We live in a fast-paced, dynamic world. By necessity, eyeglasses should be able to function well within many different settings and lighting variations. People that wear corrective lenses know that their frames are only as useful as they are adaptable to a variety of situations and environments. While many people have multiple frames for different uses, photochromic lens technology allows you to use the same frames during night and day conditions by adjusting to their surrounding light level.
Light Considerations for Day and Night
During the day, it’s preferable to use glasses that will minimize glare, not slip during normal daily activities and will protect against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays if possible. You also want lenses that allow you to read documents and spend long hours in front of computer screens if you work in an office setting. While driving, many people prefer to use corrective sunglasses as they make watching the road safer and easier.
At night, glare reduction is still an issue with oncoming cars and road wetness from precipitation. You also don’t want to be stuck with lenses that will further darken your visibility. Buying several different types of corrective lenses for various uses can be expensive, however. That’s where photochromic technology becomes very useful.
The Benefits of Photochromic Technology
Photochromic glasses feature lenses treated with a special agent that darkens them when they are exposed to UV light. This darkening action is reversible, and they can quickly and easily adapt to high and low light settings. When you are no longer exposed to UV light, the lenses will seamlessly transition back to their naturally clear state. This also means that they will act as sunglasses when you walk outdoors, but will not be dark in the fluorescent lighting of your school or office environment.
These lenses can block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, making them useful in a variety of settings as well as safer than untreated lenses. This is significant because years of research have concluded that long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight can result in a number of bothersome and limiting eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Most eye specialists now recommend that people protect their eyes against UV rays whenever possible.
Adaptable Glasses for an Ever-Changing World
Buying glasses is all about adapting to your lifestyle needs and personal preference. We often need different frames for different uses. Because we use our glasses in a variety of light levels and environments, photochromic lenses can save you time and money. You won’t waste time looking for your various frames for different settings or spend extra money on sunglasses and reading glasses. Discuss lens options and your particular needs with your eye specialist. To find stylish frames that best suit your lifestyle, find a local eyeglass retailer. There, salespeople can give you in-depth information on a variety of corrective lens types, and you have the ability to try on various frames to see what you like best.