Tips for better wearing comfort of progressive lenses - by Carl Zeiss Vision

Everyone can quickly get used to perfectly adjusted progressive lenses.

They have three invisible zones that allow easy viewing transition between zones - allowing sharp vision from near to far in one lens. Progressive lenses are designed using state-of-the-art optical technology, and when adjusted to the individual’s specific needs, they provide great wearer satisfaction. Sometimes, however, a little training is necessary for people to get used to wearing progressive lenses.

Progressive lenses are absolutely the best option for maintaining perfect vision at all distances. Wearers who have got used to them do not like to be without these high-tech lenses. Though wearers should be aware of a few things, in order to obtain the greatest wearing satisfaction from their spectacles.

A professional consultation with an optician is a basic requirement

The first priority is a personal consultation with an optician. As every person is an individual, his or her eyes and viewing behavior are also unique. As a result, a qualified optician will do an exact eye care analysis. For example, he will ask, about your job and hobbies, in order to get an idea of your viewing habits. Your posture and the shape of your head are also taken in consideration during the consultation.

Precise vision testing plays a special role in making progressive lenses work perfectly.  Not only are both eyes individually measured, binocular vision is also tested to determine the necessary lens power. Only by doing this can the suitable reading and distance powers be determined.

Precise fitting measurements are also necessary.  The center of the pupil must be aligned to the center of the spectacle lens in order for the lens to work properly.  For more sophisticated progressive lenses, additional measurements may be needed.

First-time progressive lens wearers may take a little time to get used to them

But don't worry: The rate of success for modern progressive lenses is nowadays extremely high. Nevertheless, it is important that the wearer takes time to get used to their new progressive lenses. The eye and the brain have to learn to adjust to the different refractive powers of the lenses. Here is an example: When someone wearing progressive lenses climbs stairs, they will look through the lower portion of their lenses. In progressive lenses, this is the area that is adjusted for a reading distance of approximately 40 centimeters  The stairs are, of course, depending on their size, clearly further away. Thus the stairs will be viewed with distortion. The good news: The sense of sight is highly complex - and it is also a very adaptable system. Within a short period of time, it is able to learn and to adapt to new viewing conditions; so when climbing the stairs, a wearer simply points his head somewhat further downwards.

What will I experience when getting used to wearing progressive lenses?

• Areas of soft focus at the edges of the lenses.
• More head movement - and less moving of the pupils, especially for near distances, since the field of view for near-distances is located in the lower part of the lenses.
• On the whole you have to get used to the individual areas of vision and their position in the spectacles: in the lower area you will see short viewing distances clearly. If you look in the distance, you will have to do this using the upper portion of the lens to obtain clear vision. 
  
  All of this is completely natural, and will diminish within a short period of time - as you quickly adapt to your progressive lenses. However, more importantly: You should wear your new progressive lenses daily from the very beginning - from morning until evening. And age makes no difference, though the earlier you start wearing them, the easier it is to get used to them.
  
  
  If your new progressive lenses still do not feel comfortable after an adaptation period of approximately two or three weeks, your optician should gladly help you further.
  
  
  
  
  
  Original thread from vision.zeiss.com

All about MR Series...(MR-8, MR-7, MR-10, MR-174)

"Mitsui Chemicals is a Japanese Chemicals company. The company mainly deals in performance materials, petro and basic chemicals and functional polymeric materials."

What is MR Lenses: (MR-8, MR-7, MR-10, MR-174)

    Excellent optical materials with high refractive index, high Abbe number, low specific gravity and high impact resistance are provided by polymerizing monomers of MR™ Series. MR™ Series is especially suitable for ophthalmic lenses and is known as the first thiourethane based high index lens material. MR™ Series offers a variety of products to provide the best solution for optical lens users.

R.I. 1.60： MR-8™

The best balanced high index lens material with the largest share of the R.I. 1.60 lens material market. MR-8™ is suited to any strength ophthalmic lens and is a new standard in ophthalmic lens material.

R.I. 1.67： MR-7™ & MR-10™

Global standard R.I.1.67 lens material. Great materials for thinner lenses with strong impact resistance. Material Characteristics MR-7™   : Better color tintability MR-10™ : Higher heat distortion temperature

R.I. 1.74： MR-174™

Ultra high index lens material for ultra thin lenses. Strong prescription lens wearers are now free from thick and heavy lenses.

MR™ Series is a brand name of the raw material for optical lenses.
MR™ Series based lenses are available from most leading lens manufacturers.

