A story about the "Balilax XR x Transitions." Door to Peak No need to replace! The cutting edge of AI-powered "bifocal and dimming" sunglasses lenses blow away your eye problems in the mountains

Tuesday, September 10th, 2024

Gear reviews , recommendations , sunglasses , Sponsored , Varilux

Written by Yasushi Hisatomi

I've been climbing the mountain for over a quarter of a century, and I've been using eyewear such as glasses, contacts, and sunglasses to keep my hands on them.

I was originally myopia, so when I was a student I used to wear glasses, but when I started going to the winter mountains, I gradually started wearing soft contact lenses because it went well with sunglasses and goggles. However, perhaps because my body is prone to dryness in my eyes, I often feel dry or sticky after wearing it for a long time, and sometimes I missed the feeling of blinking on my skis.

Furthermore, ROU-GAN (presbyopia) has come to this point to make an even more impactful experience.

I've been thinking that my smartphone screen looks blurry recently, but when I looked at the screen, I tend to unconsciously hold my smartphone, and one day my friend finally told me, "That's a complete presbyopia." In particular, recently I've been fishing for mountain streams using "contact + polarized sunglasses," and when I tie the fishing line, my vision at my hands is shaking and I can't help but feel like I'm going crazy. It's easier to see if you remove the contacts, but of course it's not possible, and recently I've given up on tying threads on site.

When you have presbyopia, things nearby become blurry or blurred, making it difficult to see text, and you can't do your work with your hands, making it even more troublesome than you imagined.

I knew it could happen one day, but it doesn't change anything even if I came so early and regretted that it was so stressful.

This time, I was able to help myself, Varilux, a bifocal lens brand from France. I was asked if I wanted to try out a "bifocal and dimming" lens that makes full use of the latest AI technology, so I jumped over to the boat as I moved around.

So this time, I would like to share with you how I used these new sunglasses, how I used them all for real mountain tents, fishing for mountain streams, travel and everyday life.

*The author is offering this product on the condition that the review is reviewed in accordance with the policy of this site

table of contents

What is the "Bifocal Lens Balilux XR" series?
- The "Balilax XR Series" is the world's first-ever lens designed using* behavioral AI.
- Combined with Transitions®, a dimming sunglasses that adapt to the intensity of light, you can create three-player outdoor glasses with just one pair of glasses that cover the distance, near and light.
Create your own personalized lens with specialized measuring equipment
I actually tried climbing a tent
Summary: From the far ridges to the letters in your hand, from the strong sunlight to the inside of your tent, the peace of mind of being able to see it as it is
Details and purchase of "Balilax XR Series"

What is the "Bifocal Lens Balilux XR" series?

First, what is the "Balilax XR Series x Transitions" bifocal and light-dimping sunglasses that I had made this time? I would like to briefly touch on this.

The world's first* actionable AI design, the "Balilax XR Series" is the finest lens in history.」

"Balilax" is the world's first bifocal lens development that has no boundaries, and is still the world's best-selling bifocal lens, and has a 60-year history of being born. The Varilux XR series of bifocal lenses is the first in the world to develop using actionable AI.

The most distinctive feature is that it uses thorough inspections that assume the user's vision, the position of the eye when actually wearing glasses, and the movement of the gaze, and the over 1 million data the company has accumulated so far, and uses behavioral AI that predicts gaze movement, and designs lenses completely tailored to suit the user's eye information and face shape. It is said that the lens design, which was not possible with the previous linear eye movement, allows for smooth movement of the gaze from the distance to the front, just like when it was visible with the naked eye, resulting in a clear field of vision and a natural feel to be seen in the actual movement of the gaze.

The "Balilax XR Series" features the latest bifocal lens personalized through precise measurements using specialized vision testing equipment to obtain more detailed eye information and multifaceted analysis using behavioral AI.

Especially outdoors, you can constantly move your eyes to a large distance or close location, from far away scenery to maps and smartphones. The Barilux XR series further reduces the stress of moving around gaze, and it can be said to be a perfect lens for mountaineering enthusiasts like me, who have begun to have presbyopia. In addition, in order to fully evaluate the features of the "Balilax XR Series," lenses were created using the highest grade "Balilax XR PRO" with the most sophisticated design of the lineup of about four in the series.

*Researched by Essilor: In 2022, when considering the power and use of gaze in bifocal lenses designs for the eyeglass lens category.

Combined with Transitions®, a dimming sunglasses that adapt to the intensity of light, you can create three-player outdoor glasses with just one pair of glasses that cover the distance, near and light.

