Tinting Transition

[John R]

We are starting to get a few people moaning about the fact that Next Gen transitions are just too clear at lightest state..(Cant win can you) They are wanting to have them tinted,
Now just how will tinting affect the transition properties of the lenses.

[Jim Schafer]

Hi John,
Tinting will not affect darkening.
Treat Transitions Lenses as you would any clear lens.
You just need to take care in paying attention to the lens materials.
Transitions is available in standard 1.50, the mid index Spectralite Velocity, Ormex, X-Cel 1.55 and Youngerlite, Polycarbonates are from from a variety of manufacturers. There are also Phoenix and Trilogy Trivex Transitions products and Seiko 1.67 Hi Index Transitions As you know all tint differently. Again it is important to take all the precautions of monitoring the system for that particular lens material. Some materials soak up dyes very fast and others are nearly impervious.
It would not hurt to consult with tint suppliers on any tips that they can offer.
regards,
Jim

[John R]

Thanks Jim, once again your forum proves its worth.

[Va.LDO]

I was told by my lab that if I tint transition lenses that I lose my scratch coat warranty. They said this is transitions policy, that if you tint their lenses it voids any warranty. Is this true???

[Jim Schafer]

Hello Va.LDO,
First of all, Transitions Lenses are warranted by the Lens Manufacturer to the Labs who purchase them.

For years we discouraged tinting of the product, mainly because tints and durability of tints after process and what the final color may look like after the lens is tinted is something we cannot control.

Today we do not encourage or discourage a lab or practice in applying a cosmetic tint.

When you tint a photochromic lens, what will that tint color do to color recognition when the lens is fully activated or in stages of fade at different temperatures??? How will it look cosmeticly in 6 months to 18 months? You have to always ask yourself that question...should their be a duty to warn with any tint on any lens??? Who knows, the industry does it on lens materials.
We at Transitions/PPG R&D do a lot of work to make sure our products pass ISO and ANSI regulations on color and color recognition, driving standards etc.

Another objection I had to tinting Transitions Lenses (and should be considered with all non tintable hardcoated lenses) is that the front surface hardcoat is a nontintable thermal cured polysiloxane. Only the back surface of the lens will tint. If the person tinting is not keeping the bath fresh and is not maintaining proper tint temps for the dyes they are using, micro cracking can start in the factory hardcoats. It may not show up for months but it is there.
BTW, our stock lens is hardcoated on both sides and cannot be tinted.

When a lab or practice tints the lens, it is now their warranty, not the lens manufacturers that covers that product. It is the same for any after market add on. The manufacturer or lab can work with vendors and validate products with them but now it would be the vendor assuring the Lab or practice that the lens will stand up for a certain time period if the lab or practice followed the proper process disciplines that validated the products.

I probably lost any favor with the tint fans out there by my explanation but I do know many lenses are tinted successfully every day and again, it all comes down to vendor expertise and workmanship.

I hope this helps.
regards,
Jim