Transitions Optical Incorporated states that transition lenses are treated to block harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Go outdoors in the sun to make your transition lenses the darkest shade possible. So what IS the best way to ‘activate’ transition lenses so that they will darken the most? There are two types of Transitions(tm) lenses. They are constantly restructuring themselves based on the amount of UV light they are exposed to, which changes continuously as you move about from indoors to outdoors and through shaded and non-shaded areas. Go outdoors in the sun to make your transition lenses the darkest shade possible. Thank you. Wearing transition lenses is a great way to block out the sun … They offer a convenient way to protect your eyes outdoors from UV rays and bright light without having to carry around a pair of sunglasses. Transitions lenses darken and change color because they are made of unique layered dyes composed of carbon-based molecules that are constantly changing and recalibrating in response to surrounding changes in light. In the absence of activating light the lenses return to their clear state. There are many great benefits to having photochromic lenses, they do a great job at providing a comfortable viewing experience when you are outside. Self-tinting lenses must be effective and offer full UV protection. When you move into a shaded area when the temperature is warm outside, the molecules will be quicker to respond to the reduced UV and they will begin to lighten up more quickly. Though transition lenses darken in response to sunlight, it is possible to make them darker. The automatic darkening makes it seem like the change is seamless when you are going outside, to me it just makes it seem like someone just turned the brightness down on the sun. By immersing the lenses in a chemical bath, the photochromatic molecules are actually absorbed to a depth of about 150 microns into the plastic. The Science of Transitions Lenses. Transitions lenses begin to darken the moment they are exposed to UV light. I thought it sounded a little strange, but I checked it out and discovered it was not true. This makes these glasses ideal for anyone who is sensitive to light or who simply wants the luxury of having prescription sunglasses without having to buy an extra pair of glasses. There are trillions of photochromic molecules in the lenses that change structure when exposed to UV light. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, All About Vision: Photochromic Lenses "Transition" Lenses, Transitions Optical, Incorporated: The Lenses, Federal Trade Commission: FTC Bars Transitions Optical, Inc. from Using Anticompetitive Tactics to Maintain its Monopoly in Darkening Treatments for Eyeglass Lenses. It is important to understand that temperature does have an effect on the lenses, but simply freezing them does not change them permanently. The driving/car type takes longer to transition. The price of prescription eyeglasses costs not more than $200. This myth just doesn’t seem to go away. DriveWear lenses feature photochromic molecules capable of reacting to both visible and UV light, as opposed to standard transitions, which react only to UV light. Please note, comments must be approved before they are published, © 2020, Hicks Brunson EyewearPowered by Shopify. Transitions® Vantage® Meet the world's only intelligent lens that automatically polarizes as it darkens outdoors. This is much better than a simple coating, which would only be about 5 microns thick and would not provide enough molecules to make the lenses sufficiently dark. And it is normal to take minutes to adjust the color of the lenses. It is important to understand that temperature does have an effect on the lenses, but simply freezing them does not change them permanently. Transitions lenses are made with a proprietary and patented photochromic dye system that enables them to activate, or darken, when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet light. Recommend not only a specific type of Transitions lens for each patient, but recommend a color option based on frame selection and style! Photochromic lenses, sometimes referred to as transition lenses, are eyeglass lenses that will turn dark (resembling sunglasses) in sunlight and become clear again when indoors.This is the result of chemical responses to the presence (and absence) of ultraviolet light. Patients who choose photochromic lenses will find that they squint less, suffer less eye fatigue and see with improved contrast. Yesterday they got real dark but today not so much, temp. My lenses well only darken half way. Julbo's Zebra lens for example boast high speed activation of between 22 to 28 seconds.However, as photochromic compounds fade back to their clear state by a thermal process, the higher the temperature, the less dark photochromic lenses will be. Save it for your ice-cream and frozen veggies. These photochromic lenses are extremely dark outdoors and are compatible with many frame brands and styles. This technology is wonderful for protecting your eyes from harmful UV and blue light