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This post was most recently updated on November 7th, 2019
If you follow my blog, a couple of days ago Ipublished an article about the pros and cons of Transitions. I had mentioned that “Transitions” is actually a specific brand of photochromic lenses. There are other brands, but for many people, transitions have just become the norm to call photochromic or light adaptive lenses. If you haven’t gotten a chance to check it out, you can find it here.
For the rest of this article I will be referring to photochromic lenses as a whole as Transition lenses, just to make it easier.
Table of Contents
So I understand that buying glasses can be confusing all in itself, but buying glasses online just adds to the confusion. Especially since every single website is built differently, and therefore more confusion. So what I did was I went through all the different retailers and took a look at what each one was offering when it came to Transition lenses.
What I was looking for a place that could provide you with a complete package with, a polycarbonate lens, with anti-reflective coating, as well as Transitions. What I didn’t include in this is the cost of the frame since the choice of the frame can be such a huge variable when it comes to the price. This benefited retailers that had frames priced with “free” lenses included. The retailers aren’t listed by best price, but by best value that they could provide, whether that be their frame selection, overall service, or value. These retailers can provide an overall great buying experience, Take a look below.
My Pick | WarbyParker
Warby Parker is my pick and only because they are one of the few retailers who has solved one of the biggest problems of buying glasses online, the ability to try on the frames before you purchased them. Their home try-on program offers you the ability to pick out 5 frames and have them sent to you free of charge to try on for a week. After you made you pick you can send the frames back and make your pick on their website and they will start working on your glasses before their frames even get back to them. Warby Parker doesn’t carry and designer eyewear, but they’re in-house frames that they have are really high quality and do not feel cheaply made. You can check out my fullreview of the home try-on programhere.
At Warby Parker, their frames come with polycarbonate lenses with anti-reflective coating. So in order for you to add photochromic lenses, the cost is just an addition $100. Not a bad deal at all, and if you want thinner and lighter high-index lenses it’s only an additional $30.
Best Selection | Eyeglasses.com
When you are looking for a range of different types of photochromic lenses, this is your place. Although all of the photochromic lenses that are from the Transitions brand, they carry the Transition Signature. XTRActive, Vantage, as well as Drivewear. So you have many options to choose from there. They also have a decent selection of frames, if you are looking for designer frames, this is a good place to look at.
At Eyeglasses.com if you were to get polycarbonate lenses with an anti-reflective coating as well as Transition Signature VII lenses, the cost of the lenses comes out to $203. If you want the Transition XTRActive it is an additional $20, Vantage an additional $40, and Drivewear an additional $50.
Best Value | Zenni
It is honestly extremely hard to beat the price for photochromic lenses from Zenni. Zenni is an online optical retailer which has made a name for itself by providing quality eyewear for their customers at low and affordable prices, with photochromic lenses, it is no different. They don’t carry any designer eyewear, but their selection of in-house frames is just gigantic. You are sure to find like 5 frames you are going to want, it’s too bad that they don’t have a home try-on program.
For their polycarbonate material, they carry Vision-Ease LifeRx photochromic lenses, which you are able to get for just $66 if you add on their anti-reflective coating it is an additional $4.95. Which means for $70.95 plus the cost of the frame you choose, you can have a polycarbonate lens, with photochromic, and anti-reflective, you really can’t find a better deal than that.
Best with Designer Frames | SmartBuyGlasses
If you are looking for designer eyewear, SmartBuyGlasses is the place to go, they carry a huge selection of designer eyewear that consists of over 180 different designer brands. This includes brands such as Oakley, Ray-Ban, Versace, Giorgio Armani, Vogue, and much more.
The one thing about SmartBuyGlasses is that they do not have polycarbonate lenses as an option. So if you are looking for polycarbonate lenses you would have to look elsewhere. But, they have a great deal for transition lenses that are 1.61 high-index. You may be thinking well isn’t high-index better anyways? Yes, but it isn’t as impact-resistant as polycarbonate, therefore if someone were to need the impact-resistant factor, high-index wouldn’t do.
If you need thin and lightweight lenses then this is the place for you. You can get the 1.61 thin high-index lenses with Transition Signature VII photochromic lenses for $138. That is an amazing deal as most places that sell high-index lenses with photochromic will charge you over $200.
Other Places I Looked At
- EyeBuyDirect – Over at EyeBuyDirect, you can get a polycarbonate lens, with anti-reflective coating with their in-house photochromic lenses for $101.90. If you are looking for Transitions brand lenses, you can get polycarbonate lenses, with anti-reflective coating, along with Transitions Adaptive, it would cost you $159.