This time, we also had the option of combining the dimming lens "Transitions® Extra Active® New Generation." This dimming lens reacts to both UV and visible light, adapts seamlessly to glare, and returns from clear to darker colors outdoors and from clear to clear indoors. It blocks 100% UVA and UVB, and blocks blue light indoors and outdoors. This not only covers the distance and closeness, but also the glare, and can do three roles with just one, allowing you to comfortably hang it outdoors from morning to night, from inside your car to inside your tent all day long.

Create your own personalized lens with specialized measuring equipment

"Balilax XR" lenses that create an ideal look that is tailored to each individual

The "Balilax XR Series" is a basic premise, so of course you will need to first inspect your own vision.

So we arrived at the Nikon Megane Minami Aoyama store in Tokyo, which has a measuring device exclusively for the Barilux XR series.

After receiving a brief consultation, the optometry began immediately, and I was suddenly surprised. Of course, there are simply checking myopia and astigmatism to adjust the prescription that was done when making glasses and contacts, but after that, there are many tests and tests that I have never experienced before.

As I was taught in the counseling at the beginning, no one person has the same eyes and appearance, and it is ideal for glasses to be made to suit each person, from the shape and size of their eyes, the distance between the eyes and lenses, the dominant eye, the tilt and posture when facing straight, how to move their gaze, and even the way they like. It's true that you say that, but even so, it's clear that accurately measuring the subtle differences is not that easy.

Therefore, the "Balilax XR Series" makes it possible to make this impossible possible with cutting-edge measuring equipment and behavioral AI, and realizes glasses that are unique to each individual, which thoroughly analyze and personalize each individual's eye shape and movement from various angles.

Specialized measuring equipment that measures the position of the eye when the selected frame is applied and the curve angle of the frame, allowing for more precise and optimal lens design.

The inspection involves looking into the measuring instrument to measure the precision of the measurements, to precisely measure data such as the curve angle of the frame, eye height, and distance between the eyes while standing in front of a sensor like a full-length mirror and wearing glasses, and also to measure how the gaze moves by naturally holding the tablet with the glasses with the sensor while holding the tablet with the sensor. This is done for several minutes in mind, in an assumption of actual use.

It was surprising to find that the actual measured data is significantly different from the average value balance.

You can choose the frame freely according to your preference

Frames are generally free to bring in, so if you have a frame you like, they will create the lens measured this time in a size that matches it and wear it. In addition, the Nikon Megane Minami Aoyama store also carries a large number of frames, so you can of course purchase and match the frames sold there. I discovered that the sunglasses I had brought this time were models that had no lenses removed, so I decided to use this opportunity to buy new ones. If you align the lenses and frames in the same place, support will be smoother.

After about an hour of thorough inspection and testing, all the materials for lens design are ready. All that's left is to wait for it to be completed

The inspection and measurements of how to look and feel are tested, and all that was left was to wait for the finished product designed from the measured data. By the way, you can choose from a wide variety of colors for dimming sunglasses (the number of colors you can choose varies depending on the product). This time, we mainly use it outdoors, such as mountain climbing and fishing, so we chose "graphite green," which seems most suitable for its natural appearance and ease of viewing the water in the mornings and evenings.

・

And I waited about a week. I was informed that my sunglasses had been completed much earlier than I expected, so I immediately picked up my clothes at Nikon Glasses Minami Aoyama store. It's finally my first bifocal glasses. What's more, there are "outdoor-specific glasses" designed exclusively for you, right in front of you... and your heart is excited by anticipation.

I tried wearing finished glasses in a shop for the first time.

When I first tried wearing it, I walked around the room and found that it looked just like the myopia glasses I usually wear, and there were no noticeable distortions, so it was so ordinary. To be precise, it has been remade to suit your current vision, so it has a clearer view than usual.

Next, I looked down on my smartphone in my hand (it is near my chest), and I saw that the text on the screen was clearly visible, just like I had checked during fitting. This is what you call bifocal use!

This "far/close" power switching does not have a clear boundary somewhere, but changes like a gradient within a single lens, and when you look in the direction you want to see, the optimum degree is applied to it, so there is very little discomfort when you wear a bifocal lens.

Of course, this is my first time with bifocal lenses, and I don't have any specialized knowledge about glasses, so I don't know a detailed evaluation of how it compares to other bifocal lenses. However, it is certain that at least the stress I had experienced with mere myopia glasses and contacts has disappeared, and that I can now see more seamlessly, both far and close. I was very satisfied with the feeling of returning to my own self when I had no presbyopia.

Next, we went outside, where the summer sun shines brightly. The lens color quickly turned darker, reducing the glare. The color change speed was quick and smooth, and it worked fine as sunglasses in just a few seconds.

For me, my first experience with bifocal perspective, it was a bit of accustomed to it.

