SAN DIEGO—Zeiss is launching UVProtect Technology, the first complete sunglass-level UV protection (UV400) available in the U.S. and Canadian consumer markets in all clear organic eyeglass lens materials. All clear Zeiss lenses will employ new UVProtect Technology, providing protection against direct UV rays up to 400 nm.

Zeiss UVProtect Technology bridges a critical gap in UV protection in clear lenses. According to The Vision Council, this largely unknown gap in protection has accounted for four of five consumers being exposed to as much as 40 percent of the most harmful UV rays. This exposure is directly linked to photoaging, cancer and cataracts, the leading cause of blindness.

“This is the first time that sunglass-level UV protection will be available in all clear lenses, giving eyeglasses wearers effortless protection for their eyes and eyelids,” said Jens Boy, president of Zeiss Vision North America. “Not only does UVProtect Technology establish a new standard of care in the eyecare industry, this technology will now come standard in all Zeiss plastic eyeglass lenses.”

Zeiss will not patent UVProtect Technology so that other lens companies can utilize it in their products, the company said.