Transitions FAQs

What are photochromic lenses?
- Photochromic or "adaptive" lenses darken when exposed to UV light, such as when you walk outdoors. When you are no longer exposed to the effects of UV, (i.e. walk indoors), the lenses return to their clear state. Transitions lenses are photochromic lenses that block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Are there different types of transition technology?
- To meet the diverse needs of our patients, we offer different lens options, which include our family of everyday lenses which are lenses that can be worn indoors and outdoors all day long:
  Transitions Signature lenses
  • Transitions XTRActive lenses
  • Transitions Vantage lenses
  • Transitions Drivewear lenses

Why should i wear Transition lenses instead of ordinary lenses?
- Unlike clear lenses, which remain clear in all situations, Transitions lenses automatically adapt to changing light, providing your eyes with exactly the amount of shade they need for any situation, so you see things in the best light.
  
  And more importantly, Transition lenses also help protect your eyes from UV rays, and reduce squinting and eye fatigue.

Why is protecting your eyes from harmful UV radiation important?
- Many people routinely take precautions to protect their skin against UV rays but are unaware of the need to protect their eyes against UV damage.
  
  Research indicates that long-term, unprotected exposure to the sunlight can lead to age-related conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye conditions that can compromise healthy sight. We recommend that people protect their eyes against UV exposure at all times – and starting at an early age!

Do Transitions lenses protect against UV rays?
- Yes. Transitions lenses block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.

Do Transitions lenses reduce glare?
- Yes. Transitions lenses react quickly to changing light and darken outside in bright sunlight. As light conditions change, the level of tint adjusts to provide the right tint at the right time. This convenient protection against glare is automatic.

Can I use Transitions lenses like sunglasses?
- Outdoors, Transitions lenses automatically darken depending upon the amount of UV radiation present. The brighter the sun, the darker Transitions lenses get. So, they help enhance the quality of your vision by reducing the sun's glare in different light conditions – on bright sunny days, on cloudy days and everything in between.
  
  Transitions lenses are a great everyday solution for outdoor use, but there will always be times when a second pair of sunwear is beneficial. For instance, since extremely high temperatures can affect lens performance, Transitions lenses may not always get as dark as sunglasses. Also, since they are activated by UV exposure, most Transitions lenses don't work behind the windshield of a car (your windshield actually blocks UV rays).
  
  However, Transitions® XTRActive® lenses do activate moderately behind a windshield as they react to both UV and visible light. In addition, Transitions® Drivewear® sun lenses self adjust to changing visible light conditions and are polarized to enhance visual performance and the driving experience by automatically changing their degree of darkness and color. They're designed to provide a more enjoyable driving experience.
  
  Bottom line: We will explain your options that are right for you, from prescription sunglasses and polarized sunglasses to performance sunwear to new Transitions® Vantage® lenses that feature variable polarization.

Can Transitions lenses enhance my quality of vision?
- Yes. Because Transitions lenses change with every variation of light, they help you consistently see your best by reducing glare, enhancing the ability to discern objects of varying size, brightness and contrast, and enabling you to see better in all light conditions.

How do Transitions lenses work?
- Transitions lenses contain particular patented 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.
  
  It's important to note that the UV radiation blockage remains constant. Transitions lenses provide automatic protection from UV radiation in both the clear and darkened states and represent a truly superior technology.

Are Transitions lenses a good alternative to clear lenses?
- Yes. If you’re looking for more than an ordinary lens can offer, Transitions lenses are right for you. They are clear indoors and darken outdoors in bright sunlight. As light conditions change, the lenses adjust quickly to provide the appropriate level of tint.
  
  They block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, providing convenient protection from UV radiation. Transitions lenses are compatible with all frame styles, and available in all types of lens materials and designs, from high index to shatter-resistant materials, from single vision lenses to progressives.

How fast do Transitions lenses work?
- Transitions lenses begin to darken the moment they are exposed to UV light. The greater the intensity of UV radiation, the darker the lenses become. The moment UV rays are no longer present, the lenses begin to fade back.
  
  In short, Transitions lenses quickly darken when you go outdoors, and fade back fast when you return indoors. Most wearers report the adjustment happens so smoothly that they are unaware of it since the lenses allow you to seamlessly go from low light to bright light and everything in between.

Are Transitions lenses suitable for driving?
- Windshields in today's vehicles block most of the UV rays that cause Transitions lenses to activate, or darken. As a result, just like clear lenses, Transitions lenses do not activate inside a car.
  
  However, Transitions® XTRActive® lenses react to visible light so they do moderately darken behind the windshield. In fact, many people use them while driving. In addition Transitions line of adaptive sunglasses and shields are designed to enhance your vision in outdoor sports or activities.
  
  This includes special-purpose Transitions Drivewear sun lenses that combine full-time polarization with photochromic technology that reacts to visible light to provide a more enjoyable driving experience.

Are Transitions lenses appropriate to wear while working at a computer?
- Yes. They can be worn any place that you would wear regular clear lenses all day, every day. Transitions lenses help you see more comfortably inside and out, day and night.

Are Transitions lenses available in different lens designs?
- Yes. Transitions lenses are available in a wide range of lens designs including single-vision, bifocals, trifocals and progressives. They are also available in shatter-resistant, standard and high index lens materials.
  
  Regardless of your prescription or lens preference, you may choose either gray or brown Transitions lenses. Transitions lenses are also compatible with lens treatments and options such as anti-reflective (AR) coatings, scratch resistant coatings and edge polish (which removes the frosted look from lens edges).

What is Ultraviolet (UV) and Infrared (IR) light?
- The light we see with our eyes is really a very small portion of what is called the "Electromagnetic Spectrum." The Electromagnetic Spectrum includes all types of radiation - from the X-rays used at hospitals, to radio waves used for communication, and even the microwaves you cook food with.
  
  Radiation in the Electromagnetic Spectrum is often categorized by wavelength. Short wavelength radiation is of the highest energy and can be very dangerous - Gamma, X-rays and ultraviolet are examples of short wavelength radiation. Longer wavelength radiation is of lower energy and is usually less harmful - examples include radio, microwaves and infrared. A rainbow shows the optical (visible) part of the Electromagnetic Spectrum and infrared (if you could see it) would be located just beyond the red side of the rainbow.
  
  Ultraviolet light (UV) is an invisible light that is part of the sun's radiant spectrum. Exposure to ultraviolet light can cause the lenses of the eye to become cloudy, causing cataracts among many other conditions. Ultraviolet light causes the eye to age faster, thus can also cause macular degeneration. You can't see ultraviolet light. It affects the eye without your awareness to its being there, and the effects are cumulative. Almost everything in nature is affected by UV light, and almost everything deteriorates because of it. Not all sunglass lenses block all of the UV light, but the lens we recommend most is a polarized sunglass lens for sunglasses and polycarbonate lenses for dress wear.
  
  Infrared (IR) is an invisible electromagnetic radiation that has a longer wavelength than visible light and is detected most often by its heating effect. Part of the discomfort you feel in your eyes after being out in the sun for a while is caused by IR light. Not all sunglass lenses block all of the UV light, but the lens we recommend most is a polarized sunglass lens for sunglasses and polycarbonate lenses for dress wear. Although infrared radiation is not visible, humans can sense it - as heat. Put your hand next to a hot oven if you want to experience infrared radiation "first-hand!

Does Transition's photochromic technology scratch or peel off?
- No. The technology behind the photochromic process ensures that the photochromic dyes are part of the lens and cannot be scratched off or peeled off and are designed to last for the life of your prescription