The summer sun can be deadly! It is always imperative that your eyes have some sort of protective measure against the sun, but it is especially crucial in the summertime. However, when you also wear prescription eyeglasses, it can start to get kind of tricky when you are dealing with the how and when to switch the two – not to mention: inconvenient! Luckily for you, there is a new way! You can now enjoy fashionable prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses in only one unit! With light adjusting lens technology, your prescription eyeglasses can fade into sunglasses upon contact with UV rays, and then become clear again upon superficial lighting systems. These types of lenses are called “photochromic lenses”.
Photochromic lenses have been out for some time now, making a name for themselves particularly by the brand name Transitions. While there are quite a few other generic companies that make these photochromic lenses as well, Transitions has just about taken over the photochromic market and is now usually the way people identify these types of lenses. However, while Transitions is a brand name, “photochromic” is simply the type of lens that it is. So don’t be confused when checking around for different types of photochromic lenses! Just because it says Transitions does not mean its the only kind..
Photochromic lenses are a wonderful invention as they allow you to spend half of the time, half of the money, and half of the headache, all by combining these two different types of glasses into one. While the transition between clear prescription eyeglasses and shaded protective sunglasses may take up to ten to fifteen seconds, the technology allows for your glasses to adjust at almost the same rate as your eyes. This allows you to continue wearing the same frames, no matter where you go! While photochromic lenses can usually cost a bit extra to produce and manufacture, ultimately they will save you money as you will no longer need to be buying at least one pair of each: prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses!
While the technology for photochromic lenses has enhanced significantly, there are still some limitations, however, choosing to go with these transitioning lenses should not hinder your selection. For instance, while photochromic lenses cannot be made on bifocal glasses, they can be produced on multifocal glasses. (Therefore, should you wear bifocals, you could easily switch to progressive lenses instead). Additionally, while Transitions lenses typically charge quite a lot for these lenses, it is possible to obtain generic photochromic lenses for a lesser price, and still buy some cheap glasses! No one wants to spend a ton of money – especially when buying usually already expensive prescription eyeglasses – so be sure to shop around and get the best possible option you can, in terms and quality and price!
Elea Kalin is a fashion stylist – turned optical specialist. Her focus is on accessories and statement pieces – like prescription eyeglasses. She is currently working for eyeglassespro.com – the easiest way to buy glasses online, which now offers free shipping all over the US, with the code FreeShip10.