Comparison of physical properties of lenses made with MR™ Series vs. other optical materials

	MR™ Series				Other
	MR-8™	MR-7™	MR-10™	MR-174™	Poly carbonate	Aclyric (RI:1.60)	Middle Index	ADC (CR-39® RAV7®)	Crown Glass
Refractive Index (ne)	1.60	1.67	1.67	1.74	1.59	1.60	1.55	1.50	1.52
Abbe Number (νe)	41	31	31	32	28-30	32	34-36	58	59
Heat Distortion Temp. (ºC)	118	85	100	78	142-148	88-89	-	84	>450
Tintability	Good	Excellent	Good	OK	None	Good	Good	Good	None
Impact Resistance	Good	Good	Good	OK	Good	OK	OK	OK	Poor
Static Load Resistance	Good	Good	Good	OK	Good	Poor	Poor	Good	Good

MR Series Features:

• High refractive index for thinner and lighter lenses.

MR™ Series offers 3 different refractive index products (R.I. 1.60, 1.67, 1.74).
With higher index materials, it is possible to achieve thinner lenses with the same strength.

• Superb optical quality for wearer comfort

• Both high refractive index and high Abbe number provide optical performance similar to glass lenses.
• Glass mold-casted MR™ Series shows minimal stress-strain.

High Abbe number material like MR-8™ minimizes prism effect (Chromatic aberration) of lenses and provides comfortable view to all wearers.

High Abbe Number Material

Low Abbe Number Material

MR™ Series resin is uniformly polymerized in a glass mold. Compared to the injection molded Polycarbonate lens, MR™ Series lens shows minimal stress strain and offers stress free clear vision.

Stress Strain Observation
(Crossed Nichol method using the polarizing film and white light source)

• Mechanical strength to protect wearers from accidental injury. 

High impact and static load resistance helps promote wearer eye safety. (Pass US-FDA drop ball test standards) Good tensile strength for fashionable rimless frames. Good processability for precisely designed progressive lenses (Advantage of thiourethane materials) .

• High impact resistance of MR-8™ helps protect wearers form accidental injury.

FDA Drop Ball Test

MR-8™ shows good impact resistance

US-FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Sec. 801.410
“Use of impact-resistant lenses in eyeglasses and sunglasses”

Static Loading Test

Quasi-static loading type test for minimum robustness

MR-8™ shows good static load resistance

 

• MR-8™ lens shows good tensile strength.
• MR-8™ is widely recognized as the best material for rimless frames.

Tensile Test

Tensile test results

MR-8™ lens broke at 72kg tensile force
(All other material lenses broke at smaller forces)

Lens deformation

MR-8™ lens showed no deformation of drilled hole
(60kgf Tensile Force)

 

• MR-8™ is adequate for the long time usage of rimless glasses.

“ Butterfly Test ”for Rimless Frames

Endurance test under cyclic load for spectacle frames

JIS B7283 Specification; Broke at 20,000 strokes

• Durability during long time usage under severe conditions

• Good weatherability provides minimal change in lens color after years of usage.
• Good compatibility with coating materials.

Weatherbility Test

Accelerated test to observe lens color change after long-term usage.

QUV Test: 0.50W/m², 50ºC, 100hrs

MR-8™ shows only minor color change after exposure to strong UV light.
Wearers can enjoy clearer lenses after long-term usage.

 

Heat Resistance Test

Evaluation of cracks in coating after high temperature conditions.

Test condition: 90ºC, 15 min.

Test condition: 80ºC, 15 min.

Good heat resistance and coating compatibility of MR-8™ prevent coating cracks under servere conditions.

 

Cross-cut Adhesion Test

1) Cut a coating layer in a reticular pattern.
2) Apply tape over the pattern and then remove it.

MR-8™ showed very good compatibility with coating materials.
Lens wearers can enjoy unchanged high performance lens coating after long-term usage.

How the MR lenses are produced?

1. Preparation of MR™ Series

Mix MR™ monomer (component) A & B with additives, then degas the MR™ monomer mixture.

2. Filling

Fill molds with the MR™ monomer mixture.

3. Polymerization

Place the filled molds into ovens, where they undergo a heat-cycle, turning the MR™ monomer mixture into a MR™ lens.

4. Grinding / Polishing

Grind and polish the surface of the MR™ lens to create a curvature for required strength.

5. Tinting

Tint the surface of the MR™ lens.

6. Coating

Hard Coating Anti Reflection Coating

Coat the surface of the MR™ lens to protect from scratches, reflection etc.

7. Final Inspection

Inspect the coated lens.

"MR-8 is the best in hi-index lenses"

credit: wikipedia, mitsuichem.com

This is the revolution, Transitions Vantage!

