Adaptable thin lens for correcting visual aberrations

Abstract

The present invention provides an adaptable thin lens for correcting visual aberrations, the adaptable thin lens comprising a plurality of design elements organized in at least one optical zone, wherein the design elements are selected from the group consisting of concave designs, convex designs, flat designs, Fresnel-like designs, free-form prism designs, and combinations thereof, the adaptable thin lens being capable of being placed into any desired frame of eyeglasses or sunglasses, and being attached to or printed on an existing lens, while providing sufficient correction of visual aberrations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to the field of vision correction. Specifically, this invention relates to adaptable thin lenses for correcting vision in eyeglasses of any frame. Background Technology

[0002] Visual aberration is one of the most common vision problems. The most common low-order visual aberrations include: myopia (nearsightedness), usually caused by an eye that is too long, or a cornea or lens that is too curved; hyperopia (farsightedness), usually caused by an eye that is too short, or a cornea or lens that is too flat; presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), usually caused by a loss of accommodative ability of the lens; and astigmatism, usually caused by an eye that is not round. Myopia, hyperopia, and regular astigmatism are all low-order (second-order) aberrations that can be represented as wavefront aberrations, or optical defects in the eye that prevent light from focusing perfectly on the retina. Myopia produces positive defocus, while hyperopia produces negative defocus. Regular (cylindrical) astigmatism produces wavefront aberrations with orthogonal (i.e., facing at right angles) and tilting components. Other lower-order aberrations include non-visually significant aberrations known as first-order aberrations, such as vertical and horizontal prisms and zero-order aberrations. Higher-order aberrations include spherical aberration, field curvature, coma, distortion, trefoil, etc. These aberrations reduce visual quality and may contribute up to 10% to visual quality.

[0003] Myopia is increasing worldwide, and a recent study estimates that on average, 30% of the world's population is currently nearsighted, and by 2050, nearly 50% will be nearsighted—a staggering 5 billion people. Hotspots for myopia are in East and Southeast Asia, with prevalence rates of 80% to 90% in regions such as South Korea, Singapore, China, and Japan.

[0004] The most common way to correct visual aberrations is by applying refractive corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, or implanted lenses (usually after cataract surgery).

[0005] Because eyeglasses are also fashion items, people often use this as an opportunity to choose stylish frames, including fashionable sunglasses frames with optical correction. Such frames, especially those for sunglasses, typically feature a "trendy" look (branding on the lenses, watermarks on the lenses), a high base curve, and larger lenses that wrap around the eyes. As the base curve increases and the lenses become larger and have greater visual aberrations, fitting the corrective lenses becomes a challenge, limiting the options for increasingly nearsighted individuals to purchase fashionable eyeglasses, especially fashionable sunglasses, with prescription lenses. This challenge becomes even more complex because refractive solutions need to address presbyopia and include multifocal lenses. Therefore, people needing vision correction often resort to solutions that may be more harmful to their eyes, such as wearing contact lenses or even undergoing vision correction surgery, in order to be able to wear any frame of their choice.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a corrective lens that provides sufficient visual aberration correction for any frame of choice, regardless of size or shape, while also facilitating the preservation of original style and branding items such as color, size, shape, and embossed watermarks that appear on the original lens. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention relates to adaptable thin lenses for correcting visual aberrations, which can be adapted to any frame of choice. The lens of this invention comprises multiple optical regions, each with a specific optical design, which can be arranged in an array or a grid. By arranging the different optical regions, the lens can be designed to fit any frame, and then used by integrating the lens into the frame or by attaching the lens to an existing lens.

[0008] In some embodiments, the present invention provides an adaptable thin lens for correcting visual aberrations, the adaptable thin lens comprising a plurality of design elements organized in at least one optical region, wherein the design elements are selected from concave designs, convex designs, flat designs, Fresnel-like designs, freeform prism designs, and combinations thereof.

[0009] In some embodiments, visual aberrations are selected from higher-order aberrations and lower-order aberrations. In some embodiments, visual aberrations are selected from myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, astigmatism, spherical aberration, field curvature, coma, distortion, and cloverleaf.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plurality of design elements includes at least three design elements. In some embodiments, the plurality of design elements includes at least two, three, or four different design elements.

