Transition glasses are eyeglasses with specialized lenses that contain molecules (typically silver halide crystals) that react to UV light. When UV light hits the lenses, these molecules go through a chemical reaction that causes them to darken.
Remove the light, and the lenses clear up. This happens within seconds in warmer temperatures. However, it may be slower in colder climates.
Transition Glasses for Kids: Why?
There are some really compelling reasons to get transition glasses for kids. This includes:
UV Protection
Children’s eyes are more susceptible to UV damage than adults’ eyes. This is because their lenses are clearer, allowing more light to reach the retina.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays at a young age increases the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration later in life. Transition lenses offer ample protection from these harmful rays.
Protection From Blue Light
Some transition lenses filter out blue light, and they work particularly well when outside. Blue light is light emitted from the sun, digital devices, and LED and fluorescent lights. Filtering blue light can help improve sleep and reduce eye strain.
Glare Reduction
Transition lenses reduce glare. If your child is outdoors a lot and plays sports, these lenses can help them see better.
Convenience
Instead of bringing two sets of eyewear for your child (eyeglasses and sunglasses), you just need one pair. Transition glasses for kids make eye correction and eye protection easy!
The Downsides of Transition Glasses for Kids
A Child Wearing Eyeglasses Sits at His Desk
There are also some reasons why it may not be a good idea to get your child transition glasses. This includes:
Cost
Transition glasses have specialized lenses, so expect them to cost slightly more than regular eyeglasses. You might need to weigh the cost against the benefits. How often does your child do outdoor activities? Are they typically good about keeping their eyewear safe?
Not Ideal for All Activities
While transition lenses are great for general outdoor use, they may not darken enough in certain situations, such as when playing sports under intense sunlight. In these cases, your child might be better off with sunglasses.
Likewise, the blue light protection from these glasses is limited, especially when indoors. If your child spends a lot of time on digital screens, then blue light glasses might be the better fit.
Slower Reaction Time in Certain Conditions
Like I said earlier, the transition time of these lenses may be slower in colder climates. This is something you need to consider if you live somewhere cold.
Your Child’s Preferences
Lastly, it’s good to keep in mind that not all kids will love transition glasses. Some kids might want clear lenses because that’s what they’re used to. Some might not feel comfortable with darkened lenses.
So, Should You Get Transitions for Your Child?
I went to Reddit to see what the community thinks of transition glasses for kids. User blakev83 asked this question:
“Would transition lenses be a good idea for a 7-8-year-old? She has light colored eyes and can’t wear sunglasses without a prescription. I thought it would be easier than keeping up with two pairs of glasses, especially at school. Does anyone have experience with these for children? Thank you!”
The community was enthusiastic in chiming in, and many recommended transitions for kids.
It was a definite yes for user AdApprehensive2994:
“Yes get them for her, they make a huge difference when you’re outside, she’ll appreciate not having to look down and squint when the sun is out. They’ll protect her eyes from damage and she won’t have to try to keep up with another pair of glasses.”
User LayerEasy7692 also shared her experience. She said that while transition glasses are great, some situations require sunglasses with prescription lenses:
“My kid has had transition glasses since 1st grade (about 5 years). She also has light colored eyes and needs her glasses to see anything.
The transitions have been great for outside recess and field trips as well as all our outdoor summer activities. Honestly, she almost exclusively wears it except when she’s in the pool, and she has tinted prescription goggles for that.
The transitions also change back pretty quickly once she’s back inside.
The only other circumstance her prescription sunglasses (cheap set i bought on zenni) come in more handy than the transitions is when we’re in the car traveling west in the early evenings when the sun is directly setting into our eyes. Transitions don’t really change much in that scenario.”
I agree with these takes. If you have the budget, getting transition glasses is a great idea for a child who is often outdoors and has an active lifestyle. The sooner you can protect their eyes from eye damage, the better off they are as they grow older.
But also consider if your child would like to wear these glasses. Because if they don’t like them, they won’t wear them and might be careless with them. That’s a waste of money!
Alternatives to Transition Glasses
A Girl Wearing a Visor and Pink Zip-up Vest
If your child doesn’t like transition glasses, consider these alternatives:
Prescription Eyeglasses + Sunglasses
The prescription glasses and sunglasses combo is your best option if your child isn’t a fan of transition lenses. It might be a hassle having to bring two pairs of eyewear instead of just one, but this is a must to ensure your child can see clearly and is protected.
Hats and Visors
While this does not compare to eyewear that covers the entire eye region, wearing hats or visors helps protect kids’ eyes.
Blue Light Blocking Glasses
If your child spends a lot of time using digital devices, consider blue light-blocking glasses instead of transitions.
Transition glasses can be a great choice for many kids. Be sure to consult with your child’s eye doctor to see which glasses they think would work best for your child.
TL;DR
Transition glasses are eyeglasses with special lenses that darken when exposed to UV rays. They’re great for people who spend a lot of time outdoors, including kids.
The benefits of transition glasses for kids include UV and blue light protection, glare reduction, and convenience.
Some potential downsides include the cost, slower reaction times in certain climates, and your child potentially not liking them.
Reddit users agree that there are good reasons to get transitions for kids.
If your child does not like wearing transition eyewear, consider alternatives, such as a prescription glasses and sunglasses combo, and hats and visors.
My life rotates through five lenses: distance and reading glasses, sunglasses, contacts, and my diving mask's lenses. If I'm not writing, I'm in the kitchen, gym, or under the sea.
