be a bit of a hassle to have to swap your glasses out several times a day. With transitional lenses, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of exchanging glasses for sunglasses or vice versa.

Great For Outdoor Wear

If your eyes are sensitive to sunlight and/or if you just spend a lot of time outdoors, transitional lenses may really benefit you. You won’t have to sacrifice clear vision for being able to see more easily in bright conditions. Many people find that these really do offer the best of both worlds.

They’re Versatile

Transitional lenses are not an either/or choice when it comes to special eyewear. You can get them as bifocal, varifocal, multifocal, and polarized. Ask your eye doctor for specific information. 

That all said, there are many things to consider when choosing eyewear. Your eye doctor can be a great source of advice and information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We’re always happy to help you to ‘see’ the options more clearly!

In Conclusion: Transitional lenses are lenses that become darker when exposed to UV and/or visible light. These provide both the enhanced vision of typical glasses and the protection of sunglasses, allowing for both great vision and optimal eye protection.

Make An Appointment At Your Redding CA Eye Clinic

Do you have questions about your glasses or prescription? Do you want to try a pair of transitional lenses? We are always happy to help! Please feel free to call us, your local Redding CA eye care clinic.