TREND: Transition contact lenses - are they for you?

After more than a decade of development and product testing, Acuvue has recently launched a soft contact lens that, thanks to their light intelligent technology, adapts to different lighting conditions automatically.

You have probably heard of transition lenses — those glasses that turn dark in the sun and go back to clear when you step indoors — but the revolutionary Acuvue Oasys contact lenses with Transitions Light Intelligent Technology are the first of its kind.

These bi-weekly contacts are made to reduce the stressful impact light can have on your eyes, providing a more effortless sight with way less squinting. They also protect your eyes from UV rays, block excess light and help filter blue light.

But how do they actually work?

As we mentioned, these Acuvue contact lenses are made with light intelligent technology, a photochromic additive -- mixed into the soft hydrogel material that creates the lens. When this photochromic additive is exposed to UV light or blue light from screens and lightbulbs, it darkens the lens to block UV radiation and excessive light, just like sunglasses do.

Unlike other contact lenses that also block UV rays, these don’t stay clear in all light. Instead, the contacts adjust throughout your day to allow a consistent amount of light to reach your eye, whether you're in indoors or outdoors. When your eyes are exposed directly towards the sun, the lenses take around 45 seconds to fully darken. Once you step inside, they go back to clear in about 90 seconds or less.

How do they look like?

The contacts change colours between clear and a deep, dark purple-brown throughout the day. In direct sunlight without sunglasses, the darkening effect is most noticeable. Most of the day, especially if you work in an office, you won't be able to notice the tint.

Can they replace sunglasses?

While the contact lenses do block UV radiation, sunglasses are important because they help protect your entire eye and the skin around it from UV damage which can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, corneal sunburn and skin cancer. The contact lenses don't offer polarisation, which significantly reduces glare. However, they can be used with non-prescription sunglasses.

Finally… Are they for you?

If you are dubious on whether or not make the move over to transition contact lenses, we recommend that you try them for yourself. If you have a current contact lens prescription one year in date, visit us at 227-229 Old Brompton Road SW5 0EA and we will order a complimentary trial for you. If that’s not the case, call +44 (0) 20 3489 4681 to schedule a contact lens fitting with us, where we will evaluate your vision and help you decide the perfect contact lens type for you.