Transitions Vantage

      Last year, Transitions Optical, Inc., introduced it's newest family member.    Added to the rest of the Transitions line: Transitions VI, Transitions Xtra Active, and now Transitions Vantage.  http://www.transitionsvantage.com .

What is Transitions?
It's a type of photochromic lens, one that will darken when exposed to sunlight.  Depending on your lifestyle and needs, you can get regular Transitions, which a almost clear indoors and when outside, will act as a very good comfort lens by removing about 60% of light.  Xtra Active works the same, except the lens always has at least a 20% tint indoors and will get about 10-15% darker outdoors.  Transitions also claims it will darken slightly in a car.  This is probably due to the existing tint in the lens plus some residual tint from being outdoors first.
The Transitions Vantage lens also changes outdoors, starting with about an 8 % tint and darkening about 70-80%.  However, when fully darkened, the lens becomes polarized.  This will greatly reduce the amount of reflected glare outside. (see blog entry on polarized lenses).  Remember that the lenses darken only when exposed to ultra violet light (direct sunlight).  Your car windshield blocks UV light, therefore, your Transitions lenses will not darken very much in a car.

Today, I received a new pair of glasses with Transitions Vantage lenses to make a comparison between the regular Transitions and Vantage. Unfortunately, I was not able to tell a difference between the lenses and my polarized sunglasses are much more effective for glare.  While the concept of the lens is excellent, the performance was lacking.
This is the first time I've not been able to endorse a product based on the company claims, but true to my blog, it will allow for an informed decision.  Transitions is a great product, I've been wearing for a few years, but this latest lens fell short of expectations for me.