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LAUNCHES
Corning Intros Corning Clear 15, a Thin, Scratch-Resistant Glass
Quick Take: Corning Inc. is releasing Corning Clear 15, a new high-performance glass that provides a thinner and more scratch-resistant solution compared with plastic materials commonly used for prescription lenses.
Wearer: “Corning Clear 15 can be ground 25 percent thinner and lighter than common glass lenses and is ideal for individuals who need clear, sharp vision that only comes with precision optics,” noted Lyle Rubin, sales and marketing manager, Americas for Corning Specialty Glass.
Specifics: This new glass is now available from select U.S. distributors that utilize state-of-the-art, free-form equipment to produce the newest-style lenses, including dual-sided progressive designs.
Selling Points: Clear 15 glass has a proprietary molecular structure that undergoes an ion-exchange process, resulting in higher resistance to superficial scratches, compared with plastic materials commonly used for prescription lenses, Corning said. The 1.523-index glass can be ground as thin as 1.5 mm; an Abbe value of 57.1 gives it better vision and optical clarity. Corning Clear 15 glass also has high chemical durability, making it more immune than plastic to household solvents or common cleaning formulas often used to clean lenses.
www.corning.com
X-Cel Announces Extreme H2O Daily Contact Lenses
Quick Take: X-Cel Specialty Contacts has added a new Extreme H20 Daily lens to their product line.
Wearer: According to the company, 27 percent of patients that have a HVID that falls outside of the average range of 11.3 to 12.3 would benefit from smaller or larger diameter contact lenses.
Specifics: The lens is the only one-day disposable contact lens available in three diameter options: 13.6, 14.2 and 14.8, enabling practitioners to get a precise fit on patients, the company said. Extreme H2O Daily is made with Hioxiflcon A, a non-ionic ultra-hydrating material that retains 99 percent of its water content while in use, stabilizing lens comfort, movement and fit. Available parameters in all diameters are: +0.50 to +6.00 and -0.50 to -10.00.
Selling Points: “For kids, the smaller diameter is much easier to insert and remove, which helps alleviate morning struggles with putting their lenses in,” said X-Cel vice president and general manager, Derrell James. “The 14.8 diameter is more stable on the eye and less likely to decenter or fall out during sports activities. It’s also a solution for patients who experience lens awareness during blink because it provides more coverage and tucks under the lids. This helps to reduce or eliminate discomfort due to lid interaction.” X-Cel Contacts, a Walman company, is a specialty contact lens manufacturer with branches throughout the U.S., and a strong presence in Latin America.
Price Guide: $-$$
www.xcelspecialtycontacts.com
SECOND LOOKS
Live Eyewear Expands Cocoons Fitovers Collection
Quick Take: Live Eyewear, manufacturer of the patented Cocoons fitover sunglasses, has expanded its collection with the introduction of over 150 additional models.
Specifics: All Cocoons fitover sunglasses and low vision UV filters include a custom designed neoprene case, large ultra-absorbent lens cloth and a manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty. The collection features optical quality, scratch resistant Polaré lenses in both polarized and non-polarized tints. The patented Flex2Fit adjustable temple system also allows each wearer to contour the ear pieces to their desired shape, providing the perfect fit that is secure and comfortable, the company said.
Selling Points: The Cocoons collection now features new glossy frame finishes and the addition of three new high performance mirrored polarized lenses. The new frame finishes include vibrant colors, such as aqua and amethyst, as well as, deep, rich colors including black cherry, chocolate, onyx, caramel and leopard.
In addition to their blue and green mirror lens options that have been very successful, they have added gold, silver and rose mirrors to present wearers with one of the most diverse selections of mirrored lenses in the fitover sunglasses category, the company said. "Tens of thousands of optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians trust Cocoons as their 'go to' fitover sunglasses,” said Jay Raftery, vice president of business development. “Our customers' experience and expertise helped us to develop an arsenal of new models that further strengthens the strategic value of the brand."
Price Guide: $$
www.cocoonseyewear.com
Modo Releases New Paper-Thin Ultra Collection
Quick Take: Following the success of their Paper-Thin collection, Modo has released the new Paper Thin Ultra TR-90 collection, which features an ultra-thin polyamide rim insert—measuring only 1.6 mm.
Specifics: Five optical and two sun styles designed for men and women.
