EXCLUSIVE GLASS LENSES

Oliver Peoples is recognized for its selection of superior polarized and photochromic mineral glass sun lenses, which combine the finest materials available with the most advanced technologies in the world. Available in an array of rich, vibrant colors exclusive to the brand, rare earth elements blended into the lenses selectively filter sunlight so that vision is sharper, with improved clarity, color definition and contrast. Combining optimum elements with decades of expertise and experience, Oliver Peoples sun glass lenses provide the ultimate visual experience.

IDENTITY

A subtle but distinctive feature of our sunglass lenses that identifies them as Oliver Peoples is a one-of-a-kind breath logo. The iconic brand symbols are applied to the glass through an ink transfer. An oleophobic coating is then applied and the lens is washed, removing the ink from the transfer. The ink prevents the coating from being applied to the lens, ensuring that one’s breath causes the lens to fog only where the symbols are. This discreet signature assures authenticity and is a product detail for those ‘in the know.’

 

BENEFITS

Due to its natural purity and unique transparency, glass offers the best optical precision. Each lens is formed in a highly controlled process that guarantees there are no defects in the material, which would compromise vision and cause discomfort to the eyes. The organically hard surface of glass is scratch resistant and less inclined to break under stress. Glass is also resilient to heat, which is essential for the seamless application of coatings that require extreme temperatures for perfect and long-lasting adhesion.

PHOTOCHROMIC GLASS: Photochromic glass lenses lighten or darken depending on exposure to UV sunlight. These offer the sharpest vision possible in varying light conditions, ideal for indoor activity and bright outdoor sunlight. The photochromic effect is achieved by the addition of silver ions infused into the glass during the melting process, which react to UV rays by becoming excited and causing the lens to darken. Without the presence of UV light, the lens color lightens to its original state.

POLARIZED GLASS: Polarized lenses negate the effects of glare that bounce off windshields, pavement, water, snow and other surfaces. Light reflected from these types of flat surfaces travels in a horizontally-oriented direction, creating a distracting and sometimes dangerous intensity of light experienced as glare. While ordinary sun lenses just reduces light, a polarized filter allows only the light that does not match its orientation to pass, eliminating reflective glare and optimizing visual clarity.

VARIOUS COATINGS

Ultraviolet light is an invisible form of radiation produced by the sun and potentially harmful to the human eye. Coatings assure maximum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, ensuring the best vision possible. An anti-reflective coating absorbs bounce-back glare off the interior of the lens, preventing it from entering the eye, thus reducing eyestrain and fatigue. Hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings repel dust, water, oil, and fingerprints. Infrared rays from the sun generate heat that can cause dryness and weakness in eyes. The infrared coating filters these rays, offering protection and keeping eyes cool. VFX technology exclusive to Oliver Peoples includes a number of coatings that eliminate glare, reduce bright light, and offer superior eye protection against dangerous UV radiation.

CREATION OF THE LENSES

To achieve the transparency essential of optical glass and ensure it is free of any imperfections, strict quality assurances are required. Several steps are necessary to guarantee the clearest, thinnest, and most lightweight glass lens possible. The process begins by fusing seventeen different rare earth elements with sand to create the actual glass. These elements have unique magnetic, phosphorescent, and catalytic properties that selectively filter sunlight, resulting in sharper eyesight, improved color definition and contrast, and enhanced long distance vision. During the fusing process, temperatures reach up to 2192˚F (1200˚C), liquefying the rare earth elements and sand to form glass. Once cooled, the glass wafers are dipped in a chemical bath of hardening salt to ensure the shape remains unaltered. Diamond tools are then used to obtain the requisite curvature of the lens, followed by the application of multiple coatings for the ultimate performance and protection of the eyes.

Using a steel ball released from a height of four feet, a ‘Drop Ball Test’ is administered to all lenses to verify that they are impact resistant and adhere to required international safety standards. A digital camera is used during the automated quality control process, after which a manual inspection is overseen by expert personnel and approved for release to production.