Photochromic lenses promise to completely protect our eyes from UV radiation, but only when they come into contact with sunlight. All other aspects of the lenses are clear. This process happens naturally when we go from indoors to outside; we don’t have to switch from prescription glasses to prescription sunglasses.
Are you curious about the advantages of photochromic sunglasses, how they work, and whether or not they can be purchased with a blue light filter? Then read through this in-depth article about photochromic lenses.
What are Photochromic Lenses?
Photochromic lenses, commonly referred to as lenses with adjustable tint, change color when exposed to UV radiation. The lenses turn discolored when they are exposed to UV or strong light. Even without the UV light on, the lenses are still transparent. Photochromic lenses can provide a light tint if necessary.
They alter color depending on how bright the light is. Photochromic lenses will only very slightly darken the image when specific circumstances are present, such as when sunlight is present in the room.
Because they offer 100% UV protection, transition lenses ensure that your eyes are comfortable and healthy all year round. They are useful for both daily chores and athletic endeavors.
Using sports sunglasses that filter 400 nm of light, you can shield yourself from the harsh sun. You can wear them outside when playing tennis, golf, cycling, fishing, skiing, and other sports without losing optical comfort or UV protection.
How do photochromic lenses work?
Molecules are used in photochromic lenses. The molecules of silver halide and silver chloride are what cause the lenses to change color, allowing them to become opaque in bright light and transparent inside.
Trillions of photochromic molecules start to temporarily alter structure when UV light hits eyeglass lenses. Consequently, the lens’ surface darkens when a large number of molecules’ shapes change at once.
The result is a pair of glasses that, under bright sunshine alone, can switch from being conventional glasses to photochromic sunglasses and back again.
How rapidly do photochromic lenses accomplish switching from light to dark?
Photochromic lenses required a few minutes to react to UVA and UVB rays when they were initially developed by Corning Glass Works in 1964, and it took those 15 minutes to reach their maximum darkness. Later models kept taking a minute or longer to adjust to the brightness.
Today, a very rapid photochromic technique is employed by several different manufacturers. With this cutting-edge invention, it is possible to transition quickly from clear to dark. If you travel from the outside to the indoors, the chemical process also works the other way around. Within the first few minutes, the lens’s black hue begins to disappear and turn clear.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of using photochromic lenses?
Our optometrists have outlined all the benefits and drawbacks of photochromic technology to help you determine whether it is advantageous for you to get photochromic glasses.
Benefits of Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic glasses are reasonably priced. With photochromic glasses, you get the best of both worlds combined in a single practical solution, so you don’t need to purchase two pairs of glasses, sunglasses, and regular glasses.
Transitional lenses are the perfect partner for people who have the propensity to be a little reckless or slow. Because photochromic lenses make it less likely that you'll lose your glasses and let you see and function flawlessly both indoors and outside.
It is possible to use photochromic lenses with an anti-reflective coating. This allows you to see well even while looking at reflective objects like snow or traffic signs.
Photochromic eyewear comes in a wide range of styles, hues, and forms. Photochromic eyewear from recognized manufacturers like Ray-Ban will enhance your appearance regardless of the fashion or trend you select.
However, there is little question that the built-in filter that eliminates damaging blue light and sunshine is the feature with the greatest benefits.
Drawbacks of Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic lenses have the problem of fading more gradually than they darken. They clear in 20 to 30 seconds on average, depending on the brand and style.
The effectiveness of transition lenses is influenced by temperature. Cold weather has an impact on photochromic lenses, which slows down how rapidly they respond to UV rays.
Additionally, as the temperature decreases, photochromic lenses fade more gradually and darken at lower temperatures.
Phototropic lenses might not be the greatest option for driving. The UV light required for light-sensitive lenses to react is not present in modern automotive windscreens, hence these lenses are inactive. Additionally, stay away from wearing colored lenses at night or in dim lighting.
Are there photochromic lenses that filter blue light available?
Some photochromic eyewear protects users from damaging UV and visible light as well as blue light. If we are not shielded, blue light waves enter our eyes unimpeded for several hours each day, which is terrible for the health of our eyes. The light emitted by displays, such as that on computers, tablets, cellphones, and televisions, can lead to headaches, sleep disturbances, and digital eye strain.
The well-known Ray-Ban Evolve lenses provide excellent protection against computer light and UV rays. When we stare at a digital screen, the blue light filter is turned on. Blue light is blocked, 100% UVA/UVB protection is provided, and a splash and dust barrier is included.
Thermodynamic Dependence of Photochromic Lenses
The chemical and thermal state change that photochromic lenses encounter is influenced or constrained by the process of “temperature dependency.” A photochromic lens can only attain a 95% state of tint or a full sunglasses shade in extremely hot conditions.
On the other hand, in a cool environment or during cold weather, photochromic lenses will become almost completely black. It also takes longer to recover to a clear shade in colder climates.
Glass vs. Plastic Photochromic Lenses
When a plastic photochromic lens darkens, the silver and halide molecules are frequently evenly deposited or implanted onto the surface of the lens, producing a uniform shade of tint.
Glass photochromic glasses occasionally produce an inconsistent tinting effect when used with higher prescription lenses because the thickness of the lens varies from one end to the other.
Transitions Photochromic Eyewear for Driving
Transitions Drivewear
Transitions Drivewear lenses have polarized and photochromic technology. The polarizing filter reduces glare and reflections from the road and other reflecting objects, while the photochromic filter adjusts the color and tint of the lenses to meet the driving conditions.
Drivewear lenses have a green/yellow color tint for low light use, and when the light is too intense, they change to a darker red/brown color tint.
Transitions XTRActive
Transitions XTRActive switch on when you’re driving to reduce sun glare. It accomplishes this by storing more energy in the lower portion of the light spectrum.
Wearers’ eyes are always protected thanks to 100% UVA and UVB light absorption. Transitions XTRActive lenses block 88% of blue-violet light both inside and outside.
Conclusion
Transitions or photochromic glasses are excellent for protecting your eyes, but for some people, they can also help you save money and improve the convenience of their daily life. The lenses are not pricey enough for these people.
You are ultimately responsible for deciding whether to use photochromic lenses, but if you require any extra information or direction, don’t hesitate to contact us.