Transition lenses have come a long way. They’ve always been functional – but now they’re beautiful.
Style is not the only reason to consider transition lenses though. There are excellent reasons for wearing transition lenses, from eye health to better sleep.
Let’s take a closer look at transition lenses, what they are, and the five hidden benefits they bring to the table.
What Are Transition Lenses?
Transition lenses are lenses that get darker or lighter by reacting to ultraviolet light. As UV light hits the lenses, tiny molecules inside change their structure. They start to absorb the UV light, causing the lens to darken. They adapt to different levels of UV light by getting darker or lighter.
In the past, they had a reputation for working but adjusting very slowly. The technology has now moved on. Modern lenses are much quicker to react.
1. UV Protection for Your Eyes
UV rays are invisible. But they can cause serious damage to the eyes, including conditions such as photokeratitis. Do you spend a lot of time working outdoors? Does your work involve moving from indoor to outdoor settings often during the day? Transition lenses can provide the protection you need.
You will likely not be aware of the damage that UV light is doing. Long-term exposure, even to low levels of UV light, can cause serious eye damage. This can include developing cataracts or macular degeneration. Little by little exposure causes damage. That’s why daily protection against exposure to UV rays is so valuable.
As well as being convenient, transition lenses provide constant UV protection. We only put on sunglasses when we notice that the sun is strong. Even on cloudy days though we are constantly exposed to UV rays. Transition lenses provide protection all through the day.
2. Technology and Style Have Moved on
In the past, if you wanted the protection of transition lenses you had to put up with a single tint and super slow transition times. Those days are long gone.
Transition lenses now come in a wide range of styles, with various tints to suit your preferred style. They are also available in bifocal, varifocal, multifocal options. There are great special offers available that make these an affordable choice.
Lenses now begin to darken as soon as you step outside. When you head back indoors, they’ll clear up in about 3 minutes flat.
Previously, transition lenses did not darken in the car, because the windshield would block most of the UV light. Some lenses on the market now since natural light and darken on sunny days in the car. Perfect for safer driving.
3. Blue Light Protection
There has been a lot of talk in the media in recent years about blue light. Exposure to blue light throughout the day can be beneficial, helping us to keep alert. But there is evidence that exposure later in the day can interfere with the secretion of melatonin. They can also negatively affect our body’s biological clock – its circadian rhythm.
Although the main purpose of transition lenses is to block UV rays, they can also protect blue light. All photochromatic lenses provide this protection to some extent. Some lenses now on the market are designed to block out more blue light.
There are glasses on the market that specifically block blue light. Transition lenses with this feature can give you the best of both worlds. Some people find that wearing blue-light-blocking lenses helps to improve their sleep patterns.
4. Convenience and Value
Getting the full benefit from sunglasses requires dedication and organization. You need to make sure you take them with you everywhere. You need to remember to put them away safely when you take them off. Finally, you need to remember to always put them on when outside, even when it’s cloudy. Oh, and you have to pay for them as well – and that can be pretty expensive.
Transition glasses take the headache out of juggling glasses and prescription sunglasses. You just put them on and forget about it. They do their thing while you do yours. Even though there’s a small additional outlay at the start, it’s a big cost saving. This is true if you compare them with contact lenses and designer sunglasses, or buying prescription sunglasses.
They also allow you the flexibility to change your plans spontaneously. No more worries about whether you have your sunglasses with you. If you decide to head out for a hike rather than down to the mall, your eyes are ready for that.
5. Reduce Eye Strain
Many of us spend a lot of time squinting when we’re outdoors. Our bodies know we need protection from harmful rays. Squinting all the time increases eye fatigue.
This can lead to eye strain. This is a medical condition with symptoms including sore, burning, or itchy eyes. Some people also experience blurred vision, headaches, and increased sensitivity to light.
Using transition lenses gives your eyes a welcome rest, without you having to do anything. Add a non-glare coating to your transition lenses and it’s hello clear vision, goodbye eye strain, and headaches.
Are You Ready to Transition to Transition Lenses?
The evidence is clear. Anyone concerned about the health of their eyes should consider transition lenses. They are convenient, protective, and stylish – not many products out there can make those claims!
You may be wondering, ‘Are transition lenses worth it for me?’ At EZ Optical, we’re ready to give you the advice you need. We’ll discuss how you use your glasses, your daily routines, and UV light exposure. We’ll help you make the right choice for you.
Contact us today to set up an appointment with one of our friendly team!
