-more- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Cherie

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Cherie Gifford
Essilor of America
214.621.4477
[email protected]
Essilor Unveils Eye Protect System
Lens Innovation Makes Eye Protection Accessible to All
DALLAS – Jan. 5, 2016 – To address the growing need for protection against increasing
exposure to blue light and UV, Essilor, the leading manufacturer of eyeglass lenses, is
introducing Eye Protect System , a lens innovation making eye protection more accessible to
everyone. This includes the launch of Smart Blue Filter which provides embedded protection
against harmful blue-violet light while allowing the beneficial blue-violet light to pass through
on an aesthetically clear lens. Blue light is found everywhere, and is emitted by the sun and
artificial light sources such as LEDs, computers and smart phones. This product innovation
signifies a major advancement by Essilor because most blue light and UV protection products
available are a coating applied to the lens surface that has an obvious color.
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“Over the past several decades, in partnership with eyecare professionals, major Essilor lens
innovations have improved the vision of millions of eyeglass wearers,” said Eric Leonard,
President of Essilor of America. “At Essilor, we care about protecting eyes and have made a
significant commitment to ensure that blue light and UV protection are available to everyone.
We will offer this technology as a fundamental part of our business at no additional cost, creating
a new standard for our industry.”
Beginning April 2016, we will communicate on the benefits of Smart Blue Filter embedded in
Varilux digital designs, Eyezen+ lenses, and Transitions lenses. For the ultimate protection,
consumers can combine Smart Blue Filter lenses with Crizal Prevencia No-Glare lens
treatment, which selectively filters harmful blue-violet light while also blocking UV light.
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“The connection between blue-light and retinal disease, such as AMD, suggests that reducing
exposure to blue light would be beneficial,” said Dr. Howard Purcell, Senior Vice President,
Essilor of America. “As a leader in the optical industry, we feel it’s our responsibility to provide
solutions which meet the needs of eyecare professionals and their patients for protection and
correction, by providing the best solutions on the market.”
Eye Protect System will provide protection against the harmful blue-violet and UV light. For
protection against the more intense amounts of blue and UV light encountered outdoors,
Transitions lenses or sunwear lenses should be worn - such as Xperio UV polarized sun lenses
manufactured by Essilor.
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For more information on Essilor of America, visit www.essilorusa.com, join the conversation on
Facebook or tweet us @EssilorUSA.
About Essilor of America, Inc.
Essilor is the leading manufacturer of optical lenses in the United States and is the market leader in progressive,
high-index, photochromic and anti-reflective coated lenses. A pioneer in the development and production of
ophthalmic lenses, Essilor employs more than 10,000 people throughout North America. Essilor manufactures
optical lenses under the VARILUX®, CRIZAL®, TRANSITIONS®, XPERIO UV™, DEFINITY®, THIN&LITE® and
other Essilor brand names. Essilor Laboratories of America, Inc is the largest, and most trusted, optical lab network
in the U.S. and offers a wide choice of services and lens brands, including Essilor premium lenses, to eyecare
professionals across the nation. Essilor of America, Inc. (Essilor) is a subsidiary of Paris-based Essilor International,
a publicly held company traded on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (Reuters: ESSI.PA).
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13555 North Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, Texas 75234
1-800-Essilor