Transition contact lenses are created by researchers from different part
of the world. The first-ever transition contacts which darken automatically in
response to bright sunlight. The lenses could replace traditional sunglasses.
Transition lenses have been available for eyeglasses for four decades, but the technology has never before been implemented on contact lenses. The lenses of conventional transition sunglasses are coated with millions of molecules of photochromic, or ultraviolet light-responsive, dyes. Normally transparent,
the molecules change shape when exposed to UV light, darkening the lens and
absorbing UV rays. The darkening can accomplish two tasks, it can make the
wearer’s vision in bright light more comfortable, and it can protect the eyes
against the sun’s damaging rays. The contacts darken in the sunlight, much like
transition lenses.
Scientists have been working on this technology for a while. When coating
lenses in light-sensitive material, which is how transition eyeglasses are made,
engineers had a hard time creating a uniform surface. They finally decided to try embedding the solution within the material of the contacts. Engineers claim that this technique will give the transition contact lenses a faster response to light than transition eyeglasses, according to the latest news source.
The lenses also boast UV protection, a selling point for those who are careful about their eye health. The Global Optometric Association recommends that everyone, including children, sport eye wear with at least 99 percent UV protection whenever they’re outside during the day.
Amazing nanotechnology which allows a network of nano-sized tunnels
throughout contact lenses to be filled with dyes which respond to ultraviolet
radiation and darkening when it senses such rays. The resulting product could
be extremely helpful to users as they will protect the eyes without the need to
fumble and look for sunglasses. But then again, if we can wear contacts which
have colored tints, why not those with UV-sensitive dyes. This is called Transition contact lenses that mimic sunglasses.
Transition contacts contain patented photochromic dyes which activate –
or darken – the lens when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight. When the UV light diminishes, the lenses fade back to clear. As outdoor light conditions change, the level of darkness adjusts, creating the right level of tint and allowing just the right amount of light to reach the eye. This action allows Transitions lenses to help protect your eyes from the light you can see-reducing glare, improving contrast and diminishing eye strain.
However, the research team still testing the transition contact lenses on
animals to see if the biocompatible dyes stay contained within the material. Still, the question remains whether the lenses can transition fast enough to be safe for drivers, athletes and the military.
