I was fortunate enough to finally get my eyes behind the new Transitions Vantage lenses and figured what better time to update my thoughts from our previous blog post, The World’s First Variable Polarized Photochromic Lens.
For those unfamiliar, the Transitions Vantage lens promises all the benefits of traditional adaptive lenses that change color based on UV exposure, but adds glare-cutting polarization. As a fan of polarized sunglasses and the convenience of adaptive lenses, I had eagerly awaited the arrival of this product.
I had questioned how effective variable polarization could be and, while not as strong as in a dedicated pair of polarized sunglasses, the level of polarization Vantage provides did noticeably decrease glare on water and enhance skies. Impressively, the lens is also virtually clear indoors.
So far so good. What about reaction time? The first time I stepped outside with the Vantage lens, I was impressed with how quickly it darkened. I’d also say that the Vantage’s endpoint was darker than my traditional Transitions’. But the reaction time when stepping back inside was a different story with the Vantage playing the tortoise to the traditional Transitions’ hare.
Naturally (or at least I’m telling myself it’s natural), I had to run a comparison test of lightening time.
Notes: Top pair of glasses in each picture was fabricated in Feb 2012 with 1.67 index lenses, Crizal Avance, and traditional Transitions. Bottom pair of glasses was fabricated in July 2012 with polycarbonate lenses, Crizal Sapphire, and Transitions Vantage. (Yes, I realize that it would have been more scientific to compare identical lens and anti-reflective materials, but I was working with what I had). Both glasses were simultaneously subjected to 10 minutes of direct sunlight in 50°F. After 10 minutes, both pairs were transported inside to 65°F, placed away from windows, and compared at 5 minute time intervals.
After 25 minutes, I gave up because:
- The point had been made that these lenses take some time to clear up
- It was Sunday and I was getting funny looks from family members
In summary, I do like these lenses. While not as strong a polarization as a dedicated pair of polarized sunglasses, they do offer advantages in glare reduction/comfort that can’t be matched by traditional Transitions lenses. The slow clearing of the lens when going inside will naturally be a turn-off to some, but I’ll throw out the idea that this doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. For example, walking to the car after work could provide a level of darkening that provides comfort until the wearer gets home (something a standard Transitions wearer knows isn’t feasible) despite the UV blockage by the windshield. And in all fairness to the lens creators, it wasn’t designed to be the be-all/end-all ophthalmic lens. Instead, it was designed to supplement a person’s lens options. And it does that quite well.
This review is spot on! Ultimately, I’m happy with the lenses especially with living on a lake. As you said, the time out of the bright sun to return to clear is quite awhile so I plan when I am going to wear them! Thanks for sharing this awesome review. I love that there is a visible time frame for our patients to see! I plan to share with my patients too!
Thanks for reading and your feedback! Please do share with your patients…we’ll be doing the same. And you’re right…understanding the lens, its benefits/drawbacks, and planning accordingly are key.
Can you tell me what the brand and model of the top semi rimless frames are? Really like the look!
That’s Nike 6037: http://www.nikevision.com/us/en/products/detail/nike-6037/#12586_001
Great, thank you for the quick reply!
James
I completely agree. We received our demo kit today, and they do take a long time to turn back to clear.
What an awesome advancement in technology though. Amazing stuff!
People looking to buy these need to be warned that the polarization is very weak. Frankly I have not noticed much at all in the pair I have been using for the past month. I notice a minimal difference between the current vantage glasses and the one they replaced which were just transitions. If I had known the polarization was so weak I would have either gotten normal lenses with polarization or not wasted the money of these at all… just not worth the hype.
I agree, Thomas, that it’s important for people understand that the Transitions Vantage doesn’t provide “as strong a polarization as a dedicated pair of polarized sunglasses” as stated in the closing paragraph.
I had the chance to wear mine yesterday on a cold day in the northeast with lots of reflection off the snow-covered ground and thought how nice it was to be able to cut a good deal of that glare. Sure…a pair of polarized sunglasses would have been superior, but for me it was nice to not have to change glasses and still be comfortable.
Given the subjective nature of glare, so too will be the wearer’s opinion of the degree of polarization, comfort, and ultimately the benefit of the lens.
Thanks for reading and posting your thoughts.
