Every single member of my family wear glasses, my mom and late dad usually wears them for reading, my younger brother is a full time wearer due to short sightedness, and my sister recently had her lasik. I am the lone ranger who can sort of get by without wearing glasses, or so I thought.

Truth is, I always thought I had rather good vision. It wasn’t until when I went to Sepang for a drag race (as spectator, of course) that I found out I actually had problem viewing the timing display a 1/4 mile away while my buddy Kenneth could read it perfectly without any trouble. That’s when he suggested to me that I might suffer from astigmatism and that I should have my eyes checked.

Optical 88 at Suria KLCC, and my choice of frame
Optical 88 at Suria KLCC, and my choice of frame

The first pair of glasses I made was about 4 years ago, right after treating an eye injury I suffered while playing futsal, and it wasn’t until then that my astigmatism was confirmed by professionals.

I started wearing the glasses mostly while driving at night, it was like from normal movie to IMAX high definition, with the improvement even more pronounced when it rains. With astigmatism, glare is usually my biggest enemy.

time to check my eye sight, seems like it's similar to before
time to check my eye sight, seems like it’s similar to before

A couple weeks ago, I went for another eye test (perhaps once in 4 years is a bit slacking it) to get another pair of glasses, this time arranged by Transitions Optical to test drive their adaptive lenses.

The operators at Optical 88, KLCC were very helpful and professional in explaining and conducting the eye test to find out my condition. It was a two step process, starting with a computerized eye check that tells an approximate reading, followed by another detailed and more manual process in which lenses are swapped around in order to find out my exact power (not to be confused with super power.)

activation mid-light, it was just after rain
activation mid-light, it was just after rain

My readings came out to be P, -100, 75 for right eye, and -025, -075, 105 for left eyes (SPH, CYL, AXIS). The lady explained to me that I have mild to moderate astigmatism in both eyes, and a very mild case of short sightedness in my left eye.

I didn’t have the detailed reading from 4 years ago but I believe there weren’t any short sightedness then.

Three days later, I collected my second pair of prescription glasses in my life – this time with adaptive lenses from Transitions Optical.

Transitions vs normal lens, with my brother at Legoland
Transitions® lens vs normal lens, with my brother at Legoland

For those who aren’t familiar with Transitions lenses, it is basically a very clever technology. The lenses uses a patented photochromic technology that enables rapid activation (darkening of the lens) when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet lights. When UV light is absent, the lens quickly fade back to clear. Other than UV light, temperature also play a part in affecting the reaction time of these lenses as well.

In short, it’s even better than just having a pair of glasses for when you’re indoor, and another pair of sunnies when you’re out, for with Transitions lenses the darkening isn’t just an ON/OFF thing but varying shades in between too. However, it’s good to note that Transitions® lenses do not turn as dark as sunglasses especially in our climate.

adaptive lens is the way to go for motorcycling, can't take off the glasses at will
adaptive lens is the way to go for motorcycling, can’t take off the glasses at will

Back to driving, I find using my new pair of glasses a much more convenient and safer affair.

One of my friends on facebook mentioned his incidence of driving in a tunnel that appeared way too dark, and was about to curse when he realized he was actually still wearing his sunnies. This might sound funny, but is actually also a safety concern. With Transitions lenses, there is no such problem.


outdoor vs indoor, from dark to clear

I tried using sun glasses while riding my bikes before, but with the full face helmet there isn’t a way to take it off when going through tunnels or when it gets too dark. Again, no such problem with my new glasses. It’ll go completely clear and back to dark rather quickly in changing conditions.

Do note that if you use visors with UV protection, the lack of UV inside the helmet will not trigger the darkening of the lenses. My visor happened to be the clear type without UV protection so it worked very well for me.

great view right? not when you're driving, especially with astigmatism
great view right? not when you’re driving, especially with astigmatism

Transitions lenses also blocks 100% of UVA & UBV rays, and designed to work with most prescriptions and frames. They come in either brown or gray, and are safe for any age, including children.

Check this out when it’s time for your next pair of glasses, it’s time to take a serious look into adaptive lenses. If you head to Optical 88 at KLCC, Sunway Pyramid, or Mid Valley, quote “KY” to get yourself a pair of Transitions Adaptive Lenses and walk yourself home with Transitions exclusive travel wallet and name card holder (worth RM59.90) while stock lasts.

