WHAT ARE TRANSITIONS LENSES?

Transitions FAQ

• What are Transitions adaptive lenses?

  Transitions lenses are the #1 eyecare professional-recommended photochromic lenses worldwide. Transitions lenses are equipped with patented, photochromic dyes that enable the lenses to rapidly darken, when they are exposed to ultraviolet light. The greater the intensity of UV rays, the darker the lenses become. When UV light is no longer present (indoors or at night) the lenses fade back to their original state.
  To meet the diverse needs of our consumers, we have different lens options, which include our family of everyday lenses: Transitions Signature GEN 8, Transitions XTRActive New Generation, Transitions XTRActive Polarized which are adaptive sunglasses that go from a tint to a darker tint, depending on how much sunlight is present.

• Why should I wear Transitions adaptive lenses instead of ordinary clear lenses?

  Because Transitions lenses offer more than just vision correction. They automatically adapt to changing light, providing your eyes with exactly the amount of light they need for any situation, so you see better. They also help protect your eyes from UV rays, and reduce squinting and eye fatigue.

• How do Transitions adaptive lenses differ from prescription sunglasses?

  Sunglasses have a set tint - no matter what situation you’re in they’re always the same shade. Unlike sunglasses, Transitions lenses start as clear lenses and then automatically darken accordingly to the level of UV light present. They continuously and smoothly adapt their level of tint so that you see well in all light conditions.

• How dark do Transitions adaptive lenses get?

  Transitions everyday lenses get as dark as ordinary sunglasses (category 3). If you prefer the darkest lenses available we recommend Transitions XTRActive, our darkest everyday lenses ever. Photochromic lenses react to their environment so the level of darkness is influenced by temperature, UV exposure and lens materials.

• How long do Transitions adaptive lenses last?

  Transitions lenses are designed to last the lifetime of a prescription. Most Transitions Light Intelligent Lenses will last for the average lifespan of a pair of glasses — three years. When the clear lenses develop a yellowish hue at their edges and are less dark in full sunlight, they’re on their way out. Luckily, once your Transitions Light Intelligent Lenses are old enough to show signs of wear, it’s likely time for a new prescription anyway.

• Do Transitions adaptive lenses activate indoors?

  Transitions adaptive lenses darken when exposed to UV light. As UV from sunlight is typically not present indoors, the lenses will be clear. The exception is Transitions XTRActive lenses, which react to both UV and visible light. This allows them to get extra dark outside and also when you’re sitting in bright sunlight behind a window.

• Do Transitions adaptive lenses work inside the car?

  The glass in car windscreens blocks more than 99% of UV light, so most photochromic lenses do not darken noticeably in the car. We offer a solution: Transitions XTRActive lenses contain a specially designed photochromic formula that responds to both UV light and short wavelength visible light, so they are able to moderately tint in the car.

• What are Transitions XTRActive New Generation lenses?

  Transitions XTRActive new generation lenses are recommended for wearers who are very light sensitive or frequently exposed to bright light. They deliver the best extra darkness and the best extra light protection1 from intense light indoors and outdoors, even in the car.

• How dark are Transitions XTRActive new generation lenses in the car?

  Transitions XTRActive new generation lenses are the darkest photochromic lens in the car and the only photochromic lens achieving category 2 levels in the car.

• What are Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses?

  Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses are the only and best ever photochromic polarized lens. They are clear with a protective tint indoors, darken in the car, and get extra dark and polarized outdoors in the sun. Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses use a breakthrough exclusive multi-layer matrix to combine new Transitions XTRActive broad-spectrum dyes for more darkness with ultra-fast dichroic dyes for polarization.

• How do Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses work?

  Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses use a breakthrough exclusive multi-layer matrix to combine new Transitions XTRActive broad-spectrum dyes for more darkness with new ultra-fast dichroic dyes for polarization. When exposed to UV light, Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses get extra dark and polarize. They also darken behind the windshield thanks to the new Transitions XTRActive broad-spectrum dyes, which use intense visible light to activate in the absence of UV. Indoors, Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses are clearer and faster to fadeback than Transitions Vantage lenses. Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses have a similar hint of tint as Transitions XTRActive lenses for indoor protection.

• Are Transitions adaptive lenses compatible with anti-reflective, anti-scratch and anti-fog coatings?

  Yes. Transitions lenses are compatible with most anti-scratch and anti-fog coatings. When combined Transitions lenses are even better in reducing distracting, discomforting and disabling glare, both indoors and out. Check with your optician to see which lens options are right for you.

• How do I care for my Transitions lenses?

  Transitions lenses can be cleaned like most lenses – with a lens cleaner, mild soap or a microfiber lens cleaning cloth.