The Highest Standard
We developed High Definition Optics® to meet the demands of the world’s greatest athletes. Experience it for yourself. On this page, see how HDO® is defined and proven, and find out what professional athletes are saying about it. The benefits are plain to see.
- See clearer and sharper without image corruption
- See everything exactly where it is, not shifted
- Get unrivaled impact protection and 100% UV filtering
HDO Defined
These are tests developed by the masterminds at the American National Standards Institute. The shaded area on each pattern is what you would actually see through a non-prescription lens.
Clarity Test
This test measures how sharp an image appears when viewed through a lens. Images blur as distance increases. With Standard Definition Optics (SDO) in ordinary lenses, the distortion occurs at a much shorter viewing distance.
Refractive Power Test
This test measures how lenses magnify images and act like prescription lenses not meant for you. SDO lenses can cause magnification that results in visual distortion.
Prism Test
This test measures how lenses bend light and make objects appear shifted from their true position. If the SDO lenses in a frame bend light in different directions, your brain works harder to put the two images together.
HDO Proven
Clarity Test Comparison
These pictures show how lenses with Standard Definition Optics can dull your visual clarity. The lines in the Definition Pattern blur together, just like everything you see with inferior sunglasses. The problem gets worse with distance. However, note how the lens with High Definition Optics® keeps the lines sharp and distinct. HDO® gives you the best possible clarity for unbeatable safety, performance and comfort.
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Prism Test Comparison
A laser is fired through each lens in a frame. The dots should come together at the center if both eyes see the same image, but lenses with Standard Definition Optics bend light. Objects aren’t really where you see them, and your brain is wasting valuable runtime to put the images together. HDO® virtually eliminates this distortion so everything is where you see it. Performance and safety are optimized because your brain can concentrate on the task at hand.
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Refractive Test Comparison
Look how ordinary lenses with Standard Definition Optics distort the image. They magnify it and skew it to the side. If you’ve ever tried on somebody’s prescription glasses, you know how blinding it can be. The same thing happens with non-prescription sunglasses that don’t have High Definition Optics®. With HDO®, you get accurate and precise vision. What you don’t get is eyestrain and compromised performance.
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HDO Testimonials
“Ultimately, I depend on Oakley to keep my eyes safe….whether it’s from dirt flying up in my eyes, branches hitting my face or the sunlight blinding my vision. But when it comes to performance I have to depend on having the most accurate vision. I always thought it came down to natural talent, but after seeing how Oakley tests their lenses for optics I realize that with bad lenses it could completely take away your natural talent. You have to see things exactly where they are at, or else. Bottom line…If I can’t see I can’t win.”
— Brian Lopes
- 3 x Mountain Bike World Champion
- 5 x Mountain Bike World Cup Champion
- 9 x Mountain Bike National Champion
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“When your job is racing motocross rain or shine, your eyewear is something you need to take seriously. If you can’t see then you can’t perform at the top level but with Oakley’s HDO laminated tear-off system, I can stack on as many tear-offs as I need and still have the clarity that I expect and rely on to focus on the track. This system gives me the confidence I need in nasty situations. This is why Oakley once again has proven to be the leader when it comes to eyewear and the sport of MX.”
— Ricky Carmichael
- 9 Time AMA Motocross National Champion
- 5 Time AMA Supercross Champion
- 2005 AMA World Supercross Champion
- 4 Time member of the USA Motocross Des Nations Team
- 2 Time US Open Supercross Champion
- The Winningest athlete in the history of the sport of motocross
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“When I start a race, I want to make sure that no matter what happens, good start or bad, I will have the vision it takes to WIN. With Oakley’s HDO laminated tear-off system I can prepare for the worst case scenario but still maintain the clarity that is needed to see the changing lines on the track.”
-James Stewart
- 2 Time AMA 125cc Motocross National Champion
- 2 Time AMA 125cc Supercross Champion
- The Winningest 125cc athlete in the history of the sport of motocross
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“When doing a back flip on a 200+ pound motorcycle it is pretty important to see where you are landing. The matter of a few inches could be the distance that lets you ride away or get hauled away. You can imagine the quality of vision that I rely on in these situations, without a doubt I choose Oakley for their HDO® optics because no other company can offer the superior clarity that is mandatory for my success.”
— Mike ‘the Godfather’ Metzger
- 2002 X-games Gold Medal
- 1998-1999 Vans Triple Crown Champion
- 2000 Gravity Games & 1991 AMA 80cc 14-15 Year Old Champion
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“As a skier I have been using Oakley eyewear for 18 years. The goggles have always been known as the best in the snow industry. What’s been the best for me is how unreal the optics and fit are. Other goggle companies take lens clarity for granted. It is just the old school nature of making goggles. But with Oakley’s latest invention of putting its high definition optics into a goggle lens it has completely changed the performance. For me, the lenses are so good I don’t even know I have goggles on anymore.”
— Seth Morrison
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“Wearing sunglasses while playing golf has always been a challenge for me. Until I started using Oakley I didn’t realize that it was inferior optics of other brands that made it difficult. With Oakley I can now see the ball exactly where it is supposed to be. No more distortion that can change my depth perception. That is what the O gives you that no one else can. And best of all my eyes will be better for it later in life!”
