Transitions Style Mirrors: Can AR Coating Be Added?

[@GadgetyMV]

Clear overview of transitions mirrors! As usual coming from Daniel Brunson, excellent clarity, transparency and overview. When I first started to learn about transitions lenses. the style colors, and the style mirrors it wasn't totally clear to me what the combinations and limitations were. This video at that time would have accelerated my learning curve. I'm going to incorporate the gold style mirror in my winter transitions, mostly taking after you. Not only will they look great but also add functionality in snowy conditions, and near the water. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

That's awesome! I'm glad you found this helpful. Thanks!

[@randywilloughby6360]

This information is very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to cover this slightly esoteric topic.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

We're glad you found some value, and glad to be of service. Thanks for dropping by!

[@nancydigman-luong9751]

Thank you for creating these videos. I’ve been watching them daily to make my decision on what my next pair of glasses will be. Since then, I’ve gotten a pink flash mirror with brown xtractive transitions. The reflections really bother me if I wear them too long so they are only for daytime outdoor wear for me. I’m really sensitive to light because of headaches and dry eyes so I thought these would help. I do LOVE how they look and am happy I purchased them. I just wanted to say that they cannot be my primary pair of glasses but more of a recreational pair to wear for short periods of time during the day.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Hi Nancy! It's always interesting to me how each person can have a unique experience. Some can wear them all the time with no concerns, and others feel more like you do. I think a lot of people probably agree with you that the Transitions mirrors do look great, but are better as a secondary pair. I'm glad you are enjoying my videos! Thanks for watching.

[@jeffklugman9757]

thanks for your videos, and the extra bits of information [i was trying to find out if the mirror in fact reduced the light transmission], and for your detailed answers to questions. i was attracted to the idea of a little less light transmission, but your comments about reflections convinced me that the plain xtractives would be preferable for me. i'm a long way from oklahoma or i'd be coming to your shop. thanks again.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Thank you Jeff! Please remember you can shop our frames anytime at HicksBrunson.com. We'll have an online Rx lens feature coming soon.

[@milinohalder2476]

Amazing and informational video. I agree flash mirror looks much better indoors and outdoors. I am excited to add flash blue mirror on my rayban nomad glasses.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Thanks so much. I am excited to make these for you Milino!

[@cukie4259]

Thanks for providing very detailed information on your videos for the various types Transitions lenses! Your videos helped me to make a decision to order the mirrored style in amethyst paired with a translucent clear frame! I spend a lot of time in the car and in the bright Florida sun!! I can't wait to get my new pair!!

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jacekkempny8193]

Love that Coronado frames. They look so good! Would you be as kind as to measure the frames and share what the total width is?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

The size is 55-19. The front width from edge to edge measures 14.1 centimeters. If you would like to call during business hours of 10 Am - 6 Pm CST, I would be happy to help you with more details. This is a great frame. It is one of my favorites. My number is 918-743-6478. -Daniel Brunson

[@Asfand]

I'm glad you made this video, as this is the reason I actually did not get style mirrors. I was told that because there isn't going to be an AR coating on the outside of the lens, that there would be somewhat of a glare. What I wanted was a full time lens, and I heard style mirrors are only a good secondary lens. They're great for outdoors during the day but not so much indoors or at night. I was wondering if you agree with these sentiments? As I'm always looking for expert opinions. I do have one more question, is there a reason why Transitions does not add different colors to their Xtractive line like they did their regular line, and why they do style mirrors only on Xtractive lenses? Like is it maybe a functional reason, or is it just that they don't want to market more color options. Do you think it may be a possibility in the future? I really wanted a blue transition lenses, but I wanted an Xtractive one because I actually like the darker lens. The thing was, I did not want to sacrifice quality for aesthetics, which is why I settled for just Xtractive Grey over Grey with Style Mirror Blue. However I was intrigued by the Transitions Sapphire color, too bad they didn't have an Xtractive Sapphire.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

For the mirrors and glare question, I think this all depends on the individual. Some folks do fine with mirrors at night, I am one of those, and others are bothered by the added reflections from the mirror. I do not speak for Transitions, but I believe the reason XTRActive is the only option on Style Mirrors lenses is because they get darker than Transitions Signature. The darker the lenses get, the better the mirror will show.

[@Asfand]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear Oh let me rephrase my second question, I meant why are Xtractives only available in 3 colors (Grey, Brown, and I think Green), whereas the Transitions Signature color options were expanded. Is there a reason they only do those 3 colors for Xtractive? Like why isn't there an Xtractive Sapphire or Xtractive Amethyst? It would be better than having a mirror coating that may produce a bit of glare.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

@@Asfand Oh, I got it. I don't speak for Transitions, but I suspect it has to do with the nature of having to make special photochromic dyes and a special matrix for the molecules to live in on the XTRActive lens. I love XTRActive, but it's never been as popular as the Signature lens, so they have not yet offered it in as many color options. Again, I am just speculating here. They could have a different reason. -Daniel B.