[0011] In some embodiments, the at least one optical region comprises at least two optical regions. In some embodiments, the at least two optical regions comprise at least two identical combinations of optical regions that do not contain design elements. In some embodiments, the at least one optical region comprises at least one freeform prism design element. In some embodiments, the at least one optical region comprises at least one Fresnel-like design element.

[0012] In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens includes at least one flexible region.

[0013] In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is a multifocal lens and / or a progressive lens.

[0014] In some embodiments, an adaptable thin lens can be fitted into a desired frame while providing appropriate refractive correction by at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% of the lens area of ​​the frame.

[0015] In this embodiment, the desired framework includes at least two distinct base arcs.

[0016] In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is designed to define the arrangement of optical regions within the lens using specialized design software to adapt to a desired frame.

[0017] In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens may further include an adhesive material for attaching to an existing lens.

[0018] In some embodiments, an adaptable thin lens is printed on the inner or outer surface of an existing lens. In some embodiments, the printed adaptable lens includes a watermark and / or logo.

[0019] In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens can cover at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% of the existing lens.

[0020] In some embodiments, the existing lens is a vision-correcting lens (prescription lens). In some embodiments, the existing lens is a non-prescription lens. In some embodiments, the existing lens is a sunglasses lens. In some embodiments, the existing lens is an adaptable thin lens disclosed herein.

[0021] In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens further includes tinting, coloring, and / or at least one filter. In some embodiments, the tinting, coloring, and / or filter is used for myopia control. In some embodiments, the at least one filter is a UV light filter and / or a blue light filter.

[0022] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a composite lens including an adaptable thin lens as disclosed herein, the composite lens being attached to an existing lens.

[0023] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a composite lens comprising at least two adaptable thin lenses, each of which is disclosed herein, and the at least two adaptable thin lenses are attached to each other.

[0024] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing the adaptable thin lens of the present invention, the method comprising:

[0025] a. Input the desired frame parameters and desired visual correction parameters into the specialized design software;

[0026] b. Prepare a computer-aided design using the dedicated design software, the computer-aided design comprising a plurality of design elements organized in at least one optical region, wherein the design elements are selected from concave designs, convex designs, flat designs, Fresnel-like designs, freeform prism designs, and combinations thereof;

[0027] c. Adding 3D printing ink to the 3D printer; and

[0028] d. Print the computer-aided design using the 3D printer.

[0029] In some embodiments, the printing by the 3D printer in step (d) is on the frame of the eyeglasses. In some embodiments, the printing may also add at least one element, including a watermark, logo, and / or 3D shape, to the frame. In some embodiments, the printing by the 3D printer in step (d) is on an existing lens.

[0030] Some embodiments of this disclosure may include some, all, or none of the advantages described above. One or more technical advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the accompanying drawings, description, and claims included herein. Furthermore, although specific advantages have been set forth above, various embodiments may include some, all, or none of the listed advantages.

[0031] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, other aspects and embodiments will become clear by referring to the accompanying drawings and by studying the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The invention will now be described with reference to the following illustrative drawings, in conjunction with certain examples and embodiments.

[0033] Figure 1Four pairs of eyeglasses (104, 106, 108, and 109) with different base curves (4, 6, 8, and 9 diopters, respectively) and base angles of 114, 116, 118, and 119, respectively, are shown.

[0034] Figure 2 Examples of lens designs for lenses 200, 202, 204, 206, 207, and 208 with two prescriptions (+4.00D (left panel) or -4.00D (right panel)) with different base curves are shown. The front (210, 212, 214, 216, 217, and 218, respectively) and rear (220, 222, 224, 226, 227, and 228) lenses are shown.

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the Fresnel lens 300 is shown.

