Transition Glasses: Pros, Cons & Who Should Get Them

Transition lenses offer one-pair convenience but have drawbacks. Discover if they suit your lifestyle, driving needs, or outdoor activities in this quick guide.

What are transition glasses lenses?

Transition glasses lenses, also known as photochromic lenses, automatically adjust from clear indoors to tinted outdoors in bright light. This innovative technology eliminates the need for multiple pairs of glasses, offering seamless comfort whether you’re exploring Seattle’s vibrant neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or enjoying the natural light at Green Lake. At Market Optical in downtown Seattle’s bustling Pike Place Market area, our certified opticians frequently recommend these lenses. Senior optician Dorey notes, “Photochromic lenses are a game-changer for Seattleites—they’re a true ‘one-and-done’ solution for our variable Pacific Northwest weather.”

Many patients confuse “Transitions” (a brand of photochromic lenses) with progressive lenses. Progressives are multifocal lenses designed to address presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision that typically begins after 40. Importantly, photochromic technology can be combined with progressive lenses, making them ideal for Seattle’s active 40+ crowd who need vision correction for reading, screens, and outdoor activities. Our downtown Seattle clinic specializes in personalized solutions for both needs, ensuring clarity and eye protection in every environment.

Should I get transitions in my next pair of glasses?

As a Seattle-based optometrist, Dr. Mark Cannon frequently fields this question. Here’s his breakdown of pros and cons:

✅ Pros:

• Glare Reduction: Effective for outdoor activities in shifting light (e.g., sunny days at Alki Beach, overcast strolls in Discovery Park).

• Convenience: Eliminates the need to switch between glasses and sunglasses—ideal for all-day wear during Seattle’s variable weather.

• UV Protection: Blocks 100% harmful UV rays, critical for hikes at Mount Rainier or waterfront walks.

• Active Lifestyle Friendly: Perfect for cycling the Burke-Gilman Trail or jogging near Lake Washington without lens swaps.

❌ Cons:

• Slow Indoor Transition: Takes 2–5 minutes to clear after stepping inside (awkward during patient consultations downtown).

• Limited Driving Utility: Car windshields block UV, leaving lenses mostly clear for I-5 commutes (prescription sunglasses are better).

• Performance Gap: Doesn’t match the darkness or speed of dedicated sunglasses for intense sun (e.g., sailing on Puget Sound).

Important considerations:

• Driving: Transition lenses rely on UV light to activate, but car windshields block UV rays. For Seattle commuters facing glare on I-5 or the 520 bridge, prescription sunglasses are more effective.

• Versatility: Dr. Cannon’s transition glasses (shown above) are now his go-to for Pacific Northwest adventures. One lens intentionally remains dark in the photo to demonstrate their adaptive range—perfect for trail runs in Tiger Mountain or sudden sunset bike rides.

Best Glasses Choices 

They are Rudy Project Rydon frames, which retail for $270 at the time this blog is going to press. The stock lenses can have mild glasses Rx ground into them. Larger prescriptions can work too, with the addition of the Rydon Optical Docks, which are surprisingly inexpensive at $80. Then you’d have to pay for the ophthalmic lenses to go in the “Docks”, which would cost more than $80.

Do Transition Glasses actually block UV light?

Yes, transition lenses block 100% of harmful UV radiation—critical for protecting your eyes during sunny Seattle hikes at Mount Rainier or waterfront walks along Alki Beach. While they match the UV-blocking power of traditional sunglasses, their design differs: Most everyday glasses lack wraparound frames, allowing peripheral light to enter. This side glare, common during bright days on Lake Washington or reflective cityscapes downtown, can reduce comfort and long-term eye safety.

Why does this matter? Prolonged UV exposure damages ocular structures, including the cornea, lens (increasing cataract risk), and retina. For Seattleites with high prescriptions (+7 diopters or more), transition lenses solve a unique challenge. High-index lenses—essential for minimizing “Coke-bottle” thickness in strong prescriptions—aren’t always available in tinted sunglass formats. Transitions, however, work seamlessly with high-index materials like 1.74, offering a practical solution for activities like kayaking on Lake Union or exploring Ballard Locks without needing contacts.

