Why We Made Zenni ID Guard™

Introducing the Coating Behind the Innovation

At Zenni Optical, we’re always looking for ways to help people see better and live smarter. That’s what led to the development of Zenni ID Guard™—an advanced lens coating designed to reflect portions of near-infrared (NIR) light, one of the invisible wavelengths increasingly used in today’s facial-recognition systems.

Built with a specialized anti-infrared reflective layer, Zenni ID Guard™ enhances defense in the 700–1100 nm NIR range. The result: a subtle but meaningful step toward helping you stay more aware and in control of how your personal information might be captured in modern environments.

The Rise of Facial Recognition in Everyday Life

Facial-recognition technology has become an integral part of everyday life—often without our noticing. It unlocks our smartphones, checks us in at airports, scans tickets at stadiums, and verifies our identity at self-service kiosks.

While these systems are often marketed for convenience and efficiency, they’ve also sparked important conversations about privacy, consent, and data security. Many of us are being scanned more often than we realize—and rarely have the option to say no.

What Is Near-Infrared Light?

The Basics of NIR

Near-infrared light lies just beyond the range of the human eye, spanning wavelengths from about 700 to 1100 nanometers. Though invisible, it interacts with skin and surfaces in ways that make it especially useful for sensing and imaging technologies.

Because NIR can penetrate more deeply than visible light, it’s ideal for cameras and sensors that need to detect fine facial details—even in dim lighting.

How NIR Powers Facial Recognition

Traditional facial-recognition software maps features like the distance between your eyes or the shape of your jawline. NIR-based systems add another layer by illuminating your face with near-infrared light and measuring how it reflects off the skin.

This method creates a more detailed and consistent “facial signature,” allowing recognition to work in a wider range of conditions. It’s one reason NIR technology is now so common in security, identification, and personal-device applications.

Where You’re Being Scanned

NIR facial-recognition systems are already at work in places you might visit every day:

• Airports – to speed up check-ins and boarding
• Stadiums and arenas – for ticketless entry and crowd management
• Retail stores – to track traffic flow and customer engagement
• Smartphones and laptops – for secure logins

Most of these scans happen quietly in the background, with little indication that they’re taking place.

The Privacy Challenge

Because biometric data—such as facial patterns—is unique and permanent, it raises legitimate privacy concerns. NIR-based systems can operate at night or from longer distances, making them more powerful but also less transparent.

At Zenni, we believe people should have more awareness and control over when and how their likeness is captured.

Why Zenni ID Guard™ Matters

Zenni created this lens coating in response to the growing use of near-infrared light in everyday technology. By reflecting a portion of NIR wavelengths, the coating provides an added layer of reassurance and awareness in a world where invisible scanning is increasingly common.

Zenni ID Guard™ is integrated into EyeQLenz™ with Zenni ID Guard™—a photochromic lens that also blocks 100% of UV rays, filters blue light, and adapts to changing light conditions. The subtle pink sheen you’ll notice is a visible sign of the technology at work.

While no eyewear can prevent all forms of scanning, Zenni ID Guard™ represents an important step forward in helping wearers feel more in control of their privacy and comfort—without compromising clarity or style.