From far away to close-up; from telescopes used in space in Google Earth satellites to electronic microscopes used in research; from precision to maximum dependability; from professional film camera technology dependability to integrated cameras lenses in Nokia cell phones: Inno­va­tio­n has paved the way in the history of the Carl Zeiss Company. Obviously, this is also true for the development of spectacles technology, manufacturing, vision measuring devices and visual aids.is zu integrierten.

Some might think that every pair of spectacles is the same. Well, they would be mistaken, because there are many small things – such as measuring and manufacturing precision, quality materials, state-of-the-art technologies and quality checks – that are required to ensure that a pair of glasses is a tool the user can depend on in any situation.

Consequently, the corporate history of Carl Zeiss’ spectacles manufacturing division has set many milestones marked by the invention of numerous innovative solutions. In 1937, Carl Zeiss invented polarised lenses, and the company manufactured the first polarised lens for spectacles in 1959.

In 1983, Carl Zeiss introduced the world’s first progressive lens for binocular vision and thus made it possible for users to enjoy infinite vision in both close-up and remote applications through a single pair of glasses.

Carl Zeiss was also Europe’s first spectacles manufacturer to cast lenses in high refractive plastic material. It was not until this development became available that manufacturers could produce thin and lightweight spectacles. Another unique feature of ZEISS brand lenses is that the thickness of the glass can be adapted to the design of the frame.

In 2000, Carl Zeiss, was the first company that could adjust progressive lenses to the individual needs of the user and manufacture them accordingly. This new generation of customised progressive lenses offers benefits such as relaxed vision from close-up to remote viewing thanks to particularly wide vision ranges and thus glasses that are extremely convenient. To ensure that users who prefer fashionably flat frame designs can also enjoy these benefits, customised progressive lenses are also available in “Short-Design” versions.

Carl Zeiss Vision wants to pamper your eyes from the instant they look through a ZEISS lens so that you can enjoy all the benefits of perfect vision.

You are unique – as is every other person. We all have our own personalities. Every eye has its own character, too – not a single one is identical with another one. Only a customised lens can meet these special requirements. The more precise the examination of your eye and your visual patterns by the optometrist is, the better your visual impression will be as you put on your new glasses.

What makes a lens unique? How much measuring data does it take to perfectly align the lens with your individual needs? And why will you enjoy more relaxed vision if you choose customised lenses?

Try this exercise: Cover half of your face with a mirror whilst standing in front of another mirror. Now your own face will look strange to you – unnatural, even. Not a single person on earth has two symmetric halves of a face. Even this minute detail plays a huge role in the micrometre precise production of lenses because the highly sensitive human eye does recognise even the tiniest deviations. The long term results could be visual problems or fatigue.  It is therefore hardly surprising that your visual impression will be more comfortable and more relaxed if your lenses and frames are aligned accurately with your individual symmetry and the shape of your face.

It is even more important to obtain such precise data if your lens is highly complex or powerful. The highest discipline is the production of progressive lenses where the transitions of the long distance vision zone and the reading zone are cut into the lens invisibly. Customised production is of particular importance for these lenses so that the vision result attained is not hampered in the transition zone between remote and close-up vision.

Which individual measuring data is key?

Eye distance: Measurement of the distance between the right and left eye from the centre of the pupil to the bridge of the nose.

Personal vision patterns: Have you ever consciously thought about the way you read a book or at which distance you keep your tools or needles while working? These measurements are critical for the customisation of your personal lenses, as is your occupation (are you working at a desk or are you a craftsman who works outdoors a lot?). Another aspect to be considered is your hobbies.

Vision height of the eye: The point where your left and right eye looks through the lens is also different from eye to eye. It is measured from the bottom rim of the glasses, i.e. the rim of the frame.

Frontal incline of the frame: Given that every face has a different profile, the frontal incline of the glasses is different also. Consequently, it is very important that this value is also considered in the calculation of your individual lens requirements.

Distance between eye and lens: This distance also differs from individual to individual. Experts call it the back vertex distance. Compare, for instance, the facial profile of a European and an Asian. You will instantly recognise a difference with the naked eye.

Bending degree of the frame: To adjust the glasses to your face, the frame is slightly concave. Experts call this the degree of wrap. It also has to be included in the precise calculation of an individual lens.

Consumers have no trouble finding the names of manufacturers or brand logos the frames of their glasses. Lenses, on the other hand, do not have logos that are instantly visible. Or do they? In fact, all ZEISS branded lenses have a Z on the glass to identify them as genuine ZEISS products.

ZEISS lenses have to pass extremely tough inspections to ensure they comply with all Carl Zeiss Standards before they even leave our production sites. Consequently, we feel that every ZEISS branded lens should be identified by its trademark so that you, the customer, and your optometrist, can distinguish it from other lenses.

We laser engrave a tiny Z into all ZEISS branded lenses before they leave our laboratories. The Z icon is engraved into the surface of the lens. The entire process is touchless and places the logo into a precisely defined location. The laser operates at a wave length that ensures that the engraving is semi-transparent only so it will not interfere with the wearer’s vision. The ZEISS quality seal is visible only when you look at the lens, not when you look through it.

On bifocal, trifocal and progressive lenses, the ZEISS laser engraving is placed in a position where it can still be easily identified once the glasses have been fitted into the frame by the optometrist. However, during the cutting process performed on single strength lenses, the required centring and cutting of the data may make the logo disappear once the lens has been dimensioned to fit the frame after the edging work is complete and you may no longer be able to see it. However, there is no need for concern. You can count on the fact that your optometrist has chosen ZEISS lenses. To make certain, he or she will give you an authenticity card that guarantees that your glasses are fitted with ZEISS lense

What are the differences between ZEISS Lenses and generic lenses?

The subtle engraved ZEISS logo on your brand name lenses guarantees that you will enjoy optimum vision comfort. This state-of-the-art quality is achieved thanks to three unique technologies:

The purity of the raw materials materials thanks to in-house developed filter technologiesPremium selection guaranteed by particularly tough quality checksOptimum light distribution thanks to inno¬va¬tive anti-reflective coating.

For those of you who would like to know all of the specifics that make our lenses so different  we have provided an overview below:

Spectacles have to meet certain minimum requirements mandated by law: they have to have a CE label. ZEISS Lenses, on the other hand, are DIN EN ISO 9001/2000 certified. This certification extends far beyond the minimum requirements mandated by law and comprises superior quality standards that have to be met not only by the product, but also in terms staff qualifications. Our brand name lenses are produced only by trained personnel.ZEISS warrants that optical impression quality is our first priority. It is more important than any other product criteria. At Carl Zeiss Vision, your perfect vision is priority one.Our in-house test specifications are even more far-reaching than those stipulated in the standards.Carl Zeiss Vision guarantees that ZEISS Lenses are adjusted only by qualified optometrists so that you can count on enjoying the benefits of an uninterrupted quality chain.ZEISS Lenses are also available for special lens prescriptions. ZEISS offers a wide portfolio of options for individual prescriptions.To be in a position to offer you customised lenses that meet all of your individual needs, our ZEISS Lens portfolio comprises a diverse and balanced range of choices.

What kind of warranties do ZEISS branded lenses offer?

For all brand name lenses ordered after 01/01/2002, Carl Zeiss Vision offers a warranty period of 24 months. Lenses that were ordered prior to the above date have warranty coverage for 12 months.