
I selected the most thorough eye exam Visionworks offered.
This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Transitions Optical. Some of our team was provided with a complimentary eye exam and pair of eyeglasses to test for the purpose of this campaign. However, all opinions expressed are our own and our own personal funding also was used.
Even though I live in the sunshine capital of the world and I’ve worn prescription glasses since I was 10, I’ve never used sunglasses regularly.
I know that doesn’t make sense. After all shades are universally stylish, they help keep you from constantly squinting in the sunlight and they can actually reduce the amount of harmful UV radiation that increases your odds of getting cataracts.
But it’s not like I haven’t tried to give sunglasses or shades a chance. Throughout the past 34 years I’ve purchased several types of shades, most of which you can still find by scouring through my drawers. I’ve even tried the clip-on ones. None have survived my interest primarily because I don’t like to keep up with two pairs of glasses. To me, that’s like carrying two mobile phones.
I was resigned to understanding why people with shades think so highly of them until a few months ago when I was approached by my friends at Transitions lenses to test their lenses out.
THE APPOINTMENT
I had heard that Transition lenses were incredible from my own wife but she’s so fanatically into shades that I tune all her eyewear recommendations out.
What most appealed to me about trying the Transition lenses was the fact that I would be going through this process together with my 10-year-old daughter Elena who recently learned she too needed prescription eyewear.
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The transformation of @transitions glasses from light to fullyshaded! #perfectpair
Elena and I made our appointments at a nearby Visionworks and we began the process by first selecting the frames. I picked a thin sporty look from Nike and she picked another brand. One of the Visionworks employees wanted us to see how the Transitions lenses worked so she took a trial pair they keep in the store and put them inside a little machine that puts them under ultra violet light. Like magic, within a few seconds the glasses went from clear to dark.
Next it was time for the eye exam. Given how infrequently I visit the eye doctor I decided to take the most thorough eye exam possible. After a battery of tests that even measured the oxygen level of my eye and my peripheral vision (it’s excellent) my optometrist suggested I tweak my prescription for a slightly stronger one than the one I had. My frames weren’t in stock so the Visionworks people told me to return in a few days.
THE RESULTS
The first time I wore my Transition lenses I thought it was strange and cool to see how my glasses changed into different shades of dark according to the amount of ultra violet light they felt on them.

Elena sports her perfect pair of Transition lenses.
Transitions lenses contain special photochromic dyes that cause the lens to activate, or darken, when exposed to ultraviolet rays from sunlight. When the UV light diminishes, the lenses fade back. As light conditions change, the level of tint adjusts, offering the right tint at the right time. One of the best features of Transitions lenses is that they block 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays – helping to protect the health and wellness of your eyes.
The science behind the Transition Lens is truly incredible and though it took some time for Elena and I to adjust to wearing them every day, I think our experience these past couple months have made us lifelong fans. Now the second pair of non-Transition lenses I purchased are getting the same cold, abandoned treatment I give my old sunglasses. Transition lenses have not only made me a loyal customer for life it has literally transformed the way I look at the world. This world definitely looks a lot cooler behind a nice pair of shades from Transition!

My first vacation wearing Transitions lenses took me to Venice. George Clooney, eat your dark shades out baby! Angela and I sported this look before you came to Venice to get married.

Transition lenses in London.

I recently visited St. Maarten where my Transition lenses protected my eyes from very harsh UV light.