Transitions® Light Intelligent Lenses™ are a game-changer for anyone who wants eyewear that can keep up with their fast-paced lifestyle. They adapt to changing light, provide excellent UV protection and eliminate the need to switch between a pair of glasses and sunglasses. But with several types of Transitions® lenses available, how do you know which one is right for you? Follow our guide to help you understand the differences, whether you’re new to them or seeking the best option for your needs and budget.
What are Transitions® Lenses?
Transitions® are photochromic lenses that respond intelligently to changing light conditions, automatically darkening when exposed to bright sunlight and returning to clear indoors. They help protect your eyes from UV rays and minimise glare, offering visual comfort and versatility.
The different types of Transitions® Lenses
At Glasses Direct, we have three types of the most popular Transitions® lenses available. All Transitions lenses block 100% UVA and UVB rays and sources of blue-violet light1. Explore the comparison below to discover which lenses are most suited to your lifestyle.
Transitions® GEN S™ lenses
⭐ Best for: Fashionable and convenient everyday wear
The newest and most advanced Transitions® lens yet, GEN S™ lenses provide HD vision with ultra-fast fade-back, meaning they return to clear quicker than previous generations. They are fully clear indoors and darken quickly outdoors for optimal sun protection and effortless vision.
✅ Key features:
- Designed for typical, daily light situations
- Fully clear indoors, darken outside in seconds
- Return to clear faster than older generations
- Long-lasting photochromic performance
- Block UV light, including UVA and UVB
- Filter blue-violet light indoors and outdoors
- Available in eight style colours – perfect for festival fashion!
🔥 Who are they designed for?
Created for individuals who want modern, stylish lenses that adapt seamlessly in every light without needing a separate pair of sunglasses. They are perfect whether you’re dancing at an outdoor festival or heading to the shops for your essentials.
Exciting styles for the everyday
Pick a versatile style for daily wear, or go for something bright, bold and fun for festival season! With plenty of lens colours to choose from, there’s something to suit every taste and occasion. Visit our handy guide for inspiration on how to pair Transitions® GEN S™ lenses with your favourite frame colours.
Transitions® XTRActive® lenses
⭐ Best for: Light-sensitive wearers who are routinely exposed to bright light outdoors and in the car
✅ Key features:
- Extra dark outdoors in hot weather
- Provide extra protection from intense light
- Clear indoors with a slight protective tint
- Activated by visible light, darkening behind the car windshield
- Block UV light, including UVA and UVB
- Blue-violet light filtering inside and outside
- A choice of three colours, including brown, green and grey lenses
🔥 Who are they designed for?
The new generation Transitions® XTRActive® are the perfect lens type for wearers that are light sensitive who spend a lot of time outdoors or driving and want the darkest possible tint for added comfort and the ultimate light protection. They are also suitable to drive at night with.
Best frames for light sensitive wearers
Select frames that wrap securely and comfortably around your head for the ultimate light protection from every angle. Choose designs that are comfortable to wear and offer style versatility. If you drive a lot, we recommend brown-tinted lenses because they enhance contrast and depth perception for improved visibility on the road. They also reduce glare from the sun, making road signs and objects appear sharper and clearer.
Transitions® Drivewear® lenses
⭐ Best for: Optimal daytime driving experience
✅ Key features:
- Always tinted
- Polarisation to reduce glare
- Adapt to light outdoors and behind car windscreens
- Block UV light, including UVA and UVB
- Excellent colour recognition and enhanced depth perception
🔥 Who are they designed for?
Transitions® Drivewear® lenses make ideal eyewear for individuals who spend significant time driving in varying lights. Combining light-adaptive technology with polarisation, these lenses effectively reduce distracting glare and are uniquely engineered to promote safer driving. Transitions® Drivewear® lenses automatically adjust to all kinds of light situations from overcast skies to bright sunlight. They are also designed to enhance contrast and visual clarity, helping drivers react more quickly on the road. However, it’s important to note that they are not suitable for night-time driving.
Recommended frames for driving
Choose frames with large lenses and thin temples for maximum visibility when you’re behind the wheel.
A quick comparison
1 Transitions lenses block 100% UV & filter at least 26% of blue-violet light indoors & at least 86% outdoors. Tests performed on grey lenses with premium anti-reflective coating. Blue-violet light is between 400 and 455nm (ISO TR 20772:2018).
