What is the Difference Between Progressive Lenses and Transitions Lenses?

Searching for a new pair of eyeglasses can be more exciting than you would think. While you may think it is simply choosing a design that speaks to you, eyewear is so much more than that. There are many different options and features that you can leverage in your next pair of glasses. Some of those options include side shields to help prevent your eyes from dust and debris, an adjustable nose pad or adjustable temple and frame materials that are made out of materials like plastic, titanium, or acetate.

At Rx-Safety, you can find a long list of these features. They can help make your new pair of glasses truly yours.

When you are looking for your next pair, however, you may stumble upon two different types of lenses. Those are progressive lenses and Transitions lenses. In fact, you may be currently debating which option will better suit your preferences and needs.

We designed this article to help. Here, we will explore the difference between progressive lenses and Transitions lenses. With this knowledge in hand, you will be able to make a better, more educated decision when purchasing your next pair of glasses.

What is the Difference Between Progressive Lenses and Transitions Lenses? Progressive lenses are a type of bifocal lens that allows you to have several different prescriptions in one pair of glasses. What this means is that these lenses can go from distance to reading with no visible line in them. Transition lenses are light intelligent lenses that automatically adapt to changing light. These lenses darken when you are outdoors and then return back to a clear color when you are indoors.

Progressive Lenses

So let’s start by discussing progressive lenses. Essentially, progressive lenses are a type of bifocal lens that allows you to have several different prescriptions in one pair of glasses. What this means is that these lenses can go from distance to reading with no visible line in them. If you were to purchase traditional bifocal lenses, for instance, you would likely see telltale signs of lines in your lenses. This simply doesn’t happen with progressive lenses, which allows you to see more clearly with fewer distractions.

Along with this, one of the main benefits of progressive lenses is that you can leverage the benefits of several different pairs of glasses without needing to actually change that pair of glasses. Instead of having to carry several pairs of glasses while you are on the go, you can simply rely on your progressive lenses to get the job done. They are extremely versatile and can suit you in a wide range of situations.

As far as the material of these lenses, you can find progressive lenses in virtually any lens material. For example, they can be clear lenses, sunglasses lenses, polarized lenses, or even Transitions lenses. This, once again, provides you with even more flexibility. If you foresee using your new pair of glasses as a pair of “everyday glasses,” you can opt for clear lenses. This will let you see clearly at work while driving, and when you are playing with your kids after work. If you foresee yourself staying outside for most of the day, progressive sunglasses lenses may be best for you.

Ultimately, progressive lenses are often found in those who are 40 years old or older. That said, this isn’t a strict rule. Almost anyone with a vision problem can take advantage of these lenses.

Transitions Lenses

From progressive lenses, let’s now talk about Transition lenses. You may have seen advertisements for Transitions lenses before. They are light intelligent lenses that automatically adapt to changing light. These lenses darken when you are outdoors and then return back to a clear color when you are indoors.

Because these lenses automatically adapt to any lighting, one of their main benefits is that you only need to wear one pair of glasses. There is no need for swapping traditional eyeglasses or sunglasses. With Transitions lenses, you only need to carry one pair of glasses is you go about your day. Transition lenses also block 100 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet light and protect you from harmful blue light. They are fully protective outdoors and return to a clear look when you are at home or in the office.

Transitions works hard to offer a full spectrum of colors and designs. For instance, you can find Transitions lenses in colors like graphite green, brown, grey, and more. No matter your style preference, you are sure to find Transition lenses that work for you.

Exploring the Differences

As you can likely tell, there are some similarities and differences between progressive lenses and Transitions lenses. Both of these lenses are versatile. Arguably their most significant value proposition is that they remove the annoyance of carrying two different pairs of glasses. For progressive lenses, you won’t need to carry a pair of glasses for distance and another for reading. For Transitions lenses, you don’t need to carry a pair of regular glasses and a pair of Transitions lenses.

Another major difference is that Transitions lenses provide much more protection of your eyes. The lenses have a unique technology that can block all of the sun’s ultraviolet light. The same can’t always be said of progressive lenses. This is just something to keep in mind as you are making your final decision.

From there, however, the prime differences vary on your needs, preferences, and habits. For instance, let’s say that you go to work in an office and spend much of your personal time indoors. In this situation, you will probably find progressive lenses more appealing. The natural transition from bright light outdoors to more calming light indoors isn’t as relevant to you. Even though you may spend some time playing your favorite sport outdoors, you likely won’t get as much bang for your buck with Transition lenses.

On the flip side, let’s say that you have a job that requires you to spend a significant amount of time outdoors. You work and live in a warm and sunny climate, and you enjoy spending time outdoors throughout the year. As you can tell, Transitions lenses would likely be more appropriate here. Transitions lenses can provide significant protection outdoors and can automatically transition into clear eyeglasses for the little time that you spend indoors.

It is a much closer call if you spend lots of time outdoors and need glasses for both reading and for long-distance sight. One compelling option may be progressive Transition lenses. This option can give you the best of both worlds. That said, no matter your circumstances, it is certainly worth your time to study your habits and behaviors. Spending significant amounts of time outdoors may incentivize you to purchase Transition lenses. If you are over 40 years of age and have trouble reading and seeing for long distances, progressive lenses may be more appealing. Ultimately, make the best judgment call for you.

The Choice is Yours

Regardless of your ultimate choice, you really can’t go wrong with progressive lenses or Transitions lenses. Yes, both of them are designed to help you improve your sight. But even putting that aside, both progressive lenses and Transitions lenses can help make your life easier. You won’t necessarily need to carry multiple pairs of glasses throughout your day. So instead of worrying about whether you brought all of your glasses as you are hurrying to work, you can focus on other, more important things in your life.At Rx-Safety, we are proud to offer a wide variety of progressive lenses and Transitions lenses with our eyewear. To learn more about how these lenses can help you see more clearly while making your life easier, don’t hesitate to contact us.

  1. Anita Lewis says:

    What glasses have distance and near vision and transition

  2. Diana says:

    Which transition lenses turn the darkest and quickest? Do they turn as dark and as quick if they are progressive? What would you choose for driving and sun?

  3. Dorothy Ho says:

    Do you have lenses that are both progressive and transition?


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