Medically reviewed by Dr. Julia Sheyko, OD · May 2026
Transitions Lenses · Brooklyn, NY
Transitions Lenses in Brooklyn
Lenses that darken in sunlight and clear indoors. Transitions photochromic technology — convenient, UV-protective, prescription-ready.
Transitions Lenses · Brooklyn, NY
One pair. Every light condition.
Transitions lenses contain photochromic molecules embedded in the lens material. When exposed to UV light outdoors, these molecules rearrange and darken the lens — reaching their full tint in about 30 seconds. Once you move indoors and away from UV, they gradually return to clear in a few minutes.
The result: a single pair of glasses that functions as clear prescription lenses inside and as protective sun lenses outside — without carrying a separate pair of prescription sunglasses.
Transitions Signature vs. XTRActive
Transitions Signature
The classic, most popular option. Completely clear indoors and at night, then darkens smoothly in outdoor UV light. Ideal if you spend most of your time indoors and want a lens that is truly clear when not in the sun.
- Fully clear indoors
- Good outdoor darkness
- Available in multiple colors
Transitions XTRActive
Designed for people who are sensitive to bright indoor light or spend significant time in a car. XTRActive has a slight tint indoors, gets very dark in extreme sunlight, and activates behind a windshield — where standard Transitions do not.
- Light indoor tint for sensitive eyes
- Darkens in the car
- Maximum outdoor darkness
Why choose Transitions over regular lenses?
No extra pair
Skip the prescription sunglasses. Transitions adapt automatically — one pair covers all lighting conditions.
UV protection
All Transitions lenses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, protecting your eyes from long-term sun damage.
Reduce glare fatigue
Automatically filtering bright light helps reduce squinting and eye fatigue on sunny days.
Any prescription
Compatible with single-vision, progressive, and bifocal prescriptions — and available in many frame styles.
Frequently asked questions
How do Transitions lenses work?
Transitions lenses contain photochromic molecules that react to UV light. In bright outdoor conditions they darken automatically — reaching their darkest shade in about 30 seconds. Indoors or away from UV, they fade back to clear within a few minutes. The process is fully reversible and works for the life of the lens.
What is the difference between Transitions Signature and XTRActive?
Transitions Signature is the standard product: fully clear indoors, darkens well outdoors. XTRActive is designed for people who want a slight tint even indoors (helpful for bright office lighting), and gets darker than Signature in very intense sunlight. XTRActive also activates behind a car windshield, which standard Signature does not.
Do Transitions lenses work in the car?
Standard Transitions Signature lenses do not darken significantly behind a car windshield because windshields block most UV light. If you want lenses that darken while driving, ask about Transitions XTRActive or Transitions Drivewear, which respond to both UV and visible light.
Can I get Transitions lenses with my progressive or bifocal prescription?
Yes. Transitions technology is compatible with virtually every lens type — single-vision, progressive, bifocal, and high-index. Let our opticians know you want Transitions when you select your frames.
Booking · Zocdoc
Ready when you are. Book your eye exam at our Avenue U office.
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