[@libertyprime9891]

Thanks for the video mate, i want to know a very specific thing about these though, lets say at 5:36 the camera can see the slight mirror reflection on the front of those gold glasses you have, are those only visible to those in front of you, or do you see floating reflections in your personal line of sight? that is what concerns me most because i don't know if it would form an obstacle when trying to see things indoors.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

My pleasure my friend. These Transitions Style Mirrors are not for everyone for this reason. You will sometimes see reflections of the mirror while you are wearing the glasses. Some are bothered by this, and others are not. It depends on the person, but it is definitely not the same as wearing a clear lens with a full anti-reflective coating and no mirror.

[@libertyprime9891]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear Very well, thanks

[@JXF689]

Thanks for the great info. Can a non mirrored lens be sent to an optician to apply a mirrored coating?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

That would be risky as mirrors and coatings should only be applied to a new lens that has been treated and has no signs of any wear and tear.

[@markanthonyborg2468]

What type of anti glare coating comes with the style mirrors on the backside, do transitions apply, is it crizal?

[@makb5354]

Wouldn't that be true then that solid mirror effect or yellowish/ amber be desirable in glasses used for daylight biking where depth perception is enhanced by those yellowish tones?

[@susiebennett7614]

I have Transitions 8 in gray. Can I add a flash mirror ro those lenses.? They are brand new so I can't afford to have the lenses remade! I wish I had seen your video before I had my glasses made. Thank you for the information!

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Stuff like that happens to the best of us. It is highly likely that new lenses would need to be made. Your lenses probably have an AR coating on the front which would not make for a good surface to add a mirror coating on top of. If there is no AR coating on your lenses, then the answer might still be the same, but check with the optician who made them to be sure.

[@Isthathim]

What company do you partner with for your Xtractive transitions. Is Xtractive exclusive to Essilor ? If you do get transitions from Essilor do you have to mention Flash or Solid mirror when buying them ? Are the Zeiss PhotoFusion®Flash Mirror similar to the lenses you are wearing in the video ? Thank you in advance.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Transitions brand photochromics are available on many other brands outside of Essilor. Essilor only uses flash mirrors that I am aware of, but it would be possible to put solid mirrors on them. I do not recommend that though for reasons mentioned in this video. Zeiss Photofusion flash mirrors are similar to these in this video.

[@pps4479]

Hi Daniel! I love your videos! Question: I have new prescriptions and thinking of getting new glasses, would you recommend a blue flash on brown XTRActive lenses or should I stick with gold flash on brown XTRActive lenses? Thank you!

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Hello, and thank you! That all depends on your style preference. Gold on brown looks very gold when darkened. Blue on Brown look brownish with notes and hints of blue mirror. I like it if the frame color lenses itself to this combo. Blue on brown looks great in dark tortoise and black frames.

[@frankrappoccioluthier]

Tanks for your videos, it is possible to add the AR coating on existing extractive blue mirror lenses? Tanks Francesco.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

That blue mirror should already have a backside AR coating unless it is not an authentic Style Mirrors product.

[@bigdtx6748]

Hello I got transitions style mirrors silver with crizal sapphire from another seller. I am getting a lot of light reflecting inside also what color is the AR coating I am seeing green my old pair with same coating was purple on a sig Tran 8 trivx. Wondering if they gave me cheaper coating

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Hello, No matter how good the anti-reflective coating is on the backside it is nearly impossible to get rid of the reflections from the mirror. It's just the nature of mirrors. If you had a purple coating on another pair that sounds like the Crizal Prevencia coating with is non-glare plus blue block. Crizal Avance has more of greenish look, and no blue-blocking feature.

[@Chris-rg4jx]

Thanks for this video; I am looking to buy Transition lenses for my motorcycle sunglasses. I need to be able to see the road clearly as the sun goes down into the night. Are the XTRActive Style Mirror lenses suitable for clear night vision under road conditions?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Some people have no issues with them at night, but I prefer a lens without a mirror at night for the best optical clarity. A full anti-reflective coating instead of a front side mirror will deliver sharper clarity and fewer reflections on the lenses at night with all the street lights and on coming headlights.

