Published 12 Sep 2024
Whether you wear prescription glasses or sunglasses, we’ve all experienced the frustration of repeatedly putting them on and off as we move between indoors and outdoors. Not to mention the ‘sunglasses or no sunglasses’ debate when driving as you quickly transition from blinding glare to dull skies and back again.
If you haven’t already, it’s time to discover the magic of transition lenses – glasses that turn into sunglasses at the blink of an eye. Not only can they help to ease your frustration and look great, but transition lenses also protect from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and blue light damage.
Let’s explore a little more.
What are transition lenses?
Transition lenses, also known as photochromatic lenses, are lenses that are fully clear indoors and darken when activated by sunlight.
These lenses are available in single vision, multifocal, bifocal and other lens designs. Not sure which type of prescriptive lenses suit your needs? Have a read through the various lens options available to check which of these may be best suited to your lifestyle.
What are the benefits of transition lenses?
- Transition lenses can be worn all day every day, just like your normal pair of glasses.
- With transition lenses there is no need to switch between prescription glasses and sunglasses – you can use the same pair whether you are indoors or outdoors.
- Transition lenses fade to clear when you walk indoors or out of sunlight with no need to remove sunglasses.
- They allow you to leave the house with one pair of glasses and still be protected from UV light when you go outdoors.
- They can be a cost-effective option as they are effectively two-in-one glasses.
Do transition lenses provide UV protection?
Most of us are aware of the impact UV radiation has on our skin, but did you know it can also affect our eyes? In our hot and dry climate, bright sunlight creates glare which can cause light sensitivity, eye strain and discomfort for our eyes. Transition lenses control this glare by adjusting to the amount of outdoor light – whether overcast, in shadow or bright sunlight – and darkening within seconds.
Not only can this improve your comfort levels, but transition lenses also provide UV protection for your eyes and the delicate skin surrounding them.
Exposure to too much UV radiation can lead to eye problems, ranging from short-term irritations like photokeratitis to long-term damage such as cataracts, pterygium, and macular degeneration.
UV radiation effects on the eye accumulate over the course of your lifetime. We do not currently know how much UV exposure is considered ‘safe’ for our eyes and therefore recommend limiting exposure and wearing protective eyewear – close-fitting wraparound frames combined with UV-protective lenses – to prevent ocular injury or disease.
Are there different colours available?
Yes! Available in the classic colours of grey, brown and graphite green, transition lenses also come in a wide range of on-trend shades that have been specially selected to blend with the colour of any frame.
Can I try them out?
Transitions have a fun virtual tool to help you pick your favourite colour shade and frames.
Need more help selecting frames? Here’s some tips on how to pick the perfect pair of glasses.
Do I still need sunglasses?
Sunglasses are a great companion for when transitions don’t receive the right conditions to fully transition.
Car windscreens are designed to block out UV light which means that when driving or in the car, standard transition lenses may not go as dark as sunglasses.
This is the same for some weather conditions too. You may find the lenses do not darken as much on overcast days compared to those sunny days and this is due to the varying UV levels.
As wonderful as transition lenses are, you may still benefit from separate sunglasses or exploring the Transitions® XTRActive® new generation or XTRActive® Polarised lenses.
I tried transition lenses a while ago and they weren’t for me. Have they improved over time?
Transitions™ have gone through nine generations since they were first introduced. Transition lenses are constantly evolving as the technology is developed, resulting in improved performance and wearability. The latest generation of transition lenses are ultra-responsive to light and change colour faster than ever before. They are also fully clear indoors.
How can I find out more?
If you are interested in trying transition lenses or would like to know more about the latest Transitions™ range, visit your nearest GMHBA Eye Care branch. Our friendly team of Eye Care dispensers and optometrists are here to help.
About the author
Alice Bongers is an optometrist at GMHBA Eye Care. Alice completed her Optometry Masters/Bachelor of Vision Science at Deakin University in 2016 and has been with GMHBA since 2018. Alice has a broad interest in all aspects of optometry.
