Dynamic approach introduced for Varilux XR series design

Essilor has adapted its design system to keep its Varilux XR series aligned to real-life vision as wearer needs change, the company has shared.

The company has introduced its new “dynamic” system of design as an evolution of its artificial intelligence (AI) model.

With the Essilor Living Intelligence approach “design is no longer fixed at launch but regularly enriched to reflect real-life behaviours,” Essilor has said.

The Varilux XR series lens, which launched in 2023, was designed through the use of behavioural AI – incorporating insight of how modern presbyopes use varifocal lenses into the new design.

Explaining the need for a new approach, Cyril Guilloux, optical design director at EssilorLuxottica, explained: “Artificial intelligence often relies on static design models, which can gradually lose relevance as visual behaviours evolve over time.”

Since the 2023 launch, the company said it has noticed major evolutions in visual behaviours: closer working distances changing how near vision zones are used, the way people naturally lower and direct their gaze is changing in daily life, and a trend for bigger frames has impacted how lenses are worn and where the near vision zone is placed within the lens.

Guilloux shared that the Essilor Living Intelligence approach uses a dynamic AI model that “refreshes its predictive model over time to maintain long-term relevance and precision.”

He explained that with Essilor Living Intelligence, the Varilux XR series integrates more recent real-world behavioural data, including a 60% increase in dataset volume, combined with more advanced predictive models to “better capture the complexity of visual behaviour.”

This includes a more accurate understanding of how near vision varies depending on prescription and improved modelling of key parameters like working distance and gaze direction.

“The tangible impact is a more precise positioning of the near vision zone within the lens, enabling a more natural visual experience in everyday situations for each wearer,” he said.

The Essilor Living Intelligence model features a four-step approach to inform lens design.

The system is built on a behavioural dataset of real-world vision, captured through millions of data points and regularly enriched. This is then analysed using behavioural AI to model how people use their eyes naturally in everyday settings.

XR-motion technology enables more accurate design and positioning of the near vision zone by predicting natural eye movements, Essilor said, adding that these predictive models are regularly updated.

Essilor explained that Digital Twin technology then creates a virtual 3D replica of real-life visual behaviour and, through simulations, Essilor Living Intelligence can validate, refine, and improve Varilux XR series before and alongside real-world validation.

The Varilux XR series can be further refined through personalisation options.