[@makb5354]

I am not Optician but base on my current experience after ordering transition lenses with mirror I say hell no. I ride a bike at night and glare as well as seeing round color circles depending on color mirror you order ( due to specific light spectrum) is unbearable to me. Also, when you have to walk inside with these glasses on it is not fun at all. I say stick with XTRActive and antireflective coating in and out. Safety and clarity is more important than cool looks.

[@helenalovelock1030]

Can the transistors extractive lenses be in flash mirror ? So do you pick the extractive colour brown, grey and green and then add the flash bit in the colour you like ?

[@helenalovelock1030]

And what flash colors looks good with brown ?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Hello Helena, You are correct. We like Flash Gold with Brown, but we also like Pink, and Red.

[@vktyf]

Thanks for this very informative video! Am I understanding correctly that the Xtractive Style Mirror lenses come in either flash or solid mirror? Just want to make sure if that's the case, I would opt for the flash mirror based on your explanation and advice. My other question is: if I'm getting the Xtractive brown lenses primarily for running/cycling outdoors because they perform well in variable light conditions and enhance contrast (i.e. I don't intent to use them for indoors), would you recommend adding style mirror or would it be detrimental because they potentially add more glare? Than you.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Transitions XCTRActive Style Mirrors are only available with flash mirrors. I was just advising against attempting to go outside the product line and customize your lenses with a solid mirror because of the unwanted effects I described in the video. For running and cycling you could go either way mirror or non mirror, but as you noted adding a mirror will cause some added reflections that you will sometimes see. This is generally only noticeable at night under street lights. So bottom line, if you will run or ride at night then I would probably stick with XTRActive Brown with no mirror. -Daniel Brunson

[@samuellp1146]

Hi great review. I have used flash mirror green for transition with light green tint for a couple of years. Everyone loved the glasses kids would stop me and comment how they like them as well (been overseas and the glasses just killed it). Now I am thinking of throwing everyone for loop and want to have red lens (with same greenish frames). I want that reddish orange pop. These are my prescription with bifocals, I want people to see my eyes naturally of course😆. Any suggestions? Also are red lens good for eyes at night or early morning or cloudy days? Thanks!

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Hi. Thank you! If the red color has more of a rose color tone, the it can be great for overcast and lower light times of day like early in the morning. It it is a true bright red color then it would be wise to look though a tint sample first. True red is not very common in lens tints for the reason that it is not pleasing to most people on a bright day. We have a fire red lens tint sample that is a bright red. Let us know if you are interested in seeing it.

[@samuellp1146]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear thanks I ordered my lens a few days ago, I used a brown tint with mirror red mirror lens and brown transition lens with light green frames (sorry I am an old school marvel doc oc and daredevil fan). I will find out in two weeks if this will work.

[@atlantico7053]

How is transitions xtractive better with or without mirror? I am airline pilot ,but also need on interiors. Thank you very much

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

The mirror is part style and part function. It adds a little bit of protection from sunlight over lenses that do not have a mirror. That is to say the mirror reduces light transmission, which provides an edge on bright, sunny days. I can't speak to what's best for pilots, but they are pretty great for driving so I believe that should translate to the cockpit. I have made Transitions Grey lenses for pilots. The grey color is neutral, which is nice because color will not be distorted. -Daniel

[@atlantico7053]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear thank you very much Daniel. Then my doubt would be choosing mirror or half mirror on transitions xtractive. Do you think will be difference on interiors ?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

@@atlantico7053 When you say half mirror, what kind of mirror are you referring to?

[@atlantico7053]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear they told me that the StyleMirros is available on xtractive full and semi or half. Same price they told me , but dont know what that means. Thank you Daniel

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

@@atlantico7053 When they say semi or half, they must be referring to what we call a gradient mirror, which means mirror up top but fading to no mirror on the lower part of the lens. A full mirror is be a mirror that covers the whole lens. There could be a benefit to a gradient mirror to a pilot if it keeps colors from being altered down below where the instrument panel is. There could also be a benefit to a pilot since there will be fewer backside lens reflections on that lower part of the lens which could also interfere with the interior.

[@rajan4334]

>Can Transitions lenses possibly have a permanent like 10% brown tint, but still be Transition Xtractive brown (going fully brown outdoors, then permanently tinted indoors)?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Hello Rajan, They absolutely can. I have made several videos on custom tinting transitions lenses. Any color and any shade of darkness can be added. Here is the most recent video I made on tinting a Transitions XTRActive Grey lens lime green. We also added a silver mirror. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4rXaZhpoaZ3iLc

[@FragSyndrome]

