Ultra Dynamic Lenses

Transitions FAQ

• What are the main differences between Transitions® GEN S™, Transitions® XTRActive® new generation and Transitions®XTRActive® Polarized?

  If you are severely light sensitive or looking for high temperature performance or extra darkness outdoors, Transitions® XTRActive® new generation lenses are the ideal choice for you, as they deliver the best XTRA darkness and the best XTRA light protection1, even in the car. They are uniquely designed to protect your eyes from the brightest sun outdoors.
  If you are very sensitive to light and frequently exposed to very bright light and reflective glare, Transitions® XTRActive® Polarized is the only photochromic lens specifically designed to cater for those needs.
  Transitions XTRActive speed when going back to clear is already high, but GEN S is even faster. Just like XTRActive, GEN S darkens to category 3 yet this time within seconds. And while XTRActive is available in 3 colors, GEN S is available in all 8 colors: Amber, Green Graphite, Gray, Brown, Sapphire, Emerald, Amethyst, and Ruby.
  To help you choose, don’t hesitate to ask your optician for guidance, they will help you find the best Transitions® lens based on your needs and your daily habits.
  ¹ The darkest in hot temperatures & in the car, blocking 100% UVA & UVB and offering the best overall blue-violet light filtration across light situations* among clear to extra dark photochromic lenses.*- Filtering blue-violet light (between 400 and 455nm ISO TR 20772:2018) among gray lenses with a premium anti-reflective coating.: filtering (i) up to 45% indoors at 23°C, (ii) up to 64% behind the windshield(iii) up to 86% outdoors at 23°C and (iv) up to 83% outdoors at 35°C.

• What is Transitions XTRActive?

  Transitions XTRActive new generation lenses are recommended for wearers who are very light sensitive or frequently exposed to bright light. They deliver the best extra darkness and the best extra light protection¹ from intense light indoors and outdoors, even in the car.
  ¹ The darkest in hot temperatures & in the car, blocking 100% UVA & UVB and offering the best overall blue violet light filtration across light situations* among clear to extra dark photochromic lenses. *Filtering blue-violet light (between 400 and 455nm ISO TR 20772:2018) among polycarbonate and CR39 grey lenses with a premium anti-reflective coating.: filtering (i) up to 45% indoors at 23°C, (ii) up to 64% behind the windshield (iii) up to 86% outdoors at 23°C and (iv) up to 83% outdoors at 35°C.

• How dark are Transitions XTRActive new generation lenses in the car?

  Transitions XTRActive new generation lenses are the darkest photochromic lens in the car and the only photochromic lens achieving category 2 levels in the car.¹
  ¹ Clear to extra dark photochromic category. Polycarbonate and 1.5 gray lenses tested at 23°C behind the windscreen achieving between 18%T and 43%T.

• What does polarized mean?

  The key difference is that polarized lenses are designed specifically to block the glare from reflected light, while non-polarized lenses only block intense light. Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses not only reduce reflections but also provide shaper vision, vivid colors and larger view.

• What are the benefits of a photochromic polarized lenses?

  Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses are clear with a hint of tint to better filter blue-violet light indoors compared to clear lenses¹, and become extra dark and polarized outdoors. They are designed for wearers who are frequently exposed to bright light and reflective glare. Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses reduce glare providing you with sharper vision, a larger view and vivid colors². The optimal solution for a superior vision experience.
  ¹ Filters up to 45% of blue-violet light indoors. Tests performed on grey Transitions XTRActive Polarized and clear lenses, CR39 and polycarbonate, with a premium anti-reflective coating. Blue-violet light is between 400 and 455nm (ISO TR 20772:2018).
  ² Source: EcoOptics Limited - Prof. Nicholas Roberts, Quantitative study evaluating the visual benefits of the polarization properties of lenses compared to similar non-polarized lenses, 2019/2020

• How can Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses be differentiated from Transitions XTRActive new generation lenses?

  Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses are polarized outdoors in the sun while Transitions XTRActive new generation lenses are darker¹ but do not polarize outdoors.
  ¹ Tested on grey lenses across materials at 23°C outdoors achieving using Transitions Optical's standard testing method.

• Can you drive with Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses?

  Yes, absolutely. Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses darken in the car so that they reduce the glare while driving. Since the dichroïc dyes for polarization activate from UV light, which is blocked by car windshields, Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses do not polarize in the car. The Transitions portfolio also includes Transitions Drivewear sun lenses that are specifically designed for driving situations. Transitions Drivewear sun lenses are our only polarized sun lenses that adapt to light behind the wheel and outdoors, helping to remove glare off the road and car hood for a picture-perfect drive. Transitions Drivewear sun lenses have a fixed polarization and Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses have a dynamic polarization.