Everything to Know About Transitions^® Lenses

Do you experience vision problems when you move between indoor and outdoor environments? Transitions lenses can help you see in different types of lighting without the need for multiple pairs of glasses.

Below, we’ll cover what Transitions are, their pros and cons, as well as the different options that are available so you can decide if they are the right choice for your eyes.

If you want to learn more or move forward with a pair Transitions, contact your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center today.

What Are Transitions Lenses?

Transitions lenses are photochromic eyeglass lenses that are clear indoors and automatically darken when exposed to sunlight and/or UV rays, depending on the model.

Sometimes, Transitions lenses and other photochromic lenses are also referred to as light-adaptive, light-sensitive, or transition lenses. These types of lenses can offer visual comfort for light sensitive people when staring at a digital screen and when spending time outside, and provide excellent sun protection for your eyes.

How Do Transitions Lenses Work?

When Transitions lenses are exposed to light, photochromic molecules in the lenses change their structure. These structural changes cause the lenses to darken. Darker lenses block more sunlight and UV radiation from reaching the eyes, providing greater protection.

While all light-adaptive lenses use photochromic molecules, only Transitions brand lenses use patented formulas that ensure smooth and consistent tinting, regardless of the lens’ thickness and prescription.

Transitions lenses are constantly changing to ensure that the optimal amount of light is reaching the wearer, no matter what the light conditions are. However, the change between dark and light is not immediate. It generally takes a few minutes for the molecules to change their structure. This time can be influenced by the temperature, with the transition time taking longer in colder temperatures.

Car windshields can also influence how Transitions lenses change. Because many car windshields block most UV light, many photochromic lenses struggle to sufficiently darken and therefore provide adequate protection. However, the special molecules in Transitions XTRActive lenses react to both UV light and visible or natural light, meaning that they can darken in the car as well.

Benefits of Transitions Lenses

There are many benefits to having Transitions lenses as your everyday pair of glasses.

Protection from UV Rays

Transitions lenses block 100% of UV rays from reaching your eyes.

This is critically important because prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation contributes to many eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea).

Wearing Transitions glasses and other eye protection can dramatically improve and protect your vision, especially later in life.

Improved Visibility and Reduced Eyestrain

The glare of bright lights, especially those from the sun, can reduce visibility and increase eye strain. Transitions lenses block a significant level of light from reaching the eye.

This makes it much easier for wearers to see, especially while driving or engaging in physical activity, and it also reduces or eliminates discomfort and tiredness.

Protection from Harmful Blue Light

Harmful blue light, defined as light between 380 nm and 460nm, is commonly produced by the sun and digital screens. Harmful blue light can cause eye strain, eye fatigue, disruption of sleep patterns, macular degeneration, retinal cell damage, and headaches.

Transitions lenses block harmful blue light from reaching the eyes and therefore protect against these risks.

The Convenience of Only Needing One Pair of Glasses

Before the invention of photochromatic lenses, individuals who needed prescription lenses and wanted to protect their eyes from the sun needed to purchase two pairs of glasses: one inside pair of regular prescription glasses and one outside pair of prescription sunglasses.

Transitions lenses eliminate the need for two pairs of glasses, because a single pair will help you see both indoors and outdoors.

The Ability to Match Your Personal Style

Transitions lenses come in a wide range of lens colors and can be fitted into an even wider range of frames. This allows wearers to choose a pair of glasses that closely matches their personal style.

Are Transitions Lenses Right for Me?

Transitions lenses are an excellent choice for a wide variety of vision issues and lifestyle needs. Transitions lenses could be the right choice for you if you:

• Have light sensitivity, also known as photophobia
• Prioritize UV protection
• Experience discomfort or eye strain in bright sunlight
• Are an outdoor enthusiast
• Frequently move from indoor and outdoor environments
• Are a daily commuter
• Are a senior with Presbyopia
• Are a child or teen
• Don’t want to have to buy two pairs of glasses (indoor and prescription sunglasses)
• Are fashion conscious

If you’re interested in trying a pair of Transitions lenses, schedule an appointment at your neighborhood Pearle Vision today.

Types of Transitions Lenses

Transitions  makes many different types of lenses for glasses. They offer a wide range of options for different professional, recreational, and styling preferences.

