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Everything You Need to Know About Transitions Lenses

Everything You Need to Know About Transitions Lenses

Do you always wish to get a single pair of glasses for all your needs? Imagine wearing the same pair of glasses as the prescription glasses giving you clear vision indoors while reading books. Then, these glasses magically darken into sunglasses to protect you from harmful UV rays during your golf sessions. That seems like a great deal, right? But there is more to it.

How great it becomes when the same pair of glasses also offers blue light protection so that you can wear it to your office without worrying about the harmful blue light from the digital devices disturbing your sleep pattern.

The good news is that such glasses do exist in the form of photochromic glasses. These glasses react to UV light and turn from fully clear indoors to completely dark outdoors when exposed to sunlight.

When it comes to photochromic lenses (also known as light adaptive lenses), Transitions is the market leader in the field. They released their first generation of Transitions lenses in 1991. After making further improvements in the technology, they launched the second generation of Transitions lenses in 1992. Since then, Transitions has dominated the light adaptive lenses market with continuous innovation and advancements in technology.

Transitions is a brand that is known for its state-of-the-art photochromic lenses. These lenses have the ability to transition from clear to dark upon exposure to UV light. It is because of the photochromic molecules that change their structure in every outdoor setting.

Speaking of the technology of Transitions lenses- it typically involves two processes- imbibing and Trans-Bonding. Let’s have a better understanding of these terms before moving ahead:

  • Imbibing: The term ‘imbibing’ is derived from the word, imbibere- it’s a Latin term that means- drink in. In this method, heat is used to capture the photochromic dye into your glasses lens. After completing the process of imbibing, the lens surface is glazed with a scratch-resistant coating.
  • Trans-Bonding: There are a few lens materials that are not prone to the process of imbibing. Under such cases, the Trans-Bonding method is applied. In this process, the photochromic technology is placed on the surface of the lens.

Both these methods offer a uniform tint shade- the difference in lens prescriptions doesn’t interfere with the process.

What Are the Different Features of Transitions Lenses?

Take a look at the different features of Transitions lenses:

  • The best feature of Transitions lenses is their ability to react to UV light and change the colour of the lenses. They remain fully clear indoors, and as soon as you walk out in the sunlight, they react to the UV rays to become dark like sunglasses.
  • Transition lenses come with blue-light filter coating which gives you protection against harmful blue light released from digital devices.
  • Current generation Transition lenses offer protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
  • Transition lenses can be easily incorporated into every kind of prescription glasses.

What Are the Different Types and Shades of Transitions Lenses?


What Are the Different Types and Shades of Transitions Lenses?

Specscart offers two types of Transitions lenses- Transitions Signature Gen 8 and Transitions XTRActive. Let’s learn more about them.

  • Transitions Signature Gen 8: Transitions Signature Gen 8 lenses are the perfect solution for someone who is looking for light adaptive glasses for everyday use. Its breakthrough technology filters blue light and blocks 100% UV rays. Their ability to get accustomed to different light conditions helps you enjoy proper protection, comfort and crystal-clear vision. They remain completely clear indoors and change to the shade of your choice when exposed to UV light. They are available in 7 different tint colours- Amber, Amethyst, Brown, Sapphire, Grey, Emerald and Green. Statistics claim that 89% of glasses wearers prefer Transitions Signature Gen 8 over premium clear lenses.
    • Transitions XTRActive: Transitions XTRActive lenses are the newest generation of Transitions lenses. They are best suited for light-sensitive wearers who need a quick transition from clear to dark. It has a slight grey tint when indoors but it gets extra dark when you move outside. It is also a great option for people involved in outdoor activities like hiking or sports as it gets as dark as sunglasses.

      Speaking of numbers and figures, 97% of the Transitions glasses wearers are happy to look at their surrounding environment precisely and quickly and 98% of them enjoy top-notch clarity.

      Transitions XTRActive lenses are available in three colours- Brown, Grey and Green. The best part about these XTRActive lenses is that they work efficiently inside cars as well (because most of the Transitions lenses don’t react inside cars). We will discuss more about it in the next part.

    Indoor and Car Use of Transitions Lenses


    Indoor and Car Use of Transitions Lenses

    Transitions Signature Gen 8 lenses don’t react inside cars. It’s because the car windscreen is potent enough to block the UV rays, and until and unless your Transition lenses are exposed to the UV rays, they won’t react.

    On the other hand, Transitions XTRActive lenses can get dark even behind the windscreens- their potential to respond inside cars is one of their most important USPs. Transitions XTRActive lenses are the among the best Transition lenses for driving.

    Costs of Transitions Lenses

    The cost of Transitions lenses depends on the optician. Most opticians in the UK sell Transitions lenses starting at £70 upwards only. But Specscart keeps the promise of quality eye care at the best possible prices. You can get the Transitions Signature Gen 8 at only £60 with us. Transitions XTRActive lenses also cost £80 only at Specscart which is one of the lowest prices in the UK.

