Interested in transition lenses, or photochromic lenses? In this article, we will dive into the potential transition lenses pros and cons and if they are the right fit for you and your lifestyle. We have some recommendations for the best transition lenses and frames, we want to find the right pair for you.
What are Transition Lenses?
Transitions is a name brand of photochromic glasses, they have their own patented recipe for the coatings they offer. Transitions when in sunlight, darken, and in softer light, lighten. Transitions are not novel technology, they have been popular for over a decade now. Regular eyeglasses wearers have found them to be quite convenient as they transform into sunglasses when exposed to sunlight. Removing the need to carry around a pair of prescription sunglasses or a sunglass clip for your frames.
We carry two patented photochromic coatings by Transitions, the Transitions Signature Gen 8 and Transitions XtraActive. We will discuss later on which of these lenses fit your lifestyle best. But is it too good to be true? Are transitions worth it?
We have compiled some information to help you make a well-informed decision.
Pros of Transitions
Many of the benefits attributed to transition glasses seem obvious, there are however some less apparent benefits - let’s get into them!
Cost-Effectiveness – One of the better aspects of owning a pair of transition eyeglasses is that in the end, you have a single pair of glasses that cover the functionality of two: both prescription sunglasses and normal eyeglasses. This reduces the cost of having to purchase both, as well as the maintenance of both.
Convenience – The 2-in-1 aspect carries over to convenience as transition glasses reduce the need for carrying around and switching between different frames to meet your different needs. With transitions, you can immediately step out on a bright day and read important signage and navigate with a single pair of lenses.
Limited Risk of Loss – Lugging around two pairs of glasses is not only inconvenient but also places you at a higher risk of loss. Imagine being out on a sunny day with your prescription sunglasses on and misplacing your regular eyeglasses. You would need to wait for new eyeglasses to come, which can take weeks depending on your prescription, and during those few weeks, you'd need to wear your prescription sunglasses, because that is your only prescription pair.
Eye Protection – Transition glasses filter out plenty of harmful UV rays, meaning safer and healthier eyes. Your transitional lenses do more than you may think! The Transitions Signature Gen 8 (available in black and brown) are the fastest transitioning lenses offered by Transitions. Meaning you will get the best and most clear vision with speed.
Cons of Transitions
Now let’s see if transitions are right for you, here are some of the negatives often attributed to transition glasses.
Less effective in cars – The science behind transition eyeglasses revolves around the number of UV rays that hit the lenses. When you are in a car the windshield is built to block UV light and so your transitions may not darken enough to act as sunglasses rendering them ineffective. We do carry the Transitions XtraActive lenses, available in black and brown. They are designed with drivers in mind! These high-performance lenses are made specifically to work in cars. If you drive, these lenses are perfect for you!
Cold weather – Transitional lenses have delayed reaction times in the winter, this is mainly due to the overall reduced amount of UV rays emitted by the sun.
Picking the right Transition Glasses for you
If you think that transitions are the best option for you we recommend reading more about the Transitions lenses we carry. We want you to be best informed while shopping for transition glasses online.
Stoggles Round Light Responsive 03 Charcoal
This polycarbonate frame is a fashionable look, perfect for any occasion. The transparent, charcoal frames are ideal for transition reading glasses, as the colors and shape carry from inside as classic eyeglasses to outside as sunglasses. This frame is available in three other bright colors, there is something for everyone with these!
Calvin Klein CK20126 780
In Rose Gold Havana, these glasses are sure to inspire. They feature a rounded, pilot shape that would look great with clear or tinted lenses - ideal for transitions. The metal frame and adjustable nose pad bridge are great for added comfort and durability.
Arise Collective Breton 001 K1234
This frame available in Shiny Black is sure to impress. The simplistic style is ideal for pairing with transition lenses, they will be great with transparent or tinted lenses. The acetate frame is built for durability and comfort. You will want to wear these all day!
Shop with SmartBuyGlasses
We are happy to offer thousands of frames in our e-shop, we organized for your convenience transition compatible frames for your shopping experience. Unsure of how they might look? No worries, use our Virtual Try-On tool, it allows you to visualize a 180-degree view of your fit before you buy. We are happy to offer our best price guarantee, we will match the price of any frame you find off our site because you deserve the lowest prices on your favorite brands. Once you choose your new frames, take a few seconds to upload your prescription at checkout, or if you don’t have it handy you can email it to us later. Should you have any questions, our optical center is full of resourceful articles on all things optical related.
