ZEISS PhotoFusion X

PhotoFusion X is the new and improved generation of ZEISS photochromic lenses that turn dark outdoors and clear up again when the wearer is inside. They use an entirely new photochromic system, based on faster dyes that work in a robust, more open carrier matrix, allowing to reach their maximum performance level.
As a result, the relaunch of the ZEISS photochromic portfolio has significantly improved transition speed and darkness of the lenses. Even the base lens material is new. ZEISS PhotoFusion X lenses are made with ZEISS BlueGuard lens material. The light-absorbing ingredients of this material ensure sunglass-level UV protection in any state of the lens, clear or dark. In addition, 50 percent of potentially harmful blue light is blocked by the lens indoors and up to 94 percent outdoors when fully activated.¹

Photochromic lenses are light-intelligent and contain billions of photochromic dyes that change their form. When exposed to UV radiation, the photochromic dyes react and darken the eyeglass lenses. Reduction in UV radiation, as well as heat, induces the reaction of the dyes back to their original shape, and the eyeglass lenses fade back to a clear state again.
As the dyes change their shape, they need space to expand. Therefore, the carrier matrix in which they are embedded, needs to provide enough space so that the dyes can quickly react. At the same time, the matrix is robust and durable for everyday resistance of the lens surface.

The polymer matrix, introduced with ZEISS PhotoFusion X, provides a robust framework that delivers the toughness and durability expected from an ophthalmic lens material. But it also gives the new, faster dyes more room and freedom to perform at their maximum level.

ZEISS PhotoFusion X uses an entirely new photochromic system and combines:

1. Faster dyes contained in a speed-optimized carrier matrix, which gives the dyes more space to react while maintaining robust lens properties. The result is a darkening process up to 60 percent faster than the previous generation of ZEISS PhotoFusion.² The process of fading back to a clear lens is also up to 80 percent faster than the previous generation of ZEISS PhotoFusion.³
2. ZEISS BlueGuard lens material is used as the base material. That enables blocking of potentially harmful blue light and sunglass-level UV protection, whether in clear or dark mode.
3. New and improved color tones in Grey, Extra Grey, and Brown that are as dark or darker than the previous generation of PhotoFusion.⁴

Due to the material and coating combination, the lenses always block up to 100 percent of UV radiation up to 400 nanometers – indoors and outdoors, clear or dark – and up to 50 percent of potentially harmful blue light indoors in a clear state and up to 94 percent outdoors when fully tinted.⁵

1. Consumers could benefit from glare protection as well as blue light and UV protection without the need for additional glasses.
2. The new generation of photochromic lenses has a much faster response time in fading back to a clear state indoors and also darkens faster outside.⁶
3. Blue light protection indoors and outdoors is highly demanded and is now included as standard.
4. Wearers of photochromic lenses are paying attention to attractive color and style options. There are a total of five photochromic colors to choose from and the additional possibility of combining them with stylish flash mirrors.

The performance of the lenses is significantly improved, which helps counteract concerns among spectacle wearers about photochromic lenses. In addition, consumer awareness of blue light protection is increasing. In the new generation ZEISS PhotoFusion X, protection from potentially harmful blue light is incorporated in the lens material itself. The ECPs thus have good arguments for the currently growing photochromic market.

Photochromics represent more than eleven percent of all prescription lenses sold in the world market and the segment is growing twice as fast as the total global lens market.⁷

The worldwide rollout starts in January 2022 with sequential launches by region and market.

Available in ZEISS Rx lens designs in the five colors Grey, Extra Grey, Brown, Pioneer, and Blue in a variety of indexes from 1.50 to 1.67 including impact resistant materials like Polycarbonate and Trivex.

As stock lenses, ZEISS PhotoFusion X will be available in different optical designs including ZEISS ClearView across the three photochromic colors Grey, Extra Grey, and Brown in various material and coating combinations.