Transitions Signature

 

• Key Features:
  • Fully clear indoors
  • Darken in seconds
  • Fast return to clear
  • Block 100% of UVA and UVB
  • Filter Blue-Violet Light in and outdoors
• Ideal For: Individuals who want the clearest and fastest-transitioning lenses
• Lens Color Options: Sapphire, amethyst, amber, emerald, gray, brown, and graphite green

Transitions XTRActive

 

Standard Version

• Key Features:
  • Transition in cars
  • Block 100% of UVA and UVB
  • Block up to 86% of blue light outdoors
  • Achieve category 3 darkness (same as sunglasses) in hot temperatures
  • 35% faster transition from dark to light
  • Clear indoors with no hint of tint
• Ideal For: Individuals who are highly light sensitive, require sunglasses while driving, and/or who are often outside in high temperatures
• Lens Color Options: Gray, brown, graphite green

 

Polarized Version

• Key Features:
  • All the features of the standard XTRActive lenses, plus additional functionalities
  • The only photochromic polarized lens
  • Combines the benefits of photochromic lenses and dynamic polarization so lenses are extra dark and polarized when outdoors
  • The best indoor blue-light filtration of any lens – up to 90%
  • Up to 90% polarization efficiency, even in hot temperatures
• Ideal For: Individuals who are hyper light sensitive, require sunglasses while driving, and/or who are often outside in hot temperatures
• Lens Color Options: Gray

Transitions Drivewear

 

• Key Features:
  • Only polarized lens for driving with color and light adaptation
  • Lens color and darkness adapt to light conditions while driving
  • Color varies with light intensity
  • Polarization helps remove glare for safe driving in all light conditions
  • Improves dynamic contrast of vehicles in peripheral vision
  • Blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays
• Ideal For: Individuals who do large amounts of driving in diverse light conditions
• Lens Color Options: Lens color changes from olive green to copper to brown depending on light conditions

ACUVUE® OASYS with Transitions

 

• Key Features:
  • Contact lenses that change with light
  • Helps your vision recover from bright light in up to 5 seconds
  • Filter blue light
  • Block harmful UV rays
  • Offer the highest level of UV protection in contact lenses
  • Reduces haloes and starbursts by up to 28%
• Ideal For: Individuals who are highly active outdoors, engage in sports, and/or prefer contacts lenses but also need protection from the sun
• Lens Color Options: Clear to dark depending on light conditions

How Much Do Transitions Lenses Cost?

How much Transitions lenses cost varies significantly from prescription to prescription. In general, Transitions lenses will cost between $100 and $400, only between $50 and $100 more than a regular pair of prescription lenses. 

Different factors influence how much Transitions glasses cost, including:

• Lens type – Some lens types and features are more expensive.
• Lens material – Some lens materials are more expensive, especially thinner and lighter ones.
• Coatings – Adding additional coatings, such as anti-reflective, will typically drive up the price.
• Prescription complexity – Factors like astigmatism and multifocal needs can influence the cost.
• Insurance coverage – Vision insurance can help offset the cost of your Transitions. Contact your vision insurance provider to find out what they’ll cover.

Schedule an Appointment for Transitions Lenses Today

Transitions lenses can dramatically improve your day-to-day life and protect your vision for the long-term.

With just one pair of Transitions glasses, you can move easily from indoor to outdoor environments without compromising your vision.

Ready to experience the difference? Schedule an eye exam to get your Transitions lenses today.

Transitions Lenses FAQs

Do transition lenses work in the car?

Some Transitions lenses don’t work as well in the car because windshields block most of the UV rays that are needed to activate the photochromic molecules. However, Transitions XTRActive lenses are uniquely able to transition just using natural light, and therefore do work in cars.

Do you need a prescription for Transitions lenses?

In general, you will need a prescription for Transitions lenses. However, the process is not difficult, and most individuals with prescription lenses will be able to use Transitions glasses.

What is the difference between photochromic and transition lenses?

Transitions lenses are a unique brand of photochromic lenses. Transitions lenses include some of the most technologically advanced photochromic lenses available, many of which have features that are unavailable from any other manufacturer.

Can temperature impact Transitions lenses?

Yes, temperature can impact Transitions lenses. Very hot or very cold temperatures slow down the speed at which lenses transition. In cold temperatures, the lenses take longer to darken and in hot temperatures, the lenses take longer to lighten. Additionally, prolonged exposure to very high temperatures, such as being left in a hot car, can permanently degrade photochromic capabilities.

What color Transitions lenses should I get?

Different types of Transitions lenses are available in different colors. In general, the color that you choose should reflect your personal preferences and style. Gray, brown, and green are among the most popular colors. 

How long does it take for Transitions to transition?

Transitions lenses do not immediately transition. It takes up to several minutes for them to darken or lighten. While the transition is quick, it may take too long for certain activities, such as sports. 

How much do Transitions lenses cost?

Transitions lenses can be more expenses than regular prescription lenses. However, they make up some of the difference in cost by sparing the wearer from buying two pairs of glasses.