"Varilux XR x Transitions" experience report. No need to change lenses from door to peak! Cutting-edge AI-powered "profocal x photochromic" sunglasses lenses eliminate eye problems on the mountain

I have been climbing mountains for over a quarter of a century, and one thing I have always relied on is eyewear, such as glasses, contact lenses, and sunglasses

I was originally nearsighted, so I used to wear glasses when I was a student while climbing mountains, but when I started going to the mountains in winter, I gradually started using soft contact lenses because they didn't work well with sunglasses or goggles. However, perhaps because my eyes tend to dry out easily, I often felt a dry feeling or a sticky sensation when wearing them for long periods of time, and one time they even came off when I blinked while skiing

To make matters worse, ROU-GAN (farsightedness) has recently come along

I'm 48 years old and I've noticed that my smartphone screen has been looking blurry lately. It turns out I tend to unconsciously reach out to hold my phone when looking at the screen, and one day a friend finally told me, "That's definitely presbyopia." Recently, I've been using contact lenses and polarized sunglasses a lot when stream fishing, and when I'm tying a fishing line, my vision is so blurry that I can't concentrate on anything else, and it honestly drives me crazy. Removing my contact lenses would make it easier to see, but of course that's not always possible, so I've pretty much given up on tying a line at the fishery

We knew it was going to happen someday, but regretting that it happened so soon and was so stressful doesn't change anything

I was fortunate enough to be offered a helping hand by Varilux, a progressive lens brand from France. When I was approached about trying out their progressive x photochromic lenses, which utilize cutting-edge AI technology, outdoors, I jumped at the chance

So, in this article, I would like to share with you everything from making these new sunglasses to using them for serious mountain camping, stream fishing, traveling, and everyday use

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What is the "Varilux XR progressive lens" series?

First, I would like to briefly explain what the "Varilux XR Series x Transitions" progressive x photochromic sunglasses I had made for me to try out are

The Varilux XR series is the finest Varilux lens ever designed using the world's first* behavioral AI」

Varilux is a lens brand with a 60-year history, which developed the world's first seamless progressive lenses and is still the world's best-selling progressive lens. The Varilux XR series of progressive lenses is the first in the world to be developed by Varilux using behavioral AI

The most distinctive feature is that the lenses are completely custom-made to fit the user's eye information and face shape, using behavioral AI that predicts eye movement based on the user's visual acuity and the position and gaze movement of the eyes when actually wearing the glasses, as well as the more than 1 million pieces of data the company has accumulated to date.This allows for smooth gaze movement from far away to close up, just like when seeing with the naked eye, which was not possible with previous lens designs based on linear gaze movement, and achieves clear vision and a natural feeling of sight in accordance with actual gaze movement

Particularly when outdoors, there is a constant need to move one's eyes between close and far distances, from distant scenery to a map or smartphone in hand. The Varilux XR series, which further reduces the stress of such eye movements, seems like a dream come true for a mountain climbing enthusiast like myself who is beginning to suffer from presbyopia. In order to fully evaluate the functionality of the Varilux XR series, I had the lenses made using the Varilux XR PRO, the highest grade with the most sophisticated design of the four or so models in the series

*Research by Essilor: In 2022, taking into consideration the power and visual direction of progressive lenses in the eyeglass lens category

Combined with Transitions® photochromic sunglasses that adapt to light intensity, these become three-in-one outdoor glasses that cover distance, near, and bright light

This time, I also paired these with the optional Transitions® Extra Active® New Generation photochromic lenses. These photochromic lenses react to both UV and visible light, seamlessly adapting to glare, changing from clear to dark outdoors and back to clear indoors. They block 100% of UVA and UVB rays and cut blue light both indoors and out. This triple-purpose lens covers not only near and far vision but also glare, allowing me to wear them comfortably all day long outdoors, from morning to night, in the car, and inside the tent

Create your own personalized lenses using specialized measuring equipment

Varilux XR lenses provide ideal vision tailored to each individual

The Varilux XR series is essentially prescription glasses, so naturally, you will first need to have your eyesight tested

So I headed to the Nikon Megane Minami Aoyama store in Tokyo, which is equipped with measuring equipment specifically for the Varilux XR series

