Everything You Need to Know About Transitions Drivewear Lenses—From Someone Who Actually Uses Them

If you’ve ever been on the road squinting into the sun, fumbling with clip-ons, or frustrated that your photochromic lenses just don’t darken inside your car, there’s a good chance you’ve never tried Transitions® Drivewear® lenses. These are not your average photochromic lenses. They're purpose-built for people who spend serious time behind the wheel—and speaking as someone who keeps a pair in the car at all times, I can tell you: they’re a game-changer.

What Exactly Are Drivewear Lenses?

Drivewear lenses are hybrid lenses that combine:

• Transitions photochromic technology (light-adaptive tinting)

• NuPolar polarization (advanced glare filtering)

The result is a lens that adapts to changing light conditions and actively reduces glare—even behind a car windshield. That’s a big deal, because standard Transitions lenses don’t change much inside a vehicle. Your windshield blocks most UV rays, which is what traditional photochromics rely on. Drivewear solves that problem by also responding to visible light.

How They Change: The Three States of Drivewear

Drivewear lenses are designed to adapt through a range of lighting conditions, offering three functional states:

1. Low Light (Olive Green):
   When it's overcast or early morning, the lens takes on an olive green tone. This enhances contrast and depth perception, making it easier to see road details like pavement edges, car brake lights, and lane markings.

2. Medium Light (Copper):
   When you're driving in daylight but not in harsh sun, Drivewear lenses shift to a copper shade. This is their sweet spot behind the windshield, where they cut glare, improve contrast, and make driving feel visually relaxing and sharp.

3. Full Sunlight (Dark Reddish-Brown):
   Outside the car, in bright sunlight, they darken further to a rich brown. This state offers maximum glare protection and comfort—perfect for activities like fishing, biking, hiking, or working outdoors.

All three states are polarized, which means they filter out blinding glare from surfaces like wet pavement, hoods of cars, water, and snow. Regular Transitions lenses aren’t polarized at all.

Who Benefits Most From Drivewear?

While almost anyone can enjoy Drivewear, these lenses are especially ideal for:

• Professional drivers and commuters

• Construction workers, field inspectors, and delivery personnel

• Golfers, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts

• Anyone who wears sunglasses while driving

They’re also great for people who have:

• Light sensitivity or eye strain while driving

• Frustration with regular Transitions not activating enough in the car

• Prescription needs that make over-the-glasses sunglasses uncomfortable or impractical

What They’re Not Great For

To keep it real: Drivewear lenses are not designed to be indoor lenses. They do not go completely clear, and their base tint (olive green) would be noticeable in an office or home setting. They are specifically optimized for outdoor and driving use, and best worn as your second pair—not your all-day, everyday eyewear.

My Experience (And Why I Keep a Pair in the Car)

I’ve had a pair of Drivewear lenses made in my own prescription, and I keep them in my vehicle full-time. Here’s what stands out:

• They reduce glare better than any other lens I’ve used—especially during early morning or late afternoon drives.

• They actually change tint behind the windshield, so I’m never stuck with lenses that feel “in-between.”

• I can wear them confidently on bright days outdoors—they’re like sunglasses with superpowers.

Once you try them, it’s hard to go back to regular tinted lenses or non-polarized sunglasses. Especially if you drive a lot.

Yes, We Make Prescription Drivewear Lenses

At UseMyFrame.com, we can make Drivewear lenses in your exact prescription, installed in your existing frames or as part of a new pair. Our in-house lab means faster turnaround and full control over quality.

We recommend Drivewear for:

• Single vision and progressive prescriptions

• Most frame shapes and sizes

• Drivers looking for serious optical comfort and clarity

Whether you’re replacing scratched lenses, upgrading an old pair of sunglasses, or adding a second set of driving glasses—these are 100% worth considering.

Ready to Try Drivewear for Yourself?

We make it simple. Send us your frame, and we’ll craft prescription Drivewear lenses that fit perfectly. You’ll wonder how you ever drove without them. You'll find them under the lens color, polarized option; then Transitions Drivewear.

SHOP LENSES

Blessings,

Neil F. Uher II

President, UseMyFrame.com