Photochromic Lenses "Transitions® ColorTouch™" That Can Be Enjoyed as Color Lenses Even Indoors Will Be Released on Wednesday, April 1st

Nikon-Essilor Co., Ltd. will launch the next-generation photochromic lens "Transitions® ColorTouch™" at optical specialty stores nationwide from Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (Handling period may vary by store.)

ColorTouch™ is a photochromic lens that allows you to enjoy color lenses even indoors, in addition to the conventional photochromic function where lens color changes in response to UV rays and visible light. Outdoors, they develop vibrant colors like sunglasses, and indoors, they change to a pale hue. This proposes a new style that allows you to enjoy photochromic lenses as fashion while maintaining a comfortable field of vision throughout the day.

Pioneer of Photochromic Lenses, "Transitions®"
Photochromic lenses are functional lenses that change color in response to UV rays and visible light.

As an item that serves as both eyeglasses and sunglasses with one pair, providing a comfortable field of vision in a wide range of scenes from daily life to outdoors, demand in Japan is also significantly expanding.

"Transitions®" has continuously innovated as a pioneer in photochromic lenses since launching the world's first plastic photochromic lens in 1991, providing new value to the market.

In 2024, "Transitions® GEN S™" was released. Compared to conventional models, the color development speed has been improved by approximately 30%* and the fading speed has been further improved. It has evolved into a more user-friendly photochromic lens for daily use, returning to a state close to clear lenses within approximately 2 minutes*.

And now, "Transitions® ColorTouch™" is newly introduced.

※Performance values under conditions where gray polycarbonate and CR-39 lenses achieve a transmittance of 18% in an environment at 23°C.

※Performance values under conditions where gray polycarbonate and CR-39 lenses with high-performance anti-reflective coating fade to a transmittance of 70% in an environment at 23°C.

Features of Transitions® ColorTouch™

◼︎ Smooth and Comfortable Color Change

It develops and fades color smoothly according to light, to the point where the reaction time is unnoticeable.

It can be used comfortably even in daily life with frequent movement between indoors and outdoors.

◼︎ High Protection Performance

Blocks UVA and UVB by over 99% and cuts blue light indoors and outdoors.

Protects your eyes from various everyday lights.

◼︎ 5 Selectable Color Variations

Two types, Gradient and Wash, are available, with a total of 5 colors: Ruby, Amber, Sapphire, Amethyst, and Emerald. They are easy to match with any frame and create styles according to mood and occasion. A wide range of expressions is possible, from a subtle and elegant impression to an accent-style.

・Photochromic lenses are lenses that develop color when exposed to UV rays. The intensity of the color development depends on the strength of UV rays and temperature. Generally, the lower the temperature, the darker they become, and the higher the temperature, the lighter they become.

・Photochromic lenses promote color development when exposed to strong UV rays, but color development is suppressed at higher temperatures. Even with strong UV rays, the coloring tends to be lighter in hot summer temperatures.

・ColorTouch may not be suitable for low-light environments. It is not suitable for driving or use on roads during twilight, at night, or in dimly lit places. Do not use.

・To avoid causing cracks in the lens coating, avoid using or storing them near heat sources of 60°C or higher (such as inside a car in direct sunlight, on sandy beaches, or wooden decks) and avoid extreme temperature changes.

Transitions® Brand

Transitions®, a brand under the EssilorLuxottica Group, has been a leader in photochromic technology for over 30 years. It holds over 1,400 patents (including applications) and is recommended by eye care professionals worldwide. Currently, over 60 million people use it, offering lenses that naturally adapt to light environments from indoors to outdoors.