If you wear glasses, you’ve probably invested in prescription sunglasses at some point to see clearly and protect your vision when driving or spending time outside. Even so, remembering to bring them and put them on can be a hassle, especially if you’re busy or need to save time.
To reduce some of this friction, many people who wear glasses or contact lenses are using photochromic or Transitions® Light Intelligent Lenses™. These lenses are made to your prescription and automatically darken whenever you step outside. In other words, they’re glasses and sunglasses in one.
At Wide Eye Optometry, Mary Demirjian, OD, and our team offer photochromic lenses to patients of all ages. Keep reading to discover seven ways they can benefit you and improve your time outside.
Photochromic lenses are extremely sensitive and automatically adjust to the surrounding lighting. If you’re outside and the sun goes behind a cloud, they lighten, but if it’s bright and sunny, they darken and help protect against glare.
Their ability to filter light makes these lenses particularly beneficial for people who regularly spend time indoors and outdoors, whether for work or hobbies such as gardening.
The sun naturally emits ultraviolet (UV) light. However, extended exposure to that light may increase the risk of cataracts and eye cancer.
Photochromic lenses block 100% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, offering protection and peace of mind. Because UV rays can still penetrate glass (including windshields), you’re also protected while driving as well as indoors near windows.
Bright sunlight bounces off shiny surfaces, such as water and metal, causing glare and reflections that can strain your eyes.
Since photochromic lenses automatically darken, they can make activities like driving, hiking, or spending time on the water more comfortable and less likely to irritate your eyes.
People who wear glasses often find outdoor activities less convenient because they have to remember to bring sunglasses. It might not seem like that big of a lift, but with so many other things on your plate, forgetting them means you’ll likely experience glare or eye discomfort.
Photochromic lenses make it easier to go outside without having to remember or switch to sunglasses. Since they automatically transition based on the lighting, you have sunglasses whenever you need them.
When you don’t wear sunglasses outside, you’re more likely to squint. That might not seem like a big deal in short spurts, but if you do it for several hours, multiple days a week, it can quickly wear out your eyes and cause fatigue.
Photochromic lenses block the sun’s glare, so you can keep your eyes open. For many people, this results in less squinting, a reduced risk of fatigue, and improved overall comfort.
Many people assume that photochromic lenses are most beneficial in summer, when the weather is typically warmer and sunnier. However, since these lenses automatically adjust to the surrounding light, they offer protection even on cloudy days.
Whether you take walks throughout the year or participate in seasonal activities, like skiing, making the switch can keep your eyes comfortable and reduce glare.
Many people who wear glasses incorporate them into their personal style. But because photochromic lenses are unique, some worry that they can only be used in certain types of frames. The good news is that that isn’t the case.
Photochromic lenses are just as versatile as traditional ones. We can incorporate them into many types of glasses, whether you prefer designer frames or simply want something that aligns with your budget.
If you wear glasses and are tired of always forgetting your shades or just want a more convenient alternative, photochromic lenses may be just the thing.
The best way to learn more about their benefits is to request an eye exam today. Call or click online to schedule a visit at your nearest Wide Eye Optometry office in Encino, Santa Clarita, or Palmdale, California. We look forward to helping you explore your options.