Published 14 Sept 2026
Whether you wear prescription glasses or sunglasses, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of repeatedly taking them on and off as you have moved between indoors and outdoors. Not to mention the ‘sunglasses or no sunglasses’ debate when driving as you quickly transition from blinding glare to dull skies and back again.
If you haven’t tried Transitions® lenses before, they could be worth considering. These lenses automatically adjust to changing light conditions, helping you see comfortably indoors and outdoors.
Not only can they help to ease your frustration and look great, but Transitions lenses also help protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and blue light. Let’s explore a little more.
What are transition lenses?
Transitions lenses, also known as photochromatic lenses, are lenses that are fully clear indoors and darken when activated by sunlight.
These lenses are available in single vision, multifocal, bifocal and other lens designs. Not sure which type of prescriptive lenses suit your needs? Have a read through the various lens options available to check which of these may be best suited to your lifestyle.
What are the benefits of Transitions® lenses?
- Transitions lenses can be worn all day every day, just like your normal pair of glasses.
- Transitions lenses automatically darken outdoors and fade back to clear indoors, allowing you to comfortably use the same pair of glasses throughout the day without switching between prescription glasses and sunglasses.
- They allow you to leave the house with one pair of glasses and still be protected from UV light when you go outdoors.
- They can be an affordable option as they are effectively two-in-one glasses.
Do Transitions® lenses provide UV protection?
Most of us are aware of the impact UV radiation has on our skin, but did you know it can also affect our eyes? In our hot and dry climate, bright sunlight creates glare which can cause light sensitivity, eye strain and discomfort for our eyes. Transitions lenses control this glare by adjusting to the amount of outdoor light – whether overcast, in the shade or bright sunlight – and darkening within seconds.
Not only can this improve your comfort levels, but Transitions lenses also provide UV protection for your eyes and the delicate skin surrounding them.
Exposure to too much UV radiation can lead to eye problems, ranging from short-term irritations like photokeratitis to long-term damage such as cataracts, pterygium, and macular degeneration.
UV radiation effects on the eye accumulate over the course of your lifetime. We do not currently know how much UV exposure is considered ‘safe’ for our eyes and therefore recommend limiting exposure and wearing protective eyewear – close-fitting wraparound frames combined with UV-protective lenses – to prevent ocular injury or disease.
Are there different colours available?
Yes! Available in the classic colours of grey, brown and graphite green, Transitions lenses also come in a wide range of on-trend shades that have been specially selected to blend with the colour of any frame.
Can I try them out?
A fun virtual tool is available online to help you pick your favourite colour shade and frames.
Need more help selecting frames? Here’s some tips on how to pick the perfect pair of glasses.
Do I still need sunglasses?
Sunglasses are a great companion for when Transitions don’t receive the right conditions to fully transition.
Car windscreens are designed to block out UV light which means that when driving or in the car, standard Transition lenses may not go as dark as sunglasses.
This is the same for some weather conditions too. You may find the lenses do not darken as much on overcast days compared to those sunny days and this is due to the varying UV levels.
As wonderful as Transitions lenses are, you may still benefit from separate sunglasses or exploring the Transitions® XTRActive® new generation or XTRActive® Polarised lenses.
I tried Transitions® lenses a while ago and they weren’t for me. Have they improved over time?
Transitions have gone through nine generations since they were first introduced. Transitions® lenses are constantly evolving as the technology is developed, resulting in improved performance and wearability. The latest generation of Transitions lenses are ultra-responsive to light and change colour faster than ever before. They are also fully clear indoors.
NEW: Transitions® Colour Touch™
While Transitions lenses go almost clear indoors, you can now personalise your look with Transitions® Colour Touch™, available at GMHBA Eye Care. Choose from five stylish colours and add either a gradient tint (darker at the top and lighter at the bottom) or a washed tint (a subtle hint of colour that’s always present).
Colour Touch™ adds a fashionable element to the practicality of Transitions lenses, helping you express your personal style without compromising visual comfort. For an even bolder look, Colour Touch™ can be paired with a matching transitions lens colour, available in five contemporary shades: Ruby, Sapphire, Amethyst, Emerald and Amber.
How can I find out more?
If you are interested in trying transition lenses or would like to know more about the latest Transitions range, visit your nearest GMHBA Eye Care branch. Our friendly team of Eye Care dispensers and optometrists are here to help.
About the author
Alice Bongers is an optometrist at GMHBA Eye Care. Alice graduated with a Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry from Deakin University in 2016. Alice has been part of the GMHBA team since 2018. Therapeutically endorsed, Alice is passionate about having a positive impact on her patients and has a broad interest in all aspects of optometry.
