Why Ultra-Fast Photochromics Might Be the Perfect Winter Lens

​Winter is here. That means warm mugs of cocoa, frosty window panes, early sunsets, and dreams of hibernation.

​But it also means a variety of optical challenges for your patients.  Finding one lens to meet these diverse needs of the season has historically presented challenges for eye care professionals. However, a revolutionary, new category of light-reactive lenses now offers you and your patients a single solution, with specific benefits for each season. 

For the purpose of this post, we'll be focusing on the winter season, and three reasons ultra-fast light-reactive lenses are ideal choices for this time of year.

1. UV Protection

Ultraviolet rays are equally dangerous for your patients in winter (possibly more so) because people aren't always thinking about UV exposure when the mercury plummets down the thermometer.  But this common oversight isn't the only reason to provide patients UV protection on the fly.

Winter UV Dangers:

• Snow from below reflects up to 85% of UV [1]​
• Winter retreats at high altitude mean thinner atmosphere and less UV filtration
• Grey days make patients think they don't need UV protection
• Patients forget their sunglasses or leave them at home

Ultra-fast light-reactive lenses like SunSync Elite and SunSync Elite XT rapidly darken when they come into contact with UV light, shielding the eyes in the same or less time than it would take a person to fumble for a pair of sunglasses. That means patients are automatically protected, even if they haven't thought about defending their eyes... or if they forgot their sunglasses at home.

2. Ultra-Fast Activation and Fade-Back Speed

Whether dashing through the snow to escape the cold or ducking in and out of stores to find the perfect gift, wintertime brings about a lot of shifting from indoors to outdoors and back again.  That's where ultra-fast photochromic lenses excel. Changing from clear to dark and dark to clear in seconds[2], a lens like SunSync Elite keeps up with patients, providing comfort and clarity in any environment. 

3. Excellent Blue Light Defense

Whether clear or dark, ultra-fast photochromic lenses provide outstanding defense against blue light from digital screens and LED lighting. So, when people opt to cozy up to to their devices instead of braving the elements, ultra-fast lenses help defend against ​the effects of blue light exposure, including digital eye strain.

A Seasonally Sensational Winter Bundle

Individually, the benefits mentioned above make ultra-fast light-reactive lenses a phenomenal recommendation for patients year-round. When combined and and measured against the needs of the season, you're offering a perfect package that delivers convenience, comfort,and protection that might just make them the perfect winter lens.

Related Content: 8 Factors that Increase Your Risk of UV Exposure


1. The Vision Council, “Spare Your Sight: Using Shades for Protection and Style 2016 UV Protection Report.”
2. t½F of SunSync Elite in polycarbonate is 53 seconds at 73.4°F.