Prizm is a revolutionary lens technology from Oakley that dramatically enhances detail to improve performance. It provides ultra-precise color tuning, designed for specific environments. Fine-tuning vision and optimizing contrast, Prizm lenses reveal details that would typically be missed by the naked eye. Whether on the mountain, road, water, field, or course. Prizm lenses allow athletes and consumers to see details earlier, faster, and deeper, resulting in an enhanced experience.
The process to create these unique lenses starts with field research, after that starts prototyping, lab testing, field testing, and then finally there is the de final product.
Field Research
During field research, the first thing that needs to be done is to identify and measure key colors that athletes need to boost clarity to better perform in that particular environment. This is possible by collecting data using the hyperspectral camera. With the hyperspectral camera data, Oakley determines the specific Prizm dyes needed to enhance color and the wavelengths to let into the eye.
Prototype
Phase 1
Prototype phase 1 includes formulating lenses that are specific to the environment by testing and combining color Prizm dyes into the molecular base of the lens.
Step 1: Create a Prizm Dye color combination using the formula created from data and field research.
Step 2: Mix Prizm Dye combination with clear Plutonite pellets.
Step 3: Melt the Prizm dye and Plutonite combination in the Extruder so the dyes molecularly bond to the Plutonite.
Step 4: The material is then fed through the Extruder, ran through H20 to ‘cool down’, and cut back into pellets, creating the final Prizm base.
Phase 2
In prototype phase 2 the Prizm base goes through injection molding to produce one comprehensive, single-layered lens.
Melted & injection mold
Coating process
Final Cure (oven)
Lenses cut into final shape
Phase 3
In prototype phase 3 (Iridium coated lenses only): The iridium lenses are put into a vacuum deposition coating machine that evenly coats lenses with iridium. Iridium is a lens coating that provides a reflective property. This means your lenses will look “mirrored” and people won’t be able to see your eyes through the lenses. It creates a uniform filtering layer that optimizes contrast and minimizes glare.
Lab Testing
All lenses undergo extensive testing in a lab to ensure all eyewear delivers the utmost optical clarity and provides maximum impact resistance. The key tests that all Oakley products have to go through are Hight Definition Optics Testing and Impact Testing.
During High Definition Optics Testing the lenses undergo a range of tests to prove they will be able to meet the uncompromising demands. Using laser and measurement tools, the following three tests are conducted:
- Clarity: Measures the sharpness of images viewed through the lens.
- Refractive power: Measures how inferior lenses distort vision by magnifying images.
- Prism Test: Measures how the lens bend and make objects appear shifted from their true position.
For the impact test The Oakley products undergo two tests, to test the durability of the lens material and frame: High Velocity and High Mass. These tests recreate real life impact situations to ensure the Oakley lenses are scratch and crack-resistant and can take impact to protect the wearer’s eyes.
During the High Velocity test a quarter inch steel ball is fired at over 100 miles per hour at a close range towards the lenses. During the High Mass test a steel spike is being dropped from a certain distance above the lenses.
Field Testing
Oakley had an un-compromised commitment to and experience in testing products in the exact environment and conditions the wearer will use them. Prizm lens technology went through this process with four years of field testing and 20 – 30 testing trips in seven different countries.
The Final Product
Once a product passes over 30 tests, meets all Oakley design and performance standards, and is validated by world-class athletes, it will become a new offering in the Prizm lens line-up.
The Prizm collection consists of a wide range of lenses for different purposes: road, trail, field, golf, snow, mx, water, cricket, and daily.
The Prizm Deep Water for example filters out the shades of blue that overwhelm your vision on open water, while boosting greens and reds and keeping whites bright, so anglers can spot flashing fish and see what’s beneath the surface. Prizm Field brightens whites, enhances blue skies, and increases the saturation of grass and dirt so players can track the white ball faster against the background.
If you want to know more about Oakley’s Prizm lenses, Request Intel or email us at intel@cobbsindustries.com
