· As Singapore’s population ages, with a projected median age of 47 by 2030, presbyopia, also known as long-sightedness, is expected to become a more prevalent health concern. Globally, over 500 million people are affected by presbyopia, and this number is predicted to reach 714 million for those aged 65 and above by 2020.
· Varilux, a leading brand of progressive lenses, introduces a new patented technology designed to enhance vision.
· The latest Varilux lenses facilitate rapid focus adjustment and provide sharper, more natural vision even in low-light settings.
Source: Essilor Singapore. Singapore welcomes the launch of the latest Varilux range of progressive lenses. From left: Peter Tan, Managing Director, Essilor Singapore and Malaysia; Francois Bes de Berc, Vice President, Asean, Essilor AMERA; Ivan Chuavon, Vice President, Marketing, Essilor AMERA; and Dr John Ang, Vice President, Education & Professional Services, Essilor International.
This natural aging process, which can begin as early as a person’s 30s but is more common in their 40s, involves the hardening of the eye’s lens. This hardening makes it difficult for the eye to adjust its shape to focus on objects at close range and to switch between near and far vision. This can impact daily life, as individuals may struggle to see smartphone notifications or read menus in dimly lit environments.
Reading glasses are one solution but only correct vision up to about 40cm, requiring a separate pair for distance vision. Progressive lenses, on the other hand, provide a convenient and non-invasive way to correct vision instantly. Dr Koh Liang Hwee, President of the Singapore Optometric Association, notes that the increased reliance on near-vision tasks contributes to the rising need for presbyopia correction.
Source: Essilor Singapore. Varilux 3.0 is the latest generation of Varilux progressive lenses.
Essilor highlights that progressive lenses, such as those recently launched by Varilux, are an ideal solution for achieving sharp, natural vision at all distances. These new lenses offer wearers distinct benefits: Varilux Physio allows for immediate focus adjustment, Varilux Comfort enhances clarity in all lighting conditions, and Varilux Liberty makes it easier to find the correct vision zone.
According to Dr John Ang, Vice President of Education & Professional Services at Essilor International, these lenses are meticulously designed to provide optimal vision. “The latest Varilux progressive lenses are sophisticated, custom-made creations designed to be a perfect fit according to the optical and facial profile of the wearer – the physiology of the pupils in both eyes, the shape and contours of the face and even the position of the ears. We use the finest craftsmanship to create a premium product that provides sharpness and clarity even in low light, delivering truly effortless vision every day,”
Source: Essilor Singapore. Every lens undergoes the touch of a master craftsman.
Sharp vision, even with smaller frames
The newest versions of Varilux Physio, Comfort, and Liberty are crafted with an ultra-short corridor, enhancing accessibility to the near vision zone. This design feature allows these progressive lenses to be stylishly incorporated into various frames, including more compact styles.
Path Optimizer for seamless vision transitions
A critical challenge in progressive lens design lies in managing the intermediate viewing zone. This new technology analyzes the wearer’s specific visual needs to create a precise viewing path that ensures smooth transitions from far to near vision, optimizing clarity at every distance.
Enhanced vision, even in low light
Both Varilux Physio and Varilux Comfort incorporate the patented W.A.V.E 2.0 lens technology. This advanced technology replicates the natural function of the eye, resulting in progressive lenses that enhance visual clarity. The lenses adjust to pupil size and light transmission to deliver optimal resolution, providing comfortable vision and exceptional clarity at all distances.
Synergy for instant focus
Varilux Physio lenses utilize Binocular Booster technology, which analyzes the prescriptions of both eyes to achieve synchronized vision. By recognizing that optimal vision is achieved through the coordinated effort of both eyes, these lenses provide effortless vision across all light conditions and enable immediate focus adjustment at any distance, allowing for seamless transitions from viewing street signs to reading a smartphone.
Experience it firsthand
Potential customers can trial the latest generation of Varilux lenses through a virtual reality (VR) experience using the Nautilus VR headset. This interactive 360-degree simulation showcases the benefits of different lens designs, coatings, and even simulates challenging visual conditions like dust and fog, providing a realistic preview of the improved vision offered by Varilux lenses. This innovative technology by Varilux will be launched in Thailand, mainland China, Taiwan, and the Middle East in 2016.
Interested in exploring Varilux?
Varilux Physio 3.0 lenses have a suggested retail price of S$540, while Varilux Comfort 3.0 lenses are priced at S$420, and Varilux Liberty 3.0 lenses are available for S$300. These lenses can be found at major optical stores throughout Singapore. For a more immersive experience, selected Varilux Experience Authorized Dealers offer a free demonstration of the rejuvenating vision provided by these progressive lenses, using the Varilux Experience virtual reality technology.
*Median age is defined as the age that divides a population into two equal groups.