Photochromic - Transition Lenses
Spectacles are normally clear or photochromic (transition). Tints can be used for cosmetic purposes, specific environments or sensitive eyes to help reduce the glare.
- Pale tints (cosmetic) take out a hint of brightness. Often done to complement your natural colouring or give that fun and creative fashion appeal. Also the lens edge takes on the colour tint to reduce the white edge of a lens, particularly useful in rimless frames. The tints are still safe for night driving as they only block a small portion of the available light (5-10%).
- Dark Tints- A lot of people do not realise the importance of prescription sunglasses (65-85% absorption of light). Too often we hear of spectacle wearers putting on their “normal sunglasses to drive on a sunny day at the sacrifice of their vision and safety.
The tints can be any colour and darkness, although generally, for a prescription wearer you don’t want the tint too dark, as you cannot just take them off while driving through a tunnel.
- Generally brown, when looking through it, is chosen for its “warming” effect and added contrast on overcast days, particularly useful for driving and as all year round sun protection.
- Grey has a more neutral effect that is more “cooling” in hot climates.
Everyone has their own opinion on what colour they like to look through and how dark it is. You are always best to ask your optician for a few examples to try and enquire about polarised lenses for an even better quality and comfortable vision.
100% UV tints – generally anyone wearing clear plastic lenses (not if clear glass) is better protected from harsh UV rays from the sun compared to those without any glasses on. For those that like 100% protection a special UV inhibiter tint can be put in your lenses if the material doesn’t have it inbuilt already.
