Varifocal lenses have become increasingly popular for those seeking seamless vision correction across varying distances. These advanced lenses provide the wearer with the convenience of not having to switch between multiple pairs of glasses. When exploring the best options available, several brands stand out for their innovation and quality in crafting varifocal lenses. Renowned names in the eyewear industry such as Essilor, Hoya, Zeiss, and Nikon consistently receive accolades for their cutting-edge lens technology and exceptional clarity. To discover more about these leading brands and what they offer, read on below.
Illustration of varifocal lenses
Best brands of varifocal lenses in 2025
Essilor
Essilor is a leading producer of varifocal lenses, particularly renowned for its Varilux XR series, which utilizes behavioral artificial intelligence to provide instant sharpness even in motion, catering to over 100,000 eye movements per day. With a market share of around 35% in the eyecare market and over EUR6.9 billion in revenue from eyeglass lenses in 2019, Essilor stands out for its high-quality products and innovative technology. The Varilux XR series offers up to +25% extended near vision zone and is designed based on more than 1 million data points from real-life wearer tests. This brand is preferred by many opticians due to its reputation for quality and the regulatory approvals its products receive. Essilor's dominance is further solidified by its global presence and synergies with Luxottica.
Zeiss
ZEISS is a leading producer of varifocal lenses, known for their high-quality and customized solutions. As of 2019, ZEISS held an 8% market share of the global corrective lens market. Their varifocal lenses offer near, distance, and intermediate vision in a single lens, optimized for various activities such as driving and digital device use. ZEISS's advanced technologies, including Digital Inside® and Adaptation Control, ensure comfortable and clear vision for users. The company's commitment to precision and customization makes their varifocal lenses a preferred choice for many.
Hoya
HOYA is a leading producer of varifocal lenses, renowned for its high-quality and innovative optical products. The company holds a significant market share in the eyeglass lens market, with Europe being its largest market, followed by the Americas and the APAC region. HOYA's varifocal lenses offer seamless transitions between near, intermediate, and far distances, making them a preferred choice for those needing multiple prescriptions in one lens. The company has also developed innovative products like MiYOSMART for myopia control, which has been growing rapidly since its commercialization in 2018. With a global market presence and a strong focus on research and development, HOYA continues to enhance patient vision and support eye care practices worldwide. For a detailed review of their recent advancements, visit HOYA's annual review 2022.
Nikon
Nikon is a leading manufacturer in the varifocal lenses market, known for its high-quality and innovative products. In 2021, Nikon was among the top five global players in the varifocal eyeglass lenses market, contributing significantly to the industry's revenue. The company's revenue in the Imaging Products Business, which includes varifocal lenses, increased by Y=52.6 billion year-over-year in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, driven by the growing demand for mirrorless cameras and interchangeable lenses, particularly in the Chinese market. Nikon's advanced technology and commitment to quality have made it a preferred choice for consumers. The company's operating profit in this segment also saw a significant increase, reflecting its strong market position. For more detailed financial insights, you can access their fiscal year reports.
Rodenstock
Rodenstock is a leading producer of varifocal lenses, renowned for its innovative B.I.G. VISION™ technology, which measures the individual shape and size of each eye using thousands of data points to produce highly personalized lenses. In 2021, Rodenstock achieved a 23% revenue growth to 494 million euros and a 41% increase in recurring EBITDA to 127 million euros, driven by the successful execution of its B.I.G. VISION™ strategy. This technology has enabled Rodenstock to maintain a strong market position and expand its international business, despite challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic. The company's commitment to German engineering and high-quality lens production has made it a trusted name in the eyewear industry. Rodenstock's lenses are known for their durability, scratch resistance, and anti-reflective properties.
Shamir
Shamir is a leading manufacturer in the global varifocal eyeglass lenses market, known for its high-quality products and innovative technologies. As one of the key players, Shamir, along with other major brands like Essilor, ZEISS, and HOYA, dominates the market, with the top five players holding a significant share of the revenue in 2021. The company's products are distributed through various channels, including optical retail stores, eye care clinics, and online stores, with the optical retail stores segment accounting for a major share of 40.39% in 2021. Shamir's varifocal lenses are designed to address multiple vision dysfunctions such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia, catering to a wide range of age groups. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.37% from 2021 to 2027, driven by increasing demand for eye care products.
Seiko
Seiko Optical Products Co., Ltd. is a prominent Japanese manufacturer specializing in eyeglass lenses, including varifocal lenses, and has been a leader in the industry since its establishment in 1961. Seiko is recognized for its high-quality lenses that cater to various vision needs, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. The company is part of a competitive landscape that includes other major players like Essilor, ZEISS, and HOYA, and it contributes significantly to the global varifocal lenses market, which is expected to grow at a notable CAGR. Seiko's products are favored for their durability and effectiveness, aligning with the increasing demand for anti-reflective and multi-functional lenses. The global varifocal lenses market, in which Seiko operates, is projected to see significant growth driven by the rising prevalence of vision impairments and advancements in lens technology.
Varilux
Varilux, a brand under Essilor, is renowned for producing some of the best varifocal lenses globally, with a significant market share of 37% in the lens and optical instruments division as of 2013. The brand's Varilux lens, introduced in 1959, has been worn by over 300 million people worldwide, with a new wearer every three seconds. The Varilux XR series, for instance, utilizes behavioral artificial intelligence to provide instant sharpness even in motion, offering up to 25% extended near vision zone. Varilux lenses are known for their high-resolution vision, clearer images, and better comfort for close work. The brand's innovative designs, such as the Varilux Liberty and Comfort Max, have set new standards in progressive lens technology.
Kodak
Kodak, a renowned brand in the optical industry, is highly regarded for its high-quality varifocal lenses. As part of the progressive lenses market, which was valued at USD 5.61 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% until 2030, Kodak lenses are known for their advanced technology and wide field of view. In the market segment, premium progressive lenses, such as those offered by Kodak, provide improved clarity and are favored by consumers seeking advanced vision correction. Kodak's lenses are part of a broader market where key players like Essilor International and Zeiss International also compete, but Kodak's focus on innovation and customer satisfaction sets it apart. The brand's commitment to quality and customer needs has made it a significant player in the global progressive lenses market.
Sola
Sola, a renowned brand in the eyecare industry, is esteemed for its high-quality varifocal lenses, which are designed to provide seamless vision correction for presbyopia and other refractive errors. The global progressive lenses market, in which Sola operates, was valued at USD 29.90 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 38.64 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.37%. Sola's varifocal lenses are part of this growing market, particularly popular among the 60 and above age group, which dominates the market with a 56.45% share. These lenses offer gradual changes in visual distance, eliminating the need for visible lines and providing a more natural viewing experience. With a strong presence in regions like Europe and APAC, Sola continues to innovate and meet the increasing demand for advanced eyecare solutions.
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