Eye Care Information

re: Costco lenses - "Transitions Signature Photochromic"

I have a question for those knowledgeable / experienced with Costco Lenses:

QUESTION: Can all these features be included-together for prescription-glasses(-3.00)?
--- Kirkland Signature HD Progressive
--- Anti-reflective treatment
--- High Index 1.67
--- Transitions Signature Photochromic Lenses
--- Blue Anti-Reflective Treatment

I went to Costco for their Kirkland Signature HD Progressive High Index 1.67 lenses which includes anti-reflective treatment & superior scratch resistance.

The optical-clerk convinced me to add-on Transitions-Lens and Blue A-R treatment.

If you placed an order for it, I am pretty sure they can do it. I would think they couldn't complete the order if it weren't available. When you get your glasses, please share your impressions.

as requested >>> f/u to my O.P. :
_ my review / report of Costco HD Progressive Lenses :

A] reply from CS @ Transisitons.com : "The Transitions is a coating added on lenses different lab manufacturers send us. Yes it is available on many different types of indexes including 1.67. It can also have added protection with other coatings."

B] I discussed my concerns with the Optical manager at the Costco nearest to their HQ in WA. She confirmed that all the coatings ordered for my lenses can be applied without any issue or concerns.

_ I have worn them for one day and I do really like them.

C] In full, direct sun these Transitions Signature w/Chromea7 lenses don't get as dark as I would have preferred and take longer than expected to darken. As expected, they do NOT darken while driving in car. The do appear clear indoors.

D] The Blue-Blocker coating does seem to work as advertised. My PC monitor and HD-TV both look crisper & clearer to me and the slight blue-color-shift is only noticeable when you raise your glasses. Be aware, that in average to bright lighting, a significant violet reflection is noticeable on the front of lenses. So, the clear-lens effect from the A/R coating is lost.

E] The local-Costco optician could not demonstrate or show me that the lenses were actually "HD" ; that may just be marketing hype.

F] Although, I can report that I was impressed and startled by the vision clarity during the initial try-on and fitting.
I can see better than I have in many years; even with early M.D. eye-disease. kudos also to my Optometrist Dr. Prati.

G] The Optical manager was very diligent, knowledgeable, caring and professional ensuring the fit was optimal for my new eyeglasses.

So, I do recommend.

fwiw : $199.99 Price paid (+ frame )
__ $160.00 - base price for High-Index 1.67 --- +$ 39.99 - Transitions Photochromic add-on

--- Kirkland Signature HD Progressive
--- Anti-reflective treatment
--- High Index 1.67
--- Transitions Signature Photochromic Lenses
--- Blue Anti-Reflective Treatment

Thank you so much for the great review. I had a pair of photochromic (darkening when exposed to sunlight such as Transitions brand) lenses years ago that I got from Zenni. I noticed that they get darker in cold weather and not as dark in hot weather. I'm guessing you will find the same as that is typical of all photochromic lenses.

I was informed that Transitions Photochromic coatings react to UV light, not visible light.
Regular glass blocks most UV-b radiation.
Car windshields are laminated and supposedly block UVa and UVb
That is the reason the lenses don't react in automobiles.
or inside a bright retail WAREHOUSE illuminated by daylight-fluorescent lamps.
.

That is correct. If you want glasses that darken inside the car on bright days, there is an option called Drivewear. When I looked into them a few years ago, they didn't turn fully clear when indoors, which was a deal breaker for me.

at Transitions .com they specify

- "TRANSITIONS® DRIVEWEAR®" SUN LENSES (e.g lenses for sunglasses?)
- {green/yellow, Olive Green to Copper to dark red-Brown}

and they also market an eyeglass lens called
"Transitions® XTRActive® Lenses" (apparently not available from Costco ?)
reportedly has these features:

- BEHIND THE WHEEL ACTIVATION - YES
- OUTDOOR DARKNESS - DARKEST {even in high temperatures}
- LENS COLOR OPTIONS {Graphite Green, Gray or Brown}

btw : interesting comparison-chart
https://www.transitions.com/en-us/why-transitions/comparison-chart/

I purchased a pair of Costco glasses with photochromatic Transitions lenses in August 2017. I usually use them only approximately 1 day per week since they serve as a backup pair. After 2 years, the coating seems to be de-laminating from the lenses. When I brought them back to my local store where purchased, I was told "it seems to be caused by heat (sitting in my temperature controlled house?) and there's nothing we can do. If you want, you can buy replacement lenses."

Not a good answer! Since, I have spoken with other friends who have had similar experiences with Costco lenses. All have since gone to other local eyeglass stores and have had no further problems.

No more Costco Optical!