Are Photochromic Lenses Good for Cycling?

No matter where you’re cycling, whether it’s out in hilly terrain or just riding downtown to your favorite coffee joint, it’s important to wear protective eyewear. Protective eyewear, like sunglasses, help keep you safe from harmful UV rays, glare, and debris coming towards your eyes. Photochromic lenses can help you in the outdoors by helping your eyes adapt from dark to light, while also protecting you from all those other things. When you switch over to photochromic lenses, your cycling trips will be bound to be easier and more comfortable. Continue reading to find out how photochromic lenses can help assist you in all your cycling adventures.

What are photochromic lenses?

Photochromic lenses, also known as transition lenses, are lenses that are clear or almost clear when indoors and darken when met with sunlight. Having photochromic lenses is essentially like having two pairs of glasses in one because indoors you have regular glasses and outdoors you have your sunglasses. 

How do photochromic lenses work? 

Photochromic lenses transition from light to dark from a chemical reaction happening in the coating on the sunglasses. Trillions of silver halide and chloride molecules are embedded within the lens of the photochromic glasses. This chemical reaction does not happen until exposed to UV rays which allows the glasses to remain invisible and clear until exposed to the sun. When exposed to UV rays, the molecules are able to move more effectively, change shape and absorb light. The process of these molecules shifting is what causes the lenses to become darker and morph the shade/tint of the lenses. While exposed to sunlight, the lenses will remain dark and will not shift back to transparent until out of UV rays. It is important to note that this chemical reaction will take place within 30 seconds and will last about 10 minutes to transition your lenses to their full darkness. When out of the sunlight, it will take about 2 minutes to transition back into their clear/invisible state.

Why are photochromic lenses good for cycling?

Eye Protection

When you’re cycling, it’s important to find eyewear that will cover more of your face, offer protection and be tough when it comes to the elements. Photochromic lenses can check all three boxes if you select the right pair of lenses and frames. It’s important to find larger frames and impact resistant lenses that will cover more area on your face and keep your eyes safe. This will protect more of your eyes from debris, sand, and dirt. Here at Fuse Lenses, our photochromic lenses utilize a high-quality polycarbonate that meets or surpasses ANSI Z87.1 ratings for driving sustainability and impact resistance, which make them perfect for cycling. 

UV Protection

When selecting lenses for cycling or any outdoor activity, it’s important to select high quality material that fully protects you from UV rays. UV can cause some nasty issues like cancer of the eye, damage to the retina, and even a sunburn on your eye. Ouch. Not to worry though, Fuse Lenses block 100% of UV light while also having crystal clear view, which allows for great vision and protection anytime you’re outside. 

Adapting to Your Visual Needs

Photochromic lenses are especially useful for cycling because they always adapt to your visual needs while biking. Whether you’re going for a casual bike ride or a more intense one through a forested area, photochromic lenses have the ability to adapt to your lighting situation. Especially in situations like forested areas where the light is constantly changing, it is important to have eyewear that will go along with the sun. Photochromic lenses are perfect for this because they can adjust to clearer conditions when it’s darker and adjust to sunglasses when you reach the sunnier points on your ride. 

What else are photochromic lenses useful for?

In addition to being good for cycling, they can be useful for just about any other activity. Whether you’re on the water or just going for a walk, transition lenses are useful. You can even use your photochromic lenses indoors because when they’re not in sunlight, they’re regular clear lenses. They can also be useful for watching TV, gaming or working from home on the computer all day. At Fuse Lenses, our photochromic lenses utilize bluelight technology which help reduce the effects of digital eye strain. Digital eye strain is a problem that occurs when too much time is spent on devices, which can result in dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision. No matter what you’re doing, photochromic lenses are there to help.

Summary

Whether you’re cycling up a mountain or riding on your way to work, photochromic lenses will be your best friend for biking. With the benefits of being protective and efficient, transition lenses will help you in all of your cycling adventures. When choosing a set of photochromic lenses, check out Fuse Lenses for your needs because we offer high-impact resistance, 100% UV blockage, and even have blue light technology in our photochromic lenses. Fuse Lenses wants to be your partner in high-quality eyewear that makes you feel comfortable, stylish, and protected.