Have you ever watched someone's glasses turn dark like magic as soon as they stepped outside? If you are a busy parent, figuring out eyewear for your child may sound like one more item to add to the never-ending to-do pile of school drop-offs, soccer practice, screen-time rules, and the daily hunt for missing shoes.

That's where transition lenses-also called photochromic lenses-come in. With one pair that works indoors and outdoors, they promise to simplify life for families while keeping little eyes safe. But are they actually worth it? Are they good for kids? And do they really offer the same protection as sunglasses?

This guide breaks everything down in simple, family-friendly terms:

  • How transition lenses work

  • The biggest pros and cons

  • What eye doctors say

  • common myths (and the truth!)

  • whether they are a good fit for your child

  • How to choose the right Roshambo frames to go with them

Want to take a closer look at transition lenses for your family? Explore some flexible, UV-protective options on Roshambo.com. 

 

How Do Transition Lenses Work to Protect Eyes From UV?

What are transition lenses, and what do they look like?

Transition lenses are everyday prescription or non-prescription lenses that automatically darken in sunlight and return to a clear state indoors. They resemble regular glasses until they're exposed to UV light, at which point, as the UV hits the lens's surface, special molecules activate and gently shift the tint.

Most Roshambo styles can be made with transition lenses, from babies and toddlers right through to teens and grown-ups.

What activates the darkening effect in transition lenses?

It's all about UV light.

When exposed to sunlight, UV rays induce a change in the photochromic molecules of transition lenses, "opening" them and darkening the lenses. Once you go back inside, the molecules "close," and the lenses begin their return to clear.

Most families observe that:

  • The darkening occurs in 30–60 seconds

  • Full darkening may take a couple of minutes

  • fade-back indoors normally takes 2–5 minutes

How to explain it to children: “Your lenses take a deep breath of sunshine and then relax again inside.”

Are transition lenses the same as sunglasses?

Not exactly. Both protect the eyes, but they work differently.

Feature

Transition Lenses

Polarized Sunglasses

UV Protection

Yes

Yes

Indoor Use

Clear indoors

Dark indoors

Glare Blocking

Moderate

Excellent

Best For

Everyday wear

Bright sun, water, snow

 Trying to choose between polarized and transition lenses? Read our guide here. 

 

What Are the Real Benefits of Transition Lenses for Families?

Can transition lenses protect kids from harmful UV exposure?

Yes! High-quality transition lenses provide UV400 protection from 100% UVA and UVB Radiation (or all of the sun's harmful rays). This is especially critical for children because children are exposed to a greater amount of the sun's harmful rays than most adults will experience in the course of their lives (a higher level of exposure can lead to increased risk).

According to the American Optometric Association, children's developing eyes absorb more UV light than do the adult lens of the eye due to their still-developing lenses; therefore, more absorption means more risk of developing cataracts and/or other ocular diseases.

Transition lenses also protect the developing eyes of children during their daily lives, including:

  • The Lunch Period

  • After School Activities

  • Sports

  • Outdoor Play

  • Weekend Adventures

Could one pair of glasses mean fewer meltdowns and lost frames?

Absolutely. Ask any parent who has tried to convince a toddler to switch glasses in a parking lot—it's not always a peaceful moment.

The beauty of transition lenses is the convenience:

  • No swapping glasses

  • fewer dropped or lost pairs

  • Less negotiating with strong-willed little humans

  • One pair means an easier routine for all.

Do transition lenses help reduce glare and eye strain when outdoors?

Modern transition lenses adapt in a snap to shifting light, offering smoother visibility on days when sun and clouds play tag. Kids are less likely to squint or complain about the brightness, or miss a ball flying their way.

Check out Roshambo's line of kid-friendly prescription transition lenses here.

 

Are There Downsides or Limitations to Transition Lenses?

As magical as transition lenses feel, they're not perfect. Transparency is important, especially to parents making decisions about safety and comfort.

Do transition lenses work inside cars?

They work a little, but not fully. Windshields block the majority of UV rays, which means transition lenses do not darken as well inside the car.

  • Solutions include:

  • keeping a pair of polarized sunglasses in the car

  • using clip-ons for road trips

  • choosing styles that your child finds easy to swap when needed

How long do they take to darken or clear?

Most people don't realize how much temperature matters.

  • On hot days, the lenses can take slightly longer to darken.

  • On cold days, they may darken more fully.

  • Room temperature storage keeps the glasses responsive.

  • Kids usually adapt quickly to the timing, but it’s still something to know.

Can transition lenses be distracting or annoying for young kids?

Initially, children may notice the tint of their transition lenses and share that observation. After about a day or two, most kids forget about it.

While it may take an adjustment period to appreciate transition lenses, comfortable eyewear is important when choosing this type of lens. Lightweight, flexible frames (like Roshambo's bendable and almost unbreakable styles) allow children to have smoother transitions into and out of wearing transition lenses.

Quickly, here are some pros and cons:

Pros:

  • UV400 protection

  • Clear when indoors, dark when outdoors

  • Less need to manage multiple pairs of glasses

  • Reduces eye strain when being used at night outside

  • Great for active kids

Cons:

  • Transition lenses do not perform well inside cars

  • They do not block glare like polarized lenses do

  • The activation and fade-back time is longer with transition lenses.

 

Are Transition Lenses Safe and Effective for Children?

What do pediatric optometrists say about photochromic lenses?

The Vision Council and American Optometric Association endorse photochromic lenses as a safe option for children, especially those:

  • Who spends a great deal of time outside

  • Have developing eyes

  • Need glasses to see every day

Are transition lenses the best lens option for the small faces of children?

