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Mineral lenses for progressive lens wearers: lenses for fans

Further development of the ZEISS progressive mineral portfolio – why it is a must-have

15 June 2022
  • Mineral lenses for progressive lens wearers: lenses for fans

Thanks to properties such as low weight and high breaking resistance, plastic lenses have gradually overtaken mineral lenses – if sales figures are anything to go by anyway. However at ZEISS, we attach just as much importance to the further development of our portfolio of mineral lenses. After all, lenses made with this material come with their very own benefits. The ZEISS progressive portfolio is at the centre of attention here. Ultimately, the first spectacle lens in the world is known to have been made of mineral glass. Developed by Assyrian artisans in the eighth century BC, glass lenses were just as perfect for spectacle wearers then as they are today due to their excellent optical properties.

Are you particularly exposed to dust or dirt at work or when pursuing your hobby? Are you a big fan of the purity and optical performance of mineral lenses? Or do you attach a great deal of importance to the durability of your lenses? Then ZEISS mineral lenses may be a solution for you.

Plastic lenses are obviously the first choice for sports glasses or children's spectacles, as they are lighter and more shatter-proof. But it is no coincidence that precision optics, such as camera, microscope and telescope lenses, and the touchscreens on modern smartphones are made of mineral glass. Glass provides a highly durable, smooth and scratch-proof surface, helping to prevent fine scratches developing on the lens in dusty surroundings.

What is more, high refractive indices allow thinner, more slender lenses to be produced, making you look more attractive and your eyes more natural - even with higher prescriptions.

The major benefits of mineral lenses at a glance:

  • Excellent optical performance
  • Greater surface hardness
  • High scratch resistance
  • Outstanding durability

Many spectacle lens manufacturers unfortunately no longer invest in the development of their mineral lens portfolios. But fans of mineral lenses need not worry, because they can now benefit from ZEISS's optimised progressive mineral portfolio. Progressive lenses, which can be manufactured as individually as a tailor-made suit thanks to freeform technology, are now available in any possible combination with regard to spectacle frames, spectacle lenses and prescriptions. Furthermore, ZEISS mineral progressive lenses can now also be customised for the intermediate and near vision ranges. To give you brilliant vision particularly at night, dawn and dusk, your ZEISS optician can also customise mineral lenses with i.Scription® optimisation for you.

What makes mineral lenses so durable?

Schematic diagram of the molecules in a mineral lens (1.6) – left – compared with the unstructured molecules of a plastic lens – right.

What makes mineral lenses so durable?

The secret of mineral lenses lies in the strong material cross-linkage and the molecules' dense 3D structure. This guarantees a long performance life because the hard, smooth surface stops fine scratches from developing in the first place.


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