The history of Nikon lenses

Domestic production of optical instruments and original manufacturing of optical glass.

Two of Japan’s leading optical manufacturers merged with the help of capital investment from Koyata Iwasaki, the President of Mitsubishi, to form a comprehensive, fully integrated optical company known as Nippon Kogaku K.K.

First Nikon Spectacle Lens ‘Pointal’ is marketed to the consumer.

First Nikon spectacle lens, ‘Pointal’, is marketed to the consumer. Nikon has since then been a leading innovator in the field of ophthalmic optics with breakthrough innovations in materials, design, and coatings.

The World’s first titanium ophthalmic frames

Nikon introduces the first anti-refection coating with built-in scratch resistance.

Nikon introduces the first anti-reflection coating with built-in scratch resistance. This technology immediately becomes popular in Japan, where now nearly all lenses feature this type of coating. The coating uses nano technology, used for camera lenses – an ultra high performance treatment that effectively reduces unwanted reflections in cameras.

The first ultra-high index lens.

A revolution in the field of plastic lens materials, 1.74 ultra-high index lenses are quickly picked up by the market.

Today, Nikon makes ultra-high-index 1.74 double sided aspheric stock lenses as the thinnest and lightest lenses in its range.

Nikon’s first custom made single vision lens, matched to the frame shape.

Nikon’s first custom made single vision lens, according to the frame shape. Quick to adopt the new digital surfacing technology, Nikon introduces Seemax, the custom lens with frame shape optimisation with the best in optical performance at the time.

Nikon introduces Presio W, its first double-side customised progressive lens.

Nikon introduces Presio W, its first double-side customised progressive lens with latest technology to provide ever sharper and better quality vision to demanding wearers, Nikon Presio W, with aberration filter is a breakthrough innovation in the optical market.

Nikon’s first lens to relieve eye strain.

Nikon’s first lens to relieve eye strain . Relaxsee was introduced by Nikon to reduce eye strain, particularly for those who have difficulty with near vision even if they don’t have a distance prescription.

The first clear lens that filters blue light¹.

The first clear lens that filters blue light¹. Nikon introduces SeeCoat Blue, the first clear lens that filters blue light¹, increasing contrast for screen users. SeeCoat Blue received the Good Design Award.

^{1. Blue light between 380nm to 500nm (with blue-violet light between 400 and 455nm as stated by ISO TR 20772:2018).}

The first coating to make things ‘bright’ in dim light conditions. Nikon continues to break new ground with SeeCoat Bright, the world’s first everyday coating that helps wearers enjoy brighter vision, especially in dim light.

Nikon Corporation celebrates 100 years of harnessing the power of lenses to contribute to a better future for humanity, creating breakthrough technologies and products in the process.

The new Nikon optical frames & sunglasses collection is launched.

The new generation of lens for Myopes. Thinner, lighter and ultra precise vision.

To answer the growing needs of myopes, Nikon relaunch its flagship double aspheric design with Myopsee – the new generation of lens for Myopes. Thinner, lighter and ultra precise vision.

A breakthrough where every lens is co-designed with the end-user based on their needs, preferences and viewing habits for the ultimate viewing experience.