Are transition lenses worth it?

Transition lenses, also known as photochromic lenses, are eyeglass lenses that darken when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These lenses have become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to prescription sunglasses. But are transition lenses really worth the extra cost? Here is a look at the pros and cons to help you decide if transition lenses are right for you.

What are transition lenses?

Transition lenses contain special photochromic molecules that cause the lenses to darken when exposed to UV light. The molecules change shape when activated by the UV rays, causing the lenses to tint. When the lenses are no longer exposed to UV light, such as when you go indoors, the lenses fade back to clear.

Transition lenses come in a variety of lens materials and styles to suit different vision needs and fashion preferences. The three main types of transition lenses are:

Plastic (CR-39) lenses – These are the most affordable option but tend to be thicker than high-index lenses. Plastic transitions lenses also may not darken as much as other materials in a car since some UV rays are filtered by a car’s windshield.
Polycarbonate lenses – Polycarbonate is thinner, lighter, and more impact-resistant than plastic. Polycarbonate transitions achieve a medium tint depth.
High-index lenses – High-index lenses are the thinnest and lightest option. They provide very dark transition tinting.

Transition lenses are available in a wide range of lens styles, from single vision and progressive lenses to bifocals and trifocals, to suit your specific vision correction needs.

How do transition lenses work?

Transition lenses contain special photochromic molecules embedded into the lenses. These molecules are transparent under visible light. When exposed to UV rays from sunlight, the molecules change shape and re-align, causing the lenses to darken. Once the UV light source is removed, such as going indoors, the molecules return to their original shape and the lenses fade back to clear.

The molecules are activated by exposure to UV radiation between 280-400 nm wavelengths. UV exposure causes the bonds in the molecules to break, allowing the molecules to change from a spiro ring structure (colorless state) to an open chain structure (colored state).

The degree of darkening depends on several factors:

UV light intensity – More intense UV exposure results in darker tinting. Bright sunny conditions will activate the lenses more than cloudy or shaded conditions.
Temperature – Warmer outdoor temperatures tend to make the lenses darker. The molecules respond faster when it’s warm.

Lens material – Different lens materials provide different levels of darkness. Polycarbonate lenses achieve a medium tint while high-index lenses transition to very dark.
Car windshields – Some UV rays are filtered out by a car’s windshield, limiting the darkening effect.

Do transition lenses work while driving?

Transition lenses will work while driving, but they may not get as dark as sunglasses. The windshield of a car filters out a significant portion of UV rays, which means less light reaches the lenses to activate the tinting reaction. Polycarbonate transition lenses in particular tend to stay quite light when driving.

Here are some factors that impact how dark transition lenses will get in a car:

Windshield UV protection – Most car windshields block 98-99% of UVB rays and 20-65% of UVA rays. This limits the amount of UV light that reaches your eyes and transition lenses.
Side/rear windows – Less UV light is filtered through side and rear windows compared to the windshield, allowing more UV rays to reach your lenses and cause them to darken.

Lens material – High-index lenses will tint more than polycarbonate or plastic lenses in a car. High-index lenses react more strongly to low levels of UV light.
Car model – Some cars have more effective UV-blocking windshields that further limit UV exposure.

While transition lenses do work in cars, you may want to consider keeping a pair of sunglasses in your car as well for maximum UV protection and glare reduction on very bright, sunny days.

Do transition lenses work in the winter?

Transition lenses can still darken in winter weather, but they won’t get as dark as in the summer. Due to the weaker sunlight and UV levels in winter, less light exposure reaches the lenses to trigger the tinting reaction. However, transition lenses provide UV protection year-round, even on overcast winter days.

Here are some key factors that affect winter performance:

UV levels – Winter UV levels are around 20-50% of summer levels in many regions. Less UV exposure means less darkening of the lenses.

Time of day – Transition lenses will darken more in midday winter sun than early morning or late afternoon when sunlight is less direct.
Temperature – Colder temps make the tinting reaction slower. Transition lenses take longer to darken in winter.
Lens material – High-index lenses will tint more than polycarbonate or plastic in weak winter UV conditions.