I completely agree Thomas, my pair of Vantage is also my first pair of transitions and the polarization is quite minimal. It is disappointing as I am an avid fisherman and it has not lived up to what it should. It unfortunately does not reduce glare enough on sunny days. Oh well.
I’ve had transition lenses the last three years. I love the way they work except I’ve had lots of problems with sun glare from the side making a rainbow effect running across the lenses like they had an oily film on them. Also at night street lights and headlights from cars looked smeared. Has anyone had this problem?
Hi Dudley,
Lots of possibilities could account for what you’re experiencing, but none are inherent to the Transitions technology.
If you haven’t been seen for an exam in the past three years, now would be a good time to schedule that next visit. If you have been seen recently and what you’re noticing is a new occurrence with a new pair of glasses, let your provider know. They wouldn’t want you out there with a pair of glasses that is providing you with a sub-optimal visual experience.
Yes they know. This is the second time to send them back to manufacture with same problem. I also had an eye exam too. They started out great and within 3-7 days they began to have the rainbow running vertical in both lenses. Looks like what a oil film would look like on them but they are clean.
Glad to hear that you had an exam as that rules out eye health concerns creating the troubles.
Interesting situation. Seems to sound like lens defects. Do you know from what type of material your lenses are made (i.e. glass, plastic, polycarbonate, trivet, high-index)? I can say that we have heard of and encountered issues like this before, but they weren’t isolated to Transitions lenses. A refabrication of the lenses always helped. Third time is a charm?
any new thoughts on Vantage? Are they less tinted indoors than an Xtractive lens? How do they compare darkness wise with the new Signature lens?
I am trying to decide it I would like vantage or xtractive instead of the standard ones. I find myself squinting a bit outside. I love my polarized sunglasses but the day to day, especially on summer weekends is when I wear my glasses I indoors and outside. Hate to plunk down money for lenses if I won’t see a big improvement in the sun with vantage or xtractive. But the polarization sounds so cool as a feature. I think that polarized lenses allow more comfortable vision without having to be dark since they block the harsh glare more readily. What’s your take with signature lens improvements compared to other options. Thanks
Hi Alan,
We find the Vantage to be less tinted indoors when compared to the XTRActive. For indoor tinting: XTRActive is darker than Vantage which is darker than Signature. For outdoor in darkened state: Vantage is about the same as Signature and XTRActive is darkest.
My motivation for trying the Vantage was identical to yours and the results were good. I’ve found them to provide more comfortable vision than a Transition Signature lens, but I did sacrifice a degree of indoor lens clarity (in terms of tint). You can kind of see that in the first picture above. The polarization of the Vantage isn’t as strong as in a dedicated pair of sunglasses, either, but it does overcome the need to carry multiple pairs of glasses with you. In the end, I think that’s the role the Vantage was made to fill: a polarized photochromic that can meet most of your needs most of the time.
The Signature lens improves on the traditional Transition product line by being slightly faster to darken and clear, but the Vantage and XTRActive, in our opinion, represent bigger technological leaps over what was previously available.
Thanks for reading.
are you or patients troubled or annoyed at slower fade back speeds?
I do find, as demonstrated in my pics above, that the Vantage can be quite slow to clear and that can be slightly problematic, but I knew that when I decided on the lens. It’s a trade-off for the enhanced comfort outside. If quick clearing is important, the Signature is the best bet.
I now have a pair and they don’t seem to get very polarized. For example, when held at right angles to another pair of polarized lenses, they only darken a little. They don’t black out the light. Polarized lenses black out my computer screen at a 45 degree angle. The Vantage only shade it a little darker.
But, I don’t notice any indoor tint that is bothersome. And the fade back speed is fine. The lenses get clear enough quickly enough. Perhaps the final stages to fade to baseline are slower, but certainly not anything that is annoying. Not sure if the added expense compared to Signature is worth it. Only had them about 10 days.
Sounds about right. Fits right in between a dedicated pair of polarized sunglasses and a standard non-polarized Transitions lens. Depending on where you live, you might find added benefit in the winter when the temps drop and the lenses get darker.
How are they when you drive? Not sure if I should get these or the xtra active
Transitions XTRActive is the lens in the Transitions family that would be the best bet for driving, Renee.
They don’t behave like polarized lenses in the car. They hardly darken in the car. I have tried all the transitions lenses.
