By Troy Patterson

As we go further into 2017, lens manufacturers are focusing on creating lenses that combine innovation with patient needs.

The result is a variety of lens products across the market that address the need to protect from blue light from both indoor and outdoor sources and ultraviolet radiation, while still delivering comfort, vision, clarity and utility.

And along the way, they find a way to make the lens adapt to suit the needs and styles of the wearer.

NIKON SEEMAX

NIKON SEEMAX

To commemorate Nikon’s 100-year anniversary, the company has launched SeeMax Emblematic.

“The most advanced progressive lens available today,” Nikon says the lens is the result of 100-years of consistent investment in research and development.

“SeeMax Emblematic is engineered using Cyclone Technology, Nikon’s cybernetic methodology, which encompasses all three generation Aberration Filters and Viewfit Technology,” Nikon says. “Each lens is crafted to deliver the most outstanding optical performance and reduces visual stress to the lowest possible level.”

SeeMax Emblematic guarantees the most precise vision and immediate and lasting comfort in any conditions.

> www.nikonlenswear.ca

UV420

PLASTIC PLUS UV 420

The Plastic Plus UV 420 lens blocks 400-420nm of high-energy visible light in addition to UVA and UVB rays.

In UV 420 lenses, the photochromic dye is dispersed in the lens material blocking light by absorbing it.

“We are excited to introduce this new technology,” says Paul Faibish, president of Plastic Plus Ltd. “We can now offer patients far better protection in the 400 to 420 range. This is where most of the damage occurs.”

Fabish says the design of their lens having the protection in the monomer, as opposed to a coating which simply reflects blue light, absorbs the blue light.

“Additionally there is no unflattering residual colour which means we can offer substantially better protection in a more aesthetically pleasing lens,” he says.

The shorter wavelength light of 400-420 nm, is more harmful for younger individuals under 20 years old, who play and enjoy outside under sunlight, because their eye lenses are very transparent. Individuals who spend a lot of time in front of digital devices can also benefit from UV and HEV Light protection. Blocking UV and high-energy visible light is critical for protecting eyes against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a medical condition where the macula in the retina degenerates due to aging.

UV 420 is available in Poly 1.60, 1.67 lens materials and in clear single-vision and all freeform progressives.

> www.plasticplus.ca

Transitions

TRANSITIONS

Transitions continues to focus on protecting consumers’ eyes from sources of damaging light.

“Different lens tints have different advantages,” says Patience Cook, Transitions’ director of North America marketing. “Grey lenses are a neutral colour that provide the most natural vision, while brown lenses allow for the most contrast and enhanced colours. Graphite green affords natural vision and enhanced contrast.”

Pairing different lens colours with stylish frames creates a unique, personal look for patients, Cook says.

Transitions Signature VII lenses are ideal for patients who live an “always on-the-go” lifestyle. These patients spend more time moving between indoors and outdoors; primarily work indoors, perhaps with a job that requires frequent client or customer interaction; and spend less than an hour per day in the car. They seek the latest style trends and enjoy outdoor comfort, but value full clarity indoors. Transitions Signature lenses, the most responsive adaptive lenses, are available in grey, brown and graphite green. They block at least 20 per cent of harmful blue light indoors, which is up to two times more than standard clear lenses, as well as 85 per cent of harmful blue light outdoors.

Transitions XTRActive lenses are great for patients that desire extra protection outdoors, indoors and even in the car. The lenses darken behind the windshield of a car to protect the eyes while driving and come in grey, brown and graphite green. Transitions XTRActive lenses help provide more protection against harmful blue light everywhere by blocking at least 34 per cent of the harmful blue light indoors and 88% to 95% of harmful blue light outdoors.

Transitions Vantage lenses are perfect for patients who enjoy outdoor sports and activities on or around the water. They are available in grey and polarize as they darken, giving patients noticeably crisper, sharper vision outdoors. Transitions Vantage lenses reduce exposure to harmful blue light, blocking at least 34 per cent indoors and over 85 per cent outdoors.

> www.transitions.com

HOYA ID Freeform

HOYA

Building the bridge between technology and experience – HOYA’s iD Free-Form technology is designed specifically for the way people use their eyes.

iD Space is the ideal lens for individuals performing activities where their focus is beyond a computer screen. This design allows for sharp far vision while still providing crystal clear vision at a close range.

iD Screen is the best choice for individuals with professions which require maximum clarity at an intermediate distance like those working in stores and offices. This design is ideal for anyone working on a computer.

iD Zoom is perfect for individuals with hobbies that require high levels of concentration and sharp vision at a close range.

Our iD technology integrates both sides of the lens, from power distribution to surfacing, providing maximum visual comfort while at work or on the move.

> www.hoyavision.com

KODAK Unique HD

KODAK HD

Kodak Unique HD progressive lenses are created to more highly customize the lens to the individual patient’s viewing needs.

A full backside design using position-of-wear measurements, the design features variable corridor lengths customized for frame size and shape and compensates for prescribed prism.

Consumers will notice greater colour contrast and reduced distortion for smooth, more natural viewing.

The lenses are also thinner, making for more cosmetically appealing eyeglasses.

Known for offering superior image quality and less nighttime glare, free-form lenses are highly customized lenses that are created using computer-aided design and surfacing processes.

> www.centennialoptical.com