Frequently Asked Questions

• What Are Transitions Brand Lenses (2)

  • WHAT ARE TRANSITIONS^® BRAND LENSES?

    Transitions^® lenses are the #1 eyecare professional-recommended photochromic lenses worldwide.  Transitions^® lenses are equipped with patented, photochromic dyes that enable the lenses to rapidly activate, or darken, when they are exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet light.  The greater the intensity of UV rays, the darker the lenses become.  When UV light is no longer present, including indoors or at night, the lenses fade back to their original state. 

    To meet the diverse needs of our consumers, we have different lens options, which include our family of everyday lenses which are lenses that can be worn indoors and outdoors all day long: Transitions lenses, Transitions® XTRActive™ lenses, and Transitions® Vantage™ lenses. 

    We also offer the Transitions® line of adaptive sunwear which include both adaptive sunglasses  that go from dark to darker depending on how much sunlight is present and helmet shields that go from clear to dark when exposed to UV light 

  • ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRANSITIONS^® BRAND LENSES?

    To meet the diverse needs of our consumers, we have different lens options, which include our family of everyday lenses which are lenses that can be worn indoors and outdoors all day long: Transitions lenses, Transitions^® XTRActive^® lenses, and Transitions® Vantage™ lenses.

    We also offer the Transitions® line of adaptive sunwear which include both adaptive sunglasses  that go from dark to darker depending on how much sunlight is present and helmet shields that go from clear to dark when exposed to UV light. And we partner with some of the leading sunglass and sports brands including Bell, Callaway, Nike and Oakley.

• Purchasing Transitions Lenses (2)

  • WHAT PROMOTIONS OR DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE?

    Transitions Optical works with multiple lab and lens manufacturing partners to offer the widest availability of Transitions^® lenses. Individual practices and retail outlets determine the price of finished lenses-including applicable promotions or discounts- so prices may vary.

  • HOW DO I KNOW IF THE LENSES I PURCHASED ARE AUTHENTIC TRANSITIONS^® BRAND LENSES?

    Now in the market place, where unproven photochromic lenses are being sourced from overseas, and in some instances substituted for authentic Transitions^® lenses, unbeknownst to you, it’s become increasingly important to reassure you, you have in fact received authentic Transitions^® lenses.

    Our lenses come with a Certificate of Authenticity at the point of collection, which means you are getting the most advanced photochromic technology available. If you didn’t receive a Certificate of Authenticity, please talk to your eyecare professional.  A Certificate of Authenticity should be included with every new purchase of Transitions^® lenses. 

• Technology (3)

  • HOW HAS THE TECHNOLOGY CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?

    Transitions Optical’s photochromic lens technology is continuously improving. Transitions lenses are not the same as they were ten, five or even three years ago. Transitions^® Signature^™ lenses darken to just the right amount of tint outdoors, fade back to clear quicker than our previous lens generations and are as clear as a clear lens indoors.

    We now offer more products for more needs than ever before. In addition to Transitions Signature lenses we have Transitions^® XTRActive^® lenses, which are uniquely designed to provide extra protection from light outdoors, indoors, and even in the car. They are our darkest everyday lenses, even in the hottest climates, and they darken in the car. And our leadership in photochromic innovation has been further strengthened with the launch of the revolutionary Transitions^® Vantage^™ lenses, lenses that are virtually clear indoors and darken and polarize in bright, outdoor light.

    We’ve also introduced a line of Transitions^® performance sunwear which are adaptive lenses that go from dark to darker depending on how much sunlight is present.

  • DO I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE PHOTOCHROMIC TECHNOLOGY SCRATCHING OR PEELING OFF MY TRANSITIONS^® BRAND LENSES?

    No, you do not need to worry.  The technology behind our 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. If you experience a problem with your lenses, we suggest you contact your eyecare professional or place of purchase.

  • WHAT AFFECTS THE PERFORMANCE OF TRANSITIONS^® BRAND LENSES?

    Transitions^® lenses work by reacting to UV light. The amount of UV light present will determine the shade of your lenses. This is what allows them to let you see life with just the right amount of light.
    
