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New Generation Transitions® XTRActive® Lenses with Cutting-Edge Photochromic Technology

Transitions Optical unveiled Transitions® XTRActive® new generation lenses, the latest innovation from Transitions Optical, which will offer the best extra darkness and the best light protection in the clear to dark photochromic category. Transitions XTRActive new generation includes features that enhance the wearer’s life in all settings.   

Offering the best extra darkness in the clear to dark photochromic category, Transitions XTRActive new generation lenses are the darkest photochromic lenses in hot temperatures and the only photochromic lenses achieving category 3 levels of darkness at 35 degrees Celsius[i]. In addition, Transitions XTRActive new generation lenses are the only photochromic lens achieving category 2 levels of darkness in the car[ii], offering maximum darkness at 23 degrees Celsius with no driving restriction[iii]. The technology also offers the best harmful blue light protection across more light situations[iv], including the best blue light protection indoors[v]. As with all Transitions lens technologies, they block 100% of UVA and UVB.

Compared to the Transitions XTRActive lenses on the market today, this new generation is darker overall[vi], darker in hot temperatures and in the car, and up to 35% faster to fade back[vii]. These advances are possible thanks to the new nano-composite matrix technology combined with new, extra powerful broad spectrum dyes which activate in both the UV and visible light spectrum.

“People are experiencing increased symptoms of eye strain and discomfort whether inside from screens or outdoors, and Transitions XTRActive lenses were designed with this issue in mind.  In fact, three out of ten eyeglass wearers are very light sensitiveiv” said Brian O’Neil, Ph.D., global vice president, Innovation, Technology & Operations, Transitions Optical. “Wearers of Transitions Optical technology want flexibility between indoors, outdoors and driving to be better protected at all times. The new generation of Transitions XTRActive provides light protection regardless of the situation.”

Transitions XTRActive new generation lenses will be available in the U.S. and Canada in the third quarter of 2021 in grey, brown, graphite green and in five style mirrors in Canada. Additional details on the timing of availability across materials and designs will be provided by the lens manufacturer partners of Transitions Optical. Availability in other markets will be announced at a later date.

In addition to this new generation, Transitions Optical began the rolling launch of Transitions® XTRActive® Polarized™ in the US and Canada in January 2021. Both products provide extra protection for eyeglass wearers who are frequently in intense light situations or who are very light sensitive. Transitions XTRActive Polarized is an extension of the Transitions XTRActive range bringing the additional benefits of polarization to the extra dark photochromic category, while Transitions XTRActive new generation lenses offer the best extra darkness[viii]. Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses are designed for patients who want extra protection in high-glare situations. The unique polarization technology reduces glare outdoors, providing sharper vision, a larger field of view and bright, vivid colours.

Eyecare professionals (ECPs) will be able to learn more about the benefits Transitions XTRActivenew generation and Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses on a new virtual learning platform that will be available in April 2021.

Click HERE for the press release.

This post is sponsored by Transitions Optical.


[i] In the clear to dark photochromic category. Tests across polycarbonate and 1.5 grey lenses at 35°C achieving <18%T using Transitions Optical’s standard testing method.

[ii] Clear to dark photochromic category. Polycarbonate and 1.5 grey lenses tested at 23°C behind the windshield achieving between 18%T and 43%T.

[iii] Clear to dark photochromic category. Tested on grey lenses across materials at 23°C outdoors achieving >8%T (Category 3 Darkness Levels) using Transitions Optical’s standard testing method.

[iv] Protection from harmful blue light (380nm-460nm) across the following light situations: indoors at 23°C, behind the windshield and outdoors at 23°C, among polycarbonate and 1.5 grey lenses in the clear to dark photochromic category.

[v] From harmful blue light (380nm-460nm) at 23°C among polycarbonate and 1.5 grey lenses in the clear to dark photochromic category. 

iv Transitions Optical, Quality of Vision and Vision Experience Test in Controlled Lab Situations (Lab Wearer Testing), U.S., Eurosyn, Q4 2019, N=135.

[vi] Compared to the previous generation, across materials tested on grey lenses at 23°C and 35°C.

[vii] Compared to the previous generation, across materials tested on grey lenses fading back to 70% transmission at 23°C.

[viii] In hot temperatures and in the car in the clear to dark photochromic category.  Tests across polycarbonate and 1.5 grey lenses at 23°C and 35°C using Transitions Optical’s standard testing method.

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