How to Care for Photochromic Lenses

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Transition lenses, also known as photochromic lenses, react when in direct contact with UV light and offer a great alternative to switching between glasses and prescription sunglasses. In brighter conditions, the lenses will darken and as conditions become darker, the lenses will once again become clear. Transition lenses are the commercial term for photochromic lenses, such as those manufactured by Essilor, HKO, Hoya, and ZEISS.

What are Transitions™ lenses?

Transition lenses are glasses lenses that react to different levels of UV light. When exposed to bright light on a sunny day, molecules in the lens react and become darker, offering protection from the sun’s radiation. As light levels decrease, the molecules go back to their original state and become transparent once again. Transition lenses only react when exposed directly to UV light, meaning that in the office or home environment, they will remain clear.

How do transition lenses work?

Transition lenses are coated with special molecules, such as silver chloride, that change shape and absorb light when exposed to UV rays. It is this reaction that causes them to darken in sunlight. When taken away from UV light, the process reverses, causing the lenses to gradually become lighter. The lenses typically take around 15 minutes to fully darken, although some change will be seen within the first minute. Transition lenses may not  be suitable to driving because car windshields are coated with UV blocking layer which will prevent your transition lenses from adapting to the lighting condition inside your car.

Photochromic sunglasses

Photochromic sunglasses (“transition” sunglasses) are normal sunglasses that are fitted with photochromic lenses. Their lenses behave the same way and will be transparent indoors and darken during sunlight exposure. Some photochromic sunglasses lenses, however, do come with dark lenses and gradually become darker. These are typically worn for outdoor use only.

It is important to note that some transition lenses may not be suitable for driving. This is because car windshields are coated with a UV-blocking layer, which will prevent your transition lenses from adjusting to light conditions inside your car. 

At SmartBuyGlasses we offer several models of sunglasses with transition lenses, including the best-selling Oakley Flight Jacket, the Nike Flak Jacket , and the Serengeti Nuvino

If you have any questions about transition lenses, you can ask one of our expert opticians!

Unreliable weather? Get the benefits of prescription glasses and sunglasses, all in one pair. Transition glasses change their shading according to the light conditions. With our special lens offer you can enjoy optimal vision clarity, in all weather conditions. Get your deal now!

Still have questions? Feel free to ask our online optician! Find out more here.

How to Care for Photochromic Lenses

Transition lenses, also known as photochromic lenses, react when in direct contact with UV light and offer a great alternative to switching between glasses and prescription sunglasses. In brighter conditions, the lenses will darken and as conditions become darker, the lenses will once again become clear. Transition lenses are the commercial term for photochromic lenses, such as those manufactured by Essilor, HKO, Hoya, and ZEISS.

What are Transitions™ lenses?

Transition lenses are glasses lenses that react to different levels of UV light. When exposed to bright light on a sunny day, molecules in the lens react and become darker, offering protection from the sun’s radiation. As light levels decrease, the molecules go back to their original state and become transparent once again. Transition lenses only react when exposed directly to UV light, meaning that in the office or home environment, they will remain clear.

How do transition lenses work?

Transition lenses are coated with special molecules, such as silver chloride, that change shape and absorb light when exposed to UV rays. It is this reaction that causes them to darken in sunlight. When taken away from UV light, the process reverses, causing the lenses to gradually become lighter. The lenses typically take around 15 minutes to fully darken, although some change will be seen within the first minute. Transition lenses may not  be suitable to driving because car windshields are coated with UV blocking layer which will prevent your transition lenses from adapting to the lighting condition inside your car.

Photochromic sunglasses

Photochromic sunglasses (“transition” sunglasses) are normal sunglasses that are fitted with photochromic lenses. Their lenses behave the same way and will be transparent indoors and darken during sunlight exposure. Some photochromic sunglasses lenses, however, do come with dark lenses and gradually become darker. These are typically worn for outdoor use only.

It is important to note that some transition lenses may not be suitable for driving. This is because car windshields are coated with a UV-blocking layer, which will prevent your transition lenses from adjusting to light conditions inside your car. 

At SmartBuyGlasses we offer several models of sunglasses with transition lenses, including the best-selling Oakley Flight Jacket, the Nike Flak Jacket , and the Serengeti Nuvino

If you have any questions about transition lenses, you can ask one of our expert opticians!

Unreliable weather? Get the benefits of prescription glasses and sunglasses, all in one pair. Transition glasses change their shading according to the light conditions. With our special lens offer you can enjoy optimal vision clarity, in all weather conditions. Get your deal now!

Still have questions? Feel free to ask our online optician! Find out more here.

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