Frequently Asked Questions About Transitions® lenses.

What are photochromics? What is UV radiation and how does it affect the health of your eyes? What are Transitions lenses and how do they work? This Transitions lenses FAQ compiles some common questions people ask about the revolutionary adaptive lenses that allow you to experience Life well lit.™

What are photochromic lenses?

Photochromic lenses: are lenses that 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.

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. Most eyecare professionals now recommend that people protect their eyes against UV exposure at all times.

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, 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 specially designed to provide a more enjoyable driving experience.

Bottom line: ask your eyecare professional for advice on 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 special 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.

Are Transitions lenses a good alternative to clear lenses?

Yes. Transitions lenses 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 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, special-purpose Transitions Drivewear sun lenses have been developed that combine full-time polarization with photochromic technology that reacts to visible light to provide a more enjoyable driving experience. Finally, Transitions® Performance sunwear are available from a wide range of brand-name manufacturers of today's hottest sunglasses, bringing adaptive technology to sunwear. As you can see there is an entire family of Transitions brand lenses available to meet a wide range of needs. Indoors, outdoors, day and night.

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).

Where can I purchase Transitions lenses?
Transitions lenses are the #1 recommended photochromic lenses in the world so ask your eyecare professional for them by name. Make sure you receive your Certificate of Authenticity.