7 Honest Reasons: Are Transition Lenses Worth It?
Are Transition Lenses Worth It?
Short answer: Yes — if they fit your lifestyle.
Transition lenses (photochromic lenses) darken outside, clear indoors, and gives you the “one pair for everything.” There are two main types:
Transitions GEN‑S: The classic choice, now faster and clearer.
Transitions XTRActive: Made for people who want a darker tint and better driving performance.
If you just want to know where to get a pair of transitional eyeglasses. We have them available at Not Another Eye Store, in Inglewood, Calgary, AB.
1. Convenience Wins — One Pair, Less Hassle
No switching between my eyeglasses and sunglasses.
Perfect for errands, walking the dog, or teachers moving between indoors and outside.
A client told me: “I finally stopped leaving my sunglasses in the car. These are always on me.”
2. Gen‑S Fixed the Speed Issue
Older Transitions had one big flaw: they were slow. Step inside and you could watch paint dry faster.
It took the Transitions team a while, but they finally listened and fixed it. The upgrade is here, and it’s about time.
Older versions: up to 5 minutes to go clear.
Gen‑S: clears in ~2 minutes or less and darkens faster in the sun.
A customer who hated Transitions in 2018 tried Gen‑S and said, “These don’t even feel like the same product anymore.”
3. How Do Transition Lenses Work? (And Which Type Should You Choose?)
Transition lenses use photochromic molecules built into the lens surface. When exposed to UV light, these molecules react by darkening the lens; when UV is removed (like stepping indoors), they return to a clear state.
That’s the science behind them — but how they perform depends on the type you choose.
Here’s how Transitions Gen‑S and XTRActive compare:
| Feature | Transitions Gen‑S | Transitions XTRActive |
|---|---|---|
| Speed of change | Clears in ~2 min, darkens quickly | Slightly slower to clear indoors |
| Darkness outdoors | Medium-dark | Darkest option, closer to sunglasses |
| Driving performance | No change behind the windshield | Tints behind windshield slightly |
| Indoor clarity | Fully clear | slight hue tint indoors |
| Best for… | Everyday use, in-and-out lifestyle | Drivers, sun-sensitive users |
Many clients choose Gen‑S Transitions for everyday life and keep a pair of prescription sunglasses in their car for long trips. Others go straight to XTRActive for maximum darkness.
4. Colors Now Go Beyond “Grey or Brown”
Transitions aren’t boring anymore. The lineup has expanded way past just grey or brown.
Now available:
- Grey – the classic, understated go‑to
- Brown – warm tone, great for contrast lovers
- Graphite Green – a deep green with that sunglasses vibe
- Emerald – bright, fresh green pop
- Amber – warm golden hue, perfect for softer looks
- Amethyst – subtle purple with personality
- Sapphire – crisp, cool blue
- Ruby – the newest, bold red that stands out
A client who once called transitions “boring”, now pick colors that match their personality and love that they don’t look like their parents glasses from the 90’s.
5. The Pros People Talk About Most
✅ Convenience – One pair for everything
✅ UV Protection – Safer for long-term eye health
✅ Fewer glasses to carry – Especially useful for travel
✅ Customization – Colors, coatings, and lens types
“It’s like my glasses finally adapt to me, instead of me adapting to them.”
6. The Cons You Should Know About
❌ Not as dark as sunglasses — unless you pick XTRActive
❌ Doesn’t fully darken in the car — windshields block UV
❌ Indoor tint — slight hue some people notice
If darkness is a must for you, XTRActive is the better choice. Some clients also choose tinted sunglasses for driving and use transitions for daily wear.
7. What We See in Calgary Every Day
Calgary is unique: high UV levels, bright sun, snow glare in winter.
Gen‑S: great for quick errands, walks, or teachers going in and out of classrooms.
XTRActive: better for driving, long road trips, and mountain weekends.
I’ve fit transitions for school bus drivers and hikers who loves the outdoor hiking in Banff. The right version and color tint makes the biggest difference.
So, Are Transition Lenses Worth It?
More than ever.
The new Gen‑S model fixed the slow-change issue. The new color options mean you can express your style. And for those who need more depth, XTRActive finally gives a near sunglasses look.
What to Do Next
Test the Gen-S in store. We’ll show you how fast it can transition and how the colors look in person.
Already love your frames? We can replace lenses in your frames with transitions — no need for new glasses.
Is it available in all lenses? They are available in progressive lenses, bifocal lenses, single vision lenses, and even safety glasses.
