A lens that offers peace of mind

Transitions Optical launches a revolutionary new everyday lens that gets very dark outdoors for Canadians who spend extended time in the sun

CAMBRIDGE, ON, April 28 /CNW/ - Transitions Optical has announced an exciting new addition to the family of Transitions brands for Canadians who spend a lot of their day in bright sunny conditions. Transitions(R) XTRActive(TM) lenses will enhance visual performance in outdoor activities and provide protection against UV exposure and glare providing a new option for people who spend a great deal of time outdoors and have an active lifestyle.

"Transitions XTRActive lenses are great news for my patients who spend an extended amount of their time outdoors and prefer a superior, darker tint in bright sun," says optometrist Dr. Upen Kawale. "Whether you work or play in bright sunny conditions, it's very important for Canadians who are exposing their eyes to potential UV damage to have the proper protection, comfort and convenience in their lens choice."

Construction worker, Danny Woodcock, spends the majority of his time in the sun while on the job. "I spend a lot of time outdoors so I need lenses that provide extra darkness. I really like that when I go inside they change from dark to light to give me extra flexibility," he says. You don't need to work construction to get the most out of new Transitions XTRActive. Vision health is an issue for people of all ages who enjoy spending extended time outside and want superior eye protection.

Age related macular degeneration, or AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in Canadians. UV rays can cause or speed up the progress of diseases that affect the eye. Only 45 per cent of Canadians choose lenses with UV blocking abilities, leaving more than half the population vulnerable to UV exposure.(1) "It's very important that these people who are exposing themselves to potentially harmful UV rays have the proper protection," says Dr. Kawale.

    
    About Transitions(R) XTRActive(TM) Lenses
    -----------------------------------------
    

The idea behind Transitions XTRActive is that eye protection should be effortless. The weather might change but your glasses shouldn't have to. Transitions XTRActive lenses provide outstanding visual comfort, plus the convenience of wearing the same pair of glasses both indoors and out - while offering automatic ultraviolet (UV) and glare protection.

Transitions XTRActive lenses were designed to have a slight tint indoors - making them ideal for patients who prefer an indoor tint, or who place a stronger value on superior outdoor darkness. Additionally, Transitions XTRActive lenses provide a meaningful level of tint to drivers behind the windshield of a car. The level of darkness, however, is influenced by several factors relating to the position of the windshield, driver position and materials used to manufacture the glass.

In a recent study of both clear and photochromic lens wearers, supported by Transitions Optical, consumers expressed satisfaction with Transitions XTRActive.

    
    -   Nearly 80 per cent of clear lens wearers and 85 per cent of
        photochromic lens wearers were satisfied with the level of darkness
        provided by Transitions(R) XTRActive(TM).
    -   More than seven out of ten consumers were satisfied with Transitions
        XTRActive when driving in very sunny conditions.
    -   While 77 per cent noticed a tint indoors, 23 per cent believed the
        product became clear. Of those who perceived a tint, 63 per cent
        liked the appearance of the lens indoors.

    About Transitions Optical
    -------------------------
    

As the leading provider of photochromics to optical manufacturers, Transitions Optical, headquartered in Pinellas Park, Fla., offers the most advanced photochromic technology in the widest selection of lens designs and materials. Transitions Optical is driven by innovation to support the advancement of healthy sight and adaptive eyewear, and to providing its partners the tools and programs their businesses need to thrive. Transitions(R) lenses are the No.1-recommended photochromic lenses worldwide.

Transitions Optical's family of products includes everyday lenses, designed to be worn indoors and darken outdoors, and performance lenses, designed to be worn outdoors in place of sun lenses. Transitions everyday lenses adapt to light to provide more comfortable vision while protecting eyes from UV. Transitions performance lenses include the company's sunwear line, Transitions(R) SOLFX(TM) sun lenses, which enhance visual performance in specific outdoor activities by adapting to optimize color and darkness in changing light conditions.

For more information about healthy sight and protective eyewear, visit transitions.com or eyeglassguide.ca.

    
    Video News Release will be available via satellite on Wednesday April 28,
    2010 at 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

    SATELLITE FEED COORDINATES:
    Anik F2, C-Band, Transponder 3B @111.1 West
    Vertical Polarization, D/L Freq. 3820MHz.
    Audio subcarriers 6.8 left, 6.2 right
    FOR ASSISTANCE WITH THE FEED CALL: 1-800-565-1471

    (1) Canadian Survey conducted on behalf of Transitions Optical, Inc. from
        October 19 - 23, 2006 by Synovate Canada, Vancouver, BC.
    

For further information: Jessica Kaplan, NATIONAL Public Relations, [phone], [email protected]; Verity Conrad, NATIONAL Public Relations, [phone], [email protected]