PINELLAS PARK, Fla.--Transitions V Lenses with ESP (Enhanced Scientific Performance), the latest advancement in photochromic technology for premium materials from Transitions Optical, have received the American Optometric Association”s (AOA) Seal of Acceptance for Ultraviolet Absorbers/Blockers.

“Transitions has always been committed to making everyday UV protection a priority in our product development process, and this was certainly the case with Transitions V Lenses,” said Grady Lenski, commercial strategy and operations director, Transitions Optical. “We’re proud that our latest technology continues to earn the external validation of the AOA Seal and fulfill that promise of quality and protection.”

The AOA”s Commission on Ophthalmic Standards specified the minimum requirements and test procedures for acceptance of products for the AOA Seal of Acceptance for Ultraviolet Absorbers/Blockers. They include that product samples must be tested in an independent analysis and must block at least 99 percent of UVA and UVB, and must block at least 80 percent of radiant energy between 380 and 400 nm. Each product unit in the tested sample must meet the parameter tolerances in order to be considered to meet the standard, and all of the units tested must meet the guidelines in order to qualify for acceptance.

Transitions Lenses were the first lenses to earn the AOA Seal when this category was launched in March of 2004. Since then, Transitions has supported the AOA Seal through its consumer outreach, featuring the Seal in Transitions” advertising in an effort to elevate public awareness of the need for everyday UV protection.

Transitions V lenses are available in 12 semi-finished single vision and 27 progressive lens designs in eitherpolycarbonate, Trivex, or higher-index (1.60, 1.67) materials. Specially engineered for higher index materials, Transitions V Lenses are faster to activate and deactivate, and darker outdoors than previous technology Ð and are still virtually as clear as a regular, clear lens indoors, according to Transitions. Transitions V Lenses combine Transitions” new patented ESP photochromic dye system with its exclusive surface technologies, including the Trans-Bonding process. The lenses are easier to process and feature improved compatibility with today”s increasingly sophisticated coating systems.