Technology is a driving force behind eyewear this fall.
Whether it is found in the lenses or the frames, companies are looking for new and innovative ways to improve their eyewear.
One of the most highly anticipated releases this year is the New Transitions Signature VII lenses with Chromea7.
These lenses replace Transitions VI as the ‘optimal lens’ for indoor clarity and outdoor response.
New Transitions Signature VII feature an exclusive dye formulation that allows the lenses to be more responsive in more lighting conditions across all temperatures, making them more reactive to indirect sunlight for a darker lense on hot days.
“We are excited to introduce the industry to new Transitions Signature VII lenses,” said Matt Dorling, director, National Retail and Canada.
“Through our research, Transitions Signature VII lenses were preferred two to one over Transitions VI lenses because of our new Chromea7 technology, which allows the lenses to be more responsive to UV in more situations.”
Transitions has become world leaders in photochromic technology with a strong commitment to offering wearers a unique lens experience.
The Transitions Signature VII takes this commitment to the next level with protection that exceeds that of regular clear lenses.
“Eight out of 10 clear lens wearers rated their experience with Transitions Signature VII as superior to their regular clear lenses,” noted Dorling, adding this presents an opportunity for ECPs to convert clear lens wearers to Transition products.
Light As Cotton
ZEAL Optics has long been known for their innovative sportswear designs made from sustainable materials. This fall ZEAL launched the next step in lens and frame technology: ACE sunglasses with frames made from biodegradable cotton and lenses featuring castor technology. The piece is a unique blend of ecological philosophy and wearability.
“We wanted to bring this to the market more than two years ago,” said company president John Sanchez. “This is very complicated to work with, with special machinery and tooling required.”
To bring this new piece of sustainable eyewear to the market, the company partnered with the Italian-based Mazzucchelli family who have more than 160 years of eyewear expertise.
The partnership has allowed the companies to pair Zeal’s plant-based e-llume lenses with frames that are equally ecologically friendly.
“ZEAL Optics has seen our ecological philosophy come to life in a revolutionary new product,” said Sanchez. “Both Mazzuchelli and ZEAL are working together to create a product that will truly raise the bar on sustainability in the industry.”
A commitment to innovation and sustainability has been the hallmark of ZEAL’s approach to eyewear since it entered the market in 1997.
Their plant-based lenses protect against the effects of UVA, B and C as well as High Energy Visible (HEV) light.
The ACE line will cover prescriptions ranging from +3.00 to -4.50 for those looking for this technology to accommodate their visual medical concerns.
Sanchez says ZEAL offers the luxury and durability discerning wearers are looking for in a pair of high performance and fashionable eyewear.
“Sunglasses are a fashion accessory,” he said.
Time For Change
Vision-Ease has been an industry leader in lens technology since 1

930.
Many ECPs know them best for their premium quality polycarbonate lenses including Coppertone polarized, LifeRx photochromic, SunRx polarized, Illumina progressive, and Outlook progressive
lenses.
The company also carries an extensive line of plastic lenses including the new ChangeRx photochromic lenses which offers broad price range for ECPs with clients looking for an economical
alternative to more expensive lenses.
Vision-Ease marketing and communications manager Jay Lusignan says these lenses offer a few distinct improvements within photochromic technology.
“These new plastic lenses are an excellent complement to our polycarbonate line,” he said noting the product is available in several ranges including coated/uncoated, coated and FSV/FSV AR.
The lenses darken to an ISO sunglass Category 3 at 10C in less than 60 seconds with a uniform tone throughout the activation process. Not only is UV light blocked out, but so is HEV light
which can lead to eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Lusignan says the industry is continuing to move in a direction that address more eye concerns when developing new products.
“I think the future is in personalization,” he said adding companies will also be looking at HD lens technology as they look for new ways to improve the sight of wearers.
Aging Population
Another company taking a broader look at eye issues is Essilor who have addressed the needs of an aging demographic with their Crizal Prevencia and Varilux S lenses.
“Eye health is a worldwide issue. Due to an aging population, the occurrence of cataracts and macular degeneration will double in the next 30 years,” says Martine Ahier, brand manager for Crizal and Optifog.
She added the Crizal Prevencia reduces the rate of retinal cell death by 25 per cent helping to alleviate the risk of AMD.
In 2011, Essilor and the Paris Vision Institute discovered the precise band of light of 40nm (415-455nm) known as blue-violet light which is one of the most harmful to the retinal cells. The Crizal Prevencia blocks this light eliminating harmful UV rays reflected into the eyes. •