Both photochromic lenses (also known as
transitions, after a popular brand of these lenses) and regular sunglasses can
do an excellent job of cutting glare, preventing eye strain, and protecting
your eyes against UV radiation. Photochromic lenses contain silver halides or
organic photochromic ingredients that darken in bright light and lose their
tint in low light conditions.
If you already wear glasses indoors, you
may wonder whether you should purchase a separate pair of prescription
sunglasses or simply wear photochromic lenses all the time. The answer to this
question may depend on your particular environment, activities, and
circumstances. Here are some specific scenarios that might cause you to choose
one type of product over the other.
Traveling Light? Photochromic Lenses
Make Sense
If you commonly wear eyeglasses to correct
for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or some other refractive error, you may
find yourself constantly switching between your indoor glasses and prescription
sunglasses. You might even need to carry a separate case for each pair if the
two frames feature significantly different shapes or sizes.
One major selling point for photochromic
lenses lies in the fact that one pair of glasses can serve your optical needs,
both indoors and out. If you prefer to travel unencumbered, or you worry about
keeping track of two sets of glasses, photochromic lenses can provide the
efficiency and convenience you seek. They can also spare you the expense of
buying a second pair of corrective lenses.
Headed Into High Heat? Sunglasses May
Perform Better
While photochromic lenses can darken
significantly to bring you welcome glare relief in bright light, they still get
only half as dark as the darkest sunglasses on the market, which can offer up
to 97
percentopacity. They tend to darken less dramatically in high
temperatures than in cold temperatures, unlike sunglasses, which maintain the
same opacity level regardless of temperature.
If you mainly need eye protection for
summertime activities, you may find that you get a darker, more satisfying tint
and less glare from standard sunglasses. However, if you prefer winter sports,
you should get excellent results from photochromic lenses in chilly climates.
Just keep in mind that photochromic lenses may need extra time to brighten
after they come in from the cold.
Going for a Drive? Go for Sunglasses
When you try to drive with photochromic
lenses, you'll notice that the lenses don't achieve their maximum darkness
levels. The light-sensitive substances in the lenses actually react to UV
light, not visible light. Automotive glass may let plenty of visible light into
your vehicle, but it also blocks a certain amount of UV radiation. As a result,
your photochromic lenses may only darken by about 30 percent.
By contrast, the tint on your sunglasses
should appear the same as always from inside your car. You may therefore find
this option the more satisfactory one on bright days or long road trips,
although you will have to switch to your everyday glasses as outdoor light
levels change. Whichever kind of product you choose, adding polarization will
help to reduce glare reflected upward from road surfaces.
Want the Right Solution for Every
Scenario? Get Both
Since photochromic lenses and regular
sunglasses each excel in different ways under different conditions, consider purchasing
both. Your photochromic eyeglasses will help you enjoy clear, comfortable
vision as you move from indoor to outdoor lighting and back again. Your
prescription sunglasses can step for specialized situations such as hot summer
days or drives.
No matter what kind of glare-blocking
glasses you want, Fraser Optical can equip you with them. Contact
us
for a consultation so that we can discuss your eyewear needs and
goals.