both indoors and out. A photochromic lens is an optical lens that darkens on exposure to light of sufficiently high frequency, most commonly ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Transition eyeglasses lenses are the most popular, because it simply performs better than the others. Transitions Optical Incorporated states that transition lenses are treated to block harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Transition lenses, also known as photochromic, are eyeglass lenses that are clear indoors and change to dark in sunlight, according to All About Vision. Transition or reactions lenses are glasses that change tint with light conditions. If new (recent) models, they'll transition in 2 - 5 mins. When they are colder they fade back slower, and when they are warmer they fade back faster. I own both. was the same both days. To attain optimal vision, self-tinting lenses must turn very dark in the sun and completely clear indoors. Away from sunlight, lenses reverse back to a clear state through a thermal process. So what are the many benefits, let’s dive in: 1. Transitions lenses are the #1 eyecare professional recommended adaptive or photochromic lens worldwide.Transitions lenses are equipped with patented, photochromic dyes that enable the lenses to rapidly activate, or darken, when they are exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet light. Also after a few years, your lenses seem to slightly change colors but that may vary depending on whether they are plastic, polycarbonate, or some of the other types. Transitions lenses are photochromic and respond to sunlight by darkening. This change in structure is what causes the lenses to darken in sunlight. Help, how can I fix them please. The UV is less intense before 10:00 Am and after 6:00 PM so time of day also plays a role. These photochromic lenses change faster than you can say photochromic. Transition lenses use a chemical process to adjust the color. However, you might encounter some issues in very niche situations. Customized or pre-made, glasses with transition lenses price as much as $200-$400. Roy, Temperature is one variable. So why does this belief persist? Matt, Fortunately it is not necessary to “activate” Transitions lenses. The best quality photochromic lenses can offer very quick transition times. Beyond this basic process, environmental conditions can significantly impact the performance of photochromic eyewear. Transitions ® Drivewear ® lenses are the only polarized sun lenses that adapt to light behind the wheel and outdoors, helping remove glare off the road and car hood for a picture-perfect drive. 3. This is because the molecules move more slowly when they are cold, which means when they are cold they will fade back from dark to clear more slowly. Temperature affects how Transitions change. Time of day also matters. The answer is yes, and they’re called DriveWear lenses. It is a comfortable and very subtle change, so subtle that you might not even realize that your lenses got dark. Photochromic compounds are built into the lens, and the sun’s UV rays trigger the compounds to darken. Transitions ® Light Intelligent Lenses ™ are fully clear indoors and automatically darken outdoors in seconds. One is UV triggered, and doesn't transition in cars which are UV protected glass. DriveWear was developed by the Transitions corporation, the creators of transition lenses, in response for this particular need. Transition lenses rarely have any problems. Wait, what? Transitions glasses may be made of glass or plastic, but the care is the same for both. When the UV light diminishes, the lenses fade back. The Spic-e T sunnies’ lenses also change colour from a light yellow/orange to a … When it is colder outside you may notice that your Transitions lenses seem to get darker than they do when it is warmer. When the lenses become warm the molecules speed up and become more reactive. I can’t remember the last time I got this question in my store, but I began thinking about it recently and a quick google search revealed a blog post with lots of comments from glasses wearers reporting that their optician had actually instructed them to “activate” their new Transitions lenses by putting them in the freezer overnight. In order to be convenient, self-tinting lenses must adjust very quickly to the changes in light conditions. This means that it will take somewhat longer for the lenses to adapt from dark to clear. How do transition lenses work? Also after a couple of years the Transition lenses seem to stop changing as much (still change but not as much). Transition lenses don’t change behind the windshield of a car. I hope this helps. When the lenses become cold the molecules begin to move slowly. Photo: Molecules inside photochromic lenses cut off light like rapidly closing blinds. No wonder it is still around. The cost of transition lenses is about $100-$450 per pair. Photochromic lenses are a special type of lens that starts out clear and turn dark in the bright sunlight. Also the thickness of the lens could affect it. Ask for transition lenses that are XTRAactive or Drivewear. Modern