Have you ever wondered what to call those glasses that magically transform into sunglasses when the sun comes out? What do you call glasses that turn into sunglasses?
These versatile eyewear pieces are known as “photochromic” or “transition lenses.” How do they work and why are they so convenient?
Let’s explore the science behind these innovative glasses. We’ll also see how they can benefit you on a sunny day.
How Photochromic Lenses Work?
Photochromic lenses, also known as transition lenses, darken when exposed to UV light. They’re made of glass or plastic with special dyes that react to UV light. The reaction causes the lenses to tint, shielding the eyes from harmful rays. Once away from UV light, the lenses gradually clear up. This feature helps wearers move between different lighting conditions, indoors and outdoors, without switching glasses.
Despite their benefits, it’s crucial to consult an eye care professional like an ophthalmologist to decide if transition lenses are the right choice based on individual visual needs and eye health.
Benefits of Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic lenses have many advantages，they are convenient, versatile, and protect the eyes. These lenses react to UV light by darkening in sunlight. This helps block harmful UV rays and acts as built-in sunglasses. This means no need for an extra pair of glasses. Photochromic lenses adjust to different light conditions, reducing the need to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses.
They are frequently used for people moving between indoor and outdoor spaces. Plus, the tint in brighter places reduces glare and eye strain, improving visual comfort. While these lenses may darken slower and offer limited colors, their benefits outweigh these drawbacks. They are a valuable choice for eye care professionals and individuals seeking better eye health and vision.
Types of Photochromic Lenses
Plastic Photochromic Lenses
Plastic photochromic lenses change tint based on light levels. They use special dyes that adjust tint according to light. These lenses are lightweight and durable, more than glass lenses. Also, they resist scratches, perfect for daily wear. For UV protection, plastic photochromic lenses block harmful rays and blue light. Yet, they may not darken as fast as glass lenses in some situations. Consult an eye care professional before getting these lenses for the best visual outcomes and eye care.
Glass Photochromic Lenses
Glass photochromic lenses change from clear to tinted in UV light. They are durable and resist scratches, unlike plastic lenses. Factors like temperature and light affect how well they work. These lenses protect against UV and block blue light, benefiting eye health. Special dyes like silver chloride help them transition to sunglasses outside and back to clear indoors. While they offer pros like durability and good UV protection, they have cons too.
How Photochromic Lenses Wear?
Exposure to sunlight triggers a photochromic lens’s color-changing process. The lenses react to UV light by darkening to a tinted sunglass shade. This transition happens because of light-responsive molecules in the lenses. Factors like the specific dyes used, lens structure, and frame quality can affect the lenses’ durability.
Environmental conditions like temperature and UV intensity also play a part in how quickly the lenses change from clear to tinted. For example, in bright sunlight or higher temperatures, the lenses darken faster. They may not darken as much in places like cars with UV-filtering windows.
Understanding these factors is important for good eye care. It ensures that transition lenses work well and meet the vision needs of individuals over time.
UV Protection of Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic lenses offer UV protection. They safeguard eyes from harmful UV rays by darkening when exposed to sunlight. The special molecules in these lenses trigger a transition process, turning them into sunglasses for UV protection.
These lenses adapt to different lighting conditions for convenience and optimal eye care. However, they may not darken well behind car windshields due to the glass blocking UV rays.
Despite some drawbacks like temperature influencing the transition process and not darkening in dimly lit places, photochromic lenses can improve eye health and vision when used correctly.
Blue Light Blocking with Photochromic Lenses
When it comes to blocking blue light, photochromic lenses are effective. They help reduce exposure to harmful blue light from screens and sunlight. This aids in eye health and vision.
Benefits of these lenses include:
- They eliminate the need to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses.
- They provide a seamless transition between different lighting environments.
However, there are some disadvantages:
- They have a slower reaction time to UV light.
- Extreme temperatures can affect the transition process.
- People with specific visual needs may require prescription lenses.
For personalized advice on using these lenses for blue light protection, consult eye care professionals like the experts at Spindel Eye Associates in Derry.
Driving with Photochromic Lenses
When driving with photochromic lenses, individuals can experience seamless transitions between different lighting conditions due to the light-responsive nature of these lenses. Photochromic lenses contain special dyes that react to UV light, causing the lenses to darken in sunlight and lighten indoors. The structure of these lenses allows for a convenient shift in tint based on the amount of UV rays present, offering advantages such as UV protection and reduced glare while driving.
However, when transitioning into dimly lit environments or night driving, the tint may not fully clear, impacting visibility and potentially affecting reaction time. It is important for individuals to consult with their eye care professional, such as Spindel Eye Associates in Derry, to ensure that the outcome of wearing photochromic lenses aligns with their visual goals and eye health.
Despite the convenience of these lenses, there are drawbacks to consider, such as the potential for slower transitions in extreme temperature conditions and the possibility of the lenses not darkening behind car windshields due to built-in UV protection.
Conclusion
Photochromic lenses, also known as transition lenses, offer a seamless and convenient solution for those who frequently move between different lighting environments. These lenses automatically adjust their tint in response to UV light, providing excellent UV protection and reducing glare, thereby enhancing visual comfort and eye health. While they are highly beneficial, it is essential to consider factors like temperature and the presence of UV-filtering glass, which can impact their performance. Consulting with an eye care professional can help you determine if photochromic lenses are the right choice for your specific needs. Ultimately, these lenses combine fashion and functionality, making them an excellent option for those seeking a versatile eyewear solution. At OPTICS TOWN, we provide you with various sunglasses wholesale, sport sunglasses, and reading sunglasses, all in personally designed styles. For a bunch of OEM sunglasses demand, please don’t hesitate to contact.
FAQ
What do you call glasses that turn into sunglasses?
Transition glasses. Examples include Transition Lenses or Photochromic Lenses.
What are sunglasses that transition from clear lenses called?
Sunglasses that transition from clear lenses are called photochromic or transition lenses. Examples include Transitions lenses or Crizal Transitions.
Is there a specific term for glasses that darken in sunlight?
Photochromic lenses.
