To help you and your staff gain a more thorough understanding of how Transitions® lenses contribute to healthy sight and wellness – and why you should have confidence in recommending them as everyday lenses for your patients – we’ve provided answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
Technical Notes
Transitions lenses are made with a proprietary and patented photochromic dye system that enables them to activate, or darken, when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet light. The greater the intensity of UV rays, the darker the lenses become. When the UV light diminishes, the lenses fade back. As UV light conditions change, the level of tint adjusts, always providing just the right amount of tint. UV blockage remains at 100%, regardless of the level of tint.*
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Absolutely. Transitions lenses are not only as clear as regular hard-coated lenses indoors and at night – and even clearer with the addition of AR coating – they are much better for your patients than regular clear lenses. They automatically and rapidly adapt to changing light conditions to reduce glare, eyestrain and eye fatigue. They also help preserve your patients’ eye health and well being as they conveniently and automatically block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. Like clear lenses, Transitions lenses are available in most lens materials and designs, from standard and higher index to shatter-resistant materials, and from single vision lenses to progressives.
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The level of tint achieved outside in bright sunlight is equivalent to many sunglass lenses sold today. Unlike regular sun lenses, the performance of Transitions lenses is dynamic, providing just the right amount of tint at any moment. Indoors, Transitions lenses quickly fade to clear, allowing wearers to go about their daily activities without changing eyeglasses or even thinking about the need for protection.
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Transitions lenses begin to darken the moment they are exposed to the sun’s UV light, reaching 70% tint within 35 seconds. When UV rays are no longer present, the lenses immediately begin to fade back, achieving 70% clear in just a few minutes. In short, Transitions lenses quickly darken when worn outdoors in sunlight and fade back rapidly when the wearer returns indoors. Most wearers report that the adjustment happens so smoothly, they are unaware it is occurring at the time.
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Many people routinely take precautions to protect their skin against the ravages of UV rays but most are unaware of the need to protect their eyes as well. Research shows that long-term, unprotected exposure to the sun’s UVA and UVB rays – even in shaded conditions – can lead to age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye conditions that can compromise quality of vision. Because patients have only one pair of eyes, most eyecare professionals now recommend eye protection against UV exposure at all times. Transitions lenses help protect precious sight by providing conveniently and continually blocking 100% of harmful UV rays.*
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Transitions lenses block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, providing UV400 protection. In fact, Transitions lenses meet all internationally recognized standards for UV blockage including ANSI Z80.3, ISO 8980-3, EN 1836 and AS/NZS 1067. In addition, Transitions lenses were the first to receive the American Optometric Association’s Seal of Acceptance for UV Absorbers and Blockers and the World Council of Optometry Global Seal of Acceptance for UV Absorbers/Blockers. No wonder nearly 90% of eye care professionals surveyed say that Transitions lenses are the most convenient way to protect eyes from UV.
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Hundreds of times a day, your patients’ eyes have to adjust to light variations that can cause eye strain and fatigue. Transitions lenses automatically reduce glare by allowing just the right amount of light to reach the eyes, even in rapidly changing light conditions. They enhance contrast and even out light variations, thereby enhancing visual quality. This convenient protection is automatic with Transitions lenses – your patients won’t have to give glare protection a second thought.
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Constant variations in light intensity throughout the day can leave eyes feeling tired and sore. Transitions lenses reduce discomforting and disabling glare, thereby reducing squinting, eye strain and eye fatigue for wearers. When fitted with Transitions lenses, your patients’ eyes will feel more comfortable all day long.
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Yes. Once outside the controlled conditions of the optical exam room, patients are continually confronted with changing light conditions that affect visual quality. By adjusting to shifting light conditions, Transitions lenses enhance the ability to discern objects of varying size, brightness and contrast, enabling patients to see better in all light conditions.
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Transitions lenses are recommended for everyone who could benefit by seeing better today and preserving the health and well being of their eyes for the future. Transitions lenses are the perfect choice for every one of your patients who currently wears regular clear eyeglass lenses because they automatically afford visual comfort and protection in any light, well beyond what any clear lens can provide. Because Transitions lenses offer so many more benefits than regular clear lenses, your patients will appreciate the added value that Transitions lenses provide.
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Transitions lenses are a particularly strong recommendation for people whose vision is critically compromised when exposed to light and ultra violet radiation. Especially vulnerable are:
- Patients with specific medical or eye conditions (e.g. diabetes or cataract, among many others) which can affect one’s contrast sensitivity and night vision.
- Those taking medications known to cause sensitivity to bright light and/or direct sunlight.
- People who have had recent eye surgery and are particularly sensitive to sunlight and UV.
- People who have light-sensitive eyes.
- Children. Because children’s eyes are still developing and their crystalline lens is more translucent, their eyes are particularly vulnerable to UV radiation and need daily protection.
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Absolutely! Transitions lenses are a particularly good recommendation for children. Children typically spend a great deal of time outdoors. At the same time, because the crystalline lens in young eyes is not fully developed and allows UV light to penetrate the eye, children are more vulnerable to the potentially damaging, cumulative effects of UV rays than adults. Transitions lenses not only give kids versatility and increased vision comfort, they block 100% of UVA and UVB radiation.
