9 Reasons to Consider Light‑Reactive Lenses
Everyone who wears glasses knows the hassle of carrying around a second pair of prescription sunglasses (or forgetting theirs at home). For many adults and kids who wear glasses, it feels easier just to forgo sunglasses altogether.
However, not protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays can lead to sensitivity, glare, and even eye disease later in life. Our team at Visionworks offers solutions to make protecting your vision much easier. If you hate switching between prescription glasses and sunglasses, it may be time to consider the benefits of light-reactive lenses.
We explain how light-reactive lenses work, their benefits, and how to decide if these lenses are right for you.
What Are Light-Reactive Lenses?
Light-reactive, light-responsive, or photochromic lenses utilize a cool technology that lets them turn dark in sunlight; they respond to light levels by darkening in outdoor sunlight and returning to clear in indoor lighting.
Light-reactive lenses combine the protection of sunglasses with the vision correction power of prescription glasses in one pair of frames, preventing the need to fumble between multiple pairs of specs and sunglasses.
Photochromic lenses from brands like SunSync are perfect for nearly anyone, especially for energetic kids or those with an active indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
How Do Light-Reactive Sunglasses Work?
Light-reactive glasses are coated with molecules that react when exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Upon exposure, the molecules darken to provide 100% protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Light-reactive coatings, like SunSync, can be applied to various lens types, including single-vision, bifocal, and progressive lenses.
Since the molecules react automatically to ultraviolet exposure, you can be sure your eyes are always protected from harmful UV rays.
9 Benefits of Light-Reactive Lenses
There are many pros to selecting light-reactive lenses, especially for individuals with an active lifestyle who love to spend time outdoors. Here are nine benefits of photochromic lenses to consider.
1. Light-reactive lenses are convenient.
An estimated 68% of the U.S. population wears prescription eyewear, but evidence suggests that only a fraction of them use prescription sunglasses. The main reason people don’t buy prescription sunglasses is because of the inconvenience of switching between sunglasses and regular glasses and carrying an extra pair everywhere.
With light-reactive lenses, you only need to keep track of one pair of glasses. Since they react to sunlight automatically, you don’t even have to think about putting on sunglasses at all!
2. Light-reactive sunglasses work with an active lifestyle.
When biking, hiking, or participating in outdoor sports, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun of the moment and forget to switch to prescription sunglasses. For active people on the move, light-reactive lenses are the best option to ensure the eyes are always protected.
3. Light-reactive lenses protect the eyes from UV rays.
Light-reactive lenses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. Exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays can lead to eye sunburn and diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts. Ensure your eyes are always protected and reduce the risk of eye problems later in life with glasses that react to the sun’s rays.
4. Light-responsive lenses work in extreme temps, too.
You might associate sunglasses with lazy summer days, but UV rays don’t take a break just because the temperature turns cold. It’s important to protect your eyes during the winter, too, and photochromic glasses can be a year-round solution.
The technology is still effective during extreme temperatures, but there’s a twist. Cold weather slows down the transition effect, while hot water actually speeds it up. You’ll only notice a difference during very cold or hot conditions, and it’s much better than going without UVA or UVB protection.
5. Light-reactive sunglasses reduce glare and eye strain.
You can quickly move from indoor to outdoor tasks with light-reactive lenses without suffering from glare or eye strain. Photochromic lenses are also a lifesaver when a cloudy day turns unexpectedly sunny. Be prepared no matter what the day brings!
6. Light-reactive lenses are great for kids.
If you’re worried about a kid losing their glasses, light-reactive lenses are a smart alternative to investing in both regular vision lenses and sunglasses. A pair that’s always perched on their nose is safer than a second pair they could misplace, after all. It’s also important to start protecting the eyes early in life, because this is when they’re most sensitive.
7. Light-reactive sunglasses can be customized for your style.
Choose from different frames, lens colors, and lens materials to meet all your needs. At Visionworks, we offer hundreds of different frame styles to choose from!
8. One pair of light-reactive glasses is often less expensive than a pair of regular glasses plus prescription sunglasses.
For people on a budget, one pair of glasses with the addition of SunSync can save money, especially if you need multi-focal lenses.
9. Some brands are also effective at filtering blue light.
This one does depend on the brand and type you choose, but SunSync offers blue light filtering that helps protect eyes from the effects of spending hours staring at screens. We’re still learning about the impact of digital eye strain, but it’s not something you need to be concerned about if you opt for lenses that help protect your eyes from UV and blue light at the same time.
SunSync Light-Reactive Lenses from Visionworks
At Visionworks, we offer premier light-reactive lenses from SunSync. SunSync lenses feature a dark outdoor tint, clear indoor appearance, and exceptional durability. These lenses are made to stand up to your outdoor adventures and easily transition back to the office or home environment. SunSync lenses are available in single-vision, bifocal, progressive, computer, and safety glasses with a choice of gray or brown tint.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of SunSync light-reactive lenses:
- Fast activation
- Dark outdoor colors
- Excellent indoor clarity
- 100% UV protection
- Targeted blue light filtration
- Exceptional durability
- One-year, 100% satisfaction guarantee
In addition, SunSync lenses beat out competitor options by working in bright situations that aren’t technically outdoors—like driving in your car. Responding to UV light is how most photochromic lenses work, meaning a car windshield that blocks those rays will stop the lenses from reacting and darkening. SunSync lenses work with UV and visible light, so you’ll be covered in more situations.
Are Light-Reactive Glasses Right for You?
To decide whether light-reactive glasses are right for you, consider your lifestyle, the amount of time you spend outdoors, the level of convenience you need, your eye health history, and your budget.
Light-reactive lenses are recommended for those with a family history of eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration because they help ensure the eyes are always protected from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of these eye diseases.
At your next eye exam, talk to your doctor about your lifestyle and eye health and ask if light-reactive lenses are a good choice for you.
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Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Claims regarding blue light efficiency are supported by manufacturer-provided test results.
