Everything Old is New Again: The Evolution of Multifocal Lenses
- A Walk Through Optical History
- Today’s Lens Technology: Reinventing the Classics
- The Endless Pilot Progressive Lens: A Step Ahead for Occupational Lenses
- Key Features of Endless Pilot Progressive Lenses:
- From Ultex Bifocals to Round Segments
- Introducing the Endless Bifocal: Merging Aesthetics and Functionality
- Key Benefits of the Endless Bifocal:
- The Future of Multifocal Lenses: Where Classic Meets Contemporary
Everything Old is New Again: The Evolution of Multifocal Lenses
The optical world is constantly evolving, with innovations reshaping how we approach vision correction. Recently, we've observed an intriguing resurgence of older lens concepts, reimagined with advanced technology. This fusion of past and present is breathing new life into classic designs, presenting exciting possibilities for both eye care professionals and patients.
A Walk Through Optical History
Historically, multifocal lenses like the Ultex bifocal played a prominent role in our industry. The Ultex bifocal lens, with its distinct upside-down half-moon shape, offered a large reading area at the bottom of the lens, though it was prone to drawbacks. It was made from glass, making it notably heavy, and its lower optical center placement caused significant "image jump" for wearers. Eventually, it was phased out, but its influence remained.
In its heyday, the Ultex was even adapted as the “‘baseball’ lens,” where its bifocal segments were positioned both at the top and bottom of the lens. This unique design allowed for near vision at both ends of the lens, catering to occupational needs such as for plumbers, mechanics, and even pilots. These roles benefited from the dual near-vision zones, especially for tasks that required looking upward.
Today’s Lens Technology: Reinventing the Classics
With breakthroughs in lens design, materials, and digital free-form technology, we’ve come a long way since the Ultex. IOT’s advancements in back-surface free-form digital application have redefined occupational lenses, providing enhanced comfort, precision, and aesthetics.
The Endless Pilot Progressive Lens: A Step Ahead for Occupational Lenses
One of the key innovations in this evolution is the Endless Pilot Progressive Lens, an occupational solution that offers precise near vision in both the upper and lower sections of the lens. Utilizing IOT’s proprietary Digital Ray Path 2 (DRP2) ray-trace technology, this lens optimizes optical performance by using the wearer’s natural accommodative ability, allowing for expanded visual fields without the discomfort of traditional image jumps.
Key Features of Endless Pilot Progressive Lenses:
- Precise Near Vision: Delivers comfortable near vision in the upper and lower zones of the lens.
- Advanced Technology: Achieved through back-surface free-form digital application with DRP2 technology, which enhances optical performance.
- Wide Field of View: The upper near-intermediate focus area spans 30 mm, meeting the visual needs of specific occupations, such as pilots.
- Customized Positioning: The top optical zone is placed 5 mm above the pupil, making proper frame selection essential to maximize the lens's functionality.
The Endless Pilot is particularly suited to professions with unique viewing needs, such as pilots, who require clear sight at various distances and altitudes. Proper frame selection is crucial here; an ideal frame would have enough space above the eyes to fully utilize the upper portion of the lens.
From Ultex Bifocals to Round Segments
Following the decline of the Ultex, round segments became more popular. Glass versions like the Kryptok bifocal were gradually replaced by plastic “Round Seg” bifocals, which offered 22, 25, and 28 mm diameter options. These round segments became the go-to for patients needing near vision in the lower portion of the lens but with improved aesthetics.
As cosmetic needs evolved, round blended bifocals emerged as a stylish solution, particularly before the introduction of modern progressive addition lenses (PALs). They provided a visually appealing alternative, though limited in optical performance compared to today’s multifocal options.
Introducing the Endless Bifocal: Merging Aesthetics and Functionality
Building on IOT’s legacy of innovation, the Endless Bifocal has been designed to deliver both advanced optics and superior aesthetics. This back-surface free-form digital lens leverages Digital Ray Path 2 technology to provide wide, distortion-free areas for both near and distance vision, making it suitable for those unable to wear PALs, such as individuals with vertigo or other balance issues.
Key Benefits of the Endless Bifocal:
- Advanced Optics and Aesthetics: Combines the cosmetic appeal of a blended bifocal with the high-level optics of digital free-form technology.
- Wide, Clear Vision Zones: Provides expansive fields of view at near and distance, eliminating peripheral aberrations.
- Ideal for Specific Needs:
- For patients with vertigo or similar conditions who find PALs difficult to wear.
- For children needing bifocals for vision training, who may feel self-conscious with traditional bifocals.
Unlike the traditional bifocal’s visible line, the Endless Bifocal offers a seamless, invisible bifocal segment on the lens’s back surface. This feature is especially advantageous for children who need bifocal lenses for vision training but may feel self-conscious about the traditional bifocal line. By offering this hidden design, IOT helps young patients feel more confident and comfortable, improving compliance and ultimately enhancing the success of vision therapy.
The Endless Bifocal is available in 32 mm and 40 mm diameters, ensuring ample visual zones while maintaining a natural, unbroken lens appearance.
The Future of Multifocal Lenses: Where Classic Meets Contemporary
With these latest innovations, IOT has truly brought “everything old is new again.” The Endless Pilot and Endless Bifocal lenses exemplify how modern technology can resurrect and enhance past designs, making them highly relevant and effective for today’s needs. With options across materials and treatments, these lenses offer:
- Enhanced Optics: Digital precision for clearer, more expansive vision.
- Uncompromised Aesthetics: Invisible segments and seamless design improve appearance.
- Personalized Comfort: Customizable to suit specific occupations and patient demographics, from pilots to children in vision therapy.
Whether you're a professional with unique visual demands or a parent looking for a suitable bifocal solution for your child, IOT’s innovations open new doors in the world of multifocal lens solutions. To discover how these advanced designs can elevate your practice and benefit your patients, contact IOT today.
