Does Anyone use Photo-chromatic / Transition Prescription Glasses while Riding?

[Mtbjay]

Hey all,

A couple of years back, I began wearing progressive reading glasses for the finest of print, especially in low-light conditions. Today, I am finding they are also helpful at night, and in the rain, while both driving and riding. I can see the dash better when I wear my readers, read road signs sooner, etc. Presumably it's the anti-glare coating and the slight magnification I now have…. In any case, I'm up for another pair and I am considering a photo-chromatic set from Oakley as a sole pair (for cost savings).


I have a few concerns:

Will they be clear enough for night riding? From what I've seen in person, photo-chromatic lenses always seem to have a slight tint. Then again, I've not seen them in the dark….

What (if anything) do I give up if they are my sole prescription? Does anyone have experience here? Pros & Cons?

While I could continue as I have and simply upgrade my readers, but the thought of a photo-chromatic pair sounds inviting. I understand they don't darken much (if at all) behind a face-shield (or windshield), and that I can't expect them tol perform as well in bright sun as an excellent pair of sunglasses, but that's OK. It's the versatility that appeals to me - less on/off you know?



Thanks in advance!

Jason

 

[JRE]

The problem with those if that if your faceshield filters UV rays, then not enough will reach your glasses to activate the photochromatic process. This happens in a car too. I'm not sure which face shields are not UV blocking but something to look for.

 

[Big Blu]

I've been riding with photo-chromatic, scratch resistant, and anti-glare lens for about 10 years. I see no down side for either day or night riding.
Unless they are exposed to UV light they are clear, as clear as any pair of glasses. Most helmet shield's contain UV inhibitors so they will remain almost clear when riding with my Shoei Neotec during the day and I still use the flip down tinted visor in the helmet.

It's nice not to have to switch glasses when I need a sun glasses.

Paul

 

[fredz43]

I agree with Paul and have been wearing Transition lenses in my progressive bifocals for at least 10 years with no problems. My Shoei helmets may only limit some UV, as my Transition lenses do darken a bit when riding on sunny days, enough that I don't need sunglasses.

 

[Madhatter]

they do get darker in cold weather, but it does not pose a vision issue, i have had this type of lens for thirty years. no issues.

 

[yamajamr]

only downside i encounter is as they age it seems they take quite a long time to lighten when you come inside but beats the hell out of carrying a separate pair of prescription sunglasses

 

[TheHelios]

I don't have Transitions glasses but my helmet's visor is a Transitions visor. I've had zero issues with clarity on them. Perfectly clear at night time and decently shady in daylight but they aren't as dark as I'd like.

 

[Mtbjay]

Thanks for the quick feedback, mates! I'll give 'em a go.

 

[rem]

I've been wearing transition lenses for years, and I love 'em. I don't know how I survived without them before. They will darken substantially in sun or even snow glare. But the other members are correct ...... it seems that if you have any kind of surface in front of them, they won't work. At night, they are fine. No tint at all. But if you have a visor or goggles or whatever over them, they don't tend to activate. But for regular use, they are great. Awesome. Even mighty fine. ::008:: ::008:: R

 

[Snooze]

Transitions has a newer lens coating that will darken while you are in the car. I've had mine for years and don't even think about them when riding. Only way to go in my opinion.

 

[terryth]

I got transition lenses last year when I had to get glasses. I found they did not work behind the visor and in the car and also got a pair of prescription wrap around Oakley sunglasses for riding and love them. I also found the transitions are not fully 100% clear when not activated and do block a little light that is very noticible in dim/dark conditions, so when I get my next pair with bifocals down the road they will definitely not be transitions.