Julbo outlines specific disadvantages of polarized lenses, noting that the horizontal light-blocking filter can obscure LCD screens on phones, dashboards, and instruments due to conflicting polarization. In winter sports, these lenses may hide ice patches and terrain changes by eliminating necessary snow reflections, particularly in flat light. Driving challenges include blocked windshield reflections from other vehicles, hindering distance judgment. Urban environments may present confusing rainbow patterns or dark zones on glass surfaces. Low-light conditions can further reduce brightness. The company suggests non-polarized options with UV protection or REACTIV photochromic lenses as alternatives for users requiring precise terrain perception or frequent digital screen interaction.
On February 14, 2026, eyewear brand MASUNAGA updated its official COLLECTION page with new models and colorways for the Spring/Summer 2026 season. The announcement covers both the "MASUNAGA since 1905" and "MASUNAGA ｜ K三" lines. Customers are directed to view these additions via a specific link on the website, where items are distinguished by red "NEW" and "NEW COLOR" markers. This update represents an addition to the online catalog rather than a confirmed retail launch date or inventory status for physical stores.
HOYA Vision Care introduced its flagship SENSEI Innovation Center™ at the MIDO Eyewear Show in Milan (January 31–February 2, 2026). The hub showcases five key innovations: Hoyalux iD MySense progressive lenses, MiYOSMART Coating Smooth Touch Xtreme, Hi-Vision Meiryo coating, Sensity Colours photochromic lenses, and the SEIKO WORLD COLLECTION featuring over 30 new lenses with DualForm Technology. During a press conference, HOYA unified its brands under the mission "Improve Life Through Vision" and confirmed European rollout of MiYOSMART iQ myopia control lenses from April 2026. Clinical evidence for MiYOSMART iQ in children aged 4–12 was scheduled for presentation at the APAO Congress in Hong Kong (February 5–8, 2026).
Editorial relevance: The launch of the SENSEI Innovation Center and new lens technologies at MIDO signals HOYA's strategic focus on immersive brand experiences and advanced optical products for eye care professionals.
On October 6, 2025, HOYA Vision Care announced the global roll-out of MiYOSMART Coating Smooth Touch Xtreme (STX), available for use on MiYOSMART spectacle lenses starting September 2025. The advanced hydrophobic technology improves water repellence up to five times over the previous generation and maintains smudge resistance after 2.7 years of typical use or 8,000 wipes. This launch complements the “Open Their World” awareness campaign targeting Eye Care Professionals. However, MiYOSMART lenses are not approved for myopia management or currently available for sale in all countries, including the U.S.
Karl Guttag’s analysis of the Meta Ray-Ban Display (MRBD) confirms it utilizes a Lumus geometric waveguide, an OmniVision OPO3010 LCOS microdisplay, and a Goertek-designed projection engine. The report details that Meta selected off-the-shelf components rather than in-house MicroLED or diffractive waveguide solutions. Key findings include an effective resolution closer to 400x400 pixels despite the stated 600x600 specification, and a measured contrast ratio of approximately 600:1. Eye glow is present but minimal at about 1.5% of brightness reaching the eye, significantly lower than typical diffractive waveguides. The field of view is 20 degrees diagonal, though often utilized at under 16 degrees. The article notes specific limitations, such as image softness attributed to digital resampling and optical design, and identifies WhatsApp as the primary method for loading images.
On October 1, 2025, eyewear brand MASUNAGA announced the addition of new models and colors for its Fall/Winter 2025 collection. The updates are now visible on the official COLLECTION page, where items are distinguished by red "NEW" and "NEW COLOR" markers. Customers can access these latest designs through the provided link. This announcement confirms the availability of the new seasonal styles within the brand's online catalog, specifically covering both MASUNAGA since 1905 and MASUNAGA | K三 lines.
A leaked YouTube video, subsequently removed, displayed internal structures resembling Lumus waveguides in Meta’s upcoming monocular AR glasses. The product, codenamed Hypernova and expected to be named Celest, is scheduled for disclosure during Mark Zuckerberg’s keynote at Meta Connect on September 17, 2025. Visual evidence from the leak shows diagonal slats characteristic of Lumus 2-D pupil expansion technology. Bloomberg reports the base model without prescription correction will cost approximately $800. This leak corroborates earlier speculation from May 2025 that Meta utilizes Lumus optics. The video was captured before deletion, with multiple copies circulating online. The official launch remains pending until the keynote presentation.
SDC Technologies announced that its subsidiary, Coburn Technologies, has introduced the HPE-990 Lens Edger to its in-office finishing system offerings. The source text inconsistently refers to this new platform as both the "HPE-990" and the "Huvitz HPE-900." Described as a high-end, premium edging system, the device is characterized by locked-in precision and extreme reliability. It ensures safe and precise processing of specialty lenses, including hydrophobic and high-curve varieties. Coburn Technologies, headquartered in South Windsor, Connecticut, provides computer-integrated ophthalmic lens processing systems. SDC Technologies, based in Irvine, California, was acquired by Mitsui Chemicals in 2008.