Revolutionary new Transitions Vantage lenses are designed to both darken and polarize upon UV exposure to deliver noticeably crisper, sharper vision, even in the brightest outdoor light and glare.

On May 1st - 2012, The First and Only Everyday
Photochromic Lenses with Variable Polarization!

There are clear lenses that darken. There are sunglasses that are polarized. But never before have everyday eyeglass lenses been able to both darken and polarize in bright, outdoor light. Until now.

Introducing new Transitions® Vantage™ lenses, the photochromic lenses you know and love plus the added benefits of variable polarization — polarization that increases as the lenses get darker in outdoor light. That means, as Transitions® Vantage™ lenses get darker, vision gets crisper, sharper and more vivid. While glare is reduced in even the brightest outdoor conditions.

We invite you to explore the world of new Transitions® Vantage™ lenses and see for yourself. Meeting your needs – and meeting your patients’ needs – require a true vision for what’s next.

Click the here to see the presentation of Transitions Vantage launch

FAQ

Answers To Frequently Asked Questions.

Q: What is variable polarization?

A: Transitions® Vantage™ lenses will have a variable level of polarization efficiency (how well a lens transmits vertical light relative to how well it blocks horizontal light) depending on the amount of UV exposure. Until now, polarization only existed as a static film embedded in conventional lenses. Variable polarization is a new-generation technology that adapts to UV exposure, orienting to the angle at which light reaches the eyes. In other words, polarization increases and decreases when exposed to UV outdoors and goes away altogether, indoors.

Q: Do they replace original Transitions® VI lenses?

A: No, they represent another choice in everyday lenses for your patients, an additional alternative to the balanced photochromic performance of Transitions VI lenses and superior darkening and in-car performance of Transitions®XTRActive™ lenses.

Q: Why should I recommend Transitions® Vantage™ lenses?

A: They are the only lenses that offer the additional benefits of variable polarization outdoors along with the adaptive-lens benefits millions of patients have come to know and love about Transitions® lenses. Also, wearer test results illustrate just how much patients love this new combination of truly breakthrough technologies.

Q: To whom should I recommend Transitions® Vantage™ lenses?

A: Does your patient currently own and enjoy photochromic lenses? Spend a lot of time outdoors? Is he or she interested in new technologies? Do they see the value of innovative and premium features for everyday eyewear and perhaps even currently wear premium lenses? If the answer is yes to any of these, you’ve probably found a patient who will most likely enjoy Transitions®Vantage™ lenses.

Q: How dark do Transitions® Vantage™ lenses get?

A: Wearers in user testing perceived Transitions® Vantage™ lenses to get darker than Transitions VI lenses. We attribute this to the addition of variable polarization and the fact that Transitions® Vantage™ lenses afford more comfortable, crisper and sharper vision, while also helping to reduce glare.

Q: Are they designed to be worn indoors?

A: Yes. Because they’re virtually clear indoors – and are not polarized in the absence of UV rays – they can be worn as a replacement for ordinary clear lenses for everything from reading and cooking to watching television, working on the computer and beyond.

Q: Do they activate behind the windshield of a car?

A: No. Similar to original Transitions VI lenses, the fact that automotive glass blocks UV rays prevents them from working in a car. But then again, ordinary clear lenses don’t change in a car either. Many of your patients may still benefit from a pair of sunglasses. Another alternative is Transitions XTRActive™ lenses which do activate in the presence of visible light behind the windshield. Ask your patients about those specific features most important to them: variable polarization, in-car activation, outdoor darkness etc. Then recommend the right choice for your patients accordingly.

Q: So they’re not a sunglass replacement?

A: They are not. Everyday Transitions® lenses are designed to replace ordinary clear lenses and to be worn both indoors and outdoors. However, we feel many of your patients will see a benefit from a pair of sunglasses as well. The Transitions line of adaptive performance sunwear is designed to adapt by darkening and changing color to enhance performance during specific outdoor activities.

Q: What about performance under extreme temperature conditions?

A: As with all photochromic technology, Transitions® Vantage™ lenses are influenced by temperature. The colder the temperature, the darker and more polarized they become when fully activated.

Q: Can Transitions® Vantage™ lenses be recommended with premium anti-reflective treatments?

A: They should be recommended in all cases with a premium anti-reflective treatment. Combined, the technologies are ideal for patients looking for the best in enhanced vision.

Q: Can Transitions® Vantage™ lenses help me grow my business?

A: Absolutely. You’ll be providing your patients with a wearer experience like no other while meeting their vision needs at the same time. Like with all Transitions® lenses products, your patients will be quite satisfied which reflects on you and helps you to turn customers into patients and current patients into long-time repeat visitors to your practice.

Q: What about color availability?

