Transition Lens Problems

Transition is just one of the many brand names for photochromic or photochromatic lenses. Photochromic lenses are treated prescription lenses that are clear indoors and darken in the sunlight.

Features

• Photochromic lenses are a convenient way to protect your eyes from 100 percent of harmful UV rays and come in polycarbonate or high-index lenses. Some brands even come in glass and all types are an added cost to your basic prescription glasses. Photochromic lenses are created by having thousands of molecules embedded in them. The molecules are only visible in sunlight.

Driving Issues

• One problem with photochromic lenses is that do not darken behind windshields that block UV rays. To counter this, special sun-photochromic lenses are available which are used mostly for outdoors and driving. These lenses are dark indoors and get darker when in the sun.

Limited Colors

• Most photochromic lens manufacturers produce only brown or gray lenses. One company produces green lenses. If you want any other color, photochromic lenses are not a good choice.

Cloudy Days

• Photochromic lenses can be a problem on cloudy days as they may take a little while to lighten then darken again. If you are an outdoor sports person you would do well to keep this in mind.

Budget

• The price for quality photochromic lenses can add up to $100 dollars to your prescription glasses cost so think twice if you are on a tight budget.