- 39Dollarglasses.com – The cost over at 39DollarGlasses.com for photochromic lenses was quite affordable as well. If you got a polycarbonate lens, with anti-reflective, and transitions signature it would cost $123.85. No designer frames here just their in-house glasses, and Zenni, EyeBuyDirect, and Warby Parker have better style frames.
- FramesDirect – FramesDirect has a huge selection of designer eyewear and over 200 brands for you to choose from. If you were looking to get your photochromic lenses here, getting a polycarbonate lens, with anti-reflective coating, as well as transition would cost you about $313 from FramesDirect. So they are more on the expensive side, but they run some great promotions all the time for their lenses.
- GlassesUSA– This is the place to look if you are looking for wild cat-eye frames or the new trendy geometric frames. If you were to get photochromic lenses here, a polycarbonate lens, with anti-reflective coating, along with Transition Signature VI it comes out to about $198 for the lenses.
- Target Optical – Target optical is another retailer that you can find a great selection of designer eyewear to choose from. If you are looking to get photochromic lenses, you can get a polycarbonate lens, with anti-reflective coating, and Transitions for $210.
- Eyeconic
– Eyeconic is the official online optical store for VSP Vision Insurance company. They offer you an easy way to be able to apply your vision benefits online if you are a VSP, MetLife, or Cigna Vision member. They have a nice selection of frames to choose from, and if you are looking for photochromic lenses. At Eyeconic you can get polycarbonate lenses with an anti-reflective coating and photochromic lenses made by SunSync for $131.
– Eyeconic is the official online optical store for VSP Vision Insurance company. They offer you an easy way to be able to apply your vision benefits online if you are a VSP, MetLife, or Cigna Vision member. They have a nice selection of frames to choose from, and if you are looking for photochromic lenses. At Eyeconic you can get polycarbonate lenses with an anti-reflective coating and photochromic lenses made by SunSync for $131.- GlassesShop.com – Glassesshop is another website that carries trendy and stylish in-house made frames with a ton of different styles to choose from. If you get photochromic lenses from here you can get a polycarbonate lens, with an anti-reflective coating, and photochromic lenses for $130.85. If you want Transitions brand photochromic you can only get it in 1.61 High-Index.
Benefits of Transition Lenses
There are many benefits to having lenses that adapt to the environment that you are in, and can help provide you with a comfortable viewing experience in bright sunlight. Here are some of my favorite benefits of having Transition lenses.
- UV Protection – The most obvious benefit of having these lenses is the constant protection that your eyes get from harmful UV rays coming from the sun. This benefit is more important if you are using any other lens material other than polycarbonate as polycarbonate already has 100% UV protection.
- Glare Protection – Since this lens automatically adapts to UV rays and darken when exposed to them, they reduce the eye strain you would normally get from the various source of glare outdoors. Since the lenses darken gradually many times you won’t even notice that everything has gotten darker, to me personally I feel as if someone had turned the brightness down on the sun. This, in turn, provides you with sharper, crisper, clearer vision.
- Versatile – One fo the biggest benefit of these lenses is the fact that you can wear them in any environment. They are designed for you to be able to wear all day, whether you are indoors, or outdoors. The versatility allows you to go about your day without having to carry along multiple pairs of glasses.
- Great For Children – It is a fact that children’s developing eyes allow up to 6 times more UV light to penetrate their eyes than adults. Children tend to have more active lifestyles and alternate between indoors and outdoors often, therefore having transitions would be beneficial to protect those young eyes.
- Blue Light Protection – Transition lenses have always blocked out some of the harmful blue light that you encounter throughout the day. Whether you are indoors or outdoors they offer some blue light protection over standard clear lenses.
Final Thoughts
Well there you have it, some great places to purchase Transition lenses if you were looking for them. Many great retailers you can visit to see if you can find your next frames. Do you use Transition lenses?Do you like them? Why or why not? I would love to hear from you. As always if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave them below and I will get back to you as soon as Ican.
FAQs
Can you get transition lenses online? ›
Customize your glasses online today! The perfect Transitions® lens for everyday life. They constantly adapt to all light situations for better vision, comfort, and protection. Starting at $99.
How much should you pay for Transitions lenses? ›Cost of Photochromic Lenses
Safety glasses with photochromic lenses cost between $40 and $220 a pair. Sunglasses with photochromic lenses cost between $75 and $400 a pair. Getting photochromic technology added to a pair of prescription eyeglasses usually adds between $100 and $400 to the total cost of those glasses.
