Transition Lenses

Transition lenses — also called photochromic lenses — are light-adaptive lenses that automatically darken in sunlight and clear indoors, giving you the convenience of prescription sunglasses and everyday glasses in one pair. At Kraywoods we offer three options: our signature photochromic lenses, Transitions GEN S™, and Transitions XTRActive®, all fitted with HD lenses and free protective coatings including anti-scratch, anti-reflective, and UV protection. To learn more, visit our guide to what photochromic lenses are.

Transition lenses work by using photochromic molecules embedded in the lens that react to UV radiation — darkening outdoors and clearing again indoors. The speed and depth of darkening depends on UV intensity and temperature, with light-adaptive glasses darkening faster in cold, bright conditions. All Kraywoods prescription transition glasses are produced in our optical lab and reviewed by a certified in-house optician for consistent, reliable performance.

Photochromic lenses is the general technical term for all light-adaptive lenses that darken in response to UV light, while "Transitions" is a registered brand name for a specific line of photochromic lenses. In everyday use the terms are interchangeable, and shoppers searching for transition glasses or photochromic lenses are typically looking for the same thing. At Kraywoods we offer both our own signature photochromic lenses and branded options including Transitions GEN S™ and Transitions XTRActive®. For a deeper dive, read our full breakdown in Photochromic Lenses vs Transition Lenses.

For most people, prescription transition lenses are absolutely worth it. The biggest advantage is convenience — one pair of light-adaptive glasses replaces both your everyday glasses and prescription sunglasses, while providing continuous UV protection outdoors. They work across single vision, progressive, and reading prescriptions, and at Kraywoods free anti-scratch, anti-reflective, and UV coatings are included with every pair at no extra cost. Overall, for anyone who moves regularly between indoor and outdoor environments, the convenience, protection, and value of transition lens glasses make them an excellent everyday investment. See how they compare in our guide to Transition Lenses vs Prescription Sunglasses.

Standard transition lenses and photochromic lenses are not polarized — they darken in response to UV light but do not reduce glare the way polarized lenses do. However, Transitions XTRActive® lenses offer a polarized variant that combines light-adaptive darkening with glare reduction, making them an excellent option for drivers and those who spend extended time outdoors. Contact us at customercare@kraywoods.com to find out more about polarized light-adaptive lens options at Kraywoods.

Standard photochromic lenses may not darken significantly inside a car since most modern windshields block UV rays — a common concern for shoppers researching transition lenses driving. Transitions XTRActive® lenses are specifically engineered to activate behind a windshield, making them our recommended prescription transition glasses for drivers. For personalised advice on the best light-adaptive lens for driving, contact us at customercare@kraywoods.com.

The darkness level of photochromic lenses depends on the lens type and conditions. In bright sunlight, standard transition lenses typically reach a darkness level comparable to a light to medium sunglass tint. Transitions XTRActive® lenses darken more deeply than standard photochromic lenses and are designed to get closer to a full sunglass tint outdoors. Cold temperatures and high UV intensity tend to produce the deepest darkening across all light-adaptive lens options. You can select your preferred tint colour — Grey, Brown, Graphite Green, or one of the five Transitions GEN S™ style colours — during checkout at Kraywoods.

Tint options for transition lens glasses depend on the light-adaptive lens you choose. Our signature photochromic lenses and Transitions XTRActive® lenses come in three classic shades: Grey, Brown, and Graphite Green. Transitions GEN S™ lenses are available in five exclusive style colours: Emerald, Sapphire, Amethyst, Amber, and the new Ruby. You can select your preferred tint colour during the lens customisation step when ordering your prescription transition glasses at Kraywoods.

Yes — progressive transition lenses are available at Kraywoods across all three light-adaptive lens options. Progressive photochromic lenses combine seamless multi-focal vision correction with automatic UV protection, giving you one pair of glasses with transition lenses that works at all distances. Simply select "progressive" as your lens type and choose your preferred light-adaptive lens during checkout. Every order is reviewed by our certified in-house optician before production.

Prescription transition glasses typically begin darkening within 30 seconds of UV exposure and reach full darkness within one to two minutes. Clearing indoors takes around two to five minutes depending on temperature and light conditions. Transitions GEN S™ lenses are engineered to clear faster than previous generations of photochromic lenses, making them a great option for those who move frequently between indoor and outdoor environments.

With proper care, transition lens glasses typically last two to three years before photochromic performance begins to diminish, as extended UV exposure gradually affects the light-adaptive molecules over time. At Kraywoods, every pair of glasses with transition lenses is backed by a 12-month warranty. Storing your prescription transition glasses in a protective case and keeping them away from extreme heat will help extend their lifespan significantly.

Clean your light-adaptive glasses using a microfibre cloth and lens spray or mild soap and lukewarm water — never paper towels, tissues, or household glass cleaners, as these can scratch or degrade the photochromic coating on your transition lens glasses. Always rinse before wiping to remove debris. Every pair of Kraywoods prescription transition glasses includes a free anti-scratch coating and anti-reflective coating for added everyday protection and longevity.

Select your frame, choose your lens type — single vision, progressive, or transition reading glasses — then pick your preferred light-adaptive lens and tint colour. During checkout, upload your prescription in PDF, JPG, or PNG format, or enter your details manually. Include your pupillary distance (PD) for accurate HD lens placement. Our certified in-house optician reviews every prescription transition glasses order before production begins. Need help? Visit our [Prescription Lens Guide] for a full walkthrough.

Yes — many vision insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for prescription transition glasses and photochromic lenses as a lens upgrade. If you have an HSA or FSA, you can also use those funds directly toward your light-adaptive glasses at Kraywoods. For insurance claims, contact us at customercare@kraywoods.com and our team will help you with the documentation you need for reimbursement. Coverage varies by provider and plan, so we recommend checking with your insurer for your specific benefits.

Kraywoods is one of the best places to buy prescription transition glasses online. Every pair comes with HD photochromic lenses, free anti-scratch, anti-reflective, and UV protection coatings, free worldwide shipping, a 14-day return policy, and a 12-month warranty. Choose from our signature photochromic lenses, Transitions GEN S™, or Transitions XTRActive® — all reviewed by a certified in-house optician before shipping. Browse our transition lenses collection, customise your light-adaptive glasses, upload your prescription, and we'll handle the rest.