Varilux

It consisted of a conical back surface and a cylindrical front with opposing axes in order to create a power progression.

On March 2, 1951, Bernard Maitenaz deposited an envelope at the National Institute of Industrial Property in France which included four drawings and mechanical data[4] that would make it possible to manufacture the modern-day progressive lens.

Maitenaz and his team began producing progressive lenses using a variety of different improvised techniques and by 1958, Essel had developed machinery capable of mass manufacturing them.

Although both had created innovations of their own (Essel with Varilux and Silor with the Orma 1000 organic material), they were not major players on the international market.

[9] With this newly formed merger, Essilor launched the Varilux 2 in Europe,[10] which adopted a better design than its predecessor and lighter lens material.

[11] The Multi-Design concept was a first stage of personalization of the progressive lens, a specific optimum design for each age class of the presbyopic wearer.

[12] The new surfacing techniques developed by Essilor made the adaptation much quicker than on previous progressive lenses and provided comfortable vision in all postures.

[16] With the launch of Varilux Comfort in 1993, Essilor developed the dioptric loop method, making it possible to gauge wearer satisfaction.

It comprises five stages:[17] In 2008, the Varilux Ipseo New Edition was designed using Essilor's Virtual Reality system.

[18] In 2008, Essilor designed the Varilux Experience, a virtual simulation concept using the various ophthalmic solutions offered to presbyopes.

In a theater showing a 3D film, viewers wearing polarized, stereoscopic glasses follow in the footsteps of a young man with presbyopia.

[23] The Varilux Physio progressive lens is characterized by an improvement in colour contrast and wider fields of vision.

It derives its performance from a patented innovation called the Twin RX Technology which combines a method for calculating lens optics, Essilor's Wavefront Magement System and advanced digital surfacing.