I don’t find that even the xtractive darken much in the car. It might depend on the sun angle and the angle of your windshield. They aren’t really “sunglasses” in the car. For driving, nothing beats a dedicated polarized sunglass lens.
For some enhanced functionality of my other glasses, Transitions are great. The choice of Signature or Vantage or Xtractive depends. While I am not an optician, I think the Signature are the most versatile. Once they get clear, no indoor tint.
Does heat affects transition glasses. I had one and it seems it has waves and its not even one year old and when i tried to go back to the place where i got it they said because it was exposed to heat and its not under warranty. While my old one w/ c I used for more than 2 years same use just for driving did not get that problem.
There are plenty of variables that can produce the “waves” that you notice, but it doesn’t have to be a result of Transitions lenses being used. Temperature, lens material, lens thickness, accuracy of the lens sizing and how it fits the frame, frame material, etc. can all play a role in distortions or lens warping. Normally, I’d recommend you talk about these concerns with your provider as they’d be in the best position to troubleshoot, but it sounds like you’ve already done that.
Do transition vantage lenses work inside a car?
Slightly, but not to a degree that would likely be significantly helpful. Transitions XTRActive is the lens in the Transitions family that would be the best bet for driving.
Do you have any comments on Xperio polarized transitions lenses? they supposedly have standard polarization, some base tint ( I wonder how much??) and also respond to UV and get darker based on the outside conditions. It might be a good choice for Betsy. I am thinking of getting this lens on my next pair of sunglasses.
I have not worn them, but page 2 of this brochure might assist with the question of base level of tint: http://goo.gl/mR6flF No doubt that Xperio is positioned as a sun lens rather than and indoor/outdoor lens like the other Transitions lenses we’ve been talking about.
Hello, I like how there are still responses to the comments even though the article itself was posted 2 years ago.
I read many reviews from 2012 and here also saying that transitions Vantage has a problem taking a long time going back to clear state from darkened state. It’s almost end of 2014 now and did they fix this problem with something like newer version of Vantage or does it still have this problem? I know they have newer signature lenses that react faster but I’m wondering if they have improved on Vantage as well.
Thank you for your time.
That is pretty cool, isn’t it?
I’m not aware of any changes in speed with the Vantage, but I also don’t think the Transitions people would classify that as a problem as it’s positioned to meet the needs of people looking for a dress-wear polarized photochromic lens. Since it’s a specialized market, many are willing to accept the slight indoor tint and slower deactivation speed to get the benefits. Thanks for reading!
got it! thank you for the fast response :]
Great post Dr. Paepke. I currently have the XTRActive and it has a fairly slow fadeback time but I don’t mind it too much. However, I’m getting new glasses and was considering the Vantage.
How does the Vantage compare to the XTRActive regarding fadeback time?
Thanks
I think you’d find them similar in speed, but it can be a very subjective comparison because the XTRActive is designed to have more of a slight tint in its base state.
Seems like they fade quickly enough to be fine indoors. The final stages of fade from minimal tint to almost clear may be a bit slower than the standard transitions. But this doesn’t affect the functionality of the product in my opinion. The indoor tint is barely noticeable on mine. I don’t find them to be very polarized. That is my beef. I think Signature 7 are great lenses.
Signature VII and Vantage – differences?
Shame your office is not in NJ, i’d visit in a heart beat.
Shopping for new transitions. Own a pair that are 3 years old and tired of squinting on sunny days at the beach or the park or while out running. The glare is annoying..
Having a tough time finding knowledgeable optometrist staff in Northern NJ. I asked a basic question while visiting several businesses – what is the difference between the newer transition signature line and the vantage line?
Do you have a sample of each lens?
The newer signature color – Graphite Green does it provide any additional benefit over the traditional Gray or Brown?
What frame colors go best with a Graphite Green?
Is there a money back guarantee if i don’t like the lens performance?
They read the promotional literature to me and offered a blank stare
Hope you can do better — Do you have any comments on the difference? Or the lens color?
Hi Paul,
The most significant difference is that the Vantage offers variable polarization which can reduce glare beyond what the Signature does. As you likely read and saw in the above article, the drawback is a slower time to “deactivate” than the a standard Transitions lens. Graphite green lenses tend to produce a more accurate color perception for the wearer than neutral gray or brown.
