To help you and your staff gain a more thorough understanding of how Transitions® lenses contribute to healthy sight and wellness – and why you should have confidence in recommending them as everyday lenses for your patients – we’ve provided answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
How do Transitions® lenses work?
Transitions lenses employ a proprietary and patented photochromic dye system that enables them to activate, or darken, when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet light. The greater the intensity of UV rays, the darker the lenses become. When the UV light diminishes, the lenses fade back. As UV light conditions change, the level of tint adjusts, always providing just the right amount of tint. UV blockage remains at 100%, regardless of the level of tint.*
Are Transitions lenses a good alternative to clear lenses?
Absolutely. Transitions lenses are not only as clear as regular hard-coated lenses indoors and at night – and even clearer with the addition of AR coating – they are much better for your patients than regular clear lenses. They automatically and rapidly adapt to changing light conditions to reduce glare, eye strain and eye fatigue. They also help preserve your patients’ eye health and well being as they conveniently and automatically block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. Like clear lenses, Transitions lenses are available in most lens materials and designs, from standard and higher index to shatter-resistant materials, and from single vision lenses to progressives.
Can patients use Transitions lenses like sunglasses?
The level of tint achieved outside in bright sunlight is equivalent to many sunglass lenses sold today. Unlike regular sun lenses, the performance of Transitions lenses is dynamic, providing just the right amount of tint at any moment. Indoors, Transitions lenses quickly fade to clear, allowing wearers to go about their daily activities without changing eyeglasses or even thinking about the need for protection.ow fast do Transitions lenses work? Transitions lenses begin to darken the moment they are exposed to the sun’s UV light, reaching 70% tint within 35 seconds. When UV rays are no longer present, the lenses immediately begin to fade back, achieving 70% clear in just a few minutes. In short, Transitions lenses quickly darken when worn outdoors in sunlight and fade back rapidly when the wearer returns indoors. Most wearers report that the adjustment happens so smoothly, they are unaware it is occurring at the time.
Why is UV protection important?
Many people routinely take precautions to protect their skin against the ravages of UV rays but most are unaware of the need to protect their eyes as well. Research shows that long-term, unprotected exposure to the sun’s UVA and UVB rays – even in shaded conditions – can lead to age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye conditions that can compromise quality of vision. Because patients have only one pair of eyes, most eyecare professionals now recommend eye protection against UV exposure at all times. Transitions lenses help protect precious sight by providing conveniently and continually blocking 100% of harmful UV rays.*
How well do Transitions lenses protect against UV rays?
Transitions lenses block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, providing UV400 protection. In fact, Transitions lenses meet all internationally recognized standards for UV blockage including ANSI Z80.3, ISO 8980-3, EN 1836 and AS/NZS 1067. In addition, Transitions lenses were the first to receive the American Optometric Association’s Seal of Acceptance for UV Absorbers and Blockers and the World Council of Optometry Global Seal of Acceptance for UV Absorbers/Blockers. No wonder nearly 90% of eye care professionals surveyed say that Transitions lenses are the most convenient way to protect eyes from UV.
How do Transitions lenses reduce glare?
Hundreds of times a day, your patients’ eyes have to adjust to light variations that can cause eye strain and fatigue. Transitions lenses automatically reduce glare by allowing just the right amount of light to reach the eyes, even in rapidly changing light conditions. They enhance contrast and even out light variations, thereby enhancing visual quality. This convenient protection is automatic with Transitions lenses – your patients won’t have to give glare protection a second thought.
How can Transitions lenses provide visual comfort?
Constant variations in light intensity throughout the day can leave eyes feeling tired and sore. Transitions lenses reduce discomforting and disabling glare, thereby reducing squinting, eye strain and eye fatigue for wearers. When fitted with Transitions lenses, your patients’ eyes will feel more comfortable all day long.
Can Transitions lenses enhance a patient's quality of vision?
Yes. Once outside the controlled conditions of the optical exam room, patients are continually confronted with changing light conditions that affect visual quality. By adjusting to shifting light conditions, Transitions lenses enhance the ability to discern objects of varying size, brightness and contrast, enabling patients to see better in all light conditions.
Who are Transitions lenses best suited for?
Transitions lenses are recommended for everyone who could benefit by seeing better today and preserving the health and well being of their eyes for the future. Transitions lenses are the perfect choice for every one of your patients who currently wears regular clear eyeglass lenses because they automatically afford visual comfort and protection in any light, well beyond what any clear lens can provide. Because Transitions lenses offer so many more benefits than regular clear lenses, your patients will appreciate the added value that Transitions lenses provide.
Are Transitions lenses well suited for people with special needs?
Transitions lenses are a particularly strong recommendation for people whose vision is critically compromised when exposed to light and ultra violet radiation. Especially vulnerable are:
- Patients with specific medical or eye conditions (e.g. diabetes or cataract, among many others) which can affect one’s contrast sensitivity and night vision.
- Those taking medications known to cause sensitivity to bright light and/or direct sunlight.
- People who have had recent eye surgery and are particularly sensitive to sunlight and UV.
- People who have light-sensitive eyes.
- Children. Because children’s eyes are still developing and their crystalline lens is more translucent, their eyes are particularly vulnerable to UV radiation and need daily protection.
Should I recommend Transitions lenses for children?
Absolutely! Transitions lenses are a particularly good recommendation for children. Children typically spend a great deal of time outdoors. At the same time, because the crystalline lens in young eyes is not fully developed and allows UV light to penetrate the eye, children are more vulnerable to the potentially damaging, cumulative effects of UV rays than adults. Transitions lenses not only give kids versatility and increased vision comfort, they block 100% of UVA and UVB radiation.
Are Transitions lenses suitable for driving?
Windshields in today’s vehicles block most of the UV rays that cause Transitions lenses to activate, or darken. As a result, when worn inside a car where less UV light is present, the ability of the lenses to darken is reduced. As an eyecare professional, you may want to recommend that some patients wear a pair of polarized prescription sunglasses for driving.
Are Transitions lenses available in different lens designs?
Yes. Transitions lenses are available in a wide range of lens designs including single-vision, bifocals, trifocals and progressives. They are also available in both standard and higher index lens materials as well as shatter-resistant polycarbonate and Trivex®. Regardless of a patient’s prescription or lens preference, they may choose either gray or brown Transitions lenses.
Are Transitions lenses appropriate to wear while working at a computer?
Yes. They can be worn any place that a patient would wear regular, clear lenses – all day, every day. Transitions lenses help patients see more comfortably inside and out, day and night.
How long do Transitions lenses continue working?
The performance life of Transitions lenses will generally last the lifetime of the prescription. Transitions Optical recommends regular eye examinations either as determined by your eye doctor and your medical and vision needs or every year. Because most Transitions lens wearers become loyal, repeat customers, chances are you will sell them a new pair long before their Transitions lenses have any perceptible change in performance.
Still have questions? Don't hesitate to call Transitions Optical at 1-800-848-1506.
*UV blockage determined by global standard ISO 8980-3. Photochromic performance is influenced by temperature, UV exposure and lens material. UV400 protection available with Transitions VI lenses.
Trivex is a registered trademark of PPG Industries, Inc.