[0036] Figures 4A-4B An exemplary design of an adaptable thin lens according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. Figure 4A An exemplary adaptable thin lens 400 is shown, which is fitted into a frame 402 and includes several different optical regions 404, 406, 408 and 410. Figure 4B An exemplary adaptable thin lens 450 is shown, including design elements, such as design elements 452 and 453. Detailed Implementation

[0037] In the following description, various aspects of this disclosure will be described. Specific configurations and details are set forth for purposes of explanation in order to provide a thorough understanding of the different aspects of this disclosure. However, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that this disclosure can be practiced without providing specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified so as not to obscure this disclosure.

[0038] This invention relates to adaptable thin lenses for correcting visual aberrations, which can be designed to fit any eyeglass frame, regardless of shape and size. The adaptable thin lens of this invention comprises multiple design elements organized in at least one optical region, and the optical region can be arranged as needed to fit any desired lens. The adaptable thin lens can be used by attaching it directly to a frame as a standalone lens or by connecting it to an existing lens, thereby retaining all the characteristics of the original lens while adding sufficient visual correction. Additionally, the adaptable thin lens of this invention can be attached to another adaptable thin lens of this invention to improve correction or to correct aberrations caused by lens design.

[0039] A specific example of a frame in which the lens of this invention is useful, which is common in sunglasses, is a high base curve lens.

[0040] Figure 1 Examples of four pairs of glasses (104, 106, 108, and 109) are shown, each with a different base curve and corresponding angles (114, 116, 118, and 119, respectively).

[0041] The base curve of eyeglasses corresponds to the curvature of the frame, which is related to the front surface of the lens and is typically measured in diopters. Prescription eyeglasses generally have a base curve of 4-6 diopters, while the base curve can be as high as approximately 8 diopters, especially for over-the-counter sunglasses. Figure 1 As shown, the flatter the angle, the lower the base curve. Therefore, frames with lower base curves (e.g., 104 and 106 with base curves of 4 and 6 diopters, respectively) are flatter, while frames with higher base curves (108 and 109 with base curves of 8 and 9 diopters, respectively) provide higher facial coverage.

[0042] refer to Figure 2 When manufacturing lenses such as lenses 200, 202, 204, 206, 207, and 208, the manufacturer defines the front (210, 212, 214, 216, 217, and 218, respectively) and back (220, 222, 224, 226, 227, and 228, respectively) curves of the lens to take the base arc of the frame into account when manufacturing the lens for a predetermined prescription. The front curve of the lens corresponds to the base arc, and the back curve is designed for use in combination with the front curve and the base arc to provide the desired prescription. Figure 2 Back curve designs for +4.00D (left panel) or -4.00D (right panel) lens prescriptions with different base arcs are shown (e.g., positive prescriptions of 9, 7, and 5, and negative prescriptions of 4, 2, and 0.5).

[0043] However, with higher base curves, it is difficult to adjust refractive lenses, and base curves exceeding 6 diopters are not recommended for prescription eyeglasses to correct high refractive errors. This limits the number of people with visual aberrations who need correction when choosing eyeglasses, and may even lead them to seek other solutions, such as contact lenses or corrective surgery, which are risky and could potentially harm the eyes.

[0044] The base curve of a lens typically affects three factors: frame fit, aesthetics, and optics. Simply put, frame fit refers to how correctly the lens should fit within the frame. Aesthetics involves the fact that a high base curve can cause distortion in the eye when viewed from the outside, thus affecting the aesthetics. Regarding optics, the total field of vision of the human eye is approximately 160 degrees – central plus peripheral vision. Central vision gives us detailed or clear vision, and is approximately 2 degrees. The human eye typically only rotates about 15 degrees to scan objects, and for higher angles, head movement is required. The base curve of the human eye is approximately 6 diopters. To provide eyeglass wearers with a similar range of vision as when not wearing glasses, the base curve of the optical lens should be approximately 6 diopters, as a different curve will affect the field of vision and cause more head rotation. Therefore, a base curve of approximately 6 diopters is desirable to allow for a full field of vision. Vogel's rule uses spherical equivalent as a rule of thumb: for a positive prescription (Rx), the anterior lens curve = Rx spherical equivalent + 6.00D, and for a negative prescription, the anterior lens curve = half of Rx spherical equivalent + 6.00D. Fitting lenses becomes challenging when the difference between the anterior lens curve and the frame's base curve is too large. Furthermore, different eye distances at a given position can alter the lens's refractive power and its effect on correction.

