Moro, the Belgian innovation that is transforming the world of progressive eyewear

Belgian innovation: Morrow glasses are driving the evolution of progressive lenses. Details on this new product that promises to greatly improve the visual comfort of people suffering from presbyopia.

Technology resulting from international research

Paul Marchal, Director of IMEC, A research center based in Leuven, he first became interested in smart lenses when he worked in the United States in Silicon Valley. Although the project was abandoned, the idea was not lost as it quickly turned to similar technology applied to glasses, with the support of IMEC and Tokai Optex.

• Invention of plastic glasses in 1940
• In 1959 the invention of the progressive lens
• In 1990, the appearance of photochromic lenses, changing color depending on the light

A constant problem for glasses wearers

Although lens evolution has continued over the years, the problem of corrective lenses has never been fully resolved. In fact, many users have difficulty adapting to them and complain of dizziness or limited vision. Paul Marchal emphasizes that this problem can affect two million of our compatriots because, after the age of 45, adaptation difficulties are experienced. Lenses need to be renewed approximately every four years, either due to wear or to re-correct vision.

Birth of Moro Glasses: A Big Success

Together with electronics engineer Jelle Desmet, Paul Marchal has been working on this breakthrough electronic glass project since 2016. After seven years of research and development, the first prototype has been born and quickly found success with Flemish opticians.

How do smart glasses work?

The principle is simple and revolutionary: just by pressing a button, a small electric current activates the liquid crystal lens, which instantly changes the refraction of light. In just 0.6 seconds, the focus shifts from near to distance vision, providing unparalleled comfort, a wider field of view, reduced side distortions and better depth perception.

Meeting the needs of billions of users worldwide

Today, many opticians offer Morro glasses in three regions of the country and An agreement has just been signed with Novacell Optical, The largest French spectacle lens manufacturer will distribute the product across the country from April. Worldwide, more than two billion people aged 40 and over suffer from presbyopia, a progressive loss of near vision. Yet 13% of eyeglass wearers report difficulty adjusting to progressive lenses due to issues such as eye fatigue, low vision, or peripheral problems.

• Presbyopia affects 2 billion people worldwide
• 13% of spectacle wearers struggle to adapt to progressive lenses

Paving the way for smart glasses, The agreement which has just been signed marks a major turning point in the optics sector. Two billion users worldwide may need the glasses recently designed by Morrow, promising a better tomorrow for progressive eyeglass wearers.