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Windshields in today’s vehicles block most of the UV rays that cause photochromic lenses to activate, or darken. As a result, when worn inside a car where less UV light is present, the ability of the lenses to darken is reduced. However, Transitions offers a product that activates to a comfortable level of tint behind the windshield of a car. In fact, 61% of consumers responded that they perceived Transitions XTRActive lenses to have a darkness level close to sunglasses when driving in very sunny conditions, and 72% of consumers responded that they were satisfied with Transitions XTRActive lenses when driving in very sunny conditions.
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Yes. Transitions lenses are available in a wide range of lens designs including single-vision, bifocals, trifocals and progressives. They are also available in both standard and higher index lens materials as well as shatter-resistant polycarbonate and Trivex®. Regardless of a patient’s prescription or lens preference, they may choose either gray or brown Transitions lenses.
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Yes. They can be worn any place that a patient would wear regular, clear lenses – all day, every day. Transitions lenses help patients see more comfortably inside and out, day and night.
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The performance life of Transitions lenses will generally last the lifetime of the prescription. Transitions Optical recommends regular eye examinations either as determined by your eye doctor and your medical and vision needs or every year. Because most Transitions lens wearers become loyal, repeat customers, chances are you will sell them a new pair long before their Transitions lenses have any perceptible change in performance.
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Transitions XTRActive lenses are the newest addition to the family of Transitions lenses. These everyday lenses are designed for wearers who prefer a slight tint indoors and very dark lenses outdoors.
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Many years ago, Transitions Optical did introduce Transitions XTRActive lenses—known as the darkest Transitions lenses on the market. However, these lenses were discontinued due to advancing technology. Today, we are proud to use the Transitions XTRActive name for our newest, state-of-the-art lenses that once again are the darkest everyday Transitions lenses available and have the added benefit of activating to a moderate tint behind the windshield.
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Transitions XTRActive lenses will not replace Transitions VI lenses. Transitions XTRActive lenses are different types of photochromic lenses that, along with Transitions VI lenses, represent an additional choice in everyday lenses for your patients. Transitions XTRActive lenses are recommended for patients who want the darkest everyday Transitions lenses outdoors, due to their active lifestyle. Rest assured that all Transitions VI products, including all materials and designs, are still available, and will continue to be available in the foreseeable future.
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Transitions XTRActive lenses let you offer your patients a wider choice of Transitions lenses. Some of your patients who do not choose Transitions VI lenses will be very pleased to have this new option, as Transitions XTRActive lenses:
- Are darker outdoors than Transitions VI lenses, in normal and hot temperatures
- Have a slight tint indoors while Transitions VI lenses are completely clear indoors
- Have a slower fade back than Transitions VI lenses
- Activate to a comfortable level of tint when driving inside a car
- Block 100% of UVA and UVB rays as well as provide UV 400 protection—as do all Transitions lens products
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With a few simple questions, you can identify who might prefer Transitions VI lenses and who might prefer Transitions XTRActive lenses:
- Does your patient spend a lot of time outdoors? If yes…
- Does your patient spend a lot of time in very warm weather? If yes...
- Does your patient need a superior, darker tint outdoors? If yes…
- Does your patient prefer a slight tint indoors? If yes…
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This patient will most likely prefer Transitions XTRActive lenses.
Otherwise, the patient should consider Transitions VI lenses.
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Transitions XTRActive lenses are darker in both average temperatures and in hot temperatures than Transitions VI lenses. For example, Transitions XTRActive lenses reach 90% tint at 73°F (23°C), and 80% tint at 95°F (35°C). That means Transitions XTRActive lenses will provide even more visual comfort and glare reduction than any other everyday Transitions lenses available—especially for patients who spend a lot of time outdoors. Plus, Transitions XTRActive lenses even provide some activation behind the windshield of a car. In fact, 61% of consumers responded that they perceived Transitions XTRActive lenses to have a darkness level close to sunglasses when driving in very sunny conditions, and 72% of consumers responded that they were satisfied with Transitions XTRActive lenses when driving in very sunny conditions.
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Transitions XTRActive lenses provide a good level of clarity indoors—but they are not as clear as Transitions VI lenses. At their clearest state indoors, Transitions XTRActive lenses have a transmission of 83% (without Anti-Reflective coating), which means that most patients perceive a slight tint while wearing them indoors. However, most wearers who have tried Transitions XTRActive lenses are actually pleased with the appearance of the lenses indoors, and 75% are satisfied with the tint. Transitions XTRActive lenses may also be the right choice for patients who prefer a slight tint indoors and have chosen tinted lenses in the past.
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Yes! They do not get as dark as sunglasses, but they do provide a meaningful level of tint to drivers. In fact, 72% of wearers who have tried Transitions XTRActive lenses are satisfied with them when driving in very sunny conditions. Transitions XTRActive lenses activate under both UV and visible light, which is why they get darker and activate behind the windshield. This is also the reason why there is a slight indoor tint—something that makes Transitions XTRActive lenses different than Transitions VI lenses.