After a brief consultation, the eye exam began, and I was immediately surprised. Of course, there was a check for myopia and astigmatism to simply adjust the prescription, just like when getting glasses or contact lenses, but what followed was a whole host of tests and examinations that I had never experienced before

As I learned during the counseling session at the beginning, no two people's eyes or vision are the same, and ideally, glasses should be custom-made to suit each individual, taking into account the shape and size of their eyeballs, the distance between the eye and the lens, their dominant eye, the angle and posture of their eyes when looking straight ahead, how they move their gaze, and even their preferred way of looking. This may sound like a good idea, but it's clear that accurately measuring those subtle differences is no easy task

Using cutting-edge measuring equipment and behavioral AI, we have made the impossible possible, thoroughly analyzing the shape and movement of each individual's eyes from various angles to create personalized glasses that are "just for you."This is the Varilux XR Series

The test involves looking into a measuring device to measure precise prescription, or standing in front of a full-length mirror-like sensor to measure data such as the curve angle of the frame, eye height, and distance from the eyes while wearing the glasses.It also involves measuring eye movements by looking at a tablet through the sensor-equipped glasses while holding it naturally in the hand.The test involves detailed measurements that last several tens of minutes, simulating actual usage scenarios

You can freely choose the frame to suit your taste

You are generally free to bring your own frames, so if you have a frame you like, they will create a size that matches the lenses measured this time and fit it. The Nikon Eyeglasses Minami Aoyama store also carries a large selection of frames, so you can also purchase and fit frames sold there. The sunglasses I brought with me happened to be a model with non-removable lenses, so I decided to take this opportunity to get new ones. Getting your lenses and frames from the same place makes things a lot smoother

After the inspection and measurements, vision and comfort tests were completed, and the day ended with the only thing left to do was wait for the finished product designed based on the measured data. By the way, the color of the photochromic sunglasses can also be chosen from a wide variety of options (the number of colors available varies depending on the product). Since I will be using them mainly for outdoor activities such as mountain climbing and fishing, I chose "graphite green," which seemed most suitable for a natural look and for making it easy to see the water surface in the morning and evening

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After waiting for about a week, I received a call saying that my sunglasses were ready much sooner than I expected, so I went straight to the Nikon Eyeglasses Minami Aoyama store to pick them up. Finally, my first pair of progressive glasses. And now, I had "outdoor-specific glasses" designed just for me... I was overwhelmed with anticipation

I tried on the finished glasses for the first time at the store

When I first put them on and walked around the room, I was surprised to find that they felt just like my regular nearsightedness glasses, with no noticeable distortion and a surprisingly normal appearance. To be precise, they have been remade to suit my current eyesight, so I can see more clearly than usual

Next, I looked down at my smartphone (held close to my chest) and sure enough, I could see the text on the screen clearly, just as I had seen during the fitting. So this is what they call varifocals!

There is no clear boundary between the far and near powers, but rather the power changes like a gradient within a single lens. When you look in the direction you want to look, the optimal power is applied, so you hardly feel any discomfort when wearing progressive lenses

Of course, this was my first time using progressive lenses, and I don't have any specialized knowledge about glasses, so I can't give a detailed evaluation of how they compare to other progressive lenses. But at the very least, the stress I'd felt with simple nearsightedness glasses or contact lenses has disappeared, and I can see more seamlessly, both near and far, without any discomfort. I was very satisfied with the feeling of returning to the way I was before I had presbyopia

Next, I went outside under the blazing summer sun. The lenses immediately darkened, reducing the glare. The color change was quick and smooth, and the glasses functioned perfectly as sunglasses within just a few seconds

As this was my first experience with progressive lenses, it took some getting used to

However, this does not mean that there was no discomfort from the very beginning. Specifically, it took some getting used to using the "upper" and "lower" fields of vision that are unique to progressive lenses. Progressive lenses have different powers mapped onto a single lens, so the way you see things changes depending on where you look on the lens, so I learned that there is a trick to moving your eyes slightly depending on how far away the object is

