Eyewear Trends 2026: the styles that will dominate Cuenca this year

Transitions® GEN S™ lenses are made in Cuenca at OptiStudio, the in-house optical lab of SOI Ópticas, located at Local Estadio (Florencia Astudillo 3-45 and Av Solano). We work directly with Essilor's latest-generation photochromic technology in 8 colors — Sapphire, Grey, Brown, Amber, Amethyst, Emerald, Graphite Green and Ruby — compatible with single-vision and progressive prescriptions. You can order at Local Centro (Benigno Malo 7-19 and Presidente Córdova) or Local Estadio.

At SOI Ópticas Cuenca we manufacture Essilor Xperio® polarized lenses in our OptiStudio lab (Local Estadio). We offer two versions: the classic in 3 tones (Grey, Green and Brown) and the mirrored version in 6 colors (Gold, Pink, Red, Blue, Silver and Green). Available in single-vision and progressive prescriptions. You can pick your frame and place your order at Local Centro or Local Estadio.

At SOI Ópticas Cuenca we manufacture Essilor Transitions® photochromic lenses in our OptiStudio lab, located at Local Estadio (Florencia Astudillo 3-45 and Av Solano). The most advanced version available in 2026 is Transitions® GEN S™ — they lighten indoors and darken in the sun within seconds, block 100% of UV rays and come in 8 colors. Compatible with every prescription.

At SOI Ópticas Cuenca we carry an updated portfolio that reflects the trends seen on the runways of Milan, Paris and New York — from our own brand to luxury houses like Cartier. Visit us at Local Centro (Benigno Malo 7-19 and Presidente Córdova) or Local Estadio (Florencia Astudillo 3-45 and Av Solano).

Transitions® GEN S™ are Essilor's latest generation of photochromic lenses: they lighten indoors and darken outdoors in seconds, block 100% of UV rays and are available in 8 colors. At SOI Ópticas we make them directly in our OptiStudio lab, located at Local Estadio.

They work especially well on oval, oblong or small-featured faces. On round faces they may add extra volume. The best approach is to try several options with a specialist's advice — at SOI Ópticas we guide you according to your face shape and lifestyle.

The price depends on the lens type (single-vision, progressive, photochromic, polarized), additional treatments (anti-reflective, blue-light filter) and the chosen frame. At SOI Ópticas we offer options for every budget, from our SOI brand to international luxury like Cartier.

Because Cuenca's altitude (2,560 m) makes UV radiation significantly higher than at sea level. This increases the risk of cumulative eye damage (cataracts, pterygium, keratoconus). Transitions®, Xperio® or other lenses with full UV filtering are highly recommended.

A regular sunglass lens only reduces the amount of light reaching the eye. Xperio® polarized lenses also eliminate the reflections that bounce off surfaces like asphalt, water or your car's hood. At SOI Ópticas Cuenca we keep two versions in stock: the classic polarized in 3 tones (Grey, Green and Brown) and the mirrored version that adds a decorative outer layer with visible color (Gold, Pink, Red, Blue, Silver or Green) and reflects part of the light, further improving visual comfort.

Yes. At OptiStudio we make prescription Xperio® polarized lenses, including single-vision and progressives, in both the 3 classic tones (Grey, Green and Brown) and the 6 mirror colors (Gold, Pink, Red, Blue, Silver and Green).

For 2026, amethyst, emerald and ruby tones are the most aligned with the runway palette (deep warm tones and new neutrals). If you prefer something more discreet and timeless, grey or brown remain the most versatile for daily wear.

Photochromic lenses are lenses that automatically change color depending on the amount of UV light: they darken in the sun and lighten indoors in seconds. They work as prescription glasses indoors and as sunglasses outdoors, with a single pair. The most advanced technology on the market in 2026 is Transitions® GEN S™ by Essilor, available at SOI Ópticas Cuenca in 8 colors and compatible with every prescription.

Polarized sunglasses have an internal chemical filter that blocks horizontal reflected light (the kind that bounces off asphalt, water, snow or a car's hood) and only lets useful light through. The result is glare-free vision with higher contrast and crisper colors. At SOI Ópticas Cuenca we work with Essilor Xperio® in the classic version (Grey, Green, Brown) and the mirrored version in 6 colors.

Photochromic (Transitions®) lenses change color based on UV light: they lighten indoors and darken in the sun, working as a single pair for the whole day. Polarized (Xperio®) lenses are always dark and specialize in eliminating reflections from horizontal surfaces — ideal for driving, the beach or the mountains. Many clients in Cuenca prefer to own one of each, given the city's high UV index.

Transitions® by Essilor remains the global benchmark in photochromic lenses, and its newest version is Transitions® GEN S™ (2025), which speeds up activation to seconds, blocks 100% of UV rays, filters violet blue light and comes in 8 fashion colors. At SOI Ópticas Cuenca we make them directly in our OptiStudio lab.