ZEISS Introduces the Next Generation of Photochromic Lenses

A single pair of glasses for all light conditions instead of having to switch between two pairs, a clear and a dark, suntinted pair when moving between outdoors and indoors. That's what photochromic lenses have been offering for years. ZEISS PhotoFusion X is the new and improved generation of photochromic lenses based on an entirely new photochromic system. With this relaunch, transition speed is significantly improved.¹  In addition, comprehensive blue light protection both in- and outdoors is provided by a new base lens material.

When light-reactive lenses are exposed UV radiation, billions of photochromic dyes in the lens begin to change their shape. This reaction causes the eyeglass lenses to darken. The latest ZEISS PhotoFusion X lenses use a completely new photochromic system with faster dyes in a robust yet more open carrier matrix. In numbers, this means ZEISS PhotoFusion X lenses darken up to 60 percent faster than the previous generation of ZEISS PhotoFusion.² It’s even more important for many spectacle wearers that lenses clear fast when moving from outside to inside. That's why special efforts were made to improve this process. David Sinnott, Head of Product Management at ZEISS Vision Care confirms, "Many spectacle wearers appreciate the convenience of self-tinting eyeglass lenses, but fear that the clearing process is too slow and that they are literally 'in the dark' indoors for a long time. With the new generation of photochromic lenses, we have succeeded in accelerating the clearing up to 80 percent faster than the previous generation."³

With today’s on-the-go lifestyle, eyeglass wearers are undoubtedly familiar with the problem of regularly switching from clear to sunglasses. And most of the time, prescription sunglasses are not at hand when they are needed. Less than 22 percent,⁴  for example, always wear sunglasses when they are outside in the sun – unaware that UV exposure is still up to 40 percent even in the shade. ZEISS PhotoFusion X lenses offer the advantage of glare and UV protection outdoors without the need for separate glasses. It provides UV protection of up to 400 nanometres in any activation state, whether clear or dark. But what's so unique about the new generation of self-tinting lenses? The new generation photochromic lenses are based on  ZEISS BlueGuard lens material.  The base material selectively absorbs UV radiation and potentially harmful blue light. The eyeglass lenses absorb up to 94 percent of potentially harmful blue light outdoors when activated and 50 percent indoors in a clear state – both in the wavelength range between 400 and 455 nanometres.⁵  Although blue light from digital devices and indoor lighting such as LEDs does not directly threaten eye health, it may affect visual comfort and well-being. A study from 2021 confirms that 9 out of 10 surveyed wearers of ZEISS BlueGuard lenses say they experience less digital eyestrain.⁶  The new combination of exactly that ZEISS BlueGuard base lens material and the new photochromic system thus represents real added value for photochromic lens wearers.

Overall, the market and consumer interest in self-tinting lenses have been growing – and not just in progressive lenses but also in single vision lenses. Currently, photochromic lenses account for more than eleven percent of all eyeglass lenses sold worldwide.⁷  The segment is growing twice as fast as the overall global market for eyeglass lenses. "With the significant improvement in the performance of our self-tinting eyeglass lenses, the increasing consumer awareness of blue light protection and the new trendy options offered by the ZEISS PhotoFusion X portfolio, we are confident about the future of this eyeglass lens segment," says David Sinnott, Head of Product Management at ZEISS Vision Care.

^{*PhotoFusion, BlueGuard, and UVProtect are registered trademarks of Carl Zeiss Vision GmbH.}