Lenses and coatings innovations

Fast photochromic

Transitions Optical launched the Transitions Gen S photochromic lens in the UK in April. The lens is described as “ultra-responsive” to light, reaching category three levels of darkness in 25 seconds and fading back in less than two minutes.

The lens provides 39% faster vision recovery from intense bright lights compared to clear lenses, Transitions shared. The lens also offers UVA and UVB protection.

The lens is available in eight colours including the new Transitions Gen S Ruby.

 

Coating technologies

Nikon Lenswear UK launched new innovations in its portfolio of light management lens coatings.

SeeCoat Next Reveal brings together Light Purification technology for all-in-one protection, Nikon shared, along with Contrast Boost technology to enhance finer details and colour perception.

The company shared: “This is the ideal solution for those who experience difficulty spotting details and colours in low light conditions, whilst also offering all-day UV protection and blue-light filtration.”

SeeCoat Next Drive features a Glare Reduction filter to reduce the blinding effect of glare caused by oncoming headlights, streetlights, and other light sources in dim or dark conditions, while SeeCoat Next Blue filters blue light emitted from indoor lighting and digital devices.

The line of lens coatings has been supported with a consumer campaign, as well as an education and retail programme. 

Light adaptation

Independent ophthalmic laboratory and manufacturer, Caledonian Optical, has showcased the Neochromes lenses which adapt to changing light conditions for “optimal eye protection, reduced glare, and minimised eye fatigue.”

The lenses darken within seconds and fade back within minutes at standard room temperature. The lenses also protect against harmful UV rays.

Available in brown and grey, the photochromic lenses are recommended by Caledonian Optical as “ideal for individuals experiencing light sensitivity symptoms,” and for wearers who “lead dynamic lifestyles.” 

Myopia management in the sun

Essilor has launched its Stellest lenses with sun tints, and also expanded the prescription range for its clear spectacle lens for myopia management.

The Essilor Stellest lenses with sun tints will enable children and teenagers to continue wearing the spectacle lenses outdoors. Results from the Essilor Stellest lens two-year clinical trial showed greater efficacy when the lenses are worn more than 12 hours a day.

The lenses will be available in a range of colours to provide greater choice, while the lenses will also feature Crizal Sun XProtect coating.

Commenting on the importance of children with myopia spending time outside, Alan Pitcher, commercial director for wholesale lenses at EssilorLuxottica, said: “With this new option, we hope that children will continue to wear their Essilor Stellest lenses outdoors, as it is necessary to safeguard their developing eyes, and help protect their vision for the future.”

The manufacturer will also launch the Essilor Stellest lenses extended range, aiming to provide its clear spectacle lenses to patients with myopic spherical equivalent refractive error.

The extended range covers SPH +2.00, -12.00, CYL 0.00, -4.00 depending on sphere, and SER ≤0 for sphere 0.00, +2.00.

Visual comfort

Rodenstock has introduced ColorMatic X, its fastest and clearest photochromic lens, featuring ColorMatic Compound Technology.

The lens, which offers UV protection, fades between darkened and clear states 54% faster than the previous generation of the Rodenstock lens, and darken by up to 88% outdoors.

The manufacturer has sought to make the lenses as clear as possible for wearer comfort indoors, achieving up to 95% clarity based on internal data.

“Whether on the commute, working at the office or shopping in the streets, ColorMatic X ensures visual comfort, convenience, protection and thus customer satisfaction,” the company said.