Japanese eyewear brand MASUNAGA has unveiled "Edition 120 The 120th Anniversary Model" as part of its 120th anniversary website. The frame features the company's unique technique of directly bonding 18K gold and titanium. This special content is presented alongside a retrospective page looking back on the brand's 120 years of history through its frames. The announcement marks the unveiling of this specific model within the anniversary digital campaign, highlighting the craftsmanship involved in combining precious metals for the commemorative piece.
KGOnTech released a 27-minute YouTube video of its June 12, 2025, presentation at the Augmented World Expo (AWE). The content addresses practical and technical issues in glasses-form-factor AI devices with displays, focusing on LCOS versus MicroLED technologies, waveguide optics, etendue, and camera-related privacy concerns. It also covers monocular versus binocular configurations and prescription integration. Separately, the author announced upcoming participation in the AR/VR Connect conference in Eindhoven, Netherlands, scheduled for September 24–25, 2025. Readers can access a €150 discount for Virtual or Hybrid Passes using code KarlARVR, valid for one year, alongside a 10% reduction on exhibition packages.
On May 30, 2025, eyewear brand MASUNAGA since 1905 announced the addition of new models and colors for its 2025 Spring/Summer (SF) collection. These updates are now visible on the official COLLECTION page, where items are marked with "NEW" or "NEW COLOR" indicators. The announcement confirms that these specific styles and colorways have been integrated into the online catalog for viewing. No details regarding immediate shipping availability, pricing, or inventory status were provided in the source material.
Seiko Optical Products announced the launch of its new "Seiko Vision Neo" value lens series in Japan, accompanied by a commemorative campaign starting March 3, 2025. The lineup includes Allround, Town, Office, Room, Deskwork, and Digital types, designed as entry-level options for first-time progressive lens wearers or those seeking multiple pairs tailored to specific lifestyles and viewing distances. To mark the release, customers who purchase one pair of any Vision Neo type during the campaign period and submit their usage feedback will be entered into a lottery. Six hundred winners will receive a digital Amazon gift card worth 1,000 yen. The company encourages consumers to experience the lenses at retail stores.
On March 1, 2025, eyewear brand MASUNAGA announced the addition of new models and color options for its Spring/Summer 2025 collection. The updates are now visible on the official COLLECTION page, where items are distinguished by red "NEW" and "NEW COLOR" markers. This announcement covers both the MASUNAGA since 1905 and MASUNAGA | K3 lines. The source confirms the digital listing update but does not specify individual product names, prices, or physical stock availability beyond the online catalog presentation.
SDC Technologies announced that its subsidiary, Coburn Technologies, has launched the Velocity TT, a new tabletop optical lens spin coater. Designed specifically for small and mid-sized laboratories, the system is described as compact and cost-efficient, occupying substantially less space than traditional units to make high-quality lens coating accessible across various lab sizes. Coburn Technologies, headquartered in South Windsor, Connecticut, is identified as a leading provider of ophthalmic lens processing systems. SDC Technologies, based in Irvine, California, was acquired by Mitsui Chemicals in 2008 and specializes in high-performance specialty coatings for industries including vision eyewear. The announcement highlights the product's suitability for labs seeking space-saving solutions without specifying pricing or independent performance metrics.
Seiko Optical Products announced the start of its "Seiko Adult Excitement Campaign" on December 1, 2024. The promotion targets customers purchasing specific progressive lens models—Seiko Superior 5G, Seiko Pursuit X Neo Series, or Seiko Integral Series—during the campaign period. Eligible buyers are entered into a lottery to win prizes from a pool of 320 awards. Adding optional features such as Polar Syn (polarized), Soleil (photochromic), or Frontier (UV and blue light cut) increases winning odds. The application period runs from December 1, 2024, to February 10, 2025. Qualifying lens orders must be placed between November 20, 2024, and January 31, 2025.
Seiko Optical Products concluded its "Seiko Adult Excitement Campaign" on February 15, 2023. The promotion commemorated the launch of the Seiko Pasht X Neo series and targeted buyers of either that line or Seiko Superiol 5G lenses between October 24, 2022, and January 31, 2023. Eligible participants within Japan could enter via website or postcard to win one of twenty Seiko brand watches. Thirty additional winners received Seiko mini sports timer clocks through a secondary draw. Prize shipments were scheduled for late March 2023. Retailers, agency staff, and company employees were excluded from entry.
Seiko Optical Products will launch the Pursuit X Neo series of custom progressive lenses nationwide in Japan on October 24, 2022. The new line updates the existing Pursuit X series with Cross Surface Design® and offers three grades (AC, CV, NV) across four design types. Key enhancements include expanded power ranges for all grades, 1mm pitch progression length options for All-Round types, and new lineup additions for polarized, photochromic, and curve selection features. Available in 1.74, 1.67, and 1.60 refractive indices, the lenses incorporate advanced corrections such as prism aberration compensation, real sight correction, and frame 3D adjustment to optimize visual performance and comfort for diverse lifestyles.
Seiko Optical Products launched its fifth-generation taylor-made progressive lens, "Seiko Superior 5G," on June 20, 2022. The new product line features Cross Surface Design and is available in refractive indices of 1.74, 1.67, and 1.60. It offers four design types suitable for distance-near and intermediate-near applications, with options for polarized lenses, photochromic lenses, and curve selection. This release represents an optimization of existing designs to address modern lifestyle changes and diverse consumer needs, marking the latest evolution in Seiko's top-tier lens specifications.