Lenses that Darken in Bright Outdoor Light
Have you ever heard of "photochromic lenses"?
These lenses are clear indoors but darken when exposed to sunlight, effectively turning into sunglasses — a convenient solution for comfortable vision throughout the day.
Although photochromic lenses have been around since 1960s, recent technological advancements have significantly improved their performance, making them a popular choice once again.
At Nagata Optical, we offer a wide range of photochromic lenses from various manufacturers. We especially recommend the new Nikon Transitions series.
Transitions GEN S: Darkens with Sunlight
Transitions GEN S lenses are ideal for those who want clear lenses indoors and sunglasses outdoors.
Launched on March 2025, this new series is an upgrade from the popular GEN 8 model. It darkens approximately 30% faster and returns to clear nearly twice as quickly.
With eight available colors, you can match your lenses with your frames and express your style.
Please note: many modern vehicles use UV-blocking glass, so these lenses — which rely on UV light to activate — will show little to no color change while inside a car.
Transitions XTRActive: Designed for Driving
If you need colored lenses while driving, we recommend Transitions XTRActive, which reacts to both UV AND visible light.
This is the darkest lens in the series, making it a great choice for those particularly sensitive to glare.
Because photochromic lenses tend to darken more in colder temperatures, their maximum darkness in summer may be less than in winter. However, Transitions XTRActive still offers a deeper tint even in warm conditions.
Indoors, the lenses retain a slight tint. In a vehicle, they reach a medium level of darkness.
*The “Style Mirror” sample in the image above features a mirrored coating applied over an XTRActive lens. Due to the high reflectivity of the mirror coating, the reflected color may appear to be the lens color itself.
Clear to Polarized Lenses to Reduce Outdoor Glare
Another option is the Transitions XTRActive Polarized.
Polarized lenses are lenses that contain a special filter that acts like a blind, cutting reflected light and glare. They’re a must-have for fishing, and popular for driving and outdoor activities as well.
Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses darken in response to both UV and visible light, and become polarized when exposed to UV rays.
They give you clear vision indoors and polarized sunglasses outdoors — the perfect all-in-one solution.
Please note: because many modern cars use UV-blocking glass, the polarization effect may not activate while driving. In that case, they function as standard tinted lenses. Also, the polarization level tops out around 90%, so users accustomed to 99% polarized sunglasses may notice a difference.
Comparison Chart
GEN S: Transitions Gen S
XTRA:Transitions XTRActive
XTRA P:Transitions XTRActive Polarized
| Product | GEN S | XTRA | XTRA P |
|---|---|---|---|
| UV block | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blue block | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Changes color outdoors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Changes color in car | No | Yes | Yes |
| Dark shades despite warm temperatures | No | Yes | Yes |
| Color change speed | Very fast | Fast | Fast |
| Polarized outdoors | No | No | Yes |
| When Indoors | Clear | Light shade | Light Shade |
Protect Your Eyes for Everyday Comfort
The Nikon Transitions series not only blocks UV rays, but also helps reduce blue light exposure, providing all-day protection for your eyes indoors and out.
We have sample lenses for all colors. Please stop by our store for a quick demo!
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