We wear spectacles to improve our vision, aiming for “near perfect” eyesight. But what if we told you that wearing spectacles can give you better than natural vision? Yes, today, the technology behind spectacle lenses has advanced to such a degree that with the special treatments given to them, they can actually make you see even better than nature intended. Photochromic and Polarized lenses are two extremely popular treatments that enhance your visual acuity and clarity.
Even people without any vision problems opt for glasses with photochromic and polarized lenses for protection from the two big enemies of our eyes – UV rays and glare. Ultra-violet rays are present in the environment – not just in bright sunlight during summer. Lenses that are given the photochromic treatment protect our eyes from not just the sun, but also UV rays. Polarized lenses protect our eyes from the reflected light that attacks our eyes in the form of glare.
Photochromic
If you wear spectacles then you know how cumbersome it can be to carry separate sunglasses and keep juggling between them and your regular glasses when moving in and out. With photochromic lenses one pair of prescription glasses doubles up as sunglasses. Indoors, they are clear glass and when you go in the sun, the lenses darken. Actually, photochromic lenses darken not just in the sun, but whenever they are exposed to UV light. UV light is present even on cloudy days because these rays can penetrate through the clouds. So your photochromic lenses will darken even on cloudy days, further protecting your eyes from UV damage, which eye care professionals believe that may lead to early onset cataracts.
Photochromic treatment can be done to all kinds of lenses – even bifocals and progressives; and all materials that lenses are made of now, including polycarbonates.
The science behind photochromic lenses relies on a chemical treatment of the lenses where the chemicals react to UV rays and change colour – darkening on exposure and becoming neutral when not exposed. This entire process of lens darkening can happen within 60 seconds but it takes a little longer to revert back when you come indoors from the sun. You can choose from either the grey or a brown photochromic tint.
Polarized
Glare can hit us when we least expect it – for example a sudden shaft of sunlight bouncing off a shiny object, literally blinding us temporarily. While driving in the sun, we can become victims of glare from light bouncing off a smooth surface directly into our eyes forcing us to close our eyes. This can lead to fatal consequences on the road.
With polarized lenses, you can be safe from blinding glares.
Polarized lenses are also very useful for sportspersons. Picture this – an intense tennis match reaches match point; both the players are fighting for it. And just as the deciding volley gets interesting, the glint of the sun, caught in the face of a spectator’s watch, bounces and hits a player right in the eyes. Game. Set. Match. All it would have taken to save the day is a pair of polarized glasses.
Polarized lenses filter light because of a special chemical application. The molecules of the chemical block some of the light passing through the lens. Just like a window blind which allows only light coming from a particular angle in, the molecules of the chemical allow only light from a vertical angle, effectively blocking any light coming in horizontally since light travels in all directions.
Polarized lenses will enhance the image we see making it appear clearer and more detailed. Longtime use can reduce fatigue and eye-strain to a large extent. However, polarized lenses will hamper the clarity of LCD screens, ATM screens, and cellphone screens.
So walk into any of our Titan Eyeplus stores and talk to our consultants to know more about photochromic and polarized lenses to see which one of these treatments you need for your lifestyle.