As “Mr Vantage” points out, and I eluded to in article, the polarization that the Vantage provides isn’t as strong as a constant-tint polarized lens, but I don’t think it ever pretended to. The company positioned the lens as an option for people who wanted the benefits of polarization in a lens they could wear indoors or out. Basically, a pair of glasses that could meet most of the wearer’s needs most of the time. Whether is does that successfully or not is quite subjective. Best wishes in your search. I’m sure Mr. Vantage can give you more insight, too, since he has tried both.
The Vantage lenses reduce glare a bit more. In hot weather I don’t think I could notice a big difference between the Signature 7 and Vantage. To me the Signature 7 is a great versatile all purpose lens. I will be excited to see the Vantage performance in cooler weather. To avoid squinting I find a cap with a visor a huge benefit when I run. Or a dedicated sunglass lens
Hello Dr. B Paepke,
As others have remarked, even 2 years after this article there are many people looking for a review with some sort of data. I am on the market for a new pair of “transition” glasses again. Currently, I have a pair of glasses with Photophusion from Zeiss which I like a lot: The glasses get dark quickly, and fade back to clear very quickly as well. I have always thought though that it would be nice to have the glasses both darken and polarize the light at the same time. So now, I am torn: The Transition Vantage are very intriguing, but I also am happy with Photophusion. I am wondering if you could compare and contrast the two products if you have experiences with both. What has the feedback been for both types of photochromic lenses?
No direct experience with PhotoFusion, Anthony. But I don’t think it would be an apples-to-apples comparison since the Vantage aims to satisfy wearers looking for a lens with variable polarization while the PhotoFusion would look to be Zeiss’ competitor to Transitions Signature. In that regard, the PhotoFusion is likely clearer in natural state and faster to clear when going inside than the Vantage while the Vantage would offer more glare reduction through mild polarization. Some practices have Vantage demo lenses that you could explore while in-office to see if they offer anything appreciable to you beyond what the PhotoFusions do.
Hi Dr. B Paepke… I’m struggling on which to choose between Xtractive and Vantage. I want an all purpose glasses which I can wear indoors (for computer gaming) and outdoors(for sports). Both are useful when I’m biking and other sports stuff. How about when I’m indoors using my computer all the time, What do you suggest that protects my eyes from the computer Xtractive or Vantage?
It’s a tough question to answer for you as it’s often a matter of personal preference. Both will retain a slight degree on tint inside which some find comforting at a computer, but the XTRActive will be darker outside. So it might come down to a question of what you’d value more outside: polarization or a slight darker lens.
Now I am thinking I may want xtractive. Do you think I will notice them to be darker in the warm weather or when I might have a hat on? I am always looking for the holy grail of lenses. I am wondering if it worth the money to have xtractive lenses made up. The concern is cost, and how much the tint will be noticed indoors. It is really only hot in this temperate clime (NJ) a few months out of the year. But I am outside a lot in the summer. I also notice that the lenses change more readily in the morning, but a dusk, despite sun, they change less. More UV in the morning?
Do you think it is worth it to get the xtractive? I am guessing I will still need my polarized sunglasses in the car.
XTRActive should be the darkest of the three in any setting, but the question of whether you should go that route or not is obviously personal preference. I’d have a hard time telling anyone that a photochromic lens is better than a dedicated polarized sun lens behind the wheel of car. Regarding the indoor tint, see if your eye care professional has a sample or pair in stock that you can look at. Cosmetically it is different indoors when compared to a clear lens. How different is a matter of opinion.
Dr. B Paepke – much respect for your dedication to your article here throughout the years since it was posted. I have read the article and all the comments. So, I have a good idea of the differences between the options mentioned here, but I would like to ask a rather specific question. First I will say that I have a small field of vision (due to brain injury)…about 3%. What I do see, I see okay with glasses, though. I have been getting out and walking for exercise every day. I currently have these glasses with prescription:
Model: Oakley Prescription sunglasses Square Whisker
Lens: Single Vision
Lens Color: Ice Iridium Polarized (Plutonite)
Lens Material: Plutonite
They are a slightly older prescription than my standard glasses, but I probably need a new prescription for those too by now (I am heading for an exam soon for a new prescription). Anyway, I am having a lot of trouble with the sunglasses. They just don’t seem very effective, even though they are supposedly polarized. I would very much like to get the Vantage or XTRActive to use all the time. I don’t think I would have a problem at all with the slower reaction time, but I am concerned about the “lesser polarized than dedicated sunglasses” aspect. If what I have now is dedicated polarized, and this will be less than that… Are the sunglasses I have now just inferior by chance? I always thought Oakley were among the best at sunglasses, but it doesn’t seem that way for me. I know I would look funny out walking, but I have been seriously considering getting the motorcycle-style goggles that have the foam around the eyes so that hopefully light would be blocked out from the top and sides. I was wondering if maybe that was the source of my problem rather than the actual quality of the glasses. What do you think? I know there’s the subjective aspect you have mentioned, but what would be your advise? Thank you very much in advance.
