Photochromic & Transitions Lenses
If you lead an active lifestyle and require eyeglasses, photochromic or Transitions lenses may be a valuable addition to your optical toolkit. These lenses provide a versatile solution to the challenges faced by individuals who frequently move between indoor and outdoor environments. The lenses automatically adjust to the level of light around you, darkening in bright sunlight and lightening indoors. This means you can experience optimal visual clarity in any environment without the need for multiple pairs of prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses. Visit our licensed opticians in Edmonton today to choose the photochromic lens best suited to your needs and lifestyle.
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What Are Photochromic and Transitions Lenses?
Photochromic lenses are a type of eyewear lens that changes its tint or color when exposed to sunlight or UV rays. They are also commonly known as transition lenses, adaptive lenses, or light-adjusting lenses. Transitions™ is one of the most popular brands of photochromic lenses. Photochromic lenses are made of a special type of plastic that contains molecules that react to UV (i.e., ultraviolet) light. When exposed to UV rays, the molecules in the lenses begin to darken, which reduces the amount of light that can enter the eyes. When the UV is no longer present, the lenses gradually return to their clear state. This process of tinting and clearing can happen in a matter of seconds to a few minutes, depending on the intensity of the UV light.
Light Intelligent Sunglass Lenses.
Photochromic / Transitions Lenses: How Do They Work?
The photochromic molecules embedded in the lens material are activated by UV radiation. The molecules are transparent or lightly colored in the absence of UV light, but when exposed to UV radiation, they become activated and darken the lens. The degree of tinting depends on the intensity of UV radiation. When the source of UV radiation is removed, the photochromic molecules revert to their original state, and the lens becomes clear again. Photochromic lenses are made using different technologies. One common technology uses silver halide, which is sensitive to UV light. Another technology uses organic molecules that change their shape when exposed to UV light, which causes them to darken. In both cases, the lenses gradually return to their clear state when the UV radiation is no longer present.
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Convenient Outdoor Sun Protection.
Who Should Consider Photochromic / Transitions Lenses?
Photochromic lenses are an excellent choice for individuals who wear prescription glasses or contact lenses and spend a lot of time outdoors. They are also an ideal eyewear option for individuals who experience discomfort or glare from bright light sources or sudden changes in light conditions, or those that suffer from certain eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, or retinal diseases. Transtions lenses can also serve as convenient and practical option for indviduals that find themselves frequently switching between regular glasses and sunglasses.
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Light Intelligent Eyewear.
Advantages Of Photochromic / Transitions Lenses
- Photochromic lenses eliminate the need to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses. They offer a practical and convenient solution for people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Light intellgent lenses eliminate the need of separate pair of prescription sunglasses.
- Photochromic lenses offer protection from harmful UV radiation, which can damage the eyes.
- Photochromic lenses reduce glare and improve visual comfort, making them an excellent choice for people who are sensitive to light or suffer from eye conditions.
- Photochromic lenses are available in a range of colors and styles, allowing individuals to express their personal style while still enjoying the benefits of photochromic technology.
Light Intelligent Lenses Are Not Perfect.
Shortcomings Of Photochromic Lenses
- Photochromic lenses are more expensive than regular eyeglass lenses.
- Photochromic lenses may not work as well in extremely hot or cold temperatures, or in areas with low UV radiation.
- Photochromic lenses take some time to respond to changing light conditions, which may be an issue in frequently changing situations.
- Photochromic lenses that activate while driving remain slightly tinted indoors.
Popular Photochromic Lens Brands.
Transitions™ and Sensity®
Two of the most popular photochromic lens brands include Transitions™ and Hoya's Sensity®. Each brand has 4 general tiers of lenses:
The Original photochromic lens.
Fast activation and clear when indoors.
Activates in the vehicle, with slight tint indoors.
Polarized protection when tinted.
Works in the vehicle, with sligh tint when indoors.
Fastest fadeback amongst light reactive lenses .
Works in the vehicle, with slight tint when indoors.
Hoya Sensity 2 with a tinted light mirror finish.
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Photochromic Lens Comparison
| Lens | Colors | Key Features | Car | Clear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transitions Signature Gen8 | Grey, Brown, Graphite Green, Emerald, Sapphire, Amethyst, Amber |
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| Transitions XtrActive | Gray, Brown, Graphite Green, Silver Mirror, Gold Mirror, Green Mirror, Blue Mirror |
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| Transitions XtrActive Polarized | Gray |
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| Hoya Sensity 2 | Silver Gray, Bronze Brown, Emerald Green, Oceanic Blue |
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| Hoya Sensity Fast | Bronze Brown, Silver Gray |
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| Hoya Sensity Dark | Silver Gray, Bronze Brown, Emerald Green |
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| Hoya Sensity Shine | Silver Gray, Bronze Brown, Emerald Green |
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Children's Glasses
Find eyeglasses, with photochromic lenses, made specifically for the unique needs and active lifestyles of kids at our Edmonton optical.
Women's Glasses
Looking for the latest bold and beautiful styles of eyeglasses? Our Edmonton opticians can help you select eyewear and customize with Transitions lenses.
Men's Glasses
We have men's eyeglasses, that can be personalized with Transitions, to help you standout at the office, survive the jobsite, and that will complement an active lifestyle.
FYEyes Blog Posts
Photochromic Lenses: Pros and Cons
Learn more about the benefits and downsides of photochromic/Transitions lenses.
The Benefits of Wearing Sunglasses
The benefits of wearing sunglasses extend beyond offering protection from eye-damaging ultraviolet light.
Polycarbonate Eyeglass Lenses
Learn if polycarbonate lenses are the best choice for your glasses.
What Are Polarized Sunglasses?
Learn how polarized sunglasses reduce glare, improve contrast, and improve comfort.
Photochromic Lenses FAQs
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Dr. Tania Mathews is an Associate Optometrist at Eye-deology Vision Care. Dr. Mathews provides patient care 2 days a week. Read more about Dr. Mathews.
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