Though Corning is the inventor of photo-chromic technology in plastic, they have to face competition from Transition, another company in the photo-chromic lens business, in the Indian market. However, Mr Pradeep Malvai, sales and marketing manager, Corning International, is unperturbed. "Our lenses are produced from a high quality, mid-index polymer containing photo-chromic dyes. As these dyes are fully incorporated into the material rather than applied to the surface they have a longer shelf life. Those with coating wear out earlier on being exposed to UV (ultra-violet) rays," he says.

In Corning lenses, the top layer as well as the layer beneath get activated when the light falls on them, since the entire bulk is photo-chromic and hence giving the lenses a longer life.

Launching SunSensors, as the photo-chromic lenses are called, Mr Nitin Kulkarni, regional director of Corning International, says, "We have a very strong presence in the photo-chromic glass lenses market in India. However, there are a lot of customers who want ultra light and thin lenses with the same photo-chromic properties as available in glasses. SunSensors are introduced to specially cater to these customers."

The new SunSensor promises to provide the Indian customers with premium quality of branded plastic photo-chromic lenses. Suitable for all age groups, SunSensors are available in full range of single vision, bi-focal and progressive lenses, which have a maximum index value of 1.6. Being thin and ultra-light they can also be mounted on all types of frames. The photo-chromic and ultra-light properties of SunSensors make them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

However, the prices for SunSensor lenses are pegged at the higher end, starting from Rs 2,500 for a plano lens (no-power lens) to about Rs 7,500 for progressive lenses with standard power. The price range basically depends on the category and power of the lenses and whether the customer would like the lens to be an anti-reflection coated or not.

According to Mr Malvai, "The photo-chromic properties of SunSensors enable the lenses to quickly adjust to all variations of light. In fact, even in extreme light conditions the lenses have the ability to darken quickly, and as dark as sunglasses, thereby reducing the sensation of sudden glare and providing constant visual comfort."

Presently, the SunSensors are available at all the top-end retailers. After establishing itself in the US and Europe, Corning International is all set to make its mark in South-Asia.