For example, when looking at a smartphone screen in your hand, your eyes naturally go below the lens, so you can move your eyes smoothly and comfortably from the screen to the text. However, when there is a nearby object in front of you rather than in your hand, I sometimes forget to lift my chin slightly and move my eyes past the bottom of the lens, which causes the text to appear blurry. This happened to me a few times at first

In other words, I simply neglected to switch between near and far vision, but even though I can move my eyes smoothly without thinking about it in many everyday situations, it's not like I can completely ignore it in all situations, and there are certain situations like the one I mentioned earlier where I have to consciously move my eyes. However, since this doesn't happen frequently on a daily basis, the confusion went away as I continued to use it every day, and I was able to get used to switching

Of course, since they are custom-made, the presence and degree of discomfort will vary from person to person. For this reason, if you are particularly bothered by the discomfort or bothersomeness, we recommend consulting the optician where you purchased the glasses and having them adjusted appropriately. Thankfully, Varilux comes with a "Vision Comfort Manufacturer's Guarantee," which means that if your vision does not improve within three months of purchase, the lenses will be remade or replaced with other Varilux lenses, so if you are experiencing any discomfort, it is best to consult with them without forcing yourself

I actually tried using it for camping in a tent

With a strong feeling that this would work, I decided to give it a try on a mountain climb/hike

The route I tried out this time was a traverse of the 100 famous mountains, from Senjojiki in the Central Alps to Kisokoma-dake, Hoken-dake, and Utsugi-dake, spending the night in a tent. This route is on a 3,000m-class ridgeline, allowing me to try out various conditions, including traversing rocky areas

As mentioned above, until recently, I would change from my regular glasses to contact lenses in the parking lot at the trailhead, and carry sunglasses with me and put them on as needed. Naturally, this time I was wearing "profocal glasses + photochromic sunglasses," which saved me the trouble of putting in contact lenses and carrying sunglasses, which was quietly pleasing for me, as I would rather not wear contacts if possible

The weather is clear as we begin our walk. Stepping out of the ropeway station, the glasses respond well to the strong UV rays at 3,000m altitudes, blocking out the glare (see photo below). Just like down below, the view while walking is seamless, from far away to close up, providing a "natural" field of vision never before seen. The Varilux XR series, which achieves clear vision and a natural viewing experience with personalized, actual eye movements, has expanded the natural viewing area deeper into the field of view, resulting in a 49% increase in the field of view volume compared to the previous generation series, so it's no surprise that it provides such a natural viewing experience

When there are some clouds, the darkness softens slightly to match the surrounding brightness, as shown in the photo below. It prevents glare without being too dark, and maintains just the right level of visibility

Are you worried about your footing when walking on stairs or other uneven surfaces?

It is said that progressive lenses often cause distortion and shaking around the edges of the lens. This is due to the structure of progressive lenses, which have both a power for seeing far away and a power for seeing close up, and the difference between these two inevitably causes distortion (aberration) and blur (power difference). This can cause some people to lose their sense of depth, especially on stairs, making it difficult to see the steps and feeling scared. I had heard this from the staff when I tried them on for the first time, so I decided to check it out by walking up the stairs outside the store

However, perhaps due to the high quality of the Varilux XR lenses, or perhaps because I'm simply insensitive, I actually went up and down mountain trails with various inclinations, from stepped paths and slopes to steep rocky areas with chains, and frankly, I felt almost no discomfort or anxiety whatsoever. Even when running down a steep descent, I was able to descend smoothly and safely with the same feeling as with regular nearsightedness glasses

Of course, the lenses are not completely distortion-free, so you can see the distortion if you consciously move your face or deliberately shift your gaze diagonally left and right. Also, depending on the structure of the stairs, it may be difficult to see the steps, so we cannot say that it is completely problem-free in all cases. However, unless you deliberately do such things or are in a specific situation where it is difficult to see, the vision did not become dangerous. This is likely due in large part to the "XR-motion™" technology used in the "Varilux XR Series," which minimizes the lens aberrations and power differences mentioned above (which are unavoidable due to their structure), providing a smooth and comfortable field of vision from far away to close up

From the distant ridgeline to the chain and clock in front of you, you can see clearly and without stress

