What’s the Deal With Transition Eyeglass Lenses?

Regardless of the season and thus, the level of heat we Phoenicians find ourselves enduring, the Arizona sun takes a vicious on our eyesight all year round. Thankfully, Transition Eyeglass Lenses provide a great deal of relief for this very issue.

Transition eyeglass lenses adjust from clear indoors to dark outdoors, but it’s not just about light or dark; it’s about everything in between. No matter where you are or what situation you’re in, transition eyeglass lenses adapt to the perfect shade so you see with just the right amount of light.  

Just how does transition lens technology work? Well, let’s discuss that now….

Transition Lens Technology

Transitions eyeglass lenses appear to change effortlessly, at least to our eyes. However, transition lens technology is actually quite complex. Transition lenses in eyeglasses contain special patented photochromic dyes. These dyes activate when they are exposed to ultraviolet rays from sunlight, which causes them to darken. Take away the ultraviolet rays by, let’s say by going indoors or even in a nice shade spot, and the lenses will fade back.

This is the gist of it for those of us who are not lens technologists! But seriously, the most important thing to know about transition lens technology is that the level of tinting is constantly adjusting with the light conditions they are placed in. Most importantly, UV radiation protection remains constant. This makes transition lenses in eyeglasses wholly superior, and transition lens technology one of the most important advances in eyewear since the eyeglass itself.

Transition Lenses in Eyeglasses

We field questions everyday about transition lenses in eyeglasses from patients who think they sound just a bit too good to be true. In order to help you decide whether or not transition lenses in eyeglasses are the right choice for you and your family, we want to share the answers to some of the most asked questions we receive here….

  • Transition lenses reduce glare, although not as well as a pair of high quality polarized lenses. For this reason, it might be a good idea to still have a high quality pair of polarized lenses for extreme light conditions on open water and other places blue light is prevalent.
  • Transition lenses block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays, which can contribute to macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye disorders or diseases.
  • Transition lenses in eyeglasses enhance vision quality because the tint consistently adapts your optical ability to discern objects varying in size, contrast, color and brightness.
  • Transition eyeglass lenses work very quickly, almost instantaneously to our eyesight.
  • You can drive, work on the computer, in your garage, or any other place you would normally wear regular and/or sunglasses.
  • Transition lenses are available in virtually every frame, style, size and prescription, including single-vision, bifocal, trifocal and progressive designs.

If you have any questions about these answers, or any questions we did not answer here, we welcome you to reach out to us directly and we are happy to answer them!

Transitions Signature Lenses®

Tatum EyeCare is pleased to offer our patients the highest quality Transitions® brand lenses. These come in two varieties: Transitions Signature Lenses and Transitions XtrActive Lenses. In our experience, Transitions Signature Lenses® are the among the most adaptive, responsive lenses ever made.

Transitions Signature Lenses use Chromea7™, which is a patented photo-chromatic technology that allows the lens to be more reactive to bright sun, partial sun and even indirect light that can reflect from vehicles, buildings and many other surfaces. Some other benefits of Transitions Signature Lenses include:

  • Super fast fade and fade back speed
  • Suitable for any age and almost any vision condition, including for children
  • Help protect your eyes from harmful blue light both outdoors and indoors

Transitions XTRACTIVE Lenses®

Transitions XTRACTIVE Lenses® take the Signature Lens design and build on it in order to protect your eyes from both the harshest artificial light and damaging natural sunlight. For these reasons, Transitions XTRACTIVE Lenses are the perfect solution for driving in Arizona year round…. as well as spending time in any environment where unnatural indoor lighting causes eye fatigue, strain, headaches, etc. in addition the benefits these lenses share with Signature Lenses, some benefits of Transitions XTRACTIVE Lenses include:

  • Darkening behind a car’s windshield to protect from sunlight when driving
  • Extra dark tint engagement outdoors in extreme sunlight conditions
  • Hint of tinting protects from harsh indoor lighting conditions

Transition Lens Color Options

 

transition lens color chart

There are three transition lens color options to choose from: Brown, Gray and Graphite Green. If you would like to check our transition lens color options out in person, we welcome you to visit our North Phoenix office to see our full variety of lenses.

The Best Optometrists in North Phoenix

 When you choose Tatum EyeCare for you vision health and fashion needs, you are choosing optometrists in North Phoenix who are invested in our clients and community. We are happy to answer any other questions you have about retinal imaging, or to schedule your appointment with one of our optometrists today. We’ve proudly served the Valley of the Sun for over 20 years. Stop in to view our extensive collection or Transition Lenses, and see for yourself how Tatum EyeCare reframes customer service and optical expertise for everyone!

