Transitions® Lenses

What are Transitions^® Lenses?

Transitions^® lenses automatically change tint levels depending on the lighting in the surrounding environment. Lenses gradually change from a clear tint to a dark tint as they are exposed to higher light intensity, providing your eyes with the optimal level of protection and vision.

Transitions^® intelligent lenses simultaneously protect against blue light and UV rays, with 100% UVA and UVB protection. Various Transitions® lens colours are available to suit your style and preference.

Transitions^® Signature Gen 8

Affordable Transitions^® lenses that offer wearers the benefits of fast light adaptation and eye comfort.

Transitions^® Signature Gen 8 lenses offer a more comfortable vision experience and better eye protection from intelligent adaptive lenses that automatically adjust to the lighting in your environment.

Available in grey and brown during checkout.

Transitions^® Xtractive New Generation

Transitions^® fastest adapting lenses for seamless lens tint changes.

Xtractive Transitions^® lenses are best for wearers frequently exposed to bright light or experience light sensitivity. Extra darkness and extra bright protection make these lenses an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor use.

Available in grey during checkout.

Transitions^® FAQs

Are prescription sunglasses different to photochromic lenses?

Sunglasses typically have a fixed tint level that remains unchanged regardless of the environment. Transitions^® lenses, a type of photochromic lens, start as clear and adjust their tint in response to UV light exposure.

This adaptive technology allows them to seamlessly change tint levels to suit different lighting conditions, making them a practical alternative to regular clear lenses. However, for extended periods in bright sunlight, we still recommend using prescription sunglasses.

Why is it important to protect my eyes from UV light?

Sunlight emits two types of harmful rays: UVA and UVB. Prolonged exposure to UV rays poses risks not just to your skin, but also to your eyes. This can lead to serious conditions, including cataracts, highlighting the importance of continuous protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

Are Transitions^® lenses compatible with lens coatings?

Yes, Transitions^® lenses can be paired with anti-scratch coatings. When combined with our anti-glare and anti-reflective coating, these lenses are even more effective at minimising distracting and uncomfortable glare, both indoors and outdoors.

Are Transitions^® lenses as clear as an ordinary clear lens indoors?

Transitions^® photochromic lenses remain fully clear indoors and darken when exposed to outdoor light, effectively transforming into transition sunglasses that shield your eyes from UV rays.

Are Transitions^® lenses compatible with any frame?

Transitions^® lenses can be fitted to any of the frames in our online collection.

Do Transitions^® lenses need special care?

Photochromic technology integrates photochromic dyes directly into the lens, ensuring they cannot be scratched or peeled off. Transitions^® lenses are built to last for the entire duration of your prescription. To maintain their quality, it's best to clean your Transitions^® lenses with a lens cleaner, mild soap, or a microfibre cleaning cloth.

How dark do Transitions^® lenses get in the sun?

Transitions^® lenses generally achieve the same level of darkness as standard category 3 sunglasses. These lenses provide complete 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Can I combine Transitions^® lenses with varifocal lenses?

Yes, Transitions^® lenses are compatible with various vision types, including single-vision and varifocal lenses. Only Transitions^® Gen8 lenses can be combined with bifocal lenses.

Can I drive with Transitions^® lenses?

Transitions^® lenses operate effectively in most conditions but may not darken inside a car since many windshields block UV rays. However, we also offer specially designed lenses, such as Transitions XTRActive, which darken to a sunglasses tint in the car, making them highly suitable for driving.

How quickly do Transitions^® lenses change?

Transitions^® lenses usually begin to darken within seconds of exposure to UV light and achieve full darkening within 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the intensity of UV rays and the lens technology. The transition back to clear typically takes a few minutes, although colder temperatures can slow this process slightly. Premium lenses, such as Transitions^® Signature GEN 8 Lenses or XTRActive, are often faster and more efficient than changing to standard lenses.

Can you add Transitions^® to existing lenses?

Adding transition capabilities to existing lenses is generally not possible. Photochromic technology is integrated into the lens material during manufacturing, where specific light-reactive molecules are embedded into or coated onto the lens. This process ensures that the lenses can properly react to UV light by darkening and clearing as needed.

Transitions is a registered trademark of Transitions Optical, Inc., used under license by Transitions Optical Limited

[1] As compared to Transitions® Signature® VII lenses. CR607 products fade back to clear 2 minutes faster. The claim is based on tests across materials on grey lenses, being the most popular colour, fading back to 70% transmission @ 23°C.

[2] Protection from blue-violet light (380nm-460nm) blocking (i) up to 34% indoors at 23°C, (ii) up to 64% behind the windshield (iii) up to 90% outdoors at 23°C and (iv) up to 83% outdoors at 35°C, among polycarbonate and 1.5 grey lenses in the clear to extra dark photochromic category.

[3] Clear to extra dark photochromic category. Tests across polycarbonate and 1.5 grey lenses at 35°C achieving <18%T using Transitions^® Optical's standard testing method.

[4] Clear to extra dark photochromic category. Polycarbonate and 1.5 grey lenses tested at 23°C behind the windscreen achieving between 18%T and 43%T.