However, this does not mean that there is no discomfort at all from the start of wearing it. Specifically, it took some time to use the "upper and lower" vision, which is unique to bifocal lenses. Bifocal lenses, where different powers are mapped to one lens, look different depending on where you look on the lens, so we have come to realize that there are some tips for moving your gaze depending on the distance of what you see.

For example, when looking at a smartphone screen held in your hand, your gaze naturally moves down the lens, allowing you to smoothly and comfortably move your gaze from before you look at the screen to the text on the screen, but when a nearby object is right in front of you rather than in your hands, you may end up raising your chin a little and forgetting to move your gaze through the bottom of the lens, making the text appear blurry.

In other words, I simply neglected to switch my vision from afar or near, but even though I can move my gaze smoothly without being aware of it in a considerable daily situation, it is not necessarily okay to have zero awareness in every situation, and in certain situations like the one mentioned earlier, it is not impossible to have to move my gaze consciously. However, since this does not occur frequently on a daily basis, as I continued to use it every day, I no longer felt confused and became used to switching it.

Of course, the presence and degree of discomfort varies from person to person, as long as it is made to order. Therefore, if you are concerned about the discomfort or annoyance, we recommend that you consult with the optician you purchased and get the appropriate adjustments. Thankfully, if you have a Barilax within three months of purchase, there is a "manufacturer's guarantee" that allows you to re-produce the lens or replace it with another Barilax lens, so if you feel uncomfortable, it's a good idea to consult without too much effort.

I actually tried climbing a tent

With a clear response that it was perfect, I finally decided to try it out for mountain climbing and hiking.

The route I tried this time was to traverse and run through 100 famous mountains, from Senjojiki in the Central Alps, from Kisokomagatake to Hoken-dake to Soragi-dake in a tent for one night. Here you can try it out in a variety of situations, including rocky traffic, with a 3,000m ridge.

As mentioned above, up until recently, I changed from my regular glasses to contact lenses in the parking lot at the trailhead, and carried my sunglasses around, and wore them as needed. Of course, this time I wear bifocal glasses and light-cutting sunglasses, which saves me the trouble of wearing contact lenses and carrying sunglasses, so I'm just plain happy for someone who doesn't want to contact me if possible.

The weather was sunny on the way to the walk. When you go outside the ropeway station, the glasses react well to the strong 3,000m UV rays, preventing glare (photo below). Just like when walking, the way you see it when you're in the lower world, there is no discomfort from far to near places, and the view is expanded, which has never been seen before. The "Balilax XR series" has achieved a clear vision and natural visibility in the real, personalized movement of the gaze, and as a result of the natural visibility expanding deeper into the field of vision, the visual volume has increased by 49% compared to the previous generation series, making it possible to create a natural visibility.

If some clouds get on, the darkness will loosen slightly as shown in the photo below, depending on the brightness of the surroundings. It prevents glare, but is not too dark, and maintains just the right field of vision.

Are you worried about your feet when you have irregular steps such as stairs?

It is said that bifocal lenses often experience distortion and shaking around the periphery of the lens. This comes from the structure of bifocal lenses, where the power of looking far and the power of looking at the hands coexist with a single lens, so the difference in the difference in distortion (aberration) and blur (difference in power) is always generated. It seems that some people can cause distorted perspective at their feet, especially on stairs, and it is possible that the steps are difficult to see and scary. When I first started calling, I heard this from the staff, and I actually walked to check the stairs outside the store.

However, perhaps due to the high quality of the Barilacx XR lenses, or perhaps I was insensitive, I actually went up and down mountain trails with various slopes, from stepped paths, slopes, and rocky rocks like chains, but to be honest, I couldn't feel any discomfort or anxiety that bother me. Even when I ran down a steep descent, I was able to descend smoothly and with peace of mind, just like normal shortsighted glasses.

Of course, the lens does not have any distortion, so you can check the distortion by consciously shaking your face or deliberately shifting your gaze diagonally to the left and right. Also, depending on the structure of the stairs, the steps may be difficult to see, so it cannot be said that there is no problem in all cases. However, unless they deliberately acted like this or were in a specific difficult situation, they would not have looked that dangerous. This is thought to be a major contribution to the XR-motion™ technology used in the Barilux XR series, minimizing the aberration and power difference in the lens mentioned above (inevitably due to its structural) and providing a smooth and comfortable field of vision from afar to the hands.

From the far ridges to the chains and clocks in front of you, you'll be able to keep your vision in a comfortable position forever, so you don't have to worry about stress.

In the outdoors, the vibrations are very large, such as when it's far and close, and the light and dark, and they are exposed to this stress for a long time. Looking for a target that can be seen in the distance, the next moment I look for a footstep, and the next moment I look at my smartphone, wristwatch, etc. The "Balilax XR" worked wonderfully even in such busy moving perspectives. The natural field of vision is opened in the direction of your gaze, so it's hard to tell that it's working well. This emotional feeling may only be understood by presbyopia, but I'm happy that the world looks "normal" as it is.

