Essilor ANZ is launching what it describes as “the most advanced progressive lens in the market” with a series of roadshows around Australia and New Zealand this month. Additionally, the company is launching its new Crizal Sapphire UV coating, claiming it to be “the first anti-reflection coating designed to reduce reflections from all angles on the front and back of the lens caused by natural and artificial light”.
Varilux X Series
The Varilux X Series is the latest addition to the Varilux range, with 15 patents pending, including proprietary technology to re-shape a specific zone in the lens to overcome a typical frustration of many progressive lens wearers – the need to adjust their head to find the ‘sweet spot’ on the lens to see clearly.
In today’s world, much of our time is spent multi-tasking within the area of “arm’s length”, 40cm to 70cm. Activities range from reading smartphones, looking at computers, reading documents and talking with people. Patients need their vision to adjust seamlessly between each of these tasks without adjusting the head to find the right zone on the lens.
By incorporating ‘Xtend technology’, Essilor claims it is able to control the level of acuity on the lens, resulting in the ability of the wearer to focus on multiple objects within arm’s reach in the same direction of gaze. This provides sharp vision for the patient with no or minimal head movement.
To increase the effectiveness of the anti-reflection stack, a new process simultaneously calculates both surfaces, front and back
Nearly 3,000 presbyopes around the world participated in the development of the Varilux X series through focus group interviews, video selfies and new methodologies for real-life wearer testing.
“With the launch of the Varilux X series lenses, we have taken a big step to meet the needs of today’s consumers. This new range of progressive lenses offers excellent visual acuity regardless of activity or distance,” said Sebastien Fricker, Head of Lens Design at Essilor Center of Innovation & Technology Europe.
“Varilux X series progressive lenses were developed to meet the needs of all presbyopes including a new group, Generation X, who are very active in their personal and professional lives and who are avid users of digital technology devices,” said Tim Thurn, Director of Professional Services, Essilor ANZ.
“Thanks to the design innovation of Xtend technology, Varilux X series lenses meet the need to see clearly at multiple distances on the same axis of vision, especially ‘within arm’s reach’.”
Research by Essilor in France found that 95 per cent of Varilux X series wearers were satisfied with their lenses when performing multiple tasks within arm’s reach, and over 97 per cent of the wearers said they no longer had to move their head to see clearly.
Crizal Sapphire UV Coating
According to Essilor, its new Crizal Sapphire UV is the first anti-reflection coating designed to reduce reflections from all angles on the front and back of the lens caused by natural and artificial light.
The company claims its research shows that light reflection on a person’s glasses impacts their habits in ways they may not even realise. They may move their head, or change their posture to escape irritating flashes that block their view.
Essilor states that, “the 360 degree Multi-Angular technology featured in Crizal Sapphire UV makes it the world’s clearest multi-coat lens and almost invisible on the wearer”.
“To increase the effectiveness of the anti-reflection stack, a new process simultaneously calculates both surfaces, front and back,” said Tim Thurn.
“A new nano-layer has been added and the thickness of the stack has been optimised.”
Crizal Sapphire UV coating also provides increased protection against back surface UV and is endorsed by Cancer Council Australia.
“Combined with a hi-index material, Crizal Sapphire UV’s E-SPF 35 UV protection helps prevent premature aging of the soft skin around the eyes and other UV related eye conditions, while retaining all of the usual Crizal features protecting against scratches, dust, smudges, water and reflections,” said Mr. Longerna.
“The research and development team patented 10 new technologies and Crizal Sapphire UV lenses reduce reflections by up to 30 per cent more than the next best anti-reflection lens.”
