Are there transition contact lenses

Then, they will fade back to a clear color again within 90 seconds of moving back into a dimly lit area. People wearing these contact lenses can quickly adjust to different lighting conditions.

Additionally, transition lenses help to reduce squinting when spending time outdoors. These contact lenses are designed with photochromic molecules, which is the technology used in transition eyeglass lenses. They are designed with both vision correction and comfort in mind.

When the molecules in the contact lenses sense light rays, a chemical reaction happens that changes the structure of the molecules. The light hits the molecules and causes them to open up and absorb the visible light, making them darken. The developers found the perfect balance of blocking as much light as possible, while minimizing cosmetic changes. Also, keep in mind that the lens only protects a portion of the eye that is covered by the lens. So, transition contact lenses are not a replacement for sunglasses.

As with other contact lens purchases, the safest and most effective way to get contact lenses is through your optometrist. Our optical team is skilled in contact lens fittings, helping you identify the right lenses to meet your individual needs. Talk to us about Acuvue Oasys transition contact lenses to see if these lenses will work for you.

This design is the first of its kind. They are available as 2-week reusable lenses that protect your eyes from UV rays and help with vision correction at the same time. If you are interested in learning more, talk to our team about the transition contact lenses price and fit. Do they sometimes make me look like an alien from the X-Files and scare my friends? Read more: Scientists create contact lenses that zoom when you blink twice Best places to buy prescription glasses online.

These Acuvue contacts have Transitions' "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 waves, just like sunglasses do.

The contacts adjust throughout your day to allow a consistent amount of light to reach your eye, whether you're in a dark theater or outside under the sun. When your eyes are exposed to UV light, the lenses take around 45 seconds to fully darken.

Once you step inside, they go back to clear in about 90 seconds or less. I should note that Acuvue's other contacts , and contact lenses from other brands -- such as Biotrue and Clariti -- also block UV radiation, but stay clear in all light. Throughout the day, the contacts change colors between clear and a deep, dark purple-brown.

In bright, direct sunlight without sunglasses, the darkening effect is most pronounced. Most of the day, if you work in an office, you won't see much tint. On my green-hazel colored eyes, these contacts turn a dark shade of purple-brown and entirely block out my iris's natural color.

Like other soft contact lenses, these completely cover your pupil and iris, with a little overlap onto the rest of your eyeball. I have to admit, they give me a distinctly alien look that freaked out just about everyone I showed them to. In full, direct sunlight, the contacts reached their darkest shade, which blocked out the natural color of my iris.

The effect is, well, a bit creepy. With filtered sunlight on a cloudy day, they will still adjust, just to a lighter shade of purplish brown.

By morning, they are nearly clear. Anyone who's gone outside on a bright day and immediately started squinting knows what that's like. The Acuvue Transitions contacts might also benefit people who experience photophobia , which is brought on by a variety of conditions, including migraines and dry eye.

For several days after I get a migraine, bright light is painful, focusing on a bright screen is hard and I'll get floaters in my vision. While these contact lenses cannot fix photophobia which is a neurological issue , it can help make it easier to deal with the symptoms. Even though Acuvue Oasys with Transitions lenses reach their darkest shade in sunny conditions, they are not a replacement for sunglasses. While the lenses do block UV radiation, sunglasses are important because they help protect your entire eye and the skin around it from UV damage that can cause cataracts, macular degeneration , corneal sunburn and skin cancer.

They also don't get as dark as sunglasses and don't offer polarization, which significantly reduces glare. If you already wear sunglasses regularly, these contacts will help you squint less if you step outside on a bright day without them.

But you'll still want to use sunglasses to block additional light so it's easier to see. Plus, if your sunglasses block UV rays which they should! If you have myopia nearsightedness or hyperopia farsightedness , you can use these transition contact lenses for daily use. Even those who do not have vision problems can wear them. These are "biweekly" lenses, meaning they must be replaced approximately every 14 days. Like any type of contact lenses, it is important to maintain good eye care practices.

Contact lenses of any kind do have the risk of complications, such as infections. Read More: Types of Contact Lenses. Transition contact lenses are similar to transition eyeglasses and have a photochromic additive. When this happens, the lenses darken slightly to compensate for the increased sunlight.

However, if you return indoors, your contact lenses become clear again within 90 seconds. The contact lenses will have a clear-to-slightly tinted appearance in normal, indoor lighting conditions. If you are diagnosed with myopia nearsightedness or hyperopia farsightedness , these transition contact lenses may be suitable. People with astigmatism irregular eye curvature can also take advantage of the transition lenses. However, the lenses do not correct astigmatism. Finally, if you have no vision problems but would like to enjoy the light management benefits, transition lenses may be worth considering.

On the other hand, if you have any of the following conditions, you should not use these transition lenses:. According to the National Eye Institute, approximately 42 percent of Americans between the ages of 12 and 54 have myopia , while 5 to 10 percent of all Americans suffer from hyperopia.

The FDA provided clearance for the use of these transition contact lenses. This means that the governmental organization considers these contacts to be both safe and effective. To reach this decision, the FDA looked over different pieces of scientific evidence. The study results showed no problems related to driving performance or vision among the contact lens wearers.

A k refers to when a device manufacturer makes a premarket submission to the FDA to show their device is considerably equivalent to a predicate device. A predicate device is a legally marked medical device that a manufacturer may use as a reference to get approval from the FDA.

Approximately 1 million doctor and hospital visits for keratitis occur in the United States annually. However, if you are not sure about whether to spend the money or not, you can download a certificate from the home page of Acuvue Oasys Contact Lenses with Transitions Light Intelligent Technology. This certificate will let you ask for free trial lenses from participating eye doctors. However, it is important to remember that you will have to pay for the eye exam and fitting fees.

However, that aside, transition lenses fall within a similar price range. Also, with vision insurance, you may be able to save more on out-of-pocket expenses.