    Extreme situations can sometimes cause your lenses to behave slightly differently. For instance, temperature can have an effect on the reaction time of photochromic technology. To learn more about it visit our technology page.
    
    Transitions Optical’s scientists continuously strive to improve our technology and create formulations that find the perfect balance between UV light and the temperature of the lenses. In fact, the latest Transitions lenses become ten percent darker in hot temperatures than the previous generation.   They provide even more visual comfort, glare reduction and enhanced contrast than any Transitions lens previously available.

• Transitions Everyday Lenses Performance (5)

  • ARE TRANSITIONS^® BRAND LENSES AS CLEAR AS AN ORDINARY CLEAR LENS INDOORS?

    Original Transitions^® lenses are completely clear indoors.  Transitions^® XTRActive^® lenses and new Transitions^® Vantage lenses are virtually clear indoors with a slight comfortable tint indoors.

  • HOW DARK DO TRANSITIONS^® BRAND LENSES GET?

    Most wearers find they are satisfied with the level of outdoor darkness with Transitions^® Signature^™ lenses. But if you spend a lot of time outdoors or behind the wheel or find that your eyes are especially light sensitive, you may prefer Transitions^® XTRActive^™ lenses, our darkest everyday lenses ever. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, near snow or water, we also offer Transitions^® Vantage^™ lenses, which polarise as they darken and are ideal for situations where glare is present.

    Photochromic lenses react to their environment so the level of darkness is affected by extreme temperatures, UV exposure and lens materials.

  • HOW QUICKLY DO TRANSITIONS^® LENSES DARKEN OUTSIDE?

    Transitions^® lenses darken immediately upon exposure to UV light. The level of darkness will depend the amount of UV light present, time of day and direction of the sun.

  • HOW QUICKLY DO TRANSITIONS^® BRAND LENSES RETURN TO CLEAR?

    Transitions^® lenses begin to fade back to clear as soon as UV rays are no longer present.

  • HOW LONG DO TRANSITIONS^® BRAND LENSES LAST?

    Transitions® lenses are designed to last 2 years, which is generally the lifetime of your vision care prescription.  
    
    In order to keep your prescription lenses current, regular, comprehensive eye exams are recommended to determine any prescription changes and help prevent any other eye problems. Talk to your eyecare professional or eye doctor to find out how often you should schedule a visit to preserve your eye health.

• Transitions Adaptive Sunwear (2)

  • IS TRANSITIONS^® SOLFX THE SAME AS TRANSITIONS^® ADAPTIVE SUNWEAR?

    Yes, as of January 2012, Transitions Optical began moving away from using "Transitions SOLFX" as the name of our sunwear product line. In an effort to create a closer connection between our everyday and sunwear products, our line of sunwear is now called Transitions^® adaptive sunwear. 

  • WHAT ARE TRANSITIONS^® ADAPTIVE SUNWEAR AND HOW DOES THIS LINE OF SUNGLASSES/SUN LENSES DIFFER FROM EVERYDAY TRANSITIONS LENSES?

    Transitions^® everyday lenses are designed to be worn all day, every day, indoors and outside. They are clear indoors and darken outdoors when exposed to UV light.  For more information view our family of products.

    Like carbon-fiber bikes and graphite clubs, Transitions^® line of adaptive sunwear is designed to enhance performance for specific outdoor activities. These dark to darker lens options are available in a variety of different brands, and are each customized for different outdoor activities like golfing, running or driving. They are available in prescription and non-prescription varieties.

• Adaptive Lenses vs. Static lenses (4)

  • WHY SHOULD I WEAR TRANSITIONS^® BRAND LENSES INSTEAD OF ORDINARY CLEAR 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. They also help protect your eyes from UV rays, and reduce squinting and eye fatigue.

  • HOW DO TRANSITIONS^® BRAND LENSES DIFFER FROM PRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES?

    Unlike sunglasses, Transitions^® lenses start as clear lenses and then automatically darken when exposed to UV light.  They continuously and smoothly adapt their level of tint for enhanced visual comfort in changing lighting conditions, then return to clear in situations where no UV light is present such as indoors and at night. Whereas sunglasses have a set tint - no matter what situation you’re in they’re always the same shade and they’re rarely a good option indoors. 