Don't wipe or rub them — simply give them gentle dabs with the dry cloth. NEVER dry your lenses with paper towels, tissues, or napkins. While these materials might seem soft on your skin, their textured surfaces can badly scratch your lenses. Using the tip of your shirt is also a bad idea.
What Colour transition lenses are best? ›Transition brown lenses enhance contrast and visual acuity in the sun. This makes them best for those looking for golfing glasses, fishing glasses, or enhancement glasses. Transition grey lenses do not alter colors. So the colors you see will be true, only darker while wearing transition gray lenses in the sun.
Does zenni sell transition lenses? ›They are great if you are looking to make a single purchase because they offer the benefits of clear lenses, sunglasses, and blue-light blocking lenses all in one photochromic package. Zenni is proud to offer the best value for Transitions® lenses on the market.
What is the difference between photochromic and transition lenses? ›Photochromic or "adaptive" lenses darken when exposed to UV light, such as when you walk outdoors. When you are no longer exposed to the effects of UV, (i.e. walk indoors), the lenses return to their clear state. Transitions lenses are photochromic lenses that block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays.
How much are transition lenses at Walmart? ›Clear lenses: free. Basic tint: $20. Polarized tint: $125. Transition lenses: $85.
Do I need anti reflective coating on transition lenses? ›Yes, transition lenses accept anti-glare (AR) coating, and there are good reasons to have one applied. An anti-glare coating makes your glasses look better to others. They restrict stray reflections on the front of your lenses, the reflections that mask your eyes.
Does Medicare cover transition lenses? ›Medicare does not pay for upgrades, such as progressive or transition lenses. The additional cost for these upgrades would be an out-of-pocket expense for you. Before surgery is an excellent time to begin the selection process for new frames and lenses.
Can I use Windex on my transition lenses? ›Never use household cleaners like Windex because these chemicals contain ammonia, which will tear off any coating on the lens. Air Dry – If you can, allow your glasses to air dry. Air drying is another great way to keep any materials from getting on to your lens.
Can I use lens wipes on transition lenses? ›
Transitions® lenses can be cleaned like most lenses – with a lens cleaner, mild soap or a microfiber lens cleaning cloth. Do not use window cleaner to clean your prescription eyeglasses, as it contains chemicals that could break down the coatings on your lenses.
Can you use anti fog wipes on transition lenses? ›The answer is obvious, Yes. This is the most convenient option you can use to clear the fog from your prescription glasses.
Are brown or GREY transition lenses better? ›The best color transition lens for you depends on what you will use your glasses for. If you need the maximum darkness possible in a transition lens, it is best to opt for a grey colored lens. However, brown transition lenses are best for people who would like better contrast (i.e. while fishing or playing golf).
Are GREY or brown lenses better? ›For Driving
Both lenses provide the glare-reducing benefits of polarization, but the color ultimately depends on your personal preference. Gray is a popular choice for its true-to-world color experience and brown is ideal for contrast-enhancement.
Temperature affects how Transitions change. When they're hot (like in the summer), the lenses will change slower and won't get as dark. Transition lenses don't change behind the windshield of a car. When Transition lenses do wear out, they will take on a yellowish tinge when they're clear.
Are all transition lenses the same? ›Transition™ has created several options over the years, but the four best known are Signature GEN 8, XTRActive, Vantage, and DriveWear. It is good to know that not all lens types have polarization capabilities, and only some are recommended to wear while operating a vehicle.
Does Ray Ban make transition lenses? ›Discover our most iconic sunglasses with Evolve photochromic lenses for effortless style all day long. Evolve lenses benefit from light responsive technology, changing from clear to dark as you move indoors and out so you never have to take off your favorite Ray-Ban style.
Do transition lenses work on cloudy days? ›Since UV rays are able to penetrate through the clouds, not only do transition lenses darken on bright sunny days, but also when the sky is cloudy and overcast. Transition lenses automatically adjust their color according to the light and UV intensity in the environment.
What is generic transition lenses? ›Transition lenses, or photochromic lenses, are the lenses that darken in the sunlight and lighten in softer light or the dark.
Do you put transition lenses in the freezer? ›A There is no truth in this old wives tale! Some photochromics will appear darker, or even too dark, in cold temperatures due to slower opening and closing of the photo-chromic molecules, but storing your lenses in the freezer will not enhance performance or life span.
How do I test my transition lenses? ›
When in contact with UV light, the photochromic particles are activated in 20 to 30 seconds. If you're not sure, cover one of the lenses with your hand, then put the sunglasses on, wait 20 to 30 seconds and check the difference between the activated and non-activated lens.
