Can transition lenses replace prescription sunglass lenses?

While sunlight exposure in minimal amounts is healthy if done while using the proper protection from the harmful UVA and UVB rays known to damage both skin and eyes with even minimal exposure over time.

Just like doctors recommend that people wear an appropriate level of sunblock before heading outdoors, eye doctors warn that UVA/UVB rays can damage eye structures that are delicate and extremely sensitive to light. This type of eye exposure to harmful UV rays puts people more at risk for the development of eye problems down the road.

Individuals should always wear polarized lenses or prescription sunglass lenses whenever going outdoors or when driving or working by windows where it is possible to be exposed to damaging sun rays.

The Need for Wearing Sunglasses When Outside to Protect Eyes

Eye doctors have always encouraged patients to wear top-quality sunglasses whenever planning to be outside during the daylight hours when the sun is shining bright. There are so many different types of sunglasses now available on the market, and consumers are often confused about which type of lenses to buy.

The sheer volume of style options is really enough to make any customer feel overwhelmed. Eye specialists also caution that people can expose their sensitive eyes to harsh UV rays even when indoors near a window or driving inside of a car or other motor vehicle. This gets tricky because people normally do not think to put on sunglasses when indoors or riding in a car.

Polarized lenses or prescription sunglass lenses can help protect the eyes from damaging UVA/UVB rays. Many people today prefer wearing Transition 8 lenses because these are more convenient when going from one light level to another throughout the day.

What Are Transition Lenses?

Rather than wearing regular eyeglasses while at the office or otherwise inside, some individuals have discovered the many benefits of opting for transition lenses instead. These transition lenses are not brand new, as they have been around for a few decades now. However, the newer transition lenses, such as the popular Transition 8 lenses, offer more enticing features.

Understanding How Transition Lenses Work

Transition lenses are also called adaptive lenses or photochromic lenses. When this type of lens material is exposed to UV light, the lenses will gradually turn darker providing the eye with greater protection. Later, when the individual goes back inside, the transition lenses will then lighten up becoming clear again like regular traditional eyeglasses.

Can Transition Lenses Replace Regular Sunglasses?

Many individuals wonder if they can use transition lenses to replace their regular sunglasses. On the surface, this can be more convenient for people who must go into different lighted areas throughout their ordinary day.

Perhaps someone drives to the office, leaves at noon to walk over to a nearby deli for lunch, returns to the office then drives home when work is through. Having to worry about just one single pair of eyeglasses can make things a whole lot easier than hauling around two pairs of glasses each day.

Advantages of Transition Lenses VS Regular Sunglasses

Constantly taking off and switching eyeglasses can be a hassle, and far too often someone forgets and wonders why their drive home seems so dark as the sun begins to set and the person is unknowingly still wearing their shades.

Here are some of the obvious advantages of transition lenses:

• Convenient – simply put on your eyeglasses with transition lenses and go
• Less risk for breakage or scratches due to constant on/off-again action
• Fantastic for quick in and out trips
• Provide great UV eye protection
• Variety of styles and colors
• Transition lenses can be prescription strength
• Available in shatter-proof, progressive lenses, bifocals, and other special needs
• Transition lenses can save money
• A terrific option for kids, teens and forgetful adults

Possible Drawbacks To Choosing Transition Style Lenses

There might still be some drawbacks to picking this eyeglass lens solution.

These include:

• Transition lenses often won’t darken in some cars – windshield blocks most UV light needed to change lens shade darker
• Might not be protective enough when outdoors during peak sunlight and/or in reflected light
• Different brands of transition lenses darken more/less than others
• Some lenses won’t darken enough during longer-term outdoor use
• Cold weather can make transition lenses slow to react

Almost 40% of UV Radiation Eye Exposure Occurs When Least Expected

Approximately 40% of all UV radiation eye exposure tends to occur when least expected. May occur when outside without shades on a cloudy day. Many people do not worry about sunglasses while working indoors or while at home. This type of low-level UV eye exposure radiation is usually undetected. This causes little or no outward symptoms in most cases. Continued intermittent or low-level UV radiation exposure can result in some serious eye and vision damage if not caught in time.

Transition Lenses Can Help Protect Eyes from UV Radiation Glare Inside & Out

This unnoticed eye and vision damage due to UV radiation glare is why more eye specialists these days strongly recommend getting transition eyeglass lenses to protect eyes from this dangerous exposure known to damage eyesight. The kind of glare referred to includes sunlight UV rays reflecting back from a white snowy field when skiing or while sitting inside near a window without a UV protective coating.

UV rays are also known to cause increased glare when light is reflected over water such as at the beach or while canoeing along a river at midday even if the day is overcast.

When Should Transition Lenses Be Considered Rather Than Standard Shades?

Individuals who are constantly or at least often going in and out of varying degrees of light throughout their regular daytime routines will likely be good candidates for transition lenses that include the signature Transition 8 lenses if they normally need to wear eyeglasses daily. These adaptive lenses offer better protection round-the-clock from the dangerous unexpected UV rays that could be doing damage even if the person doesn’t notice anything due to cloud cover or sitting behind some automobile windshields that often have a UV protective coating applied.

Are There Occasions When Transition Lenses Are Not Recommended?

Yes, people who spend significant time outdoors under harsh sunlight either on sunny, cloudy or snowy days. When the glare of light seems to be blinding, that is a huge warning sign that darker and surround style sunglasses might be a better selection. Also, if the weather is extremely cold, keep in mind that transition lenses are known to be a bit slower in reacting to any UV light radiation beams. In these cases, the eyeglass wearer can opt to wear traditional UV blocking full-coverage sunglasses.

Some Transition Lenses Can Come with Special Protective Lens Coatings

Recently, the new models of transition lenses come with a choice of practical and smart lens protective features that include an anti-glare coating. There are even special driving style transition eyeglass lenses that can include one or more specialty protective coatings that will block any UV light filtering through a vehicle’s windshield.

Avid skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts will often fare best by selecting a well-crafted pair of outdoor sunglasses in the exact style desired. Transition lenses can be found with scratch-resistant coatings, practical edge polish, and the customer’s choice in lens color options. These lenses are not just the boring gray hues of previous years, and customers can select cool new shades like trendy green or brown in addition to the expected gray.

Transition Lenses Are Ideal for Computer Workers or Other High-Tech Professionals

Many people must sit at a computer for most of the workday or are required to stare long hours at some other type of computerized or high-tech device or platform. These employees often complain of screen glare that can trigger eye strain, headaches, and other eye problems. Transition lenses are often an excellent pick for these lines of work.

Newer Transition Lenses React Swiftly to UV Light Exposure Providing a Seamless Transition of Light Levels

Many older people who have had bad experiences with the early transition lens options often recall how long those older lenses took to transition from dark to light/clear and too dark again. Some people report better vision when wearing transition lenses rather than their old style clear lenses. Most people never even realize that their eyeglass lenses are constantly changing light intensity and levels.

Other workers who often find transition lenses preferable to clear ones include those in the construction or highway maintenance fields. This is because of the potential for greater glare off of asphalt roadways. Learn more via https://www.rx-able.com.