Weather – Overcast days further limit UV, while bright sunny winter days allow the most UV exposure and darkest tint.

While they won’t get extremely dark in winter, transition lenses still provide protection by blocking 100% of UVA/UVB rays year-round.

Do transition lenses work on cloudy days?

Transition lenses can work on cloudy days but the tinting effect will be limited. Overcast skies block a lot of direct sunlight and UV radiation from reaching your eyes. However, transition lenses still provide full UV protection even when clear on cloudy days.

Here are some factors affecting performance on cloudy days:

Thick cloud coverage blocks nearly all UV rays, preventing lenses from darkening.
Thin, spotty clouds allow some UV to pass through, resulting in slight darkening of lenses.

Time of day impacts UV levels that get through clouds. More UV exposure around midday can activate tint.
Plastic lenses will have less tinting effect than polycarbonate or high index lenses.

The lenses may stay nearly clear or only reach a very light tint on thick overcast days. But they still block 100% of harmful UV rays to protect your eyes.

Do transition lenses work well for driving at night?

Transition lenses are not ideal for nighttime driving because they do not get completely clear at night. When transition lenses are exposed to visible light instead of UV rays, a small amount of tint remains. This residual tinting can cause issues with glare and visual clarity when driving at night.

Here are some drawbacks to wearing transition lenses at night:

Reduced visual acuity – Residual tinting can decrease visual sharpness and clarity in low light.

Glare and halo effects – Tinted lenses can increase glare from oncoming headlights, streetlights, etc.
Impaired depth perception – The tint alters your natural color perception at night.
Slow adaptation – Your eyes take longer to adapt to the dark when wearing tinted lenses.

For best vision and safety, it’s recommended to switch to clear lenses when driving at night. Consider prescription eyeglasses with removable photochromic lenses or keeping a spare pair of clear glasses in your car at night.

Do transition lenses work well for indoor use?

Transition lenses are designed to be worn both indoors and outdoors. When you go inside, the lenses will fade back to their clear state once out of UV light. Here are some considerations for wearing transition lenses indoors:

Most lenses appear nearly clear indoors after 5-10 minutes of UV exposure removal.

Darker tinted lenses outdoors will retain more residual tint when you first go inside.
Exposure to indoor lighting like fluorescent lights may cause slight visible light tinting.
Going in and out causes the lenses to continuously transition, which some wearers find annoying.

Lenses provide UV protection from device screens like phones, tablets, and computer monitors.

For most people, the indoor clarity of transition lenses is acceptable for everyday use. However, some wearers prefer to switch to a second pair of clear lenses when indoors for optimal visual acuity.

Do transition lenses work well for sports and activities?

Transition lenses work quite well for many outdoor sports and activities. The lenses automatically darken in sunlight, providing glare protection, comfort, and UV blocking when you need it. The speedy activation is convenient so you don’t have to switch lenses as lighting conditions change.

Here are some benefits of transition lenses for sports:

Quick darkening as you move into sunlight
Gradual fading as you return to shade

No need to switch between separate sunglasses and eyeglasses
Hands-free convenience while playing sports or activities
UV protection from sun exposure during extended outdoor time

Some disadvantages are the lenses may not get extremely dark in low UV conditions, residual tinting at night, and weaker impact resistance than sports goggles. But overall transition lenses can be an active eyewear solution for many sports and activities.

Do polarized transition lenses exist?

Yes, you can get transition lenses that are polarized. Polarized transition lenses combine the benefits of polarization and photochromics into one lens.

Here’s an overview of polarized transition lenses:

Reduce glare – Polarizing filters block intense reflected light like water, snow, and roads.
Enhance contrast – Boost color and depth perception in bright conditions.
Darken in sunlight – Photochromic molecules tint the lenses in UV exposure.

Clear indoors – Lenses fade back to a clear state inside.
UV protection – Block 100% of UVA/UVB rays.

