Transitions style colours range
Today, sunglasses are a fashion staple and a source of protection for our eyes. Most people can’t leave the house without their favourite pair! Over the years, sunglasses continue to evolve in different shapes, sizes, colours and expressions. Let’s take a brief look at the journey of sunglasses and how they’ve changed throughout the eras…
“From emerald to sapphire, these light-adaptive lenses combine fashion with function — giving you style in every shade of light.”
A long, long time ago, in ancient times far away...
Sunglasses were used as far back as the time of Inuits, ancient China and Rome. The Inuits used flattened walrus ivory with slits to block the rays of the sun, perfect for the glare from their snowy environment.
In China, sunglasses were made out of lenses with flat panes of smoky quartz. Ancient documents describe the Chinese judges using these glasses to hide their facial expressions… talk about protection and discretion!
Even the Roman emperor Nero found use for sunglasses… Legends say he used them to watch gladiator fights through polished, emerald gems. It seems even in ancient times, people knew sunglasses were trendy!
In the mid-1700s, James Ayscough began experimenting with tinted lenses. He believed that green tinted glass was the best colour to potentially correct vision impairments. This became the start of technology’s impact on sunglasses and how we can use them for protection.
“The Transitions Style Colours range lets you protect your eyes from UV rays while expressing your personality in bold new hues.”
Power in the shades
It wasn’t until the 20th century that sunglasses as we know them became groundbreaking fashion statements and protection for our eyes.
In the 1930s, glare-reducing polarised lenses were invented. The Ray-Ban Aviators were also released to the public for the first time, with their iconic metal frames. Today, consumers still love rocking the military look!
We have celebrities to thank for giving us stylish sunglasses. Celebrities like Marilyn Monroe flaunted her iconic cat-eye frames, which still have a huge following today. Annie Hall popularised faded lenses in the ‘70s, giving wearers reasons to wear them indoors, particularly in nightclubs.
Innovation in the lens
Today, companies are coming up with innovative ideas to evolve sunglasses as we know them. Transitions has recently announced their new Style Colours range, following the rejuvenation of tinted lenses. Younger and more style-driven wearers are obsessed with the new colourful and stylish lenses that sunglasses offer.
Not only can modern wearers experience the same emerald green tint from the mid-1700s, Transitions also includes amber, amethyst and sapphire for more stylish options.
And thanks to modern technology, Transitions’ lenses feature exclusive Chromea7 technology, and transitions are extra fast and smooth between outdoor light and clear indoors.
As history has shown, consumers love sunglasses to express their style, and give their eyes UV protection and the comfort of anti-glare. Transition lenses help us transition between outdoor and indoor light smoothly, and now, colours give us that extra edge.
So, the next time you wear your favourite sunglasses, imagine how emperor Nero would have felt behind his emerald gems. Flaunt your style with power and attitude.
Meet the Author
Ian Donald
Optometrist
Ian Donald had a vision.
He was going to become a dentist. It seemed like a good plan, until his careers adviser gave him a brochure on optometry. It opened up a whole new world. The eye intrigued him. It fascinated him. Optometry captivated him. And so his whole focus changed.
Ian went on to do work experience in the very office he owns today. While studying Optometry at the prestigious UNSW, he spent hours working in that same office, doing all the things no one else wanted to do. Filing. Filing. Filing.
Learning, learning, learning. It’s part of who he is.
Even today he is constantly training and retraining, studying and staying up to date with the latest technology in eye health.
So what else energises Ian?
‘Riding my bike, being part of the community, and helping people see. It gives me the best feeling possible. We take it for granted, because we do it all day, every day. It’s such a gift to be able to give people peace of mind.’ Read More
FAQs
What is the Transitions Style Colours range?
The Transitions Style Colours range features light-adaptive lenses in stylish hues like emerald, amber, amethyst, and sapphire, blending fashion with vision protection.
How do these colour transitions work compared to regular photochromic lenses?
Transitions Style Colours lenses use advanced technology to smoothly adjust between indoor and outdoor light conditions while maintaining a fashionable tint
Are these style colours purely aesthetic, or do they also offer UV protection?
The Style Colours lenses provide not only bold style options but also full UV protection and anti-glare functionality.
Do the style colour lenses affect how colours appear through the glass?
Because of their tinted hues, Transitions Style Colours lenses may slightly shift colour perception outdoors, but they are designed to maintain balanced and comfortable vision.
Can I use these coloured Transitions lenses in all frames, and how do I choose which colour suits me?
Yes — Transitions Style Colours can be fitted into a wide variety of frames, and choosing the right tint depends on your skin tone, frame style, and desired look.
View BrandsHave questions?
Chat with our team today
Shop 2, 37-39 The Corso,
Manly NSW 2095
Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 5.30pm
Saturday - 8.30am to 4.00pm
Ian Donald Optometrist is a private billing practice. Please contact reception for our consultation fee schedule. Medicare and private health insurance rebates apply.
BOOK an EYE TEST© Copyright Ian Donald Optometrist 2025. All Rights Reserved. Website by Brilliant Digital.