by Sam Savva, Practice Manager and Frame Stylist at Adrenaline Optometry
As we age, several changes occur in the eye that can affect the way we see. The eye’s natural lens gradually yellows and becomes less flexible, reducing its ability to focus on near objects and increasing sensitivity to glare from bright lights. The pupils also become smaller, allowing less light to enter the eye, which can make vision in dim conditions more difficult. Over time, this heightened sensitivity can also make daily activities like driving, walking outdoors, or reading in bright light more tiring and potentially unsafe.
Living on the Central Coast means enjoying plenty of sunshine, but it also comes with higher exposure to harmful UV rays. Australia already has some of the strongest UV levels in the world due to its location and thinner ozone layer, and being near the coast increases this risk further, as sand and water reflect UV light. Combined with an active outdoor lifestyle, this puts Central Coast locals at greater risk of UV–related eye conditions such as cataracts and pterygium (surfers eye), making quality UV protection for the eyes essential all year round
Transitions® lenses are more than just glasses, they’re smart eyewear that adapts to the light around you. Outdoors, they darken to protect your eyes from harsh sunlight and UV rays, while indoors they quickly return to clear. Perfect for everyday wear, they save you the hassle of switching between regular glasses and prescription sunglasses, giving you comfort, convenience, and protection all in one pair.
No matter if the lenses are clear or tinted, they always deliver comprehensive protection against UVA and UVB rays. The newest addition to this series, Transitions® GEN S™, remains entirely clear when indoors and rapidly darkens when exposed to outdoor light, achieving its maximum tint in mere seconds. This version features improved light responsiveness, reaching category three darkness in less than 30 seconds and reverting to clarity in approximately two minutes. It also boasts greater durability compared to its earlier model, Transitions® GEN 8™. Transitions® Light Intelligent Lenses™ seamlessly adapt to changing light environments, shifting from clear indoors to dark outdoors and back again.
They block 100% of UVA and UVB rays while also filtering blue–violet light, both inside and outside.
Transitions® lenses are an excellent choice for single vision or multifocal wearers because they combine the convenience of progressive vision correction with adaptive light control. This means you can enjoy clear near, intermediate, and distance vision indoors, and step outside without switching to sunglasses, your eyes stay comfortable and protected from UV rays all day.
Available in a range of colours including Gray, Graphite Green, Amethyst, Amber, Sapphire, Emerald, Brown, and the new Ruby, these lenses are designed to maintain true colour at all times, providing vibrant hues no matter the lighting.
With Transitions® GEN S™, you can achieve a fashionable appearance that pairs well with any attire while providing excellent clarity indoors and vibrant colors outdoors. This newest iteration improves visual performance and responsiveness, boasting a 39% quicker recovery from bright light than traditional clear lenses, guaranteeing a smooth visual experience across various lighting environments.
Benefits of Transitions® Lenses:
Convenience: One pair for both indoors and outdoors.
UV Protection: Consistently shields your eyes, so you never have to worry about forgetting sunglasses.
Variety: Available in a wide range of colours to match your style.
Value: A smart long–term investment.
Versatility: Even activates on cloudy days.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Lenses won’t fully activate in a car due to windshield UV protection.
- They don’t replace traditional sunglasses in extreme sunlight or sports situations.
- Higher upfront cost than standard lenses, but long–term convenience and protection can outweigh this.
- They might activate in doors if the surrounding windows do not have UV protection.
Within the Transitions® range, XTRActive® lenses are designed for those who need extra protection. They block 100% of UVA and UVB rays while also filtering blue–violet light, making them ideal for people who are light–sensitive or often in bright conditions. XTRActive® lenses offer deeper darkness and stronger glare protection both indoors and outdoors. Available in Gray, Brown, and Graphite Green, they even come with a polarized option in Gray for maximum glare reduction.
In 2024, I wrote a short article on Transitions® lenses, highlighting the colours available on three of my favourite optical frames. This year, I’ve been lucky to add two more frames to my collection, both featuring Transitions® lenses for everyday wear.
In my Oakley (clear frames), I enjoy multifocal lenses with Ruby Transitions®, which combine stylish, fashionable colour with everyday functionality. In my Prada (smoky grey rectangle frames), I wear multifocal lenses with Grey Transitions®, offering comfort and protection in all lighting conditions from bright sunlight to overcast days, making them perfect for daily use.
To learn more about Transitions GenS®, XTRActive® or Polarized, please consult with your local optometrist or visit us in store at Adrenaline Optometry Terrigal. www.adrenalineoptometry.com.au