By Andrew Carp: Group Editor, Lenses and Technology

DALLAS—Essilor of America is launching a “new and improved” version of its Crizal Alizé anti-reflective lenses, according to the company. The upgraded product, which offers better cleanability, is a full product replacement for the previous generation of Crizal Alizé lenses, which was discontinued on Jan. 12.

“When first launched, Crizal Alizé lenses set the standard for cleanability in no-glare lenses,” said Carl Bracy, vice president of marketing for Essilor of America. “Now, we’re going above and beyond with a new and improved lens that is unmatched by the competition in its cleanability.”

Essilor’s latest generation Crizal Alizé lenses feature improved cleanability.

The new Crizal Alize lenses have an enhanced top coat that produces a contact angle of 116 degrees. After 20,000 cleanings, more than 98 percent of the super hydrophobic top coat remains, protecting the lens from scratches that can result from regular cleanings. Essilor’s proprietary High Surface Density (HSD) process densely packs the top coat molecules together, making the lenses highly resistant to fingerprints, dirt, oil or smudges. As a result, the lenses stay cleaner longer and remain the easiest to clean, according to Essilor. A double-sided, integrated hard coat delivers scratch resistance and durability, and the exclusive Pad Control System facilitates precise edging.

Essilor is offering these lenses in both Rx and finished single vision (FSV) in the same materials as the prior generation with two exceptions: the discontinuation of FSV AS Thin&Lite 1.60 and the launch of three new materials: FSV 1.5 Transitions VI Gray, FSV AS Airwear Transitions VI Gray and FSV AS Thin&Lite 1.67 Transitions VI Gray. ■ ■