Furthermore, to make things more interesting, here’s a little something:

  • Leave a comment to this question: “What do you love about Transitions Lenses and how do they fit perfectly in your daily life?”
  • One lucky winner with the most creative comment will walk home with RM500 vouchers upon prescription of Transitions Lenses in Optical 88!
  • Contest ends by 31st August, 2013
  • The prize is non-transferable and non-exchangeable for cash.

Good luck!

For more information, check out transitions.com.my and their facebook page  fb.com/transitions.malaysia

Through the Smarter Lens – Transitions®
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22 thoughts on “Through the Smarter Lens – Transitions®

  • August 16, 2013 at 4:57 pm
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    Your eye sight is good as compared to mine, my readings are more than 500 for both eyes xD….

    What do you love about Transitions Lenses and how do they fit perfectly in your daily life?

    Transitions Lenses are convenient as you don’t have to take them off and replace with shades, especially for a person like me. My readings for both eyes are too high and it is very troublesome for me to get myself another pair of shades which are often expensive too.

    Reply
    • August 19, 2013 at 8:46 am
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      Ken: wah 500 is indeed quite serious!

      Reply
  • August 16, 2013 at 5:02 pm
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    What do you love about Transitions Lenses and how do they fit perfectly in your daily life?

    It is suitable for all occasions. All day, all night, all the time, anywhere, anytime. Protects the your eyes from UV and doesn’t strain the eyes during mid-day. No clip ons required too!

    You can wear it, and forget about it throughout the day. The best part? Head to Genting in the daytime and see how dark it turns eventhough there is no direct sunlight. Invisible UV is present.

    Reply
    • August 19, 2013 at 8:47 am
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      Elton: invisible UV, that’s an interesting observation

      Reply
  • August 16, 2013 at 5:08 pm
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    Mememe! But before I go into it, let me tell you a story that would hopefully increase my chances of winning these awesome lenses.

    Many years ago, I went kaikai with the girl we met at the Made of Honour event, and there was this ahbeng contact lens seller who came up to me to sell me…contact lenses!

    I told him: “well no thank you I have 20/20”, and that cute girl was so impressed she swooned over me <3<3<3<3<3.

    Ok now to win them specs.

    My eyes have degraded slightly, but I am in denial and always label myself as a 20/20.

    As a guy who is going to buy a bike, you just gave me the idea that I would have to drive through the Penchala Link tunnel everyday on my way home, so the risk of not riding safe increases.

    Also, my desk is by the non-tinted window, so I don't want to further deteriorate my eyesight by having to look at harmful UV rays while working. Boss probably won't be too happy with me wearing sunnies at work 🙁

    Ok sekian bye.

    Reply
    • August 19, 2013 at 8:47 am
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      Tan Yee Hou: your desk.. get a curtain 😛

      Reply
  • August 18, 2013 at 9:19 pm
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    I had a school teacher who had these.. so these sort of glasses aren’t new la right? LOL. The shades look good on you. I like the rectangular shape.

    Reply
    • August 19, 2013 at 8:47 am
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      ciki: it’s not new per se but I think they’ve improved the technology since too.

      Reply
  • August 19, 2013 at 9:34 am
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    “What do you love about Transitions Lenses and how do they fit perfectly in your daily life?”
    I love the seamless transition between the lenses from the lighter to darker whilst without being tinted or untinted per se. It fits perfectly into my daily life as my eyes are constantly being exposed to excessive UV rays both indoors through the massive windows at my high rise office tower or whilst I’m out and about meeting clients in the city.

    Reply
  • August 19, 2013 at 11:44 am
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    The Transition Lenses are for hubby as he is at a stage where his astigmatism is reducing and his presbyopia is increasing. Coupled with contacts lenses and prescription glasses the transition lenses will definitely be of convenience when he needs to rush in between fetching the kids and meetings.

    The lenses also reduces the chance of cataract as it automatically blocks off UVA & UBV rays and hopefully some rays from the computer which he works on most times.

