Which Transitions lens is right for you?
Transitions are photochromic, or light-reactive, spectacle lenses that darken outdoors and return towards clear indoors. They can be combined with many single-vision and varifocal designs.
The two main choices considered here are Transitions GEN S and Transitions XTRActive New Generation. GEN S prioritises a fully clear indoor appearance, fast fade-back and a wide choice of colours. XTRActive prioritises extra outdoor darkness and noticeable activation behind a car windscreen.
Pros and cons of Transitions lenses
The main advantage is convenience: one pair of glasses adapts automatically as light conditions change, while providing UVA and UVB protection. Modern Transitions lenses also react much faster than older photochromic lenses. Transitions states that grey GEN S lenses can reach category 3 sunglass darkness in around 25 seconds and fade back towards clear in under two minutes under its specified test conditions.
The compromises are that the change is not instantaneous, performance varies with temperature, lens material and colour, and photochromic lenses do not always replace dedicated prescription sunglasses. They also cost more than an equivalent clear lens. At Actons we consider Transitions alongside your prescription, chosen frame and how you use your glasses; you can read more about our spectacle lens options.
Transitions GEN S
GEN S is the better all-round choice for many wearers because it is fully clear indoors, fast to react and faster to return towards clear than XTRActive New Generation.
It also offers the widest colour choice: Grey, Brown, Graphite Green, Sapphire, Amethyst, Amber, Emerald and Ruby. That matters if you want the activated lens colour to complement the frame rather than simply choosing grey or brown.
At Actons we have a GEN S demonstration kit with a UV light and sample lenses, so you can see the colours activate before choosing.
Essilor also recommends its new Crizal Natural Look coating with Transitions. By reducing the visible colour of residual reflections, it is designed to let the GEN S tint look more natural through the different stages of activation.
Transitions XTRActive New Generation
XTRActive is designed for people who want extra darkness outdoors and some activation behind a car windscreen. It responds to visible light as well as ultraviolet light, so it darkens more effectively in the car than GEN S.
The trade-off is a slight residual tint indoors, slower fade-back and a smaller standard colour range. For someone who is very light-sensitive or spends a lot of time in bright conditions, that may be a worthwhile compromise.
GEN S vs XTRActive New Generation
| Feature | Transitions GEN S | Transitions XTRActive New Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Everyday use | Greater light sensitivity and very bright conditions |
| Indoors | Fully clear | Clear with a slight residual tint |
| Outdoor darkness | Dark | Extra dark |
| Return towards clear | Faster | Slower than GEN S |
| Activation in the car | Limited/light activation | Noticeable activation |
| Colour choice | 8 colours: Grey, Brown, Graphite Green, Sapphire, Amethyst, Amber, Emerald and Ruby | Smaller standard colour range |
| Hot bright conditions | Good | Designed to remain particularly dark |
| Polarised? | No | No |
| Main compromise | Limited darkness behind a windscreen | Slight indoor tint and slower fade-back |
Which should you choose?
GEN S will suit most people best if the priorities are a clear indoor appearance, fast fade-back and more colour choice.
XTRActive New Generation is worth considering if you are particularly sensitive to bright light, spend a lot of time outdoors or want noticeable photochromic activation while driving. Remember that neither standard option is polarised, so dedicated prescription sunglasses may still be better for strong glare or bright low sun.
At Actons we can compare the options with your prescription, chosen frame and everyday routine, and demonstrate GEN S colours in practice.
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are Transitions lenses the same as sunglasses? | Not exactly. They are very convenient for everyday use, but dedicated prescription sunglasses may still be better for prolonged bright conditions or strong reflected glare. |
| How quickly does GEN S react? | Transitions states that grey GEN S lenses can reach category 3 sunglass darkness in around 25 seconds and fade back towards clear in under two minutes under its specified test conditions. Real-world performance varies. |
| Does GEN S work in the car? | Only to a limited degree. Car windscreens block much of the ultraviolet light GEN S relies on, so it usually stays much lighter than it would outdoors. |
| Does XTRActive work in the car? | Yes. It also responds to visible light, so it can become noticeably darker behind a windscreen. |
| Is XTRActive completely clear indoors? | No. It retains a slight residual tint indoors, whereas GEN S is designed to be fully clear. |
| Which has more colour choices? | GEN S. It is available in eight colours: Grey, Brown, Graphite Green, Sapphire, Amethyst, Amber, Emerald and Ruby. |
| Can I have Transitions with varifocals? | Usually, yes. Availability depends on the prescription, lens design and material. |
| Are Transitions worth the extra cost? | They can be if you regularly move between indoors and outdoors and value the convenience of one pair adapting automatically. |
Would you like help choosing between GEN S and XTRActive?
We can compare the options alongside your prescription, chosen frame and everyday needs.
Product performance information is based on manufacturer information and can vary with lens material, colour, temperature and light conditions. Image © Transitions Optical.