    
    Transitions^® lenses are an ideal everyday lens for almost everyday situations.  Sometimes there are situations in which sunglasses or polarized sunglasses are the best option, like driving and when out on the water.  In those situations we recommend wearing specialized sunwear. That’s why we offer the line of Transitions^® adaptive sunwear, including Transitions^® Drivewear™. See them here to find out more.
    
    Transitions everyday lenses are generally ordered for prescription lenses, but they can also be made without prescriptions. Transitions^® adaptive sunwear is available for both prescription and non-prescription lenses.

  • DO I STILL NEED PRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES?

    Transitions^® everyday lenses are designed to be worn all day everyday and they provide a comfortable level of shade in bright sun. However, there are times when you could benefit from sunglasses. The Transitions^® line of performance sunwear products are specially designed to enhance your vision and provide increased darkness in many different outdoor activities⎯from performance sports like golf, running, biking and hunting to everyday activities like driving.

  • HOW DO TRANSITIONS^® VANTAGE LENSES DIFFER FROM POLARIZED SUNGLASSES?

    Polarization filters bright sunlight that can cause glare so you can get better clarity.  While original Transitions^® lenses and Transitions^® XTRActive^® lenses are not polarized, our new Transitions Vantage lenses do offer variable polarization.

    Transitions^® Vantage™ lenses are the first photochromic product that allows for variable tint and variable polarization.  As Transitions Vantage lenses darken when exposed to light, they also polarize, creating sharper, crisper vision. This is an everyday lens option, which means they are virtually clear inside as well, so you can wear them as your regular lenses.

    In addition to Transitions^® Vantage™ lenses, we offer polarized sunglasses as part of our Transitions adaptive sunwear line, designed for optimal performance and when ideal for certain activities, like when fishing, driving or skiing. Visit to find out more.

• Are Transitions Lenses Right For Me? (6)

  • HOW DO I KNOW IF TRANSITIONS^® LENSES ARE RIGHT FOR ME?

    If you’re looking for more than an ordinary lens can offer, Transitions^® lenses are right for you.
    
    Transitions^® lenses are designed to fit virtually every frame, style, size and prescription. That includes designer frames, kid’s sizes and special prescriptions.
    
    Transitions^® lenses are right for all ages. Anyone can benefit from seeing life with just the right amount of light. Transitions^® lenses are a great option for kids of all ages because it’s never too early to start protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. 
    
    Transitions^® lenses don’t just make everything look great, they also reduce eye fatigue and strain. And block 100% of UVA/UVB light. 
    
    Anyone who wears glasses or sunglasses (prescription or not) can wear Transitions^® lenses⎯we have options for every lifestyle, every age, and a number of different sports and activities. Transitions^® everyday lenses are designed to be worn all day everyday. The Transitions^® line of performance sunwear products are specially designed to enhance your vision in many different outdoor activities⎯from performance sports like golf, running, biking and hunting to everyday activities like driving.

  • WHAT LENS TYPES ARE TRANSITIONS^® BRAND LENSES AVAILABLE IN?

    Transitions Optical works with multiple lab and lens manufacturing partners to offer the widest availability of photochromic lenses on the market today. 

    Today’s advanced Transitions lenses are available across all major lens materials (including polycarbonate and high-index materials you may hear your eyecare professional reference, which make lenses thinner and lighter) and designs (single vision, for prescriptions correct for distance vision or for near vision, bifocals and progressives, which account for distance and near vision in the same lens.  You may know them as “no-line” bifocals), and in most prescriptions – from the lightest to the strongest.  Ask your eyecare professional for more information.

  • DO TRANSITIONS^® BRAND LENSES WORK IN ALL EYEGLASS FRAMES?

    Yes, Transitions^® lenses work in virtually any frame and material: plastic, metal, rimless, semi-rimless or full frames.