When looking at a distance, your gaze naturally moves upwards, and the optimum magnitude is applied to the distance.

When looking at the nearest part, your gaze moves downwards, and you can clearly see the text on your hand through the part where the presbyopia level is applied.

Once the action on the first day is finished, the lens is clear as expected.

Even when you are on the headlamp even before sunrise, you can wear glasses without stinking

Perfect for driving glasses and sunglasses

This time, the dimming lens is "Transitions® Extra Active® New Generation" which reacts not only to ultraviolet rays but also to visible light, so even when applied in a car, where ultraviolet rays are often blocked to some extent, it reacts properly and prevents glare. Of course, since these glasses are bifocal and have clear views on both the front and the company's navigation system.

Transitions® Extra Active® New Generation responds properly even when applied in a car that blocks UV rays.

Relieve your frustration when fishing from the mountain stream

Another case is that I like to climb streams and stream fishing, so I tried to see if it could be used there. The thing I needed most was the perfect way to see reading glasses, especially the fine work I had at hand, such as tying the line during fishing for mountain streams, but the thin thread at my hands was clearly visible through the underside of the lens, and I was able to tie the thread without any trouble (photo below).

I was able to get through the fishing line that I was so frustrated that I couldn't tie, but I was able to do it smoothly as before.

Polarized glasses would have been great, but clip-on solved it

When it comes to fishing for the mountain stream, there are bright rivers, deep valleys sandwiched between quays, and dark kettles surrounded by trees, so in that sense, dimming lenses are very helpful. However, the only thing I'd say was that this lens was a "polarized lens" which would have been even perfect. Polarized lenses are lenses that have the function of reducing the reflection and glare of light from the surface of water or snow, and are essential for outdoor activities such as fishing and skiing. It is unfortunate that the current "Balilax XR series" did not have polarizing function as it provided us with such perfect comfort*.

However, I realized that I could only wear a clip-on polarized glass separately when fishing or skiing, so I tried it out right away, and the glare on the surface disappeared and I was able to see the underwater beautifully, so I'm planning to go with this style from now on. In the first place, with polarizing function, it can be difficult to see the LCD screen, and it can be a disadvantage in everyday use, so I even think this combination is the best at the moment.

*It seems that other models in the series can be combined, so please contact the manufacturer or store for more details.

Polarization functions that are essential for fishing and skiing are solved by installing a clip-on polarizing lens.

SWANS Made in Japan Polarized Sunglasses Attach to Glasses Clip-on Flip-up Type SCP-21_SMK SMK Polarized Smoke Free Size

created by Rinker

SWANS

¥2,915 (As of 2025/08/01 00:11:30, according to Amazon - details)

Summary: From the far ridges to the letters in your hand, from the strong sunlight to the inside of your tent, the peace of mind of being able to see it as it is

Until I had this experience, I had realised that I had presbyopia, but it was a hassle to change my reading glasses out of the box. Although I knew that bifocal glasses existed, they only wear them by people who really need them, and the prices are high, so I honestly thought I might have to buy them.

However, this was my first time trying out bifocal glasses with the "Balilax XR Series," which was paired with high-performance dimming glasses, and I was surprised at how much comfort was improved.

Looking at the trail, I looked up at the ridge, took my smartphone to check the map, looked for the red tape on the tree, and then looked back at my feet. There's no discomfort with such busy movement of gazes. It was only after I actually made lenses that this comfort is an irreplaceable benefit in outdoor activities where you need to keep your eyes moving all day long in a harsh environment that is close to danger, and that it can be so reassuring that it can look natural, both far and close.

In the past, when I brought the bowl close to my face when I was eating, the ingredients were blurry and I couldn't really understand them, which was very stressful, but now I can enjoy eating them while watching the delicious rice. It's a small thing, but once you've learned about these small, obvious comforts, you can't let go.

What's more, this incredible comfort can be fully utilized not only for outdoor activities but also for everyday use. I can live a normal life as if I have healthy vision in all situations, such as going out and driving a car or bicycle, as well as having healthy vision (and not having a contact-like sloppy stub), so it's too much a waste to just use it for outdoor use, so I wear it every day.

Of course, it's certainly not a price that's easy to afford, but I might not have understood this world-changing feeling if I hadn't actually experienced it. In fact, I am no longer able to think about the glasses I have made in the future, as I am so comfortable with everyday life that I am no longer able to think about. If you are suffering from presbyopia but still want to enjoy mountain climbing and the outdoors comfortably and safely, and read this article and are interested in it, why not give it a try?

Details and purchase of "Balilax XR Series "

For product details and retailers, please check the official Balilux XR Series website