Photochromic vs Transitions Lenses

If you’ve ever stepped outdoors and wished your glasses could magically turn into sunglasses, you’ve probably heard about photochromic lenses or Transitions® lenses. Many people think they’re two completely different types of lenses, but the truth is… Transitions® is actually a brand name for a type of photochromic lens!

Let’s break it down.

1. What Are Photochromic Lenses?

Photochromic lenses are optical lenses that darken when exposed to UV light and return to clear when indoors or in low-light conditions. They work through a special coating or lens material containing light-sensitive molecules that react to UV rays.

Key features of photochromic lenses:

• Darken automatically in sunlight

• Return to clear indoors

• Protect against harmful UV rays

• Can be made with single vision, progressive, or other prescriptions
  

2. What Are Transitions® Lenses?

Transitions® is a well-known brand of photochromic lenses, developed by Transitions Optical. It’s like calling all tissues “Kleenex” — many people use the name Transitions® to refer to all photochromic lenses, even if they’re made by other manufacturers.

Why choose Transitions® lenses?

• Reliable and consistent darkening/clearing speed

• Available in various colours (grey, brown, graphite green, sapphire, etc.)

• Advanced options like Transitions® XTRActive™ (darker outdoors and even behind the car windscreen)

• Trusted brand with decades of innovation
  

3. Main Differences Between Photochromic & Transitions®

Feature	Photochromic (General)	Transitions® (Brand)
Definition	Any lens that darkens in sunlight	A specific brand of photochromic lens
Technology	Varies by manufacturer	Proprietary technology from Transitions Optical
Speed of Change	Can vary widely	Generally fast and consistent
Colour Options	Depends on brand	Wide variety, including fashion tints
Availability	Multiple brands and price ranges	Premium brand with strong global presence

4. Which One Should You Choose?

It depends on your budget, lifestyle, and brand preference.

• If you want tried-and-tested performance with more colour options and faster transitions between light and dark, Transitions® lenses are an excellent choice.

• If you’re looking for a more affordable solution, other photochromic lenses can still provide good UV protection and comfort in changing light conditions.
  

When choosing photochromic lenses, consider:

• Your daily environment (Do you spend a lot of time outdoors?)

• Driving needs (Some photochromic lenses don’t darken much behind a car windscreen unless you choose special types like Transitions® XTRActive™)

• Style preference (Lens colour and appearance)
  

At House of Spectacles, we offer both Transitions® lenses and other high-quality photochromic options, so you can find the perfect balance between performance and price. Visit us at Golden Landmark, Tampines, or Yishun to try them out in person — step outside our shop, and watch the magic happen!