[0045] As described below, the present invention provides a solution to this problem by dividing the lens into optical regions using various design elements.

[0046] Therefore, in some embodiments, the present invention provides an adaptable thin lens for correcting visual aberrations, the adaptable thin lens comprising a plurality of design elements organized in at least one optical region, wherein the design elements are selected from concave designs, convex designs, plano designs, Fresnel-like designs, freeform prism designs, and combinations thereof.

[0047] As used herein, the term "thin" refers to a lens that is thinner than a conventional lens with the same formulation. In some embodiments, the maximum thickness of the lens is about 3-7 mm, 3-5 mm, or 5-7 mm. In some embodiments, the maximum thickness of the lens is about 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, or 7 mm.

[0048] The term "adaptable" as used in this article is to reflect the lens's ability to adapt to frames of any shape.

[0049] The term "visual aberration" refers to visual problems, including refractive errors, which prevent light from focusing accurately on the retina. This is usually caused by the length or shape of the eye, lens, or cornea. Visual aberrations can generally be divided into lower-order aberrations (such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism) and higher-order aberrations (such as spherical aberration, field curvature, coma, distortion, and trefoil).

[0050] In some embodiments, visual aberrations include low-order aberrations and high-order aberrations. In some embodiments, visual aberrations are selected from low-order aberrations and high-order aberrations. In some embodiments, visual aberrations are selected from myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, astigmatism, spherical aberration, field curvature, coma, distortion, and cloverleaf. In some embodiments, visual aberrations are selected from myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism. In some embodiments, visual aberrations are selected from spherical aberration, field curvature, coma, distortion, and cloverleaf.

[0051] In some embodiments, visual aberrations are caused by conditions selected from keratoconus, corneal ectasia, mydriasis, and cataracts. In some embodiments, visual aberrations are caused by mydriasis. In some embodiments, visual aberrations are caused by cataracts.

[0052] The term "optical zone" defines a lens area with a specific design that provides a particular refractive power or effect. A specific refractive effect is achieved by using a specific combination of design elements, each with specific optical parameters, and / or by using a specific arrangement of these design elements to obtain a specific refractive power. The design of the optical zone can include a single design element or a combination of design elements. Dividing an adaptable thin lens into optical zones with varying designs (as many and as large or as small as needed) based on local requirements allows for the independent correction of multiple aberrations (not just refractive errors) at virtually any point on the lens. Optical zones can have various shapes and sizes and do not need to be uniform in any way. Optical zones can be, for example, square, circular, elliptical, irregularly shaped, or any other shape, depending on the requirements. The size of the optical zone can vary and can be made smaller or larger as needed. Generally, a smaller optical zone allows for finer adjustments to the correction.

[0053] Therefore, the design of the optical region is defined as including one or more design elements within the optical region, each design element having its specific parameters, and a specific arrangement of the design elements within the optical region, which helps to achieve a specific refractive effect.

[0054] In some embodiments, multiple design elements are organized into at least two, three, four, five, ten, or more than ten optical regions. In some embodiments, an adaptable thin lens includes at least two, three, four, five, ten, or more than ten optical regions.

[0055] In some embodiments, each optical region includes at least one design element. In some embodiments, at least one optical region includes at least two design elements. In some embodiments, at least one optical region includes at least two, three, four, five, ten, or more than ten design elements.

[0056] In some embodiments, at least two optical regions in the lens are not identical. In some embodiments, at least two optical regions have different designs. In some embodiments, one of the two optical regions includes at least one design element that is not present in the other optical region. In some embodiments, one of the two optical regions includes at least one design element, the number of which differs from the number of identical design elements in the other optical region. In some embodiments, one of the two optical regions includes at least one design element having parameters that differ from those of identical design elements in the other optical region.

[0057] In some embodiments, no two optical regions have the same design. In some embodiments, no two adjacent optical regions have the same design. In some embodiments, at least two adjacent optical regions have the same optical design.

[0058] In some embodiments, "multiple" design elements refer to at least two design elements. In some embodiments, multiple design elements refer to at least three design elements. In some embodiments, multiple design elements refer to at least 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, or 1000 design elements.

