By Andrew Karp: Group Editor, Lenses and Technology

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif.—Oakley is launching a line of polarized lenses that combine high performance optics and protection with precisely controlled light filtering. The new Oakley OO Polarized lenses give the wearer improved visual contrast that makes colors appear more vibrant, according to Oakley. The company also said its proprietary design offers superior clarity and premium glare filtering while blocking high-powered light waves that can fatigue the eyes.

Scalpel

“We engineered these lenses to filter and fine-tune light in a way that ordinary polarized lenses can’t match,” said Oakley CEO Colin Baden.

Oakley’s OO Polarized lenses match Plutonite lens material in the company’s proprietary G40 color with a neutral gray polarization filter; Iridium lens coatings are optional. This combination balances light transmission to boost visual contrast, improve depth perception, and make colors appear more rich while filtering out the harsher wavelengths of light. Oakley has also tuned the level of polarization so wearers can view LCD screens clearly. These benefits are supplemented by Oakley High Definition Optics (HDO) technologies which optimize clarity at all angles of view.

OO Polarized lenses will initially be available in OO Grey Polarized, OO Red Iridium Polarized and OO Black Iridium Polarized lenses. Oakley offers 17 lens-frame combinations including Jawbone, Radar and Flak Jacket; lifestyle designs including Straight Jacket, Fives, Fives Squared, Fuel Cell, Scalpel, Whisker, Tightrope and X Squared; a women’s design, Commit SQ. ■ ■

akarp@jobson.com