Eye-deology Vision Care: Edmonton Optometrists, Opticians and Eyewear

Photochromic & Transitions Lenses

If you lead an active lifestyle and require eyeglasses, photochromic or Transitions lenses may be a valuable addition to your optical toolkit. These lenses provide a versatile solution to the challenges faced by individuals who frequently move between indoor and outdoor environments. The lenses automatically adjust to the level of light around you, darkening in bright sunlight and lightening indoors. This means you can experience optimal visual clarity in any environment without the need for multiple pairs of prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses. Visit our licensed opticians in Edmonton today to choose the photochromic lens best suited to your needs and lifestyle.

Schedule An Exam Our Optometrists
Call Our Edmonton Eye Care Clinic Today

Photochromic lenses are a type of eyewear lens that changes its tint or color when exposed to sunlight or UV rays. They are also commonly known as transition lenses, adaptive lenses, or light-adjusting lenses. Transitions™ is one of the most popular brands of photochromic lenses. Photochromic lenses are made of a special type of plastic that contains molecules that react to UV (i.e., ultraviolet) light. When exposed to UV rays, the molecules in the lenses begin to darken, which reduces the amount of light that can enter the eyes. When the UV is no longer present, the lenses gradually return to their clear state. This process of tinting and clearing can happen in a matter of seconds to a few minutes, depending on the intensity of the UV light.

Schedule A V.Eye.P. Eyewear Fitting

Photochromic / Trasnsitions Lenses

The photochromic molecules embedded in the lens material are activated by UV radiation. The molecules are transparent or lightly colored in the absence of UV light, but when exposed to UV radiation, they become activated and darken the lens. The degree of tinting depends on the intensity of UV radiation. When the source of UV radiation is removed, the photochromic molecules revert to their original state, and the lens becomes clear again. Photochromic lenses are made using different technologies. One common technology uses silver halide, which is sensitive to UV light. Another technology uses organic molecules that change their shape when exposed to UV light, which causes them to darken. In both cases, the lenses gradually return to their clear state when the UV radiation is no longer present.

Schedule A V.Eye.P. Eyewear Fitting
Light Intelligent Photochromic Eyeglass Lenses

Photochromic lenses are an excellent choice for individuals who wear prescription glasses or contact lenses and spend a lot of time outdoors. They are also an ideal eyewear option for individuals who experience discomfort or glare from bright light sources or sudden changes in light conditions, or those that suffer from certain eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, or retinal diseases. Transtions lenses can also serve as convenient and practical option for indviduals that find themselves frequently switching between regular glasses and sunglasses.

Schedule A V.Eye.P. Eyewear Fitting
Light Reactive Photochromic Lenses

World Class Eye Care in Edmonton
Learn More About Our Eye Exams

  • Convenience. Photochromic lenses eliminate the need to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses. They offer a practical and convenient solution for people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
  • Cost Effective. Light intellgent lenses eliminate the need of separate pair of prescription sunglasses.
  • UV Protection. Photochromic lenses offer protection from harmful UV radiation, which can damage the eyes.
  • Comfort. Photochromic lenses reduce glare and improve visual comfort, making them an excellent choice for people who are sensitive to light or suffer from eye conditions.
  • Style. Photochromic lenses are available in a range of colors and styles, allowing individuals to express their personal style while still enjoying the benefits of photochromic technology.

Schedule A V.Eye.P. Eyewear Fitting
Transitions Photochromic Lenses

  • Cost. Photochromic lenses are more expensive than regular eyeglass lenses.
  • Temperature Limitations. Photochromic lenses may not work as well in extremely hot or cold temperatures, or in areas with low UV radiation.
  • Transition Time. Photochromic lenses take some time to respond to changing light conditions, which may be an issue in frequently changing situations.
  • Incomplete Deactivation. Photochromic lenses that activate while driving remain slightly tinted indoors.

Schedule A V.Eye.P. Eyewear Fitting
Transitions Light Intelligent Photochromic Lenses

Two of the most popular photochromic lens brands include Transitions™ and Hoya's Sensity®. Each brand has 4 general tiers of lenses:

Transitions: The Original photochromic lens.

Transitions Signature Gen8: Fast activation and clear when indoors.

Transitions XtrActive: Activates in the vehicle, with slight tint indoors.

Transitions XtrActive Polarized: Polarized protection when tinted.

Hoya Sensity 2: Works in the vehicle, with sligh tint when indoors.