[0059] In some embodiments, the size of the optical region is in mm. 2 Within the range. In some embodiments, the area of ​​the optical region is greater than 1 mm. 2 In some embodiments, the area of ​​the optical region is less than 1 mm. 2 In some embodiments, the area of ​​at least one optical region is greater than 1 mm. 2 In some embodiments, the area of ​​at least one optical region is less than 1 mm. 2 In some embodiments, the area of ​​at least one optical region is greater than 1 mm. 2 And at least one optical region has an area less than 1 mm. 2 .

[0060] The term "design element" is defined as a lens element with a design type that can be selected from concave, convex, flat, Fresnel-like, and freeform prism designs, as described below. Each design element has parameters such as its design type, thickness, curvature, size, relevant angle, and position relative to other elements in the optical region.

[0061] Concave design elements consist of concave lens areas. Convex design elements consist of convex lens areas. Flat design elements consist of lens areas with zero refractive index, i.e., flat lens areas. Concave, convex, and flat design elements do not include any other designs.

[0062] As used herein, the term "prism" refers to a transparent body that can be used to refract or disperse a beam of light, the beam being partially defined by at least two planes or circular surfaces, each of which may be independently concave, convex, or flat.

[0063] As used herein, the term "freeform prism design" refers to one or more prisms of the present invention that do not have a predetermined structure, and the prism itself is not part of another design element (i.e., concave, convex, flat, or Fresnel-like design) defined herein. However, freeform prisms can be combined with another design element in a single optical region. The prisms of the present invention can be square, oblong, elliptical, circular, or have any other shape; they can have planar and / or circular concave or convex surfaces, and can have any curvature, angle, or size as required. It should be understood that freeform prism designs are not limited to a specific shape.

[0064] However, for clarity and to avoid confusion, the term “freeform prism design” used in this article does not include concave, convex, flat, and Fresnel design elements with specific design elements.

[0065] The term "Fresnel-like design" refers to designs based on Fresnel lenses, including concentric annular prism regions optionally having a concave, convex, or flat center. Figure 3 An example of a Fresnel lens is shown in the figure.

[0066] Figure 3 A cross-section of a typical Fresnel lens 300 in a frame with a base arc of 0 diopter is shown. Fresnel lens design reduces lens thickness by dividing it into a set of concentric ring sections. This effectively divides the continuous surface of a standard lens into a set of surfaces (302) with the same curvature, exhibiting stepped discontinuities between them. The curved surfaces can be replaced by planes, each with a different angle. Such a lens can be considered as an array of prisms arranged in a circular pattern, with steeper prisms at the edges (302) and a flat or slightly convex center (304). Note that Fresnel lenses reduce lens thickness at the expense of image quality.

[0067] In some embodiments, the multiple design elements include a concave design. In some embodiments, the multiple design elements include a convex design. In some embodiments, the multiple design elements include a flat design. In some embodiments, the multiple design elements include a Fresnel-like design. In some embodiments, the multiple design elements include a freeform prism design.

[0068] In some embodiments, the plurality of design elements includes at least two, three, four, or five different design elements selected from concave, convex, flat, Fresnel-like, and freeform prism designs.

[0069] In some embodiments, the lens includes at least two, three, four, or five different design elements selected from concave, convex, flat, Fresnel-like, and freeform prism designs.

[0070] In some embodiments, the lens includes at least one optical region comprising at least one design element selected from concave, convex, flat, Fresnel-like, and freeform prism designs and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the lens includes at least one optical region comprising at least one Fresnel-like design element. In some embodiments, the lens includes at least one optical region comprising at least one freeform prism design element.

[0071] In some embodiments, the lens includes at least one optical region comprising a combination of at least two different design elements selected from a concave design, a convex design, a flat design, a Fresnel-like design, and a freeform prism design.

