What Are the Benefits of Transition Lenses?

Millions of people around the world have less than perfect eyesight. They usually correct their vision problems, if they are not severe, with contact lenses or eyeglasses. Transitions lenses help keep the benefits of glasses while you protect your eyes from bright light of the sun, and they have many benefits over traditional sunglasses.

Definition

Transitions lenses are eyeglass lenses that are specially treated to react to the amounts of ultraviolet rays to which the lens is exposed. The higher the ultraviolet ray level, the darker the lenses become. This blocks the ultraviolet rays from the eyes. Transitions lenses are one brand of this type of lens, which is known as a photochromic lens. Other brands that also react to amounts of ultraviolet light are Photogray, ColorMatic Extra, Sungray, and Transhades.

Less Fumbling

One benefit of Transitions lenses is that the wearer does not need to fumble with both a pair of glasses and a pair of sunglasses. This is convenient in that the individual is able to carry less with him, including accessories such as glasses cases or clips. The individual never has to take the time to switch from one pair of lenses to another, as well.

Cost Savings

Because an individual who wears Transitions lenses doesn't need a separate pair of sunglasses, she does not need to spend extra money to have the two pieces of equipment. Since some people are forced to get prescription sunglasses due to the quality of their eyesight, this can save hundreds of dollars.

Specific Protection

Unlike regular sunglasses, the amount of sunlight allowed through Transitions lenses can vary. On very bright days, the glasses will be darker. On cloudy days, the lenses do not darken as much. This means that the individual will have an incalculable number of protection degrees, and that the individual's eyes always will receive the correct amount of light. He, therefore, will not experience the eye strain that accompanies a lens that is not dark enough or which does not allow enough light in.

Protected Sight

High amounts of ultraviolet light damage the eye, specifically the retina. A damaged retina means that an individual will not be able to see an image, since the retina is the part of the eye that translates what we see into nerve impulses that are sent to the brain. Transitions lenses block the ultraviolet light in sunlight and therefore protect the eyesight of the wearer. Many regular sunglasses do this as well, but some do not, and regular sunglass lenses are not capable of adjusting the ultraviolet protection level as Transitions lenses do.