Does Walmart Vision Center sell transition lenses? ›ALL TRANSITIONS LENSES ARE AVAILABLE ON NIKON EYES®, ONLY AT WALMART VISION CENTERS.
Are Costco glasses cheaper than Walmart? ›Costco charges $130 for high-definition progressive lenses, which, as with all Costco lenses, include an anti-reflective coating. That's about half what you'd pay at many walk-in stores. But if you need basic, plastic single-vision lenses, you can pay as little as $29 at Walmart, about half as much as at Costco.
Does Walmart Optical carry transition lenses? ›Walmart offers clear, tinted, polarized, and transition lenses. They also offer different protective coating options for lenses. If you'd like your old lenses put in new frames, Walmart offers that, too.
Is anti-glare the same as anti-reflective? ›Anti-reflective vs Anti Glare
In short: anti glare coatings will protect against external light sources entering the glasses, while anti-reflective coatings will protect against both internal and external light.
Conclusion. When making the decision between transitions or polarized lenses, it is important to remember that one is not better than the other. Both transitions and polarized lenses offer the same UV protection. Polarized lenses reduce glare and increase contrast, while transitions offer an all-in-one solution.
How long do transition glasses last? ›They generally last around 3 years before they lose their ability to darken when exposed to UV light.
Are transition lenses expensive? ›A transition lens will typically add a little over $100 to a normal prescription eyeglass lens. This saves a lot of money when compared to the price of prescription sunglasses, which can be up to $600!!! Transition Lenses are also a great option for children.
How Much Does Medicare pay for cataract surgery in 2022? ›Under Medicare's 2022 payment structure, the national average for allowed charges for cataract surgery in outpatient hospital units is $2,079 for the facility fee and $548 for the doctor fee for surgery on one eye. Of the $2,627 total, Medicare pays $2,101 and the patient coinsurance is $524.
What is the average cost of cataract surgery with Medicare? ›What Does Cataract Surgery Cost With Medicare? According to Medicare.gov, having cataract surgery at an ambulatory surgical center costs about $1,789 ($750 in doctor fees and $1,039 in facility fees). Medicare pays $1,431 of that total, which means the patient pays $357.
Is Dawn dish soap good for cleaning eyeglasses? ›
2) Dish soap and water – According to the American Optometric Association, dish soap is a great way to clean eyeglasses. Rub a small amount of dish soap on the lenses using your fingers. But be sure to avoid citrus based dish soaps that contain damaging fruit acids or soaps with softeners that leave behind a residue.
Can I clean my glasses with WD40? ›Avoid any solvents for cleaning your eyeglasses as well. Acetone, paint thinner, lacquer thinner, WD40, and lighter fluid may damage your lenses or the coatings on them.
What is the darkest transition lenses available? ›Transitions XTRActive new generation lenses are extra dark outdoors and the darkest photochromic light intelligent lens in hot temperatures. They are the only photochromic lens to achieve a category 3 level of darkness when it's hot - the same level as sunglasses.
Can you clean transition lenses with alcohol? ›You cannot use rubbing alcohol to clean your glasses. Avoid using household cleaners or products with high concentrations of acid. Clean your glasses with a gentle dish soap and warm water for the best results. Dry your glasses with a microfiber cloth to prevent smudging.
How do you break in transition glasses? ›Transitions lenses do not need a break in period. Regardless of color, all that is needed is UV exposure to start the reaction.
Do transition lenses work in the car? ›“Transitions Signature GEN 8 lenses are meant to replace your clear lenses. Because the windshield of your car blocks the UV light that is required for these lenses to activate, they won't work in the car.
Can I use RainX on my glasses? ›No. Never use RainX on glasses. It will destroy the coatings on your lenses.
Can shaving cream damage eyeglasses? ›Using soap or shaving cream on your lenses increases the chance of your glasses getting scratched, which nobody wants!
Can you wear transition lenses at night? ›While transition lenses are more useful for deflecting glare and sunlight when you're driving during the day, transition lenses are also good for night driving in some cases. The strongest case for using transition lenses to drive at night is that they can create sharper vision in low-light conditions.
How long does it take for transition lenses to darken? ›How fast do Transitions lenses work? 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.
Who should wear transition lenses? ›
Transitions lenses are for everybody.
All this, plus the benefits of 100% UVA and UVB protection, glare reduction, and everyday high performance, makes Transitions lenses the #1 recommended photochromic lens worldwide!
The best tints for driving are grey, amber, and copper-tinted lenses because they maintain color distinction. Light green, blue, red, and pink can distort important colors, which are crucial for seeing traffic lights.