[0072] Parameters characterizing optical regions include minimum thickness, maximum thickness, total curvature, the number and characteristics of design elements and their associated parameters (such as angles, curvature, and dimensions), and the positional relationship between elements of a ring prism and the concave / convex / flat center of a Fresnel-like design. These parameters are defined independently for each optical region and can vary depending on the desired correction. These parameters can be defined for each optical region based on known optometric principles, such as Clinical Optics from the Basic and Clinical Science Course of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, as explained in detail below.

[0073] The fully adaptable thin lens of this invention is designed as a combination of individually designed optical regions to best suit vision correction needs, the chosen frame, and customer preferences. The optical regions can be arranged in any configuration or order. In some embodiments, the optical regions are arranged in an array or grid.

[0074] In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens of the present invention, or portions thereof (such as optical regions or design elements), is digitally designed by dedicated design software. For this purpose, the dedicated design software receives parameters of the desired frame, including shape constraints, curvature, etc., and parameters of the visual correction required by the subject, and provides a computer-aided design of the adaptable thin lens, comprising design elements organized in optical regions arranged in a specific arrangement (e.g., an array or grid), each optical region having a specific design that best fits both the shape of the frame and the required visual correction. The computer-aided design can be printed using a 3D printer to obtain the adaptable thin lens.

[0075] In some embodiments, the final computer-aided design of the adaptable thin lens includes several alternatives, each of which corrects or mitigates some aberrations without (or only partially) correcting others. Furthermore, in cases where there is a trade-off between, for example, lens thickness and the correction of certain aberrations, alternatives can be offered to the customer, and the final selection can be based on the customer's preferences.

[0076] Today, certain types of lenses, such as multifocal or progressive lenses, are achieved using ray tracing software (such as, for example, Digital Ray-Path from IoT). ® The software used to design the adaptable thin lens of the present invention is similar in general concept to ray tracing software, but also allows for additional elements specific to the lens of the present invention (such as, for example, freeform prisms), thereby producing additional designs. Thus, by providing the dedicated design software with a set or database of optical regions having a specific design and a desired frame, a specific computer-aided design (or several optional designs) including the arrangement of the provided optical regions can be obtained, thereby defining a thin lens suitable for a given frame, wherein the specific design includes design elements selected from concave, convex, flat, Fresnel-like, freeform prisms, and combinations thereof.

[0077] To complement the dedicated design software, a database was developed that includes parameters such as the base curve of the eyeglass frame, the desired refractive power in each region of the lens, and the total low- and high-order aberrations desired for each frame. Furthermore, the database may also include parameters for specific lenses (of particular brands and models) used to attach the adaptable thin lens of the present invention to existing lenses.

[0078] Specialized design software provides suggested computer-aided designs based on known techniques that can be used to measure and analyze wavefront aberrations, as described below, based on refractive surgery in the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Basic and Clinical Science curriculum.

[0079] Several techniques can be used to measure wavefront aberrations, with the most popular aberrometer in clinical practice being based on the Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor. This measurement involves a low-power laser beam focused onto the retina, where a point on the retina acts as the point source. A detector measures the light reflected backward (forward) through the eye's optics. In an aberration-free eye, all reflected rays are parallel, and the reflected wavefront is a flat plane. However, in reality, the wavefront is not flat. A lens array samples portions of the wavefront and focuses the light onto a detector to determine the shape of the reflected wavefront. The degree to which the lenslet image deviates from its expected focus determines the wavefront error. Optical aberrations measured by the aberrometer can be decomposed into various basic shapes; combinations of these shapes represent the total aberrations of the subject's visual system, much like conventional refractive errors are combinations of spherical and cylindrical surfaces.

[0080] Currently, wavefront aberrations are typically defined by Zernike polynomials, which are mathematical formulas used to describe surfaces. Each aberration can be numerically positive or negative and causes predictable changes in image quality. The magnitude of these aberrations is expressed as the root mean square (RMS) error, which is the deviation of the wavefront averaged over the entire wavefront. The higher the RMS value, the greater the total aberrations for a given eye. For a 6 mm pupil, most patients have a total RMS value of less than 0.3 μm. Most higher-order Zernike coefficients have a mean close to zero. The most important Zernike coefficients affecting visual quality are defocus, spherical aberration, coma, and secondary astigmatism. Clinically, wavefront aberration analysis can be performed using