    Reply
    • August 19, 2013 at 2:36 pm
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      kristen: yea, blocking those pesky UVs is an added advantage

      Reply
  • August 19, 2013 at 2:09 pm
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    I have a pair as well, but I guess the only thing is when you’re driving under the sun, it doesn’t work because of my car tint, and there’s when I think it matter the most. Having said that, it’s still good when you’re walking out in the sun.

    Reply
    • August 19, 2013 at 2:37 pm
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      JD: if you drive a lot, that’s true in a way. I guess UV activation is still the most practical for now

      Reply
    • September 3, 2013 at 3:45 pm
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      JD: By the way there’s one other product that will work in that situation – XTRActive. Still depends on what sort of tint you use though but check that out.

      Reply
  • August 20, 2013 at 7:43 pm
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    Transition lenses aren’t that new to me as I’ve friends who bought them a few years back when they weren’t so popular (and very costly too! How much is it per pair now?)…

    So why I love Transitions Lenses? My readings are about 600-700 with astigmatism for both eyes and I usually don’t rely on contact lenses when I’m at work. I face the computer ALL day and wearing contact lenses for such long hours everyday isn’t a very good idea.

    Then, when I drive home around 5-6pm, here comes my problem. I can’t see properly on the road due to the blazing sun =.=” Trust me even the sun visor won’t help because I’m too short FML. So I always force myself to sit up really straight to be at least covered by the visor a little bit. So it’s also no surprise that I have backache when I reach home.

    So yeah, this is why I want the transition lenses cos I believe they will be super useful in my daily life 😀

    Reply
    • August 21, 2013 at 4:21 pm
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      Jacquelyn: I hope you didn’t need to put a pillow on your seat. hehehe.

      Reply
  • August 28, 2013 at 3:02 pm
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    “What do you love about Transitions Lenses and how do they fit perfectly in your daily life?”

    I used to had a pair of transitions lenses, years back. At that time, I think it’s convenient without having to get an extra pair of prescription sunglasses. I didn’t like it when I get it. It’s not sensitive enough for my liking. I’m hoping that with the technology improved with time (my last pair of glasses with these lenses is around 20 yrs ago >.< )

    I got a serious case of short-sightedness (+-1000) and astigmatism (+-150) for both eyes. I'm basically blind without my glasses and getting a sunglasses is basically a nightmare for me.

    Reply
    • August 28, 2013 at 3:12 pm
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      Pauline: wah that’s tough, you really need some good lenses 🙂

      Reply
  • August 30, 2013 at 11:36 am
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    “What do you love about Transitions Lenses and how do they fit perfectly in your daily life?”

    Someone once said, as you grow old your eyesight deteriorates is automatic and not an option. However, maintaining a good vision and protecting them from getting worse is optional.

    Someone once told me, your degree will increase IF you wear your glasses 24/7. Initially, I ‘ve managed to ‘cheat’ my way out by squinting my eyes trying to see far objects but soon enough, I realise it was a bad move. My eyesight has become very ‘power-full’ ever since. I am on a total reliance upon it now.

    I love the fact that, the Transitions Lenses not only makes u look cool and awesome, it also does it job well – adaptive to environment, 100% UV protection, reduces glare and it’s suitable for all ages! Transition Lenses is definitely a necessity; especially in hot and sunny Malaysia as the sun is harsh on our eyes. Having said that, I believe with it, I could smile under the glaring sun/light without squinting my eyes anymore! (This comes super handy when it comes to taking beautiful picture :D)

    As a young professional, I have to go through piles of documents, working in front of the computer every day and travelling in and out of the state. With all the benefits as mentioned above, Transitions Lenses will definitely be a perfect fit in my daily life! Also, “eye” would love to experience the ‘Transitions”- Transition into a clearer, vivid and better ‘eye-perience’ ! Not just on the basis of hearsay 😛

    To sum it up, eyesight can deteriorate but we can CHOOSE to protect them with Transition Lenses. As the slogan goes, “enjoy life well lit”, I want to enjoy my life to the fullest in clarity and I don’t want to be left out in the ‘Transition’! 😉

    Reply
    • September 2, 2013 at 9:27 am
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      Lynn: Best of luck Lynn 😀

      Reply
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