Younger Optics’ new DriveWear lens is specifically designed to meet the visual demands of driving. Developed by Younger Optics in conjunction with Transitions Optical. Drivewear lenses combine Younger's NuPolar polarization technology with Transitions' photochromic technology to create the first polarized photochromic lens to darken behind the windshield of a car. Activated by Transitions, advanced dyes respond to visible light in addition to UV light. This allows Drivewear lenses to change color based on current driving conditions in order to enhance the driver's vision.

"As with all of our products, I wanted to create a product that would meet a specific visual need that isn’t being met in today’s market," says David Rips, president and chief executive officer of Younger Optics. "Drivewear’s combination of technologies is so advanced and novel that multiple patents have been filed on this invention and a whole new lens category is introduced."

In low light, the lenses take on a green/yellow color that provides high contrast and is designed to minimize glare and maximize useful light information reaching the eye. In daylight, behind the windshield of a car they change to a copper color which reduces glare and excess visual light and provides good traffic signal recognition, highlighting reds and greens. In outdoor conditions, they become a dark reddishbrown color, providing maximum comfort in high light conditions by filtering excess light so that the eye does not become saturated.

“Only polarized lenses provide protection from blinding glare, and that is absolutely essential while driving a car,” Rips notes, adding that the Transitions technology notes the lenses to block 100 percent of UVA and UBA radiation.

"Since Drivewear lenses are 'Activated by Transitions,' wearers can be assured that their lenses are enhanced with superior and patented Transitions photochromic technology to automatically optimize visual performance in variable light conditions and to help protect eye health and well-being for the future," says Dave Cole, general manager of the Americas, Transitions Optical, Inc.

"Worldwide, there are nearly one billion drivers and the number is growing every year," Cole notes. "Nearly everyone of driving age that walks into an optical shop is an ideal candidate and can benefit from the improved vision delivered by Drivewear lenses."

Younger has launched a web site, www.drivewearlens. com, to inform patients and eyecare professionals about the lens.