  • ARE TRANSITIONS^® BRAND LENSES COMPATIBLE WITH ANTI-REFLECTIVE, ANTI-SCRATCH AND ANTI-FOG COATINGS?

    Yes. Transitions^® lenses are compatible with anti-scratch and anti-fog coatings. And not only are they compatible with anti-reflective coatings (which reduce reflections off the lenses), but when combined Transitions^® lenses are even better in reducing distracting, discomforting and disabling glare, both indoors and out. Check with your eyecare professional or eye doctor to see which eyewear and lens options are right for you.

  • ARE TRANSITIONS^® BRAND LENSES SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?

    Yes, Transitions^® lenses are a great option for children. Did you know that the average child receives three times the UV exposure as an adult? Because children are constantly going from inside to outside and because the crystalline lens is not fully developed allowing for more light to enter the eye, a lens that blocks 100% of UV rays is important to preserving their eye health now and in future years. Additionally, Transitions^® lenses are available in polycarbonate material, which is shatterproof and frequently recommended by eyecare professionals for children’s lenses.  

  • ARE NON-PRESCRIPTION TRANSITIONS^® BRAND LENSES AVAILABLE?

    Yes, original Transitions^® lenses and Transitions^® XTRActive™ lenses can be made without a prescription (this is called a “plano” lens) to fit in nearly any eyeglass frame. Ask your eyecare professional for more details. 
    
    Also, non-prescription Transitions^® lenses are also available in some of the products in the Transitions^® performance sunwear line.

• Price Inquiries (2)

  • HOW MUCH DO TRANSITIONS^® LENSES COST?

    The price of Transitions lenses will vary because there are many factors that affect the price of the eyeglass lenses you purchase.  The price is set by the retail store or eyecare professional’s office where you make your purchase. 

    The final price takes into consideration the lens material, lens type (single-vision, bifocal, or progressive), your prescription and any coatings you opt to add, as well as any special promotions or discounts that are offered.  Also, many insurance providers provide coverage for Transitions lenses as part of their vision care plan.  It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see what’s covered before your exam, and it never hurts to ask your eyecare professional if any specials or coupons are available.

    Finally, be sure to ask your eyecare professional for authentic Transitions brand lenses and request the certificate of authenticity when you pick up your new glasses.

  • HOW DO I KNOW IF MY HEALTH INSURANCE COVERS TRANSITIONS^® BRAND LENSES?

    Many insurance providers provide coverage for Transitions^® lenses as part of their vision care plan. To find out what savings you can enjoy, it is best to contact your insurance provider.

• Current Customers (3)

  • HOW DO I REGISTER MY TRANSITIONS LENSES?

    To register your Transitions lenses, visit https://coa.transitions.com/Default.aspx and follow the instructions on your Certificate of Authenticity. If you encounter any difficulties, please call Transitions Optical Customer Service at 1-800-533-2081 and someone will help register your lenses for you.

  • DO TRANSITIONS^® BRAND LENSES COME WITH A WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE?

    Please check with your eyecare professional or optical retailer to understand their warranty/guarantee policies on prescription eyeglasses.  Transitions lenses may be included in the program.

  • HOW DO I CARE FOR MY TRANSITIONS^® LENSES?

    Transitions^® lenses can be cleaned like most lenses – with a lens cleaner, mild soap or a microfiber lens cleaning cloth. Do not use window cleaner to clean your prescription eyeglasses, as it contains chemicals that could break down the coatings on your lenses. You should also be careful not to wipe your lenses with a surface that could potentially scratch your lenses, for instance, a facial tissue or paper towel.

• Eye Health (7)

  • DO TRANSITIONS^® LENSES BLOCK UV LIGHT?

    Yes, all Transitions^® lenses block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.  

  • WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO PROTECT MY EYES FROM UV LIGHT?

    To better understand the effects of UV radiation on the eyes, it is helpful to know a little more about UV light. Visible light represents just a small portion of the light spectrum. On either side of the visible light spectrum are long-wavelength radiations (infrared) and short-wavelength radiations (UV).  While infrared rays are relatively harmless, UV rays can pose serious risks to a person’s overall health and eye health.

    Sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays: UVA rays and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin – leading to signs of premature aging such as wrinkling or age spots. UVB rays are the sun’s burning rays and are the primary cause of sunburn.  

    Excessive UV exposure is dangerous for eyes as well as your skin. It can lead to a number of serious, sight-stealing diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration down the road – making ongoing protection from UV rays a must.

  • WHAT IS GLARE?

    Glare can be described as “extreme brightness” from the presence of excessive visible light.  Glare can be distracting and even dangerous and can occur day or night in a number of ways.  It can cause you to squint, resulting in eye strain and eye fatigue. In extreme cases, glare can even result in temporary blindness.

    There are four types of glare to be aware of:

    Distracting glare
    Distracting glare can be caused by car headlights or streetlights at night. It can also be as simple as light being reflected off the front of your lenses making it difficult for others to see your eyes. Similarly, it may be from light reflected off the back – or inside – of your lenses so that you see the distracting reflection of your own eyes of objects behind you in your forward field of vision. As a result, this kind of glare may cause eye fatigue, annoyance and distraction.
    
    Discomforting glare
    Glare can be caused by everyday, normal sunlight conditions.  Depending upon one’s light sensitivity, this glare can be discomforting regardless of weather or time of day. It can be present in any level or intensity of light, or when moving from one lighting condition to another. Discomforting glare often causes squinting and eye fatigue.
    
    Disabling glare
    This type of glare comes from excessive, intense light that can occur when you face directly into the sun. Disabling glare can block vision because the intense light can cause significantly reduced contrast of the retinal image. The latent effects can last well beyond the time of exposure.
    
    Blinding or reflected glare
    This comes from light reflected off smooth, shiny surfaces such as water, sand or snow. It can be strong enough to block vision. Reflected light is polarized and requires polarized lenses to reduce it optimally.

    Transitions lenses with anti-reflective coating blocks distracting, discomforting and disabling glare.  For additional protection against blinding or reflected glare try our new Transitions Vantage lenses.

  • WHAT IS BLUE LIGHT?

    Our eyes are sensitive to visible light, which is actually a very small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Blue light is one section within the visible light spectrum, actually covering blue and violet.

    The visible light spectrum includes every color of the rainbow, and each color spans a different range of wavelengths within that spectrum. Red has the longest wavelength and violet has the shortest wavelength. When all the waves are seen together, they make white light.

  • WHAT ARE THE SOURCES OF BLUE LIGHT?

    The main sources of blue light are:
    
    • The sun (the most intense source of blue light)
    • LED lights and compact fluorescent lamps
    • Digital devices such as smartphones, tablets and some TVs
    • Metal halide lights, found mostly indoors in large commercial structures

  • IS BLUE LIGHT GOOD OR BAD FOR YOU?

    Because blue violet light is high-energy and close in frequency to Ultra Violet (UV) light, which is known to be harmful, the consensus among the scientific community is that blue-violet light could potentially have negative effects one one’s health. For example, potential negative effects of blue light include age-related macular degeneration, poor sleep quality and an increase of certain cancer risks.

    However, some scientific literature and research also indicate that wavelengths in the “true” blue band (a different frequency than violet light) may have positive health benefits. For example, potential positive effects of blue light include improvement of visual acuity and depth of field and a lessening of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression associated with cooler seasons, which is thought to be caused by to lack of exposure to light.

    Essentially, while blue light is important and a necessary part of the way we see, too much of it (especially the type closest to UV) could be bad for your health, so it’s important to protect your eyes.

  • DO TRANSITIONS® LENSES REDUCE BLUE LIGHT TRANSMISSION?

    Yes, Transitions lenses reduce the blue light that reaches your eyes both indoors and out.

    Because Transitions lenses reduce transmission of all visible light outdoors, they also reduce blue light transmission. As the lenses react to UV light and darken outdoors, the amount of blue light transmission decreases (remember that the sun is by far the most intense source of blue light).

    Indoors, the hint of tint in Transitions^® XTRActive^® lenses helps to reduce blue light transmission, especially the type of blue light close to UV on the spectrum.