At our clinic, we often recommend photochromic lenses to tech professionals, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts who value both crisp vision and UV protection. As Dr. Cannon notes, “For Seattle patients with complex prescriptions, transitions merge practicality and eye health—no lens swaps required.”

What’s the difference between Transitions/Photochromics and Progressives?

• Transitions® (Photochromic):

  • Light-reactive: Clear indoors (Pike Place Market shops) → tinted outdoors (Green Lake).

  • Blocks UV rays for activities like hiking Rattlesnake Ridge.

• Progressives:

  • Multifocal: Corrects distance (driving I-5), intermediate (screens in South Lake Union), and near vision (reading at Elliott Bay Book Company).

• Combo Option:

  • Hybrid lenses merge both technologies—clear for indoor meetings, tinted for Fremont walks, and multifocal for seamless focus shifts.

Are transitions good for driving?

They don’t darken much in the car because your windows and moonroof block UV light. Most patients would prefer dedicated sunglasses (or a clip-ons) over photochromic lenses.

Would Transition Glasses work well for cycling and running?

Are Transition Glasses Ideal for Cycling and Running in Seattle?
Absolutely! Outdoor sports like cycling the Burke-Gilman Trail or trail running in Discovery Park are where photochromic lenses shine. Seattle’s ever-changing light—from shaded paths in Seward Park to sudden sunbreaks on Mount Si—demands adaptive eyewear. Transition lenses automatically adjust from clear to tinted, eliminating the hassle of swapping glasses mid-activity.

Why Seattle Athletes Love Them:

• Rain or Shine: Perfect for misty morning jogs around Green Lake or sunny afternoon bike rides along Lake Washington Boulevard.

• UV Protection: Blocks 100% harmful rays during prolonged exposure, whether you’re climbing Tiger Mountain or kayaking Elliott Bay.

• No Lens Swaps: Maintain focus during transitions from forested trails (like Cougar Mountain) to open spaces like Gas Works Park.

Cost and Value: Are Transition Lenses Worth the Investment for Seattleites?

Transition lenses typically cost $100-$250 more than standard lenses at Seattle optical shops—but consider the math. Buying separate prescription glasses and sunglasses often exceeds $500, especially with high-index lenses for strong prescriptions (+7 diopters). At Market Optical in downtown Seattle, many patients use FSA/HSA funds to offset costs.

Why Seattleites Save Long-Term:

• One Pair, Multiple Environments: Ideal for shifting from Amazon meetings in South Lake Union to sunny walks at Kerry Park.

• UV Protection Built-In: Avoid buying separate sunglasses—critical for hikers tackling Mount Si or sailors on Puget Sound.

• High-Index Solutions: Seattle opticians like Dorey at Market Optical pair transitions with ultra-thin 1.74 lenses, avoiding ‘Coke-bottle’ sunglass tints.

Caring for Your Transition Lenses

Transition lenses thrive with proper care—here’s how to protect your investment in Seattle’s elements:

Cleaning:

• Use microfiber cloths (provided free at Market Optical) to prevent scratches.

• Avoid Windex; opt for lens-safe sprays. Pro tip: Carry a travel kit for hikes in Discovery Park or kayaking on Lake Union.

Storage:

• Keep lenses dry in Seattle’s drizzle. Store in a case when not worn—never leave them in hot cars (yes, even here!).

Activity-Specific Care:

• Post-beach rinse: After Alki Beach outings, gently rinse salt spray with fresh water.

• Trail maintenance: Wipe dust after hiking Rattlesnake Ledge with a lens brush.

How Long Do Transition Lenses Last?

Most transition lenses last 2-3 years, but Seattle’s moody climate can accelerate wear:

Weather Factors:

• Rain & Humidity: Frequent lens wiping can thin coatings.

• Limited UV Exposure: Cloudy days mean slower darkening over time.