Blab AI
Essilor Introduces AI-Powered Varilux Shift Progressive Lenses
Essilor International has unveiled Varilux Shift, a new line of progressive lenses that harness artificial intelligence (AI) to sharpen vision for people with presbyopia. Positioned as the entry‑level offering in the Varilux family, the lenses target patients 40 years and older who need clear sight at near, intermediate and far distances.
The design responds to the relentless visual demands of contemporary life. Essilor cites that presbyopes perform roughly 150,000 focus shifts each day—an estimate that captures the constant switching between screens, reading and distance work. By feeding data on a wearer’s natural visual habits into an AI‑driven algorithm, Varilux Shift optimises the placement of the near‑vision zone, expands the field of view for distance vision and dampens side effects such as distortion and the “swim” effect that can plague conventional progressive lenses.
Key features include:
iComfort technology – an AI‑based algorithm that adjusts the near‑vision zone to match a wearer’s natural visual habits, smoothing the transition to close work. Multi‑Design by Ametropia – a design module that tailors the progression length to the wearer’s addition power and refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. * Wearer Mode – a calculation that factors in lens tilt, wrap angle, vertex distance and eye position to deliver the correct optical power in real‑world conditions.
“More than ever before, presbyopes today need a progressive lens solution that optimises the placement of the near vision zone, provides a large far vision viewing area, and manages side effects—all while being easy to adapt to,” explained Essilor’s senior director of Lens Product Marketing, Avanti Upponi.
Clinical data supplied by Essilor, derived from AI simulations, compares Varilux Shift to standard progressive addition lenses (PALs). The analysis shows a 34 % improvement in design softness, intended to reduce the lateral aberration peak that causes the swim effect, and an 18 % enlargement of the far‑vision zone achieved by maximising the vertical field of view.
Like other progressive lenses, Varilux Shift is classified as a Class I medical device and is exempt from FDA pre‑market review; Essilor has not sought FDA clearance. The company’s earlier product, Essilor Stellest, was the first eyeglass lens to receive FDA authorization.
Varilux Shift is distinct from the Varilus XR Series, launched in 2023 as a premium, AI‑driven progressive lens. Essilor lists the new lenses under the Varilux brand and provides a comparison chart of the full Varilux line.
Optical practitioners can add Varilux Shift to their offerings by contacting Essilor for product information. Patients interested in the new lenses can locate a local eye‑care provider through Essilor’s online directory.
The launch follows a broader trend of incorporating AI into optical products. Other manufacturers, such as Unity and Vision Monday, have introduced lenses that use AI to model gaze dynamics and improve wearer comfort. Essilor’s move reflects the company’s ongoing investment in digital lens technology and its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of presbyopic patients.
In summary, Essilor’s Varilux Shift represents an AI‑enhanced progressive lens aimed at improving near‑vision access, expanding distance vision and reducing visual side effects for presbyopes. The lenses are available for prescription, are not FDA‑cleared, and are positioned as an entry‑level option within the Varilux product family.
The design responds to the relentless visual demands of contemporary life. Essilor cites that presbyopes perform roughly 150,000 focus shifts each day—an estimate that captures the constant switching between screens, reading and distance work. By feeding data on a wearer’s natural visual habits into an AI‑driven algorithm, Varilux Shift optimises the placement of the near‑vision zone, expands the field of view for distance vision and dampens side effects such as distortion and the “swim” effect that can plague conventional progressive lenses.
Key features include:
iComfort technology – an AI‑based algorithm that adjusts the near‑vision zone to match a wearer’s natural visual habits, smoothing the transition to close work. Multi‑Design by Ametropia – a design module that tailors the progression length to the wearer’s addition power and refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. * Wearer Mode – a calculation that factors in lens tilt, wrap angle, vertex distance and eye position to deliver the correct optical power in real‑world conditions.
“More than ever before, presbyopes today need a progressive lens solution that optimises the placement of the near vision zone, provides a large far vision viewing area, and manages side effects—all while being easy to adapt to,” explained Essilor’s senior director of Lens Product Marketing, Avanti Upponi.
Clinical data supplied by Essilor, derived from AI simulations, compares Varilux Shift to standard progressive addition lenses (PALs). The analysis shows a 34 % improvement in design softness, intended to reduce the lateral aberration peak that causes the swim effect, and an 18 % enlargement of the far‑vision zone achieved by maximising the vertical field of view.
Like other progressive lenses, Varilux Shift is classified as a Class I medical device and is exempt from FDA pre‑market review; Essilor has not sought FDA clearance. The company’s earlier product, Essilor Stellest, was the first eyeglass lens to receive FDA authorization.
Varilux Shift is distinct from the Varilus XR Series, launched in 2023 as a premium, AI‑driven progressive lens. Essilor lists the new lenses under the Varilux brand and provides a comparison chart of the full Varilux line.
Optical practitioners can add Varilux Shift to their offerings by contacting Essilor for product information. Patients interested in the new lenses can locate a local eye‑care provider through Essilor’s online directory.
The launch follows a broader trend of incorporating AI into optical products. Other manufacturers, such as Unity and Vision Monday, have introduced lenses that use AI to model gaze dynamics and improve wearer comfort. Essilor’s move reflects the company’s ongoing investment in digital lens technology and its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of presbyopic patients.
In summary, Essilor’s Varilux Shift represents an AI‑enhanced progressive lens aimed at improving near‑vision access, expanding distance vision and reducing visual side effects for presbyopes. The lenses are available for prescription, are not FDA‑cleared, and are positioned as an entry‑level option within the Varilux product family.
