European Photochromic Lenses Market Forecast to Increase at a CAGR of 5% during 2010–2017

Tuesday 10 April 2012, Amsterdam

The report provides a market landscape, key company profiles and market trend information on the photochromic lenses market in Europe. It provide comprehensive information on the key trends affecting photochromic lenses and key analytical content on the market dynamics. It reviews details regarding important deals that have taken place in the photochromic lenses market.


European Photochromic Lenses Market Forecast to Increase at a CAGR of 5% during 2010–2017

The European photochromic lenses market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5%, from $997.8m in 2010 to $1389.1m in 2017. Factors such as an expanding patient base and technological advances will drive the European photochromic lenses market. Development of task-specific photochromic lenses and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) advertising and promotional campaigns are expected to increase consumer awareness, which in turn will boost the photochromic lens market. The strongest growth in the European market will be observed in Italy and France.


Enhanced Quality and Reduced Costs Make In-House Lens Casting a Widely Accepted Technique

In-house lens casting has resulted in improved quality, shorter waiting times and cost reduction, all of which lead to increased profit for laboratories. Consumer convenience and satisfaction has increased the rapid development of in-house lens casting.

Advances in technology have created modular and compact equipment capable of performing the entire in-house casting process in minutes. Companies use improved monomers, which are enhancing the results obtained by the in-house process. The use of mid-index, photochromic monomers in the lens-casting system has aided the development of high index and photochromic lenses. The production of these premium lenses by the in-house lens-casting system generated increased profit per lens, making in-house casting a financially viable option. The introduction of an automated and robotic casting process has improved the turnaround time for the development of lenses, eliminating the long waiting periods for the patients.

Some of the major in-house lens-casting technologies include

Q-2100R Digital Lens System: This in-house casting process developed by Optical Dynamics, is based on free-form technology. A range of lenses from single vision to progressive lenses can be molded using this technology

NexGen Vision Lens Casting System: Introduced by Nexgen Vision, Inc., this system can develop single and progressive addition lenses (PAL). This lens-casting system works on a computerized tracking system that ensures optimal quality and precision. The patented coating technology and the automated technologies for mold assembly helped eliminate any error due to manual operations.

Other companies which developed the in-house lens casting system were: Rodenstock, which launched its Automated Prescription Technology (APT) system, Essilor with its DRx(direct-toprescription) in-lab casting system, and Opticast 1 and Opticast II by Opticast Inc.


Technologically Advanced Products to Increase Demand for Photochromic Lenses

Major changes in photochromic lenses have been observed, developing from the traditional glass photochromic lenses to the modern, technologically advanced photochromic plastic lenses. One of the major developments is the incorporation of two important technologies: photochromic and polarization technology. In a joint development between Younger Optics and Transitions, Drivewear lenses have been created by the integration of the photochromic and Nupolar polarization technology. Another important development was the PhotoFusion technology created by Carl Zeiss, which offers photochromic lenses that rapidly adapt to the changing lighting. The photochromic dye used is made up of the company’s proprietary photoactive molecules activated by solar Ultraviolet (UV) rays, which darken up to 20% faster and fade back twice as fast as the current range of photochromics. When the lenses are exposed to increasing strengths of UV rays, the self-tinting molecules are activated and attain maximum tinting, making the lenses dark in intense light conditions. When used indoors, the molecules are compact, enabling maximum light to pass through, making the lens appear clear.