Please note that the performance of Transitions XTRActive lenses behind the windshield may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the position of the driver in the car, the shape and inclination of the windshield, and characteristics of the glass used to manufacture the windshield.
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The fade back speed for Transitions XTRActive lenses is slower than the fade back speed of Transitions VI lenses, but is on par with previous generations, such as Transitions® Next GenerationTM lenses.
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The best way to show your patients how Transitions XTRActive lenses work is to compare the new lenses with Transitions VI lenses. The in-store demonstration tool clearly shows the different features of each lens. Please do NOT use the UV demonstration lamp to activate the Transitions XTRActive lenses, since the UV demonstration lamp is not designed to demonstrate performance differences between products. However, the UV lamp is still a great tool to show patients how photochromic lenses work, in general and should be used with your current Transitions lenses demo card.
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While the family of Transitions lenses now has something for every patient, Transitions XTRActive lenses are specifically designed for those patients who spend a lot of time outdoors for their daily activities and who need superior darkness, but do not mind having a slight tint indoors. Transitions XTRActive lenses are the ideal everyday Transitions lenses for people who have jobs that require a lot of time outdoors, such as construction managers, real estate agents and architects. For patients who want the convenience and benefits of lenses that get darker outside, but are also very clear indoors, Transitions VI lenses are an excellent choice.
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Transitions XTRActive lenses are the darkest everyday lenses ever developed by Transitions Optical, including in hot temperatures. At 95° F (35° C), Transitions XTRActive lenses have a light transmission of only 20%, which makes them significantly darker than Transitions VI lenses. However, the actual performance attributes (especially the level of darkness and speed of deactivation) of all photochromic lenses are limited by the laws of chemistry, and are normally affected somewhat by extreme hot and cold temperatures.
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As with any other photochromic technology, Transitions XTRActive lenses are influenced by temperature—the colder the temperature, the darker the lenses will get. In cold temperatures, the level of light transmission is similar to Transitions VI lenses—4% light transmission at 50° F (10° C).
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In terms of fade back time, at 73° F (23° C), after 15 minutes of activation, Transitions XTRActive lenses fade back to 70% transmission after 14 minutes, compared with nine minutes for Transitions VI lenses. Please refer to the chart in the Technical Product Notes for more information regarding activation and fade back speeds.
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As with all everyday Transitions lenses, the performance life of Transitions XTRActive lenses will generally last for as long as the prescription is effective. While it is normal for there to be a small loss of photochromic performance over time, with normal usage, this change is generally not perceptible by the wearer. Because most Transitions lens wearers become loyal, repeat customers, chances are you will sell them a new pair long before their Transitions lenses have any perceptible change in performance.
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Absolutely. Transitions XTRActive lenses are compatible with all premium AR coatings and hardcoats. And the hardcoat on Transitions XTRActive lenses can easily be removed in a lab for AR application or proprietary hardcoats, if necessary. Labs can continue to run multiple passes, thereby increasing their yields.
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Yes, they can be tinted. However, Transitions XTRActive lenses already have a slight indoor tint, due to the photochromic package developed for these lenses. Patients who are looking for darker tinted lenses may want to consider Transitions® SOLFXTM lenses.
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Absolutely not. One of the benefits of all Transitions lenses is that they are available for virtually any frame suitable for prescription lenses.
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Transitions XTRActive lenses are available in an attractive gray tint, with a slight green undertone when activated.
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Yes. Transitions XTRActive lenses are suitable for any activity that would normally require clear lenses, which includes driving at night. Adding an anti-reflective coating to Transitions lenses may make driving at night even more comfortable for your patients, as the treatment reduces distracting glare. Transitions XTRActive lenses are suitable for night driving as per the ISO 14889 standard.
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Definitely. With Transitions XTRActive lenses—in addition to Transitions VI lenses—you now have a wider choice of everyday lens options, and can serve patients with different lifestyles. Now, you can help wearers who want a really dark lens outdoors and a little bit of tint indoors—patients for whom Transitions VI lenses are not the optimal choice.
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Transitions XTRActive lenses are currently available in a select number of materials (polycarbonate, 1.67 and Trivex®), in single-vision lenses and in some Progressive Addition Lenses. Please check with your laboratory or lens manufacturer for more details or go to www.TransitionsXTRActive.com for an updated list.
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Even though they are the darkest everyday Transitions lenses available, Transitions XTRActive lenses are not intended to replace sunglasses. Rather, Transitions XTRActive lenses are everyday (and all day) primary prescription lenses. They are meant to be worn in most indoor and outdoor situations, especially for patients who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Sunglasses (such as Transitions® SOLFXTM lenses), including polarized lenses, are specialty eyewear for specific, sustained outdoor use and blinding glare situations. Most patients should be open to the idea of Transitions lenses as a primary pair of lenses, in combination with polarized sunglasses as a second pair. In fact, research indicates that wearers of Transitions lenses are more likely than clear lens wearers to own sunglasses as their second pair.
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Still have questions? Don't hesitate to call Transitions Optical at 1-800-848-1506.
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*UV blockage determined by global standard ISO 8980-3. Photochromic performance is influenced by temperature, UV exposure and lens material. UV400 protection available with Transitions VI lenses.