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Transition lenses contain photochromic molecules that react to UV light. When exposed to sunlight, these molecules darken to protect the eyes from harmful UV rays. Indoors, where UV light is minimal, the molecules return to their clear state, allowing the lenses to lighten.

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What are transition lenses and how do they work to darken in the sun?

Transition lenses are a type of eyeglass lenses that automatically darken when exposed to sunlight. They contain special photochromic molecules that react to UV light, causing the lenses to darken. When the UV light diminishes, such as when indoors, the lenses gradually return to their clear state. This allows the lenses to provide both vision correction and sun protection without the need to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses.


What makes transition lenses transition?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photochromic_lenshotochromic lenses are lenses that darken on exposure to UV radiation. Once the UV is removed (for example by walking indoors), the lenses will gradually return to their clear state. Photochromic lenses may be made of either glass or plastic. The glass version of this type of lenses was first developed by Corning in the 1960s. More recently, plastic versions of these lenses have been commercialized. The first of these was the Photolite lens sold in the early 1980s by American Optical Corporation. The first commercially successful plastic photochromic lens was introduced by Transitions Optical in 1991.[1] The glass version of these lenses achieve their photochromic properties through the embedding of microcrystalline silver halides (usually silver chloride), or molecules in a glass substrate. Plastic photochromic lenses rely on organic photochromic molecules (for example oxazines and naphthopyrans) to achieve the reversible darkening effect. The reason these lenses darken in sunlight but not indoors under artificial light, is that room light does not contain the UV (short wavelength light) found in sunlight. Automobile windows also block UV so these lenses would darken less in a car. Lenses that darken in response to visible (rather than UV) light would avoid these issues, but they are not feasible for most applications. In order to respond to visible light, it is necessary to absorb it, thus the glass could not be made to be clear in its low-light state.


What are the benefits of glasses that darken in the sun?

Transition lenses, also known as photochromic lenses, offer the benefit of automatically adjusting to the level of sunlight, providing both clear vision indoors and UV protection outdoors. This feature eliminates the need to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses, making them convenient and versatile for varying light conditions.


What are lenses with thick centers and thin edges called?

Lenses with thick centers and thin edges are called convex lenses. They converge light rays towards a focal point, which allows them to focus light and produce real images.


What are Photochromic materials?

Photochromic materials are substances that change color when exposed to light. These materials can switch reversibly between two states, usually in response to ultraviolet or visible light. This property is often used in applications such as transition lenses in eyeglasses or color-changing clothing.

Related Questions

What are transition lenses and how do they work to darken in the sun?

Transition lenses are a type of eyeglass lenses that automatically darken when exposed to sunlight. They contain special photochromic molecules that react to UV light, causing the lenses to darken. When the UV light diminishes, such as when indoors, the lenses gradually return to their clear state. This allows the lenses to provide both vision correction and sun protection without the need to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses.


How do transition lens work?

Transition lenses contain photochromic molecules that darken when exposed to UV light, and become lighter when the UV light diminishes. This allows the lenses to automatically adjust to different lighting conditions, providing both clear vision indoors and UV protection outdoors.


What is Photochromic?

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How do photochromatic lenses work?

Photochromatic lenses are commonly called transition lenses. The lens is clear, but when exposed to the sun's UV rays, they will darken like sunglasses.


What makes transition lenses transition?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photochromic_lenshotochromic lenses are lenses that darken on exposure to UV radiation. Once the UV is removed (for example by walking indoors), the lenses will gradually return to their clear state. Photochromic lenses may be made of either glass or plastic. The glass version of this type of lenses was first developed by Corning in the 1960s. More recently, plastic versions of these lenses have been commercialized. The first of these was the Photolite lens sold in the early 1980s by American Optical Corporation. The first commercially successful plastic photochromic lens was introduced by Transitions Optical in 1991.[1] The glass version of these lenses achieve their photochromic properties through the embedding of microcrystalline silver halides (usually silver chloride), or molecules in a glass substrate. Plastic photochromic lenses rely on organic photochromic molecules (for example oxazines and naphthopyrans) to achieve the reversible darkening effect. The reason these lenses darken in sunlight but not indoors under artificial light, is that room light does not contain the UV (short wavelength light) found in sunlight. Automobile windows also block UV so these lenses would darken less in a car. Lenses that darken in response to visible (rather than UV) light would avoid these issues, but they are not feasible for most applications. In order to respond to visible light, it is necessary to absorb it, thus the glass could not be made to be clear in its low-light state.


Is there sunglasses that you can also see with?

Yes, there are sunglasses available with lenses that can transition from dark to clear when exposed to sunlight. These lenses are called photochromic or transition lenses, allowing you to wear your sunglasses indoors or at night as they adjust in darkness.


Is it possible to change clear lenses to transitional lenses?

No, clear lenses cannot be changed to transition lenses. Transition lenses have a special treatment that reacts to UV light to darken in sunlight, which cannot be added to regular clear lenses. You would need to purchase new transition lenses to have this feature.


What are the benefits of glasses that darken in the sun?

Transition lenses, also known as photochromic lenses, offer the benefit of automatically adjusting to the level of sunlight, providing both clear vision indoors and UV protection outdoors. This feature eliminates the need to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses, making them convenient and versatile for varying light conditions.


Is prescription eye glasses or transgression eye glasses better?

Prescription eyeglasses correct your vision, while transition eyeglasses darken in the sun, giving you both glasses and sunglasses. Eye Glass Direct can help you find the best choice for your lifestyle.


Will freezing ate transition lenses?

Freezing transition lenses is not advisable, as extreme cold can damage the lens material and affect their performance. Transition lenses rely on a chemical reaction to darken in UV light, and freezing temperatures could disrupt this process. Additionally, the risk of cracking or shattering increases when lenses are subjected to rapid temperature changes. It's best to store them in a stable, moderate environment.


How is photochromic lens made?

Photochromic lenses are made by adding special light-sensitive molecules to the lens. When exposed to UV light, these molecules cause the lenses to darken in the sun and clear up when indoors. This is done by either mixing the molecules into the lens material or applying them as a coating.


How do you darken sunglasses lenses?

To darken sunglasses lenses, you can use tinted sunglass lenses that are darker in color or have a higher level of UV protection. Another option is to use polarized lenses, which reduce glare and make the lenses appear darker. It's best to purchase sunglasses that already have the desired level of darkness rather than try to alter existing lenses.