Are the sunglasses I have now just inferior by chance?
It’s possible, but a good way to know for sure would be to have your eye care team take a look at them at that next visit. They’d be able to test the lenses to make sure the orientation of the polarization is correct, etc.
If what I have now is dedicated polarized, and this will be less than that…
That’s right. The Vantage lens will not offer the same degree of polarization as a dedicated pair of polarized sun lenses. It’s a nice mid point that will satisfy a lot of wearers looking for convenience, but a person’s best bet for optimal comfort is a dedicated non-Transitions pair.
I was wondering if maybe that was the source of my problem rather than the actual quality of the glasses. What do you think?
That’s a hard one to answer without knowing the specifics of your case, but it’s not uncommon for anyone, brain injury or not, to be sensitive to bright light. What does your eye doctor think? If you find increased comfort with larger frames/lenses, it would be hard to argue against going in that direction. It’s all about what makes you comfortable.
The good news is that all of these questions can be definitively addressed at that next visit so be sure to voice them. Feel free to come back and post what you find out.
I have had what you call transitions when they first came out as photo grays,I waited a long time for polarization to take a hold so I bought the Vantage lens this time.Opening day I was a bit disappointed in the polarization part of them.Not what I was hoping for.But I am sure it will get better.As far as getting back to clear works fine for me.I myself could not wear a pair of clear glasses outside anymore.I would be lost with out them.Transitions are my clear glasses and the only pair of sunglass.So if I had to sum up why I wear them it would be the Transitions protect your eyes for UV rays from the sun and I never have to find my sun glasses to do it.I am so spoiled that I do not think about it any more.Thank you for your time Joe
Thanks for reading and posting your thoughts, Joe.
I’m so grateful and thankful this thread has been going on for so long. I too have been struggling with the fact I LOVE the vantage outside but am terribly disappointed that they do not get fully clear when indoors. Is it possible that a different manufacturer would yield a different outcome ( I.e. LensCrafters v someone else). Or, does one color of the lens (I.e. Grey v brown) get clearer than another?
Thanks in advance for anyone’s response. Rp
Have you used the xperio transitions? What is the transmission in the unactivated vs activated state?
Unfortunately, no direct experience. Perhaps others can chime in?
I have a higher prescription for my eyes both are around -5.5 and have tried regular transitions, with which I’m not impressed. Is there a limit as to what the prescription amounts are for eyes for these lenses or restrictions?
The parameter range will differ based on lens material, but you shouldn’t have trouble finding something for your prescription.
I’m getting mixed answers on this question from different sources. Do you know if the Vantage lenses can be made into progressive lenses?
Yes, progressive lenses can be made with Vantage technology although you might find some limitations on the specific types of progressives than can be.
