Can self-tinting glasses replace sunglasses?
As a fashionista, it is not always easy to find the right sunglasses. This year in particular, the brands have come up with a particularly large number of creations to make our hearts beat faster. The selection ranges from pilot styles to the ultra-trendy hexagonal models that have now conquered the whole world. The big trend this summer, namely the six-shaped metal glasses in a minimalist style, are not only in demand with fashion-conscious wearers, but also with eyeglass wearers with vision correction. While for most wearers the decision is limited to the brand, the shape and the color, eyeglass wearers still have to consider the lens characteristics. - Is this model suitable for my eyesight? - A question that most wearers are faced with to determine that 70% of the chic sunglasses on offer are unsuitable for glazing.
Visionet presents you an alternative way of getting really trendy glasses / sunglasses despite your prescription (varifocal or single vision lenses). The magic word is: self-tinting glasses. In the following article, we weigh the advantages and disadvantages of self-tinting transition lenses and compare them with sunglasses to help you answer the question, "Can transition lenses replace sunglasses?"
What are self-tinting glasses and how do they work?
Before highlighting the differences between the two types of glasses, let's first focus on how they work. Photochromic glasses, also known as self-tinting glasses, automatically lighten and darken depending on the ultraviolet radiation.
To achieve this, the lenses are coated with silver-based pigments (this process is estimated to cost billions). The molecules that can do this are called silver halide and chloride. The two elements change their aspects after contact with the sun's rays. In other words, thanks to the cooperation of both molecules, the lens tones itself after about 30 seconds and resembles traditional sunglasses with a solid tint. As soon as the UV light wears off, the lenses return to their original color. (Transition time approx. 4-10 minutes)
What are the advantages of transition lenses?
Photochromic glasses make it possible to correct the eyesight of the wearer and at the same time protect the eyes from the dangerous UV rays. Depending on the light conditions, the lenses darken and lighten automatically to provide 24h UV protection. The option can be added to any frame, any correction and any type of glass. Personalize your dream glasses, whether playful or conservative, with different colors and designs for your individual look.
Even if the transition lenses offer many advantages, one should also consider the possible disadvantages before buying.
- The transition time: Since the lightening and darkening depends on the UV radiation, the molecules that are on the glass need a transit time that can take up to ten minutes, depending on the temperature. In particular, colder temperatures accelerate the reaction of the molecules, while warmer environments slow them down. This can turn out to be less than optimal, as a faster darkening phase is desired in the warmer months and a shorter one in the cooler season.
- Tint strength: The maximum lens tint does not reach the same intensity as a standard sunglasses with a fixed tint. Likewise, the glass in the untinted state is not 100% clear but always has a minimal tint. If you need a very dark tint, then you should use a fixed tint in this case.
- Driving: Much of the sun exposure to our eyes occurs while driving, which leads many to wonder if transition lenses are effective while you are in your car. Since self-tinting glasses are usually triggered by UV rays and windshields are tinted to block UV rays, the lenses do not always darken completely or not at all while driving. The risk of glare on wet roads is higher in this case than with classic sunglasses.
The Transition brand:
The American company Transitions-Optical has been known since around 1991 for the patented manufacturing process of the same name for photochromic lenses. The glasses, which are also called self-tinting glasses, darken in the open air and light up in the room by themselves. This special glass technology takes place thanks to a layer that is applied to the outside of the glass and which consists of two molecules. The interaction of silver halide and chloride enables the wearer to avoid constantly changing glasses and sunglasses.
This revolutionary technology inspires all eyeglass wearers worldwide. Here is a summary of the most popular transition products:
- Transition Signatur GEN 8: Available in four different tints with a faster transition time. The glasses are darker outside and lighter inside than the previous products and also offer anti-blue light protection
- Transition Xtractive: Available in three different tints with a fast transition time. The perfect option, even when driving.
- Transiton Drivewear: Special glasses developed for driving a car.
How do sunglasses protect the user?
The glasses of the sunglasses are equipped with a UV filter. The latter prevents the UV radiation from penetrating the eyes directly and damaging the retina in the long term. The filter categories are comparable to sunscreen. The higher the filter category, the higher the UV protection. In the case of sunglasses, one speaks of 4 legally prescribed filter categories, whereby class 0 offers no protection and is only suitable as a fashion accessory.
In order to give you a precise idea of the capacity of these glasses, class 3, for example, is suitable for filtering the strong UV rays of the sun during a walk on the beach. According to estimates by specialists, this class absorbs between 85% and 92% of light. Class 4 is only intended for mountain climbers at great heights, as they do not let the slightest UV radiation through. The absorption is 95% and more. Please note that the dark glasses in this category are prohibited for driving.
Another option to avoid glare is polarized sunglasses. Rays emanating from reflective surfaces such as wet roads, snow or water surfaces are effectively inhibited thanks to the polar filter and thus offer a high level of glare protection and comfort.
When buying, make sure that you only buy certified goods from well-known brands and trustworthy online shops such as Visionet to ensure that your glasses offer the UV protection that is advertised.
What do sunglasses offer?
Sunglasses have been considered the ultimate eye protection accessory since their inception. You not only look really good, you also have darkness and glare protection in real time. Thanks to corrected contact lenses, glasses wearers also have the opportunity to benefit from sunglasses without sacrificing visual comfort. Alternatively, there is also the option of having a pair of sunglasses of your choice fitted with corrective lenses. At Visionet you have the choice between classic tints such as brown, green or gray up to more extravagant colors such as blue, pink, orange etc ... Personalize your lenses with polarized, gradient or mirrored lenses and show that you also wear glasses Have taste. Please note, however, that not all models are suitable for grinding single vision lenses or progressive lenses. You can find a selection in our online shop.
Are sunglasses or transition lenses better now?
The decision is yours. However, it is advisable to fully indulge your flair and expectations, and also to consider your budget. Photochromic glasses are simple and practical solutions for those who wear glasses and are tired of constantly changing glasses. On the other hand, transition glasses cost more. Conversely, sunglasses are cheaper and you can find good discounts and cheap branded goods more easily, for example at Visionet.
What are the different colors of self-tinting glasses?
Sunglasses tints are plentiful. Blue, gold, silver or with interesting color mixtures, branded sunglasses offer your dream color, whether classic or extravagant. The tint makes it possible to improve contrasts and protect the eyes from dangerous UV rays. Transition lenses, on the other hand, offer classic tints of gray and brown that protect your eyes particularly well in everyday life.
Gray lenses: Choose gray lenses to reduce the rays of light and achieve true-to-original color contrasts. Particularly suitable for silver-colored frames.
Brown lenses: Choose brown lenses for nearsightedness to increase contrast and visual comfort. Perfect with brown or gold colored frames .
