Switch to light adaptive lenses and activate 100% protection against UV radiation
If you spend quite a lot of time under the sun wearing glasses, then you know the hassles. Photochromic lenses can be an absolute getaway from harmful UV rays. These lenses have been ruling the market for the past few decades and are ideal for regular glass-wearers as they can transform into a sunglass in just a few seconds. But the question arises, whether these are good options or not.
Here in this article, we have compiled some information about Photochromic lenses, which will help you understand whether it is the right choice or not. Check it out now!
How do photochromic lenses work?
Looking quite similar to regular lenses indoors, Photochromic lenses darken automatically under sunlight. Do you know why? UV radiation from the sun activates a chemical reaction on the lens to transform lenses from light to dark and tints in between them. The adaptive nature of these lenses makes them a good alternative to sunglasses particularly for children as their eyes are more sensitive to UV.
Deciding between Photochromic or regular sunglasses? Although both of them have pros and cons, let’s discuss all of them together, to find the right alternative for you
Pros of Photochromic Lens
Here are some of the biggest pros that may convince you to get one for your eyes
- These lenses are cost-effective, as they seemingly reduce the cost of buying sunglasses and prescription glasses, thereby allowing you to experience the best of both worlds.
- These lenses offer you a two-in-one solution. You need not carry two pairs of glasses and keep switching between sunglasses and prescription glasses. Hence, it reduces the risk of losing either pair.
- These lenses are a convenient option as they allow you to read texts of all fonts while you are wearing sunglasses.
- These lenses act as a filter that blocks a good deal of UV rays from entering, thereby protecting your eyes.
- Last but not the least, these Photochromic lenses do not restrict your fashion sense. The myriads of shades add a pinch of glamour to your eyes, thereby giving you a trendy look.
Cons of Photochromic Lens
Though there are a good number of advantages, these have some flaws as well. Check it out!
- These Photochromic lenses are quite ineffective inside the car as they do not darken well inside. These lenses need some UV rays to get dark, and the windshield blocks UV rays, which affects their efficiency.
- These lenses are ineffective in winter. In cold weather, these lenses take quite a long time to react with UV rays to get dark.
- These are not polarized and hence, may result in exposure to harsh glares.
- Different brands may cause differences in the levels of darkness and reaction times, thereby making these lenses ineffective in some cases.
Are these the right option?
Photochromic lenses are an effective sun protection shield for your eyes. But are they always the right option? Well, for busy mums these are great, as they don’t need to grab both sunglasses and prescription glasses while they are in a rush. Moreover, adding an anti-reflective coating to these lenses magnifies the effectiveness by protecting your eye from harmful glares and blue light, besides UV rays.
On the other hand, Photochromic lenses may not be as effective as sunglasses in very bright conditions. These lenses do not get as dark as sunglasses, and hence, dark sunglasses offer wide coverage from extreme glare. In some conditions, where a non-metallic surface reflects light, it is known as plane-polarised light. These light rays vibrate in the same plane causing extreme glare. Skiers and fly-fishermen are well aware of these conditions, and these lenses are not of much help in such cases. Hence, sunglasses are the best option in these situations. Moreover, it is quite risky to use these lenses while driving as they do not easily fade to clear and might lead to accidents due to insufficient vision clarity.
FAQ:
The answer to the question “Can we use or photochromic lenses like sunglasses?” lies in their special feature. i.e. to quickly adapt to the existing light condition. Just like sunglasses, they can be worn all day outdoors or while driving. Also, you may not need to switch between two pairs. As an added benefit they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays emitted by the sun.
Switching to photochromic lenses over sunglasses can offer better eye protection, more convenience, more comfort, and saves both time and money.
UV rays are not only harmful to your skin, but it also affects your eyes a great deal. Most surprisingly, about 40% of UV rays penetrate your eyes when you least expect it, like while you are indoors or traveling on a cloudy day. Using light adaptive lenses for your prescription glasses gives you dual benefits. It protects your eyes from UV rays and harmful glares while keeping your vision unaffected.
Photochromic lenses can be a good option when you frequently move in and out in sun, however, when you stay outdoors for longer periods of time you cannot replace prescription lenses with them.
Note that standard prescription glasses may not protect your eyes from harmful rays whereas photochromic glasses may not be enough to help your vision issues. Your choice depends on your lifestyle and vision needs.
There are a number of colour options available in photochromic lenses, most popular among them are grey and brown. Where Gray being a darker tint offers increased sunlight protection. Meanwhile, Brown tint is known for increasing visual acuity and contrast.
Yeah. photochromic lenses allow you to see more clearly both indoors and outdoors, at all hours. Hence you can wear them at every place where you will wear them everyday and everywhere. The added advantage with photochromic lenses is they do block blue light – both from the sun and from your digital screens.
How would you decide whether photochromic lenses are good for you?
Consulting an eye specialist would be the safe option to decide what is best for you. Besides, decide first what you do 90% of the time in a day. If you travel a lot then a dark-polarised lens gives the best comfort. Photochromic lenses would be best if you spend ample time in the office and also travel often. These are convenient to handle and best supplemented with sunglasses.
