Ray-Ban, the iconic sunglasses brand, has introduced a new line of sunglasses with a revolutionary new feature – concave lenses. Unlike traditional convex lensed glasses that curve outward from the eye, the new Reverse line of Ray-Ban’s sunglasses have lenses that curve slightly inward toward the wearer’s eye. This patented and highly precise 3D modeling system is designed to make sunglasses fit a more universal audience as the natural curve of the cheekbone is followed, resulting in a more pronounced effect in some styles than others.
If you look at the front of any eyeglasses, you will notice that most lenses are convex, extending slightly outward from the eyes. But Ray-Ban’s new Reverse line is breaking this industry standard, with its innovative concave lens. These lenses are indented, curving slightly inwards towards the wearer’s eyes and creating what the company calls a “tiny shield for your eyes.”
Federico Buffa, the R&D product style licensing director for EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, explains via email that this inverted lens design aims to accommodate more facial shapes, expecting to draw a more diverse audience to the brand. “Since the Ray-Ban Reverse lens follows the natural curve of the cheekbone we expect to appeal to a more universal audience,” Buffa says.
According to Federico Buffa, the R&D product style licensing director for EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, this revolutionary lens design is engineered to provide sharper, more accurate vision with a perfect balance between the front and rear surface, specifically to not skew vision. The Reverse lenses are seen as an aesthetic disruption, which is appealing to novelty seekers.
These new lenses, now available in four Ray-Ban styles, start at $185 and are made using a patented, highly-updated 3D modelling system to attain the right degree of concavity without compromising light refractions. According to Buffa, this lens design produces sharper and more accurate vision for the wearer.
For some, however, the Reverse collection’s novelty might be its most significant selling point. Buffa says that it’s an “aesthetic disruption” in the industry. Ultimately, Ray-Ban’s Reverse lenses are going to influence other manufacturers to make similar lenses, making eyewear more innovative and available to many.