Smith adds photochromic polarized lenses...

SUN VALLEY, IDAHO (June 14, 2006) – Extending their lead in lens technology for active pursuits, Smith Optics is rolling out Photochromic Polarized lenses in their Interchangeable and Style Series, creating the ultimate lens for changing light conditions.

Smith Optics has offered Photochromic Polarized lens technologies in glass lenses since the mid-80s through both their Action Optics collection and within the Smith Optics line. Now Smith is offering the same incredible technology in their Carbonic™ lenses. Photochromic Polarized lenses are now available in an assortment of Interchangeable sunglasses as well as some top Style Series sunglasses including the Method, Super Method and Shelter.

With the photochromic element, the new lenses self-adjust to the presence of UV rays by lightening in low light conditions and darkening in bright sunlight. Once exposed to UV rays, both activation and de-activation of the lens begins immediately. Add Smith’s legendary polarization, honed over the last three decades, the lenses eliminate 99.9% of reflected glare – a potentially dangerous distraction found on roads, water, sand and glass.

“At one point, advanced technologies like a Photochromic Polarized lens was something reserved for glass and other more delicate optical platforms,” said Eric Carlson, Smith Optics’ Director of Product and Merchandising. “Bringing this lens to our Interchangeable Series and into some of our more fashion driven frames is a breakthrough technology that’s clearly designed to improve performance by giving athletes a single ultimate lens for variable conditions.”

Smith is introducing two new Carbonic™ Photochromic Polarized lenses, gray and copper. The Photochromic Polarized Gray lens has a Visible Light Transmission (VLT) of 12 to 34 percent and the Photochromic Polarized Copper lens offers a VLT of 13 to 23 percent. Both lens tints are made from Smith Optics’ Carbonic™ material, enabling them to be both shatter-resistant and provide a high-quality optical platform.

The below frames are available from Smith Optics with the new Photochromic Polarized lens technology:

Interchangeable Series: Theory, Theory Max, Reactor Max, Factor, Factor Max, Factor D-Max

Style Series: Method, Super Method, Shelter, Escapade

To learn more about Smith Optics’ lens technologies, visit http://www.opticallydelicious.com/.

ABOUT SMITH OPTICS; Based in Sun Valley, Idaho, with a Southern California office located in San Clemente, Smith Optics, Inc. was founded in 1965 with the creation of the first goggle featuring a sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam. Today, Smith is as well known for its diverse line of fashion and performance sunglasses as it is for its goggles. From Smith’s distortion-free Tapered Lens Technology to the versatility of the Slider Series, with its patented, interchangeable lens system, the devotion to excellence, innovation and style is what has made Smith goggles and sunglasses the choice of action-sport athletes worldwide. Smith products are sold in more than 50 countries through sporting goods and specialty stores. For more information visit http://www.smithoptics.com/.