Contact Tatum Eyecare

Dr. Bryan Fuller

Dr. Bryan Fuller of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Fuller grew up in Issaquah, Washington and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University. He decided to ditch the calculator and trade it in for a phoropter and slit lamp. He headed east to The Ohio State University where he received his Optometry degree in 1998. Go Bucks! Not wanting to return to the gray of Washington, after graduation, he headed southwest to sunny Arizona. Shortly thereafter he met Dr. McPhelan and they partnered up at their original location, Optical Illusions. With the success of the first location, the two doctors opened up their north location, Optique at the Ridge. After many years of operating the two locations, it was time for an upgrade. In 2016 they merged the two locations into their larger and current location, Tatum Eyecare! When not at the office, Dr. Fuller enjoys spending his free time with his amazing wife and two boys. Dr. Fuller holds the following degrees:

Ohio State University - Doctorate of Optometry
Washington State University - B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Dr. James McPhelan

Dr. James McPhelan of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. McPhelan grew up in Southern California and enlisted in the Army at age 17. He graduated from Southern California College of Optometry in 1976, then started practicing optometry in Arizona in 1977. Over the next few years, he grew 20/20 Eye Care to 15 offices. In 1999, he and Dr. Fuller took over Optical Illusions, then opened Optique at the Ridge. In 2016, they created Tatum Eyecare. In his spare time, Dr. McPhelan is an avid golfer, often competing in multiple tournaments through the year. Dr. McPhelan holds the following degrees:


Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Houle

Dr. Houle
Dr. Houle is following in her father's footsteps as an optometrist. She is a North Dakota native who received her Bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota before earning her Doctorate of Optometry from Midwestern University - Arizona College of Optometry. Dr. Houle began her career in eye care more than 10 years ago, and she worked as a receptionist, optician, and technician before becoming an optometrist. She has a particular interest in the management of ocular disease including dry eye and glaucoma. In her free time, Dr. Houle is an avid baseball fan (go Twins!) and spends as much time as possible with her friends and family in both Arizona and North Dakota.

Midwestern University – Arizona College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry
University of North Dakota - Bachelor of Science: Biology

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. O’Daniel was born in the beautiful mountains of Waynesville, North Carolina and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He attended Wright State University and graduated with his BS in Biology in 1977; shortly thereafter, beginning his Masters in BioChemistry.

Dr. O’Daniel is also a 1983 graduate of the Illinois College Optometry. He met his wife Lori during this period. Lori, a Chicago native, became an integral part of his practice (and life!) shortly thereafter.
He moved to Scottsdale in 1986 to begin practicing inside LensCrafters. In 1990 Dr. O'Daniel opened the Scottsdale LensCrafters, and he also presided as its director of Optometric services.
Dr. O’Daniel became an Optometrist because of his love and passion for photography, physics, and desire provide patients with the ability to see the world more clearly. As a licensed optometrist, Dr. O’Daniel provides complete eye care services for the surrounding communities ages seven and up.
Dr. O’Daniel has had a working relationship with both Dr. Fuller and McPhellan for over two decades. He has served as past director for the Arizona Optometric Association, and past President of the Central Arizona Optometric Society. In January, 2018 Dr. O’Daniel decided to join Tatum Eye Care, the premier Eye Care Center in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Dr. O’Daniel’s goal is simple: Provide Excellent Eye Care, treat patients as family, and treat everyone honestly and fairly!

Dr. Christina Wong

Dr. Christina Wong of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
A southern California native, Dr. Wong attended UCLA where she received her B.S. in Biology. She then completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry. Dr. Wong moved to Arizona to complete a residency in ocular disease at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Following residency, Dr. Wong earned the distinction of Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Wong provides comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages, from pediatrics through seniors. She has a special interest in the management of medical eye conditions including glaucoma, eye infections, dry eye and diabetic retinopathy.
Outside of the office, Dr. Wong enjoys running, going to the beach, rooting for the Bruins, and spending time with her husband and three daughters.
University of California Los Angeles - B.S. in Biology
Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Ryan Felten

Dr. Felten of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Felten is a native to Arizona, and was raised in North Phoenix where most of his family still resides. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University; then returned home to Arizona to pursue his Doctor of Optometry at Midwestern University in Glendale. While at Midwestern University, he was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society and was the recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy. Dr. Felten enjoys working with patients of all ages and also speaks fluent Spanish. Dr. Felten holds the following degrees:


Brigham Young University - Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Midwestern University - Doctorate of Optometry