Polarized transitions are available in plastic, polycarbonate, and high-index lens materials. They can be made into prescriptions sunglasses or non-rx sunglasses.

The downsides of polarized transitions are they may not get extremely dark behind a car windshield and have some residual tint at night. They also cost more than regular transition lenses. But the combo can be ideal for activities like fishing, boating, and driving.

Do transition lenses fade over time?

Yes, the performance of transition lenses will slowly fade over time with normal wear and aging of the lenses. While manufacturers estimate the lenses last 2-3 years before needing replacement, fading issues can start as early as 6-12 months of daily use for some wearers.

Here are some factors that contribute to fading of transition lenses:

Sun damage – Repeated UV exposure degrades the photochromic molecules.
Scratches – Surface scratches interfere with the tinting reaction.
Buildup – Oils, deposits, and residues can inhibit darkening.

Heat – Excessive heat accelerates deterioration of the molecules.
Old age – The molecules lose effectiveness as lenses age.

To prolong the life of your transition lenses:

Store lenses in a case when not in use.
Clean lenses regularly using proper solutions and techniques.
Avoid extreme heat by leaving lenses in hot vehicles.

Use a UV-blocking case to minimize sun exposure when storing.

But expect to replace your transition lenses approximately every 2 years to maintain optimal performance. The cost of replacement lenses is around $150-$300 or more.

Pros of Transition Lenses

Here are some of the advantages of transition lenses:

Convenience – No need to switch between eyeglasses and sunglasses as light conditions change.
Automatic tinting – Lenses darken automatically in sunlight when UV protection is needed.
Variable tint – Tint depth adjusts according to changes in UV levels.

UV protection – Block 100% of UVA/UVB rays to protect eyes from damage.
Glare reduction – Tint provides relief from glare and visual comfort in bright light.
Wide range of options – Available in different materials, lens types, and styles.

Indoor clarity – Fade back to virtually clear indoors.

Cons of Transition Lenses

Here are some potential disadvantages of transition lenses to consider:

Cost – More expensive than regular lenses with prices ranging from $150-$300.

Limited darkening in cars – Don’t tint as darkly behind a windshield.
Not ideal for night driving – Residual tint can cause issues with glare and visibility.
Slow activation – Takes a couple minutes to fully darken.

Extreme dark lenses unavailable – Don’t come in very dark tints due to material limitations.
Aesthetics – Some people dislike the look or find the lighter tint inadequate.

Are transition lenses worth the extra cost?

Whether or not transition lenses are worth the higher cost depends on your vision needs and how you plan to use them. Here are some factors to help determine if transitions are a worthwhile investment for you:

Considerations	May be worth it if…	May not be worth it if…
Convenience	– Don’t want hassle of switching glasses – Very active lifestyle – Frequently go in and out	– Don’t mind switching glasses – Mostly indoor activities
UV protection	– Outdoor-focused lifestyle – Family history of eye issues	– Already haveprescription sunglasses – Limited sun exposure
Cost	– Will get 2+ years of daily use – Covered partly by insurance	– Prefer to get separate eyeglasses and sunglasses – Tight budget constraints
Asthetics	– Like the look of photochromic lenses – Want very dark tint outdoors	– Dislike the transitional tinting effect – Prefer a very dark fixed tint

In general, transition lenses are ideal for active people who frequently move between indoor and outdoor environments. The convenience factor is a big selling point. They also make good safety eyewear for those concerned about adequate UV protection. However, some may find them not dark enough for driving and unnecessary for low sun exposure lifestyles.

Conclusion

Transition lenses offer convenience, UV protection, and variable darkening capability in response to sunlight. However, they have some drawbacks like cost, residual nighttime tinting, and limited activation in cars. Consider how you plan to use the lenses and your vision needs to decide if the pros outweigh the cons for your lifestyle and preferences.

Transition lenses work well for many people but aren’t ideal for every situation. Get an exam and talk to your eye doctor to determine if the benefits of photochromic lenses are worth the investment for your eyes and activities.