photochromic lenses tend to be plastic and instead of silverchemicals they contain organic (carbon-based) molecules called naphthopyrans that react tolight in a slightly different way: they subtly change their mole… I believe people have noticed this effect that cold temperatures have on the lenses, and then some of these people have made the leap to believing that placing a new set of Transitions lenses into the freezer overnight is needed to activate them. Transitions lenses offers to remake the lenses within 30 days if patients are not completely happy per their website. UV intensity is another variable. These lenses have been around for a decade or more, and they offer the convenience of sunglasses without having to wear them over your prescription glasses or having to constantly switch between the two. Transitions lenses are compatible with all frame styles, and available in all types of lens materials and designs, from high index to shatter-resistant materials, from single vision lenses to progressives. Find darker transition lenses from ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians and optical retail chains, advises the Federal Trade Commission. Known as "photochromatic" lenses, these eyeglasses darken under bright sunlight to serve as sunglasses, then return to a clear lens when the wearer moves indoors or out of direct sunlight 1.As helpful as these glasses may seem, a few problems exist that make their use a tossup. 5. It is depend on the presence or absence of ultraviolet light. Polarization adjusts to match the level of glare outdoors for noticeably crisper, sharper vision. The greater the intensity of UV rays, the darker the lenses become. How fast do Transitions lenses work? Transition lenses, or photochromic lenses, are the lenses that darken in the sunlight and lighten in softer light or the dark. When they’re hot (like in the summer), the lenses will change slower and won’t get as dark. I first heard it about fifteen years ago, when one of my customers had asked me if their new Transitions lenses needed to be put in the freezer overnight in order to be activated. If you move into a shaded area outdoors, they will stay darker longer than they would on a warm day. I tested the lenses myself and the lenses will only turn to about 30% darkness even after few hours of exposure to the sun. One of my patients recently purchased Transitions Flat top 28 plastic lenses, and she came back complaining that the lenses do not turn dark. Photochromic lenses are eyeglass lenses that are clear (or nearly clear) indoors and darken automatically when exposed to sunlight. How do PhotoFusion lenses react in shadows? This means that they will fade back faster. trade flag- with empty trade cart image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com Photochromics change tint outdoors, control glare and are 100 percent UV protective. The greater the intensity of UV rays, the darker the lenses become. you can try magnetic clip on eyeglasses. As the molecules change their structure, they absorb more of the light passing through, and that's what darkens your lenses. To answer that question, we first need to understand the science of how Transitions lenses work. PhotoFusion high- and mid-index self-tinting lenses provide very good speed, darkening up to 20% faster* than the existing generation by ZEISS - and fade back to clear up to twice as fast*. If you want more convenient eyeglasses use for outdoor and indoor. A pair, though, with photochromic lenses cost about $400-$650 or more. These lenses, according to Transitions Optical Incorporated, are darker than original transition lenses. The transition lens is available in a variety of shades ranging from gray to green. They are ready to go as soon as you receive them! Other terms sometimes used for photochromic lenses include \"light-adaptive lenses\" and \"variable tint lenses.\" When they are colder they fade back slower, and when they are warmer they fade back faster. The other is darker by default but works in the car. I have a problem that I hope you can help. THE BEST LENS FOR BEHIND THE WHEEL. Transitions VI lenses promote long-term healthy sight while improving visual quality and visual comfort in all light levels. If there were more clouds blocking some of the suns UV on the second day, then that would explain why they did not get as dark. So now you know, and if you were one of those who believed the myth, now you can stop putting your lenses in your freezer. Have you ever been told that Transitions lenses need to be put into the freezer in order to be “Activated”? How do photochromic lenses work? eyeglasses image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com, trade flag- with empty trade cart image by Stasys Eidiejus from, Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Transition Lenses Problems. Transition lenses generally take at least 3 years to wear out. Transitions ® Light Intelligent Lenses ™. There are opticians out there responsible for spreading this myth. Transition lenses offer the convenient advantage of eye protection from the harsh rays of the sun on demand.