Selling Points: The Paper-Thin Ultra TR90 collection is represented by neo-retro styles, including the 4404 round and 4400 cat eye. In addition to the new 4403 pantos and 4405 square styles, the 4401 oval features interesting color combinations, including scuba, smoke, classic tortoise and crystal with a red titanium frame. To complete the collection, Modo has also created two distinct pilot-shaped sunglasses, the 680 and 681, which feature a polarized and anti-reflective performance sun lens. According to the company, the ultra-thin rim design of this lightweight collection allows for regular lens insertion on a 0.6 mm thick beta titanium eye wire.
Price Guide: $$$$
www.modo.com
La Matta by Area98 Bows SS Collection
Quick Take: La Matta, an Area98 brand, has launched their new spring/summer collection of optical styles featuring original jeweled and enameled detailing as well as Swarovski elements resembling macramé lace.
Specifics: Inspired by felines and the earth’s natural colors, the La Matta collection of four feminine frames is designed for sophisticated, yet spontaneous women.
Selling Points: According to the company, the LM3180 style perfectly represents La Matta’s ability to approach different themes with delicate refinement. This style’s animal acetates, including a peacock feather design, seamlessly blend with the decorative shapes on the temples. In panache colors, the bicolor metal front of the LM3184 style gives way to acetate temples with metal decorations, while the temple embroidery of the LM3173, a squared frame with a hint of cat eye, is reminiscent of a lace collar with delicate jewels. Lastly, the brand’s animal print can be seen in the decorative detail on the temple of style LM3176, which suggests a painter’s palette of warm and vivid colors to stylish neutrals.
Price Guide: $$$$$
www.area98.it
ALSO NEW
A&A Optical Adds to Seventy One and Crocs Eyewear
 A&A Optical has released two new ophthalmic frames from eyewear collection, Seventy One. Designed for the Millennial market, the unisex collection consists of timeless shapes, organic color variations, and a fusion of materials and textures. Metal frames crafted with distinctive color stories and acetate frames are the collection’s signature style. New addition Brandeis, features a round eye and keyhole bridge. The acetate frame is available in black, crimson, and tortoise. The Emory is a modern take on a retro shape. The combination frame is available in black, tortoise and Tokyo-tortoise. A&A also announced the addition of CF648 and CF3015 to Crocs Eyewear. The collection uses an assortment of high quality materials such as ultra-lightweight stainless steel, hypo-allergenic silicone rubber and flexible polymer. The CF648 features a black front and neon bright temples—which come in green, pink and blue. CF648 is marked with a silver Crocs logo imprint on the upper temples. CF3015 features an oval stainless steel front and multitoned silicone rubber temples. The style is available in black/orange, purple/lilac and grey/turquoise. www.aaopticalco.com
Modern Optical International Adds New Styles to URock Collection
 Modern Optical International expanded its URock Collection with four new styles. Geared for the male Millennial, Modern Optical has added Acoustic, Halfpipe, Shred and Wicked to this minimalist, but edgy collection. The Acoustic is a handmade zyl frame that offers rectangular fronts, earth-toned color options—charcoal matte, maroon matte, and navy matte—metal accents and spring hinges. The Halfpipe is a rectangular, mixed material frame that delivers comfort with spring hinges and snap-in silicone nose pads. Shred is made of handmade zyl, with metal trim and spring hinges and offers color blocking juxtaposing matte fronts and polished temples. Lastly, Wicked is a versatile style that utilizes handmade zyl while incorporating spring hinges for extra comfort and durability. www.modernoptical.com
M.R.K.T. Unveils Collaboration With Raen Eyewear
 Los Angeles-based design label M.R.K.T. presents its latest creative partnership—a limited-edition sunglass collaboration with eyewear brand Raen—just in time for summer. Inspired by the brands’ shared principles of design, quality and innovation, the collaboration updates the Remmy frame from Raen in an exclusive kelp colorway. The round, architectural frames feature a split matte and polished finish and M.R.K.T. metal foil logo on the temple tips. The CR-39 Lens by Carl Zeiss features a split finish zyl acetate frame that results in a smooth finish interior for comfort and maintains a stylish matte surface. The accompanying case is custom-designed by M.R.K.T., and rendered in their patented, “Supr Felt”—a hyper dense, nonporous industrial felt that provides structural rigidity and weather protection. The case’s interior uses, “Smrt Felt,” a softer cushioned material to protect the eyewear from scratching and damage. The case is designed with no stitching, inspired by Japanese origami, and folds for flat storage.
raen.com
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