What color lenses are best for cloudy days? ›Gray sunglass lenses are a very popular lens tint because they are suitable on both cloudy and sunny days, providing anti-fatigue benefits and overall protection from glare – especially glare shining off water and wet roads.
Do transition lenses get as dark as sunglasses? ›Transition lenses do not get as dark as typical sunglasses lenses, and they do not darken much behind the windshield of a car. They also get darker in cold weather than in very hot weather. You can add transition lenses to any pair of glasses.
Do you need anti glare with Transitions lenses? ›Yes, transition lenses accept anti-glare (AR) coating, and there are good reasons to have one applied. An anti-glare coating makes your glasses look better to others. They restrict stray reflections on the front of your lenses, the reflections that mask your eyes.
How do you make transition lenses stay dark? ›Consider Tinting Your Lenses
If you're particularly photosensitive, you might want to consider adding some additional tinting to your transition lenses. This will keep them from reverting to a completely clear state; it will also allow them to reach a darker shade during transitioning.
Would I recommend transition lenses? Definitely. It saves money and it's convenient. New technological advancement for this lens will make it last longer, change colors faster, go clearer indoors, and darker when you are outside.
Does Ray Ban have transition lenses? ›Discover our most iconic sunglasses with Evolve photochromic lenses for effortless style all day long. Evolve lenses benefit from light responsive technology, changing from clear to dark as you move indoors and out so you never have to take off your favorite Ray-Ban style.
How much is a transition lens in the UK? ›Protect your eyes in style
By optimizing the amount of light your eyes receive, Transitions lenses also help reduce glare, for more effortless sight. Transition Lenses are available in 7 stylish colours. Price: Additional ÂŁ80.
All 7 colors available only in Transitions Signature VII, designed with Chromea 7 technology that makes it more responsive even to indirect light and in hotter climates.
Do you need sunglasses if you have transition lenses? ›
Transition glasses offer all the benefits of sunglasses without purchasing a second pair. Order affordable glasses with transition lenses and you don't have to invest in costly sunglasses that you may lose or break. The UV protection of transition glasses protects your eyes while you're playing or working outdoors.
Why do my transition lenses not get dark? ›Temperature affects how Transitions change. When they're hot (like in the summer), the lenses will change slower and won't get as dark. Transition lenses don't change behind the windshield of a car. When Transition lenses do wear out, they will take on a yellowish tinge when they're clear.
Should I put my transition glasses in the freezer? ›A There is no truth in this old wives tale! Some photochromics will appear darker, or even too dark, in cold temperatures due to slower opening and closing of the photo-chromic molecules, but storing your lenses in the freezer will not enhance performance or life span.
What is the darkest transition lenses available? ›Transitions XTRActive new generation lenses are extra dark outdoors and the darkest photochromic light intelligent lens in hot temperatures. They are the only photochromic lens to achieve a category 3 level of darkness when it's hot - the same level as sunglasses.
How long do transition lenses last? ›Transitions lenses begin to fade back to clear as soon as UV rays are no longer present. How long do Transitions Lenses last? Transitions lenses are designed to last two years, which is generally the lifetime of your vision care prescription.
How do you clean transition lenses? ›Transitions® lenses can be cleaned like most lenses – with a lens cleaner, mild soap or a microfiber lens cleaning cloth. Do not use window cleaner to clean your prescription eyeglasses, as it contains chemicals that could break down the coatings on your lenses.
How long do transition lenses take to change? ›How fast do Transitions lenses work? 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.
Can bifocals be transition lenses? ›Since transition lenses are designed to reduce radiation exposure and glare, they don't conflict with bifocals. Transition bifocal glasses do exist, and we're proud to sell them. In fact, transition lenses you can get transition lenses in single vision, bifocal, and progressive lenses.
What are glasses called that go dark in the sunlight? ›Transition lenses, or photochromic lenses, are the lenses that darken in the sunlight and lighten in softer light or the dark.
What are the best frames for transition lenses? ›Translucent frames continue to trend up and pair well with any Transitions lenses. Whether clear or with a touch of color, they look fantastic with the new style colors and mirror finishes.
How much are transition lenses at Walmart? ›
Clear lenses: free. Basic tint: $20. Polarized tint: $125. Transition lenses: $85.
Are all transition lenses the same? ›Transition™ has created several options over the years, but the four best known are Signature GEN 8, XTRActive, Vantage, and DriveWear. It is good to know that not all lens types have polarization capabilities, and only some are recommended to wear while operating a vehicle.