LONGCHAUMOIS (France) – There is a lot of talk about the quality of glasses and the technologies that this category of products brings with it. We are talking about photochromism, colors and definitions, contrasts, and eye health. What do we know about them?
We asked Julbo, specifically to the Marketing Manager Stephanie DugasJulbo is a leader in the optical design and technology sector, one of the very few companies in the world capable of produce prescription sports lenses tailored to the user's needs. The French brand has been operating in the category since 1888. Today the Longchaumois company is part of the Peugeot Group (cars).
Photochromic glasses and lenses, a plus for cyclists
What does photochromic technology applied to sports and cycling glasses consist of? «The photochromic lenses – explains Dugas – are activated thanks to a photosensitive pigment applied to lenses, although applied is not a completely correct term, because in the case of Julbo it is completely integrated into the lens. We talk and argue about one top-level optical technology and there is no film applied to the lenses of the glasses.
«For us, the excellence of photochromic technology – continues Dugas – is represented by Reactiv category and in fact it is the latest evolution of the Trivex polymer on which the lens is based. Photochromic technology is an added value for all sports glasses and it is even more so for an action sport like cycling. It allows you to cover a very wide range of needs and disciplines and if it is of excellent quality it is also an eye protection tool."
A process lasting over 12 years
As often happens, sport borrows the solution and technology from the military field because the polymer that characterizes today's Reactiv photochromic lenses It derives from combat helicopters. For the production of each single lens, 24 hours of work, starting from the raw material, up to the finished lens ready to be mounted on the glasses that we normally find in the catalogue.
A latest generation photochromic lens is obtained with 4 different stepsThe first is the production of the compound, a mix of polyurethane and nitrogenThe photochromic lens is the result of a formula that can be created ad hoc. The second refers to the production of the mold and the finishing that makes the lens like glass, but with superior precision. The third step is related to the cooking for a period between 7 and 10 hours, to one temperature between 85 and 130°The fourth and final process is the extraction of the lens from the mold and subsequent shaping.
Complex and expensive technology. What are the benefits?
«First of all the durability and reliability – argues Dugas – because a photochromic lens with Reactiv technology is resistant to impacts and if cleaned correctly maintains treatments for his entire life. Has a very low weight and allows for very high visual quality, with unparalleled clarity and definition.
«Furthermore – continues Dugas – in just 30 seconds it goes from category 1 to category 3, covering a wide range of needs. It is important to remember that if you want to preserve the quality of lenses and glasses in general, as well as the integrated treatments, Lenses should be washed only with water and dried gently with a special cloth».
Eyewear categories and technologies: the same for everyone?
The lens categories are those, there is no escape and the most suitable ones for cyclists are two, from 0 to 3 and from 1 to 3. The first one is also used for those who practice sports in the dark and at nightThere is a fourth category of lenses (Julbo is the first ever to offer it), from 0 to 4, but it is specific for high mountains and cannot be used for driving.
«The lens categories – Dugas tells us – were created for make the most of the potential of sports glasses. It should also be considered that each category can be further subdivided by the different contrasts available, by the treatments and, of course, by the colours of the lenses themselves. The athlete's subjective responses change – concludes Dugas – in terms of feeling, perception and comfort».