I think you said that one would not put an AR coating over the front of a mirror coating. So, I was under the impression that multi-layer coatings such as Crizal sapphire or Crizal rock provide hydrophobic, oleophobic, AR, and most importantly, scratch resistance. Would you be able to put a Crizal coating on top of an XTRActive Mirror? I've read on Reddit that people recommend not getting a mirror coating on prescription sunglasses because it scratches off and ruins the glasses. I'm wondering if this is a limitation of choosing mirrors or whether these people just didn't pay for that multi-layered coating (like the Crizal coating for example). I'm considering getting a set of glasses with XTRActive Style Mirrors very soon and would love it if you could help me understand this.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Hello Gregory. As far as I know it is not possible to put a Crizal coating on top of a mirror. We do have an in-house premium AR coating that we can put on top of a mirror. I have only done it one time, and it made the mirror slightly less visible. I don't recommend it because it sort of defeats the purpose of why you want a mirror in the first place. It's also a roll of the dice on how it will affect the Mirror color and lens tint color when you apply it. As for wear and tear, Mirrors and AR coatings can both be scratched off. Good cleaning habits or bad cleaning habits are the best predictor of if you will scratch your coatings off or not. As I said in the video, when you make a Transitions Style Mirrors lens the AR coating is automattically on the backside of the lens where is it most effective for sharpening optical clarity. If you want the best optical clarity indoors and at night, then leave off the mirror and put a full AR coating on both front and back. If you want the cool look of the mirror and to block more light in bright sun then add the mirror.

[@FragSyndrome]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear Great info, thank you!

[@m.m4982]

Even if it chips off it wouldn't ruin your glasses 😅 you can just pop out the lenses and put new ones in

[@courtpaul9334]

What brand frame is that it looks great 👍

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Leisure Society. See the link below to see more. hicksbrunson.com/collections/leisure-society

[@bbk452]

2 years ago, I tried mirror coating on my lenses and unfortunately it was heavy experience with the reflexions from the light which was coming behind me. My eyes started to hurt every time after one hour of use. It was almost like a back mirror - I used to see what was happening behind me. Do you think that there is a difference in the technology or it is the same like two years ago?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Without personally examining your glasses I can't say for 100% confidence whether you will notice a difference with new lenses. It's possible your lenses did not have a backside anti-reflective coating, which would certainly make the reflections on the back more noticeable. But even with the backside anti-reflective coating you will sometimes see some reflections on the back of the lens, and this is because of the mirror on the front of the lens. In my experience it comes down to some individuals are bothered by these reflections and some are not. -Daniel Brunson

[@bbk452]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear thanks a lot for your work and presentations on KZbin. It is nice to see someone to explain facts and news for the items which are on our faces all day and help us to see!

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

@@bbk452 We're happy to help and to be a part of the conversation in the eyewear community.

[@MarkArellano]

Thanks for the very helpful video! Can frontside AR safely be added to Signature GEN 8 non-reflective lenses, such as the sapphire color? My online optometrist claims: "Frontside AR can affect the color of the Transitions, as well as affect the ability to transition. The coating blocks UV light, which is required to activate the lenses." Everything I've read on the Essilor or Transitions website says otherwise. What say you?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Hello Mark. Thanks for watching. We put anti-reflective coatings on virtually every Transitions lens that we make. They have no negative effect on the ability of the lens to darken. They do sharpen image clarity, which means you will see better. They will also add a layer of scratch resistance. The coating does prevent some UV light from reflecting off of the lens surface which is great for backside of the lens UV protection, but this in no way hinders the ability of the lens to darken. The lens absorbs the UV and it will darken as intended.

[@dwightlooi]

Since the early 1990s until 2015 (or thereabouts) I have ALWAYS worn prescriptions glasses with Transitions (if high index plastic) or PhotoGray (if glass) with Zeiss Gold ET or Carat Advantage Gold coatings. If the lab is any good they could actually put Gold ET in the front and Super ET in the back. Gold ET and Super ET became Carat Advantage Gold and Carat Advantage when they added the super hard coat and the hydrophobic/oleophobic top coats. Gold ET and CA Gold were my favorite coating because it has a very faint light olive drab residual rather than a true mirror residual, yet, in bright super it is like a flash gold mirror. The Original Gold ET actually being a bit better because the added top coats of CA Gold gave the residual a sight shift to red from olive drab. Unfortunately, Gold ET and CA Gold have been discontinued by Zeiss and the current Duravision Platinum line of coatings no longer have a flash mirror like offering. -- Essilor's Xtractive Gold Mirror is the closest approximation to Gold ET / CA Gold. I waited five years for it actually! The biggest downsides being that the transition film can only be had in brown if you want the gold mirror flash and it can only be had in 1.67 RI whereas I had the very last pair of CA Gold glasses from 2015 done in 1.74 RI double aspherical and drilled for Silhouette frame-less mounts.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Wow, you just took me down memory lane. I used to work with all of those Zeiss coatings back in the day. You are correct that the Transitions Style Mirrors lens material tops out at 1.67 Hi Index, so 1.74 is a no go. Poly is also available for lower prescription powers. Also, we can put Gold on Grey, but that would be a custom mirror and not an official Style Mirrors product.