Hoya Sensity Fast: Fastest fadeback amongst light reactive lenses .

Hoya Sensity Dark: Works in the vehicle, with slight tint when indoors.

Hoya Sensity Shine: Hoya Sensity 2 with a tinted light mirror finish.

Schedule A V.Eye.P. Eyewear Fitting
Hoya Sensity Photochromic Lenses

Lens Colors Key Features Car Clear
Transitions Signature Gen8 Grey, Brown, Graphite Green, Emerald, Sapphire, Amethyst, Amber
  • Darker Outdoors Than Previous Generations
  • Returns To Clear Faster Than Previous Generations
  • Fully Clear Indoors
Transitions XtrActive Gray, Brown, Graphite Green, Silver Mirror, Gold Mirror, Green Mirror, Blue Mirror
  • Darkest In Hot Temperatures
  • 35% Faster Fadeback Than Previous Generation
Transitions XtrActive Polarized Gray
  • Up To 90% Polarization Efficiency
  • Extra-Dark - Up To Category 3
Hoya Sensity 2 Silver Gray, Bronze Brown, Emerald Green, Oceanic Blue
  • Highly Adaptive To Lighting Conditions
  • Full Clarity Indoors
Hoya Sensity Fast Bronze Brown, Silver Gray
  • Fastest Fade Back Speed
  • Full Clarity Indoors
Hoya Sensity Dark Silver Gray, Bronze Brown, Emerald Green
  • Extra-Dark In Outdoor Conditions
  • Works When Driving
Hoya Sensity Shine Silver Gray, Bronze Brown, Emerald Green
  • Light Mirror Coating When Activated
  • Full Clarity Indoors
Children's Glasses At Our Edmonton Optical

Find eyeglasses, with photochromic lenses, made specifically for the unique needs and active lifestyles of kids at our Edmonton optical.

Our Children's Glasses »

Women's Glasses At Our Edmonton Optical

Looking for the latest bold and beautiful styles of eyeglasses? Our Edmonton opticians can help you select eyewear and customize with Transitions lenses.

Our Women's Glasses »

Men's Glasses At Our Edmonton Optical

We have men's eyeglasses, that can be personalized with Transitions, to help you standout at the office, survive the jobsite, and that will complement an active lifestyle.

Our Men's Glasses »



Photochromic/Transitions Lenses

Learn more about the benefits and downsides of photochromic/Transitions lenses.

The Benefits of Wearing Sunglasses

The benefits of wearing sunglasses extend beyond offering protection from eye-damaging ultraviolet light.

Polycarbonate Eyeglass Lenses

Learn if polycarbonate lenses are the best choice for your glasses.

Polarized Sunglasses

Learn how polarized sunglasses reduce glare, improve contrast, and improve comfort.



When activated, only a select few photochromic lenses darken to the level of Category 3 sunglasses (8-18% Visible Light Transmission).

Photochromic/Transitions options are available for the majority of eyeglass lens desgins - single vision, bifocal, progressive, and anti-fatigue.

Photochromic/Transitons lenses cost more than the equivalent clear lens. However, they are often a more cost-effective option than purchasing a separate pair of prescription sunglasses.


Searching for an optometrist in Edmonton? Our experienced Edmonton eye doctors use advanced modern technologies and devote upwards of 500% more time towards providing personalized patient care than elsewhere so that they can see more and ensure that you may never see less. Position yourself to see the future with a visit to our eye clinic and Edmonton's best eye care!

Doctor Jennifer Ash, Eye Doctor (Edmonton)

Dr. Jennifer Ash is the Resident Optometrist at Eye-deology Vision Care. Dr. Ash provides patient care 5 days a week. Read more about Dr. Ash.

Doctor Ruhee Kurji, Eye Doctor (Edmonton)

Dr. Ruhee Kurji is an Associate Optometrist at Eye-deology Vision Care. Dr. Kurji provides patient care Tuesdays & Fridays. Read more about Dr. Kurji.

Doctor Jade McLachlin, Eye Doctor (Edmonton)

Dr. Jade McLachlin is an Associate Optometrist at Eye-deology Vision Care. Dr. McLachlin provides patient care 5 days a week. Read more about Dr. McLachlin.

Doctor Jade McLachlin, Eye Doctor (Edmonton)

Dr. Tania Mathews is an Associate Optometrist at Eye-deology Vision Care. Dr. Mathews provides patient care 2 days a week. Read more about Dr. Mathews.

Learn Why Our Edmonton Optometrists Are The Best!