A: Transitions® Vantage™ lenses are available in a gray tint only.

• 8 out of 10 patients were satisfied experiencing variable polarization and adaptive technologies together, outdoors.
• 9 out of 10 patients are satisfied with the indoor clarity of the lenses.
• 3 out of 4 patients agree that vision clarity is enhanced in sunny, outdoor conditions.
• 3 out of 4 patients agree that Transitions® Vantage™ lenses deliver crisper, sharp vision outdoors in sunny weather.
• 8 out of 10 agree – they’ve never seen anything like new Transitions® Vantage™ lenses .

Credit : http://www.transitionsvantage.com

emPower! Self-Focusing Electronic Eyewear

Now you can adjust your vision just by living your life. With emPower!™, the first electronic-focusing eyewear. A touch of the temple or tilt of the head activates a layer of liquid crystals in each lens, instantly creating a near-focus zone. emPower! not only gives you control over your vision, it also provides wider fields of view and less distortion than progressives. 
They're high-definition. You're the remote.

If you currently wear progressive lenses or bifocals, emPower! will transform the way you see and give you unprecedented control over your vision.

How It Works?Touch, touch, swipe.

Each of the lenses in emPower!™ Eyewear features a virtually invisible layer of
liquid crystals that instantly adjusts and provides you with a near-focus zone.
Activating that zone is simple. In Manual mode, a touch of the temple triggers
the near-focus zone, while another touch turns it off. A swipe of the temple
activates the Automatic mode, so the near-focus zone turns on and off in
response to up and down movements of your head. And a portable charger
lets you power emPower! for 2–3 days with a single charge.

Liquid crystals in  the lens is solid science. The lenses for emPower! eyewear  feature virtually invisible layers of liquid crystals that instantly adjust and provide a near-focus zone whenever you need it.

Eyesight à la mode. A touch or swipe of the temple  activates three modes of operation on emPower!

With emPower! you're in charge. Electronic focusing requires recharging. We made it as effortless as going to bed.

See the future through a layer of liquid crystals.

An electronic reading zone is instantly activated by a layer of liquid crystals embedded in each lens.

Instant, automatic vision correctionfor all ranges of sight.

Wider fields of view than with a progressive addition lens.

Less swim and distortion than with a progressive addition lens.

emPower!™ comes equipped with a portable charger that helps keep you in charge of your vision.

emPower! can be fully charged overnight. A single charge lasts 2–3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

With emPower! Eyewear, nothing is out of the question.

Will emPower! Eyewear work at extreme temperatures?

emPower! Eyewear has been proven to work in extreme cold or hot temperatures, but like any electronic product, it is important they not be left on the dashboard or other hot surface for an extended period of time

Will the temple touch-swipe area wear out?

PixelOptics has performed tests with numerous people wearing and using the product. None have experienced the temple touch-swipe area wearing out. The swipe of emPower! is no different than the swipe of an iPhone. We do not anticipate any problems with it wearing out.

What is the lifetime of the batteries? How long does a single re-charge last? Can I overcharge emPower! Eyewear?

Based on normal use, the batteries could last up to approximately three years. Depending on your occupation and your eyewear use, a single re-charge on the portable charger can last (on average) up to 2–3 days. It is impossible to overcharge emPower! as an “overkill” function stops the charging when full.

Is emPower! Eyewear water resistant? What should I do if it gets wet (extreme downpour, worn in the shower or pool, etc.)?

Yes, emPower! is water resistant. While it is highly discouraged to submerge your emPower! Eyewear, it been shown to survive and work properly even after being under water for an extended period of time. emPower! must be allowed to dry completely and recharged for proper functionality. If they do not function afterwards, you should return them to your Eye Care Professional for repair.

How do I clean my emPower! Eyewear?

Use the emPower! cleaning cloth that came with your kit. If necessary, you can lightly dampen it with an ALCOHOL-FREE lens cleaner. Never apply or spray alcohol or lens cleaner on emPower!

Can a prescription be changed, tuned or reprogrammed, or do I need new frames for prescription changes?

If you have a new prescription, a pair of eyewear will be manufactured to fit the new Rx. Depending on the condition of the frame, a new frame may not be required. There is one exception to the standard process: the frame will need to be returned to the lab so lenses can be inserted. In the future, we will be training Eye Care Professionals to insert lenses.

What type of no-glare treatment is being used?

A high-quality, no-glare treatment will be used on all emPower! Eyewear. The exact brand will depend on the certified laboratory processing the emPower! job.

Will emPower! set off alarms or be damaged when going through airport security?

No. emPower! can be worn through airport security just as hearing aids are.

Credit : lifeactivated.com