When outdoors, there is a huge range of fluctuation between near and far, and between bright and dark, and we are exposed to this stress for long periods of time. One moment we are searching for a target in the distance, the next moment we are looking for a place to step, and the next moment we are looking at our smartphone or watch. The Varilux XR worked wonderfully even with these busy shifts in our gaze. It was so smooth that it was hard to tell it was working so well, as a natural field of vision opened up in the direction we looked. This is an impressive feeling that only people with farsightedness may understand, but it's nice to be able to see the world as it is, in a "normal" way

Perfect as driving glasses or sunglasses

The photochromic lenses I used this time are "Transitions® Extra Active® New Generation," which react not only to UV rays but also to visible light, so they react properly and prevent glare even when worn inside a car, where UV rays are often blocked to a certain extent. Of course, because they are progressive glasses, I can see both the road ahead and the navigation system inside the car clearly

Eliminates frustrations when fishing in mountain streams

Another example is my love of mountain stream climbing and stream fishing, so I tried to see if I could use them there. Originally, the reason I needed reading glasses most was to be able to see clearly when doing detailed tasks such as tying a line while stream fishing. Through the lens below, I could clearly see the thin line in my hand, and I was able to tie the line without any difficulty (see photo below)

Polarized glasses would have been great, but clip-ons are the solution

When it comes to mountain stream fishing, there are bright riverbanks, deep valleys sandwiched between cliffs, and dark pools surrounded by trees, so photochromic lenses are extremely helpful in that regard. The only thing I'd be greedy for is if these lenses were polarized lenses. Polarized lenses are designed to reduce the reflection and glare of light from the surface of water or snow, making them an essential feature for outdoor activities like fishing and skiing. The Varilux XR series has provided near-perfect comfort, so it's a shame they don't have a polarized feature*

However, I realized that I could just wear clip-on polarized glasses when fishing or skiing, and when I tried them out right away, the glare from the water surface disappeared and I could see underwater clearly, so I plan to stick with this style from now on. Polarized glasses can have some drawbacks in everyday use, such as making it difficult to see the LCD screen, so I'm even thinking that this combination might be the best for now

*It seems possible to offer combinations with other models in the series, so please contact the manufacturer or retailer for details

Summary: The peace of mind of being able to see everything as it is, from the distant ridgeline to the letters at hand, from the strong sunlight to the inside of the tent

Before this experience, I was aware that I had presbyopia, but reading glasses seemed like too much and it was a hassle to keep changing them. I knew about varifocal glasses, but they were only worn by people who absolutely needed them, and they were expensive, so I honestly didn't think it was worth buying them

However, this was the first time I tried bifocal glasses with the Varilux XR series, which is paired with high-performance photochromic glasses, and I was surprised at how much comfort they provided

You look down the trail, then up the ridge, pull out your smartphone to check the map, search for the red tape on the trees, then return your gaze to your feet. Such a rapid shift in your gaze feels natural. It wasn't until we actually made the lenses that we realized that this comfort is an irreplaceable benefit, especially in the outdoors, where you need to keep your eyes busy all day in a harsh environment constantly at risk of danger, and how being able to see things both near and far naturally leads to such peace of mind

Previously, when I brought the bowl close to my face while eating, the ingredients would become blurry and it was very stressful, but now I can see the delicious rice clearly as I eat. It's a small thing, but once you experience this small, everyday comfort, you'll never want to let it go

What's more, they're so comfortable that they can be used not only outdoors but also in everyday life. Not only can I switch my gaze between my PC screen at work, documents in hand, and my smartphone, but I can also go out, drive a car or bike, and live a normal life in any situation as if I had healthy eyesight (and they don't have the roughness that contact lenses cause). So, it would be a shame to only use them outdoors, and I wear them every day

Of course, it's not a price that's easily affordable, but I probably wouldn't have been able to understand the world-changing feeling if I hadn't experienced it for myself. In fact, being able to see naturally every day is so comfortable that I can't imagine getting any other glasses from now on. If you're someone who has presbyopia but wants to enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities comfortably and safely, and you've read this article and are interested, why not give them a try?

Details and purchase of the Varilux XR series

For product details and retailers, please visit the official Varilux XR Series website

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