Do You Need a Blue Light Coating with Transitions Gen S Lenses?

The latest generation of Transitions® Gen S lenses has taken photochromic technology to a whole new level. Designed to adapt faster and look better in every lighting condition, these lenses already provide built-in blue light protection—even when they’re completely clear indoors.

But here’s where it gets interesting: adding an extra blue light-filtering coating can sometimes do more harm than good, depending on how you use your glasses.

Transitions® Gen S Already Filter Blue Light Indoors

Unlike older generations, Transitions Gen S lenses incorporate selective light filtering technology that targets high-energy visible (HEV) light—commonly known as blue light.
That means even in their clear state, Gen S lenses naturally block a portion of harmful blue light from screens, LED lighting, and other digital sources.

When they darken outdoors, they block even more, offering complete protection from UV rays and a substantial cut to blue light from sunlight—one of the strongest sources of HEV exposure.

Why Adding a Blue Light Coating Isn’t Always Ideal

A dedicated blue light–filtering coating (such as Crizal Prevencia® or similar) uses interference layers to reflect short-wavelength blue light. This can slightly alter how much visible light reaches the photochromic molecules within the lens.

The result?
➡️ Slightly reduced darkening performance outdoors.
➡️ Slower activation or fade-back time in some lighting conditions.

In short, while the lenses will still darken, they may not reach their maximum tint or transition as quickly as they would without the coating.

When a Blue Light Coating Still Makes Sense

If your main environment is indoors or in front of screens, a blue light coating can still be a great addition. The extra layer of reflection control can reduce digital eye fatigue, glare, and dryness—especially for people who spend 8+ hours a day on computers.

For these users, the convenience of Transitions lenses (for those quick trips outdoors) paired with the added screen comfort makes perfect sense. The trade-off in darkening depth is minimal compared to the relief they’ll get during long work hours.

The Bottom Line

• For mostly outdoor or mixed use: Stick with standard Transitions Gen S—they already provide excellent blue light protection and full UV defense.

• For heavy computer users: Add a blue light coating to your Transitions for maximum screen comfort, knowing they may darken a bit less outside.

Both choices are valid—it simply depends on how you use your glasses day to day.

At UseMyFrame.com, we can custom-make Transitions Gen S lenses with or without blue light coatings, matched perfectly to your prescription and lifestyle.

✅ Fast, in-house processing
✅ Precision lens edging
✅ Available in single vision, bifocal, and progressive

What will you see today?
Order your Transitions lenses →