The Spectator

Photochromic technology is not something that is new in the eye wear industry. Lenses that darken due to exposure to UV have been around for years and have progressed to provide wearers with lenses that change quicker and an array of colours to choose from.

But did you know that this technology is now available in contact lenses?

In 2018 ACUVUE® released their ACUVUE® OASYS contact lenses with Transitions™ Light Intelligent Technology™, and it was named as one of TIME magazines Best Inventions of 2018.

These lenses were built to help reduce the stressful impact light can have on your eyes by filtering out and reducing exposure to bright light both indoors and outdoors, helping to filter blue light from devices and screens and offering the highest level of UV protection in a contact lens.

How Do They Work?

Just like your spectacles lenses, these contact lenses will activate when UV or high energy visible light is present. Outside the contact lenses will darken, providing UV protection benefits without changing the appearance of the eye too much. Upon returning indoors, the lenses quickly fade back to being clear, but the protection does not stop there as the lenses work indoors too, adapting to different light conditions.

Can I Still Wear Sunglasses?

As fantastic as these contact lenses are, they are not a replacement for sunglasses. Sunglasses protect your eye and the skin around it from UV radiation. Whilst these lenses do protect the parts of the eye that they cover, without sunglasses the rest of your eye is left exposed. The great thing about contact lenses is that they can still be worn under non prescription sunglasses!

These contact lenses are currently only available in a 2 weekly lens which is perfect for those who are frequent contact lens wearers. The darkening feature of the lenses is beneficial to people who lead an active lifestyle, spending time outdoors including playing sports where sunglasses is not ideal.

If you would like to find out more about contact lenses or trying Transitions™ contact lenses, contact your local Eye Place today.