[@dwightlooi]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear Ever tried putting an AR over the mirror side? My guess is that -- if it sticks -- it will not totally eliminate the flash mirror. Winder how it'll look... May be worth an experiment. If you can do it I'll pay to coat a lens this way just to satisfy that curiosity. No need to worry about doing a pair or cutting the lens, just strictly an experiment.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

@@dwightlooi I’ve never tried because even it worked it would sort of defeat the purpose of the mirror by cancelling it out. It’s already a flash mirror meaning low intensity so if you diluted it down it may just about disappear. That’s assuming it’s even possible, which I believe it is not.

[@dwightlooi]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear Well, my quest is re-discovering Gold ET and it is kinda like an olive drab AR indoors and a weak Gold flash mirror under bright sun. You don;t see the mirror straight on, you only see it reflections of bright objects at the reflection angle. The Xtractive Gold Mirror is "OK" but I think it can be less mirror like indoors. -- Gold ET and Carat Advantage Gold weren't without their downsides either. Adherence on plastic was so-so. The hydrophobic/oleophobic top coat is gone in a couple of months and the AR itself may get some wear through specks after 4~5 years. They were great on 1.9 RI Glass though, but everything is great on glass and at -4.00 ~ -5.00 you'll need to go to a outside the USA in order to get it and give the FDA ball test the middle finger. You CAN actually drill them, but it's even harder to find a lab willing drill hi-index glass prior to tempering. I only found one lab in Taiwan with a hand drill press that will do it, but they their website is in chinese and they only do it when I pay in advance and absorb any redo if they break the lens -- they never do though. And, of course, you can't get transitions or PhotoGray in 1.8 or 1.9 RI Glass.

[@ThePrototype1978]

Wow those mirrors et are something else...I used to be an a/r technician and I remember doing those crazy colors on the lenses with the Zeiss machines....burning the magnesium chrome and other chemicals was fun...I miss doing that

[@shellyallison4266]

Thanks for a great explanation. I have just started with mirrored transition lenses. I have always had regular lenses with A/R before and I really noticed the difference of the reflections with the mirrored. It’s understandable why you couldn’t have both.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@shanendotmov]

I love your glasses where can I buy those frames?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Thank you! The Coronado is one of my favorite frames. You can view the available colors at the link below. Please call our team if you would like to purchase it. Our number is [phone]. -Daniel Brunson hicks-brunson-eyewear.myshopify.com/collections/leisure-society/products/leisure-society-coronado?variant=39378460442801

[@shanendotmov]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear Amazing! Thanks so much!

[@nguyenquoctrungo9759]

I just got myself transition lenses mirror style. Is this normal to see myself reflected on the inner lenses, I doubt that the lab didn't coat AR properly

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

There should always be an anti-reflective coating on the backside, but even still that frontside mirror will cause all kinds of reflections some of which you might notice while wearing the glasses. You might see yourself reflected off the back. This same effect can be observed on mirror coated sunglasses depending on how much light is coming in from behind and beside you. The backside anti-reflective coating is there to reduce the reflections, but they can't be eradicated completely.

[@dredknot636]

Same issue on my pair of green mirrkrs. Good to know it's a common issue. Indoors makes the lense look like I'm looking through a window, I can see my eye reflected back at me. Outside it's not an issue.

[@varriovlogs]

can transitions style mirror be tinted? for cosmetics

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Yes, but this must be done before the mirror is added.

[@bjcruz]

Is it possible to add a mirror coating on the Transitions Gen8?

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Yes, it is possible to do that!

[@bjcruz]

@@HicksBrunsonEyewear awesome! I always love customizing my glasses by adding tints. Thank you!

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

@@bjcruz Happy to help!

[@scottrepella1118]

It does not tell you which you is better, style mirrors or other anti reflective coating. Thats what I am trying to determine, do I go with style mirrors, or the actual anti reflective coating.

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Hi Scott! What is better for you depends on your needs. Go with Style Mirrors if you want to add a cool style element to your glasses and block a little more light in the sun. Go with full anti-reflective coating if you want the best optical clarity.

[@Blueyopo]

Can we add anti glare on permanent amber tint glasses both front and back

[@HicksBrunsonEyewear]

Yes. Anti-reflective can be added to tinted lenses on the front and back. This must be done when the lenses are being made and tinted.