Do you have transistion lenses? (Glasses that turn into sunglasses)?!
Question:
Do you have transistion lenses? (Glasses that turn into sunglasses)?
I am getting new glasses today and am trying to figure out whether I should get transition lenses or not. Transistion lenses get dark according to how much light there is, so you dont have to switch from glasses to sunglasses.
I used to not like the idea of having them because when they first came out it took FOREVER for them to get light again once you got inside. But technology is amazing, and it is a very quick process now.
But I cant decide whether to get them or not. Right now I have a pair of glasses and a pair of sunglasses. Sometimes, like when I am driving, it is a pain to switch them. But at the same time, sometimes I dont WANT my view to be darkened. What if I want to see something in the light, or what if I need the lenses darker but they're not?
What are your opinions on them? Pro's and Cons?
THANK YOU!
Answers:
Transitions lenses do NOT darken according to the light - they darken according to UV from the sun. Consequently, they DO NOT get very dark in the car. I am an Optician, and I also own a pair of Transitions. I also own a pair of prescription sunglasses because while I'm driving, my Transitions lenses are not dark enough for me.
They are great for when you are outside, swimming, doing yard work, playing, etc. They are very versatile and offer 100% UV protection and are available in a wide range of prescriptions, including single vision and multi-focal. They also come in a choice of grey or brown. Transitions also are available in all the lightweight materials, including plastic, polycarbonate, and hi-index plastic. But for the majority of our patients that we see at our office, a lot of people want them for when they are driving and I always tell them that if they are looking for a substitute for a good dark pair of sunglasses, Transitions are not going to cut the mustard. I know its kind of a hassle to have to switch back and forth between your regular glasses and sunglasses.
Years ago PGX lenses (Photogrey Xtra) which are made of glass and are photosensitive, rather than UV sensitive, so they do darken in the car, but they also would darken indoors if you have real bright lighting. They are also quite heavy compared to the lightweight Transitions. PGX lenses are still available, but not recommended because of the their weight and their ability to shatter...