    Transitions Lenses Vs. Sunglasses


    Transitions Lenses Vs. Sunglasses

    People often get confused while choosing between Transitions lenses and sunglasses. Here, we will explore some differences between these two pairs of glasses:

    Transitions Lenses vs Sunglasses


    Category Transitions Lenses Sunglasses
    Blue Light Filtering Often equipped with blue light protection. Generally do not have blue light protection.
    Glare Reduction Generally do not provide glare-reduction properties. Usually do not come with anti-glare properties, but polarized lenses can be chosen for anti-glare.
    UV Protection Offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. Offer UV protection to safeguard eyes from damage.
    Versatility More versatile, eliminating the need to switch between different pairs. Less versatile, as they cannot be clear indoors.
    Light Adaptation Adapt to different lighting conditions within a few seconds. Provide constant shading both indoors and outdoors.

    How to Choose the Best Transitions Lenses?

    Are you one of the individuals who constantly needs to move between indoor settings and outdoor environments? If yes, all you need to do is opt for Transitions Signature Gen 8 lenses. Their rapid and seamless shift in tint shades makes these glasses worth a purchase. They offer optimal protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. In different lighting conditions, these Transitions lenses will help you to get an effective and clear view.

    Transitions XTRActive New Generation lenses, on the other hand, are the darkest Transitions lenses. Whether you are running errands, strolling in a park or driving your car, Transitions XTRActive lenses will be a versatile option for all your needs. Even if you’re into sports or adventures like cycling, hiking, or a similar lifestyle, the Transitions XTRActive lenses will take care of all your needs. Cyclists can also check out our guide on Transitions lenses for cycling.

    Where to Purchase Transitions Lenses?

    Needless to mention we are just a few clicks away. You can check out the frames on our website and choose between Transitions Signature Gen 8 and Transitions XTRActive New Generation lenses in the ‘lens coatings’ option. Specscart offers one of the best prices on Transitions lenses and you can pair them with 1000+ premium fashionable eyewear styles available at unbeatable prices. You also get free worldwide shipping and free 30-day return.

    Pros and Cons of Transitions Lenses

    Hopefully, by now, you have gained a proper understanding related to Transitions Lenses. Without any further ado, let’s check out the pros and cons of these lenses.

    Pros of Transitions Lenses

    • Transitions lenses offer the versatility of prescription glasses and sunglasses in one pair.
    • Transitions lenses are cost-effective as you just need to get one pair for all your needs. You do not need to buy prescription glasses and sunglasses separately.
    • Transitions lenses are available in a broad range of styles. Whatever shapes or designs you are looking for, you can always install Transitions Lenses in them.
    • Last but not least, Transitions lenses protect you against eye squinting caused by exposure to harsh sunlight.

    Cons of Transitions Lenses

    • Transitions lenses do not protect you against glare as they do not come with anti-glare coatings. If you need anti-glare protection, you need to go with polarised lenses.
    • Transitions lenses might not work properly in cold weather. When compared to the summer months, the Transitions process takes a little longer in winter.

    Verdict

    Transitions lenses seem to be a great deal from every aspect. It gives you the freedom to wear just one pair of glasses in different lighting conditions. You can even add your prescription to the glasses which makes it even more versatile. And when you match it with Specscart’s amazing prices, it is a deal you can’t miss. But if you want something even more premium, we also have ultra-premium Zeiss PhotoFusion X light adaptive lenses for single vision and Zeiss SmartLife Plus varifocals.

    Frequently Asked Questions:


    1.Do Transitions lenses go completely clear?

    Transition Signature Gen 8 goes completely clear indoors. However, Transitions XTRActive New Generation maintains a slight grey tint when indoors but it gets extra dark outdoors.

    2.Do Transitions lenses protect your eyes?

    Yes, Transition lenses protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays released from the sun. These pairs also help to deal with dry eyes, photokeratitis and conjunctivitis.

    3.Do Transitions lenses scratch easily?

    Similar to any other lenses, Transition lenses can also get scratched if you do not take care of them properly. However, if you maintain it properly and keep the lenses clean, they can easily last for a longer duration.

    4.Do Transitions lenses work in the car?

    All Transition lenses do not work inside a car as they need to get exposed to UV light to react. Since the glasses of the car can block UV rays, it prevents Transition lenses from reacting. But Transition XTRActive lenses work pretty well in the car.

    5.How fast do Transitions lenses change?

    Transition lenses darken outdoors in just a few seconds. When compared to the normal Transition lenses, Transition XTRActive New Generation lenses offer a 35% faster reaction.

    6.Do Transitions lenses need to be activated?

    Transition lenses do not need manual activation. They get activated automatically when exposed to UV light.

    7.How long do Transitions lenses work?

    The new generation Transition lenses can easily last you even a few years. However, it completely depends on how well you are maintaining it. The new generation Transition lenses can easily last you even a few years. However, it completely depends on how well you are maintaining it.

    8.What is the difference between photochromic lenses vs. Transition lenses?

    Photochromic lenses are light-adaptive lenses that remain clear indoors and get dark like sunglasses as you move to the sunlight. Transition is a brand that is the market leader in photochromic/light-adaptive lenses.

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