Are photochromic lenses right for you?

Whether you know them as photochromic or Transitions lenses, one thing’s for sure – these prescription glasses are really useful if you’re always having to switch between clear glasses and sunglasses.

How do they work?

If you’ve ever wondered how photochromic lenses darken, it’s because of a chemical reaction within the lens.

This makes protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays a whole lot easier – especially in children, as their eyes are especially sensitive to this.

Convenience is only one of the benefits

By reducing your eyes’ exposure to the sun, photochromic lenses can help protect you from eye conditions like cataracts. They also help reduce eye strain that can be caused by the changing light.

Photochromic or Transitions lenses become darker when you’re in the sun and clear when you’re inside. A chemical reaction in the lens causes them to darken when they’re exposed to sunlight.

What does vision with photochromic lenses look like?

Click and drag the image below to see how wearing photochromic lenses can change your vision.

Can they replace my prescription sunglasses?

No. While photochromic lenses are great for quick trips in and outside, you should use prescription sunglasses if you’re spending a lot of time in the sunshine.

Prescription glasses are often smaller than sunglasses and don’t cover enough of the eye – while Transitions lenses usually aren’t as dark as sunglasses either. You can buy sunglasses with a photochromic tint in them, though. These get even darker when it’s really bright.

Interested in keeping some of that sun out?

You can have photochromic lenses made for your single vision, progressive and bifocal prescription glasses. They come in a range of colours to suit your style – and some are even polarised to reduce glare, or you can add an anti-reflective coating as well. Plenty of choice, along with plenty of health reasons to add a pair to your collection.