Providing unparalleled clarity and spectral protection through superior optics.
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Introducing the world’s first sunglasses to combine real glass optics with IR-blocking technology. We are redefining the standard of what sunglasses can be by using Corning Gorilla Glass to combine the durability of plastic with the optical clarity and scratch resistance of glass lenses.
Traditionally, eyewear has been crafted using plastic or resin lenses due to strict impact resistance requirements set by the FDA.
For the first time in history, glass technology is now strong enough to be used in sunglasses. Glass is the gold standard in optical quality for photography, offering a few key benefits:
- Glass offers unrivaled visual clarity, as you can see in our comparison below, even when compared to high-end “optical resin”.
- Glass lets us apply our renowned ultra-color neutral coatings, to bring a lens with no tint or color shift.
- Glass lets us apply our IR-blocking coatings, which are technologically infeasible to add to plastic lenses. The first sunglasses ever made were actually built to block IR to protect furnace workers’ eyes from developing cataracts. Sunglasses have since focused on the even more dangerous UV light, largely ignoring IR. But IR is still plentiful in sunlight, so why not block both wavelengths if the technology is possible?
Our goal was to maximize clarity, eliminate color shifts, and block all unwanted wavelengths in order to give your eyes the most rested, neutral experience possible to minimize eye fatigue. Our beta testers are calling the result a breath of fresh air for your eyes.
Why hasn’t this been done before?
Glass technology simply hasn’t been strong enough to meet impact resistance standards until the last decade.
Why hasn’t it been done since?
Corning Gorilla Glass is ridiculously expensive; it is more than 2x more expensive than other optical glass and 10x more expensive than the optical resin lenses used in traditional high-end sunglasses. This price simply makes it incompatible with the profit margins of the sunglass conglomerates.
As a small photography company, we are proud to bring these high-quality materials to the market at a competitive price, challenging the status quo and elevating your eyewear experience with superior materials and optical precision. Embrace innovation, protect your eyes, and stay ahead with our seamlessly integrated IR block technology.
Because Kolari Shades block infrared light to protect your eyes, it also has the benefit of blocking your eyes from facial recognition & security cameras, which also image with infrared light.
The technology in the Kolari Shades includes 51 layers of coatings that provide anti-smudge and anti-reflective protection and block up to 99% of infrared and 100% of UV light.
Anti-reflective and anti-smudge coatings protect your lenses from environmental damage, such as scratches, dirt, dust, and fingerprints, making them easy to clean—even with the most stubborn smudges.
The FDA regulates sunglasses as a medical device and requires strict impact resistance testing to consider them safe. Kolari Shades are registered with the FDA for the use of ultra-strong Corning Gorilla Glass and meet the ISO certification requirements for sunglasses:
ISO 12312-1:2013+A1:2015 — Eye and face protection — Sunglasses and related eyewear — Part1: Sunglasses for general use
ISO 12311:2013 — Personal protective equipment — Test methods for Sunglasses and related eyewear
Normal glass, and even normal tempered glass, is too brittle to meet FDA Impact resistance requirements for sunglasses, which is plastic and resin lenses are popular. Corning Gorilla Glass now offers a strong, optical glass that can pass FDA requirements.
The Basic Lenses have all our coatings for anti-scratch and anti-smudge protection. They also block 90% of all infrared light and 100% of UV light.
Our Ultra Lenses and Ultra Gradient Lenses block 99% of all infrared light and 100% of UV light.
The Ultra Gradient Lenses also have a light-to-dark gradient which is an aesthetic choice that some people may prefer, but they have the same performance as the Ultra.
Choose between gold or silver frames, and opt for our Basic, Ultra, or Ultra Gradient lenses for further customization. You’ll be able to choose your preference at the end of the campaign.
If we meet our first stretch goal, we will be able to provide new frame-shape options.
