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Spring Glare & Transitions® Lenses – Clinical Insights from Sydney’s CBD
By Laura Reale, Principal Optometrist
Spring in Sydney is spectacular—but for many patients it’s also the season of harsh glare and photophobia. Many describe themselves as “very light sensitive,” or say things like “I’ve always been light sensitive” or “my partner says I’m always squinting.”
As the sun climbs higher, UV levels rise and the angle of light changes across the day, making glare more intrusive than in winter. For optometrists, this is when we see an uptick in patients reporting squinting, headaches and visual discomfort, even among those with otherwise healthy eyes.
Light-sensitive? Many patients tell us “I’ve always been light sensitive,” or that friends and family notice they’re “always squinting.” If glare is a daily struggle, a full eye exam can reveal subtle focusing issues, and Transitions® lenses can provide dynamic protection in Sydney’s intense spring light.
Two Ways to Beat Spring Glare
Spring glare is at its worst now. Here’s how to protect your eyes:
Why Choose Transitions® Lenses
Photochromic Transitions® lenses provide 100% UVA & UVB protection while adjusting their tint in response to ambient light. They remain clear indoors, darken outdoors and filter blue-violet light (400–455nm), giving wearers the exact level of glare control they need at any moment. This makes them ideal for Australian conditions where a single day can bring bright sun, shade and reflection from water or pavements.
- 6 colours (GEN S™ only) + virtual try-on — Transitions® GEN S™ is available in six stylish colours and our Colour Match Tool lets you experience every shade in your chosen frame, in real time.
- Transitions® GEN S™ — fully clear indoors, fast-reacting outdoors; available in six colours.
- XTRActive® New Generation — designed for stronger sunlight; available in grey only.
- XTRActive® Polarized™ — for extreme glare near water or glass façades; available in grey only.
Think of it as sunscreen for the eyes — protection that activates automatically, without the need to swap spectacles.
Scan this QR code (desktop users) or use the button below (mobile):
Launch the Virtual Colour Match Tool
Why the Colour Match Tool is so useful
- See before you buy — preview each GEN S™ colour on your chosen frame.
- True-to-life comparisons — quickly switch colours and see how each complements skin tone, hair and wardrobe.
- Confidence & speed — understand how the lens changes with light so choosing a colour feels effortless.
- Fun & interactive — try it on your phone in-store or at home and share options with friends/family.
Book an Eye Exam with Laura
Even a subtle prescription can make glare worse. During a full eye exam, we sometimes uncover a small focusing issue or mild blurry vision. Even a slight imbalance in the eye’s focusing system can amplify discomfort. Laura’s team will recommend the best optical or contact lens solution to reduce glare and protect long-term eye health.
Love Them or Exchange Them Offer
Purchase Transitions® lenses from Lifestyle Optical in your prescription and if you don’t experience a reduction in glare, we will happily exchange them to regular clear lenses.
Offer conditions: Valid for 30 days from purchase. One-time exchange to clear lenses of the same prescription (frame must be in original condition). See in-store for full details.
Find Us
Lifestyle Optical
Westfield Sydney, 188 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
View on Google Maps · +61 02 9283 0900
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Established
in 2000 -
Warranty on Frames
& Lenses -
Australian Owned
& Operated -
Wide-ranging
Selection