Transition lenses are a fantastic option when used in conjunction with frames designed specifically for small children. Lightweight, impact-resistant, flexible frames are important to ensure the child is comfortable; Roshambo provides flexible frames that are lightweight and created using baby-safe materials.

For the smallest children or children who require heavy-duty (indestructible) frames, flexible frames are generally the best option.

For more information, check out our article on why flexible frames are better for toddlers and kids.

How can I tell if my child is a good candidate for transition lenses?

There are various indicators that could signify that your child would benefit from transition lenses. These may include the following: 

1) Your child does not enjoy wearing sunglasses;

2) Your child regularly removes their glasses outdoors;

3) Your child is often bothered by the brightness of sunlight;

4) Your child plays one or more sports that are played primarily outdoors;

5) Your child has a prescription and requires the use of glasses throughout the entire day.

If you would like to see how transition lenses would look on your child prior to purchasing a pair, consider utilizing our Home Try-On Kit! (Insert link).

What Myths About Transition Lenses Should You Stop Believing?

Myth 1. "Transition Lenses Don’t Block UV Rays."

The Truth: Transition lenses provide full UV400 protection.

Myth 2. "Transition Lenses Are Only For Adults."

The Truth: Transition lenses are excellent for active children who do not want to be changing their glasses throughout the day.

Myth 3. "Transition Lenses Will Never Be Completely Clear Indoors."

The Truth: High-quality photochromic lenses, such as our own, will return to a close to clear state indoors.

Myth 4. "Transition Lenses Make You Look Weird."

The Truth: The newest modern transition lenses provide an even and natural darkening of the lens surface with no patchy areas

 

How Do Transition Lenses Compare to Other Lens Options?

Transition lenses better than the blue light ones for screen time?

  • They do different jobs.

  • Blue light glasses: best for screens and indoor lighting

  • Transition lenses: best for outdoor UV protection

  • Some families do both, depending on the routines of school and screens.

Should You Choose Transition Lenses Over Polarized Sunglasses?

Not necessarily. You might select:

  • polarized for heavy glare (beach, boating, snow sports)

  • transition for everyday wear

  • Many families use both depending on the activity.

 

How Can You Choose the Right Glasses with Transition Lenses?

What styles and prescriptions are available at Roshambo?

Roshambo provides photochromic options in every size:

  • Baby (0–2)

  • Toddler (2–4)

  • Kids (5–10)

  • Teens (11–16)

  • Adult S/M

  • Adult L/XL

Each pair is made of flexible, comfortable, kid-proof materials.

Can you get transition lenses with flexible, kid-proof frames?

Yes! Roshambo frames are:

  • soft and flexible

  • safe for babies and toddlers

  • Lightweight for all-day wear.

  • available in tons of colors kids love

How does Roshambo's Try-On Program make decision-making easier?

Pick out a few styles, try them on at home, and only keep what you love. It's the easiest way to see just how Transition Lenses look in real life—and to make sure the frames fit just right.

Try a Home Kit today and make eyewear shopping stress-free.

 

What Should You Know Before Buying Transition Glasses?

How much do transition lenses cost vs regular lenses?

Transition lenses are a little more expensive compared to the standard clear lenses. However, they usually eliminate the need for:

  • a different pair of sunglasses

  • lost or broken outdoor frames

  • constant swapping

  • Most families tell us the convenience is worth it.

Can you combine transitions with prescriptions and blue light filters?

Yes! Many Roshambo customers choose lenses that combine:

  • prescription (optional)

  • photochromic/transition

  • blocking blue light

  • It's like a three-in-one solution.

How long does shipping, customizing, and returns take at Roshambo?

Roshambo ships most orders within 1–3 business days. Prescriptions take a bit longer. We offer 60-day returns and easy size exchanges if the frames aren’t perfect.

 

What Are the Next Steps if You’re Ready to Try Transition Lenses?

How can you order or customize transition glasses from Roshambo?

Simple:

  • Choose your frame and size.

  • Choose prescription or over-the-counter.

  • Add transition lenses at checkout.

  • Pick your colour and extras.

We’ll take care of the rest!

Can my child try them before we commit?

Yes, your family can try on styles first with our Home Try-On Kits. Keep what you love and send the rest back.

Ready to make eyewear easier? Shop family-friendly transition glasses at Roshambo.com. 

 

Final Thoughts

Transition lenses provide busy families with the chance to make life easier by providing an all-day solution for protecting children’s eyes and allowing for comfort in bright light and while using screens. Whether you are running between playdates, hiking on weekends, or preparing for picture day, transition lenses provide your child with an easy way to make their eyewear work for all their activities.

Roshambo provides flexible frame options that use child-safe materials and come in many different colors, making it easy to create the perfect fit for your child's environment.

 

FAQs

1. What are the downsides of transition lenses?

Transition lenses can be slower to darken in cold weather or inside vehicles with UV-blocking windshields. They may not get as dark as traditional sunglasses in bright sunlight and can be more expensive than regular lenses.

2. Why did they stop making transition contacts?

Transition contacts are not widely available because the technology is more complex to integrate into soft contact lenses. Current options focus on eyeglasses, which are easier to produce with reliable light-reactive performance.

3. What to avoid in transition lenses?

Avoid lenses without full UV protection or those made from lower-quality materials that scratch easily. Also, be cautious of lenses that react too slowly or unevenly to light changes.

4. How many years do transition lenses last?

High-quality transition lenses typically last 2–3 years before the light-reactive coating starts to degrade. Longevity depends on care, cleaning habits, and exposure to extreme heat or chemicals.