Driving with photo-chromatic transition lenses.

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Dec 27, 2022
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Last night was the first time driving for a long period (4hrs) at night on single carriageway roads* with my transition lenses. After about an hour I took them off and my vision was much clearer, distance prescription is 0.95 so almost nothing.
Not sure I will get transition lenses next time.

* It's Ireland and the motorways don't run from Rosslare to Lahinch apart from one bit round Limerick.
 
Nov 11, 2009
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Last night was the first time driving for a long period (4hrs) at night on single carriageway roads* with my transition lenses. After about an hour I took them off and my vision was much clearer, distance prescription is 0.95 so almost nothing.
Not sure I will get transition lenses next time.

* It's Ireland and the motorways don't run from Rosslare to Lahinch apart from one bit round Limerick.
My new transitions are almost clear in the car, even in sunlight. I chose them to be non reactive when driving. If I need tints for driving I’ve got Polaroid varifocal sunglasses or clip ons.
 
Dec 27, 2022
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My new transitions are almost clear in the car, even in sunlight. I chose them to be non reactive when driving. If I need tints for driving I’ve got Polaroid varifocal sunglasses or clip ons.
As are my transitions but there is just a hint of shade about them even in the dark. Normally not a problem yesterday was an exceptional drive not my normal sort of thing, four hours without a comfort break😱
 
Nov 11, 2009
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As are my transitions but there is just a hint of shade about them even in the dark. Normally not a problem yesterday was an exceptional drive not my normal sort of thing, four hours without a comfort break😱
You might be in need of a good anti coagulant if you do stints like that. :eek:
 
Jul 18, 2017
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I will be seeing my optician tomorrow for new spectacles. I was going to say new specs, but younger bodies not available. :LOL:

Our previous optician told me that spectacles that go dark in sunny weather could cause me issues and suggested anti glare? They do not work very well in bright sunlight and wet roads. I hardly ever drive at night and if I do, it is for less than 10 miles on dark roads, so I hope that is not an issue for me if I did go for the transition spectacles.

Unsure whether to to get the anti glare or the polarised spectacles? Not sure if there is a difference between polarised and photo chromatic spectacles.
 
Nov 11, 2009
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I will be seeing my optician tomorrow for new spectacles. I was going to say new specs, but younger bodies not available. :LOL:

Our previous optician told me that spectacles that go dark in sunny weather could cause me issues and suggested anti glare? They do not work very well in bright sunlight and wet roads. I hardly ever drive at night and if I do, it is for less than 10 miles on dark roads, so I hope that is not an issue for me if I did go for the transition spectacles.

Unsure whether to to get the anti glare or the polarised spectacles? Not sure if there is a difference between polarised and photo chromatic spectacles.
You can by polarised fixed tint sunglasses to your prescription, Whereas photo chromatic can be ordered with polarisation too. I’ve found polarisation better than anti glare but you can also add an anti glare coating to transitions with polarisation too.. The link below details the different categories of Transitions lenses. I went for the Gen S as I didn’t need all of the extra features/ performance of the other types. Transitions are made by Essilor who invented the Varilux lens.


 
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Feb 13, 2024
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When purchasing these glasses do you use specsavers or a independent opticians? Roughly what price are you looking at? ( or not) . See what I did there 😏
 
Jul 18, 2017
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We prefer to use independents as chain opticians operate as if you are lambs to the slaughter!
 
Nov 11, 2009
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We prefer to use independents as chain opticians operate as if you are lambs to the slaughter!
Ask if they do the deep eye scan (OCT), which scans deep into the eye a “ sees the future”, hence enabling earlier action if required. Mine detected a very limited area of MD, but at this stage nothing of concern, just ageing.
 
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Dec 27, 2022
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Started with Boots then Specsavers after that an independent.
The independent had a great ophthalmologist who spotted my Glaucoma, she has since gone to Specsavers so I guess I will be going back there next time but will possibly get my glasses over the interweb as I have five sets of old frames that need using.
 

Sam Vimes

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Sep 7, 2020
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First point.... I ditched my reactive glasses as I found them annoying. Not working in the car, not reducing reflections and slow to go back to normal. Instead I now use Polaroid over glasses. A little bit of faffing about taking them on or off as needed but a much better solution for me. Also saves money on the lenses.

Second point.... I use an independent optometrist. I can have the OCT, which has to be paid for because it's not covered by the NHS. My optometrist said it wasn't necessary in my case because my eyes haven't really changed in years and the NHS scan would be ok. Next year I'll go for it as it will have been about 4 or 5 years since last done.

Third point.... My varifocals, in titanium frames, anti-scratch, anti-reflection no reaction Zeiss lenses were £450.
 
Nov 30, 2022
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Any transitional lens takes a finite time to lighten, and if going from a brightly lit road into a tunnel, or area heavily shaded under trees, that can be a serious issue, even if they go completely clear in just 2 seconds (which is very quick) at 60mph that still equates to over 50 metres travelled with impaired forward vision.
 
Dec 27, 2022
548
395
2,135
Any transitional lens takes a finite time to lighten, and if going from a brightly lit road into a tunnel, or area heavily shaded under trees, that can be a serious issue, even if they go completely clear in just 2 seconds (which is very quick) at 60mph that still equates to over 50 metres travelled with impaired forward vision.
My glasses like many use UV to darken them, the cars windscreen removes UV so when driving they don't darken.
 

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