— Ricky Barnes
- Won US Am
- Low Am at Masters
- 4 Time All American at University of Arizona
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“In snowboarding, we are outside performing at all hours of the day, in every type of condition. Because of Oakley’s HDO® lenses in every variety of color, I am always able to have confidence in the fact that I have the clearest vision possible through the fog, snow and sun. I also know that with Oakley High Definition Optics® I see things exactly where they are supposed to be. Riding a half pipe can create depth perception problems in itself, but with Oakley I know that my eyes are not playing tricks on me. Oakley gives me confidence.”
— Gretchen Bleiler
- 2006 Olympic Silver Medal
- 2006 Saas Fee World Cup Champion
- 2003 & 2006 Overall Grand Prix Champion
- 2003 & 2005 X Games Champion
- 2003 & 2005 US Open Champion
- 2005 Gravity Games Champion
- 2003 Triple Crown Champion
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“Standing at the top of a contest, there is a lot on my mind. Fortunately, the last thing on my mind is my goggles. I trust Oakley to deliver the best technology so I can focus on the contest run instead of my eyewear.”
— Shaun White
- 2006 Olympic Gold Medal – Halfpipe
- 2003/2004/2005/2006 X Games Gold Medal – Slopestyle
- 2003 & 2006 X Games Gold Medal – Superpipe
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“My eyesight is definitely something that I do not take for granted. Skating outdoors as much as I do should be cause for concern when it comes to my eyes due to the sun’s harmful rays, but I never have to worry about that thanks to Oakley. Their durable and stylish eyewear, with perfect optics, enables me to skate for hours on end while being protected from any potential hazards.”
— Bob Burnquist
- 2000 & 2005 X Games Gold Medal – Vert Best Trick
- 2003 X Games Gold Medal – Vert Doubles
- 2001 X Games Gold Medal – Vert
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“For me, it is all about performance and perfection on the golf course. I have to see things exactly where they are supposed to be, especially the ball. The slightest change can throw my accuracy off. With my Oakley eyewear, I can trust that I have the latest in innovative technology. With a dependable company such as Oakley, I feel that I am one up before I reach the first tee.”
— Annika Sorenstam
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“Baseball is a game of inches. For me, I’m challenged because I have to have corrected vision so it makes it even more difficult. When I am on the mound, I trust my Oakley’s to make those inches a lot clearer.”
— Eric Gagne
- Cy Young Winner – Los Angeles
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“When cycling there is a lot of road grime that comes up from passing trucks and cars. I get hit in the face quite often by small rocks and other stuff. I won’t get on my bike without my Oakley’s or else I risk getting something dangerous in my eyes. They are my eye protection. I also know that while running in strong sunlight I tend to squint which in turn uses a lot of my facial muscles. This can ultimately use up energy and cause other parts of my body to work harder than necessary. I also recently learned that using sunglasses with poor lenses makes your eyes work overtime which leads to intense headaches. Wearing Oakley I never have to worry about extra fatigue which is an obvious advantage over my competitors who don’t wear Oakley.”
— Peter Reid
- Multiple Ironman World Champion
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“Xterra, or off road triathlon, is a hardcore sport. Especially on the mountain bike leg, where it is crucial to see the trail clearly. One small mistake, and you’re wrapped around a tree or decorating a rock garden. Rushing wind makes your eyes tear up. Dust, flying debris, branches overhanging the trail, and believe it or not, flying insects can ruin your race in the blink of an eye. Oakley provides clear, 100% distortion free protection for every course and every light condition. I don’t leave home without them.”
— Conrad Stoltz
- 2x Xterra World Champion
- 2x Olympian
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“When I’m skiing big mountain lines, I never know exactly what to expect. I don’t have any control over most of the elements involved and I am constantly adjusting to ever changing conditions. At any given time, I might find myself in an undesirable situation so it’s important for me to be alert, sharp, to used my senses and to stay focused. There is nothing I can do about bad weather or poor snow conditions. On the other hand, my health, attitude knowledge, experience and equipment are all factors which I do have control over and they all have an equal impact on my safety and the way that I ski. To ensure my highest level of performance it is crucial that I use equipment which I trust and when it comes to eyewear, I believe that with Oakley, I will see the mountain relief with the best accuracy. Through the world’s most optically correct goggle, I can trust that the terrain in front of me will appear as it is. On top of that, the wide peripheral view that Oakley goggles provide makes it easier for me to keep an eye out for snow activity, and the comfort of the fit allows me to forget about my goggles and focus more on everything else that goes on in the mountains.
— Jp Auclair
- 2006 Olympic Silver Medal
- 2006 Saas Fee World Cup Champion
- 2003 & 2006 Overall Grand Prix Champion
- 2003 & 2005 X Games Champion
- 2003 & 2005 US Open Champion
- 2005 Gravity Games Champion
- 2003 Triple Crown Champion
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“I really don’t know how I would get by cycling in the mountain around Boulder without my Oakley M Frames. I have lenses for every light condition, which can give me the clear vision I need to make accurate turns while descending in shadows and low light. The fact that they are basically bulletproof has probably saved my life more than once as well. When getting about 60 miles an hour and something flies up to your face, I know that, without my Oakley’s, my eyes and I would be toast. I also greatly depend on Oakley for relaxing my muscles. Being tense can start with your eyes. If you have to squint or you get headaches from inferior sunglasses the rest of your body suffers from it. Being at your physical limit for 8+ hours you need every advantage you can get to keep your body from wearing out.”
— Tim Deboom
- Hawaiian Ironman Champion
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Optical Superiority | HDO | Lens Tints | Photochromic | UV Protection | Impact Protection | Hydrophobic | Frame Construction