Hello, I have 2 new pairs of progressive lens glasses bought at the same time, and was able to get polarized sunglasses in one day, but had to wait for the regular glasses. The sunglasses are polycarbonate polarized with premium anti-reflective coating. They are amazing as far as helping me to see much better, the polarization is not as good as Costas but I’m very happy with them, seeing better than I have in years. After using the sunglasses for about a week I picked up the regular glasses 2 days ago. They are polycarbonate, Transitions Advantage, was told they would be digital, with premium AR. So far they are nowhere as good as the much less expensive sunglasses. The first thing I noticed is that intermediate and distance vision is not as good as the sunglasses. They are great for reading and to about 5-7 yards, after that they have a haze, or objects have a halo and things that are readable at the same distance with the sunglasses are not with the Trans. Vantage because they are not in focus or blurry. The TV’s also make objects darker than white have a yellow tint coming off the top of what I’m looking at, like trees tops, roofs, and vehicles that are even light tan. On white objects the tops look light blue to a blue/light green. They also do not cut glare on the water compared to the sunglasses. I went to my optometrist yesterday and he checked them and said the rx was correct, and that the quality was better than what the store beside him sells. I went in that store after my exam, they had horrible service, and the frames were even worse, being noticeably cheap looking even some were not cheaply priced, so I went out of town to a well known place my sister highly recommend. I’m going to try them for a week, but I’m not happy at all with them, especially seeing that just the lenses were over 50% more than the polarized sunglasses lenses. I was really hoping the Advantage would work for me since I’m inside and outside many times a day. I knew I needed the polarized regular sunglasses for driving and being on or at the water for several hours at a time since I am at the coast. Has anyone else had similar problems? So far I wouldn’t recommend the Transitions Advantge at all. Any comments, or advice is greatly appreciated.
I am not an optician but the transitions aspect of the lens should really not affect it’s optical properties so I would suggest that they get redone. If they are both the same prescription, pupil distance and height there shouldnt be any difference other than the photochromic properties of the Vantage lens.
I wish I had seen this thread before I bit the bullet and bought the Transitions Vantage lenses. I had 3 different sets of glasses: Plain high index lenses, high index Transitions (no polarization) and polarized sunglasses. The polarized sunglasses I have specifically for fishing. They are Oakley lenses and they are spectacular. The bummer is that as day transitions to dusk, I need to switch to just regular glasses to see my fly. The other non-polarized Transitions lenses I use when I plan to be inside and outside a lot during the day.
I was hoping that the Transitions Vantage would replace the need to have both polarized sunglasses and normal glasses when fishing. The fact that the polarization faded as the tint faded was a really cool idea. Unfortunately as others have stated in this thread, the polarization isn’t very good. It does not really cut water glare enough IMO and is not a replacement for full polarized sunglasses. For the incremental price over regular Transitions lenses, it isn’t worth it (also IMHO).
The other downsides to the Transitions Vantage that are a big deal to me (since the polarization isn’t top notch) is that there is only one tint permitted: Grey. And you cannot have high index 1.67 lenses. Only polycarbonate. My preference would have been to have brown lenses and 1.67 (my prescription is -5 so I prefer high-index to have lighter weight lenses). FYI, I just got these lenses in Aug 2017 so this is a fact as of this date.
If the polarization was as good as dedicated lenses, I would have put up with the grey tint and the thicker lenses, but since it isn’t very good for fishing, and doesn’t work when driving (windshield blocks the UV needed to activate the lenses), this lens is a compromise all the way around with very little upside. To me, the only person this lens would be a good fit for would only need minor correction (-2 or better) and likes a grey tint. Then the tradeoff would be getting some polarization for a slower reverse transition time and a higher cost. That might work for some people.
Pros: some polarization
Cons: thicker lenses, only one tint available, slow to transition back to clear, more expensive, don’t work when driving a car (to take advantage of the polarization).
Personally, I would not recommend this lens at all. Way too many limitations, with very little benefit (for me)
I myself have had transitions when they were called photo gray and glass lens.I have also bought Transitions Vantage when they fist came out and was disappointed on opening day with not seeing the fish.I have the Signature till last week.I went back to the Vantage.But for the first timers out there you wont leave home without them.For me they are now a must have.I ride a motorcycle leave in the day come back at night one pair of glasses.Since I always wear them I have no need to remember where the sun glasses are or change them at night.But that’s just me.
Has there been much improvements for vantage lens since the article got published worth noting? I’m looking into vantage too, trying to decide.
Hi I am a windsurfer and have bought ransition vantage lenzes from OPSM . As I agree with all above Polaziation not very good especially when one wears a hat to lenzes are not exposed to sun much.
Brian
Transitions, if youre reading this thread, the Vantage is due for an update! Surely technology has improved all these years as we’re at gen 8 now with more color options. Invest some more manpower into Vantage R&D!
AGREE AGREE AGREE with Richard
there is a Xtractive polarized lens now. Did it replace the Vantage? Is it more polarized?
@alanmushnick I saw that too! Looks promising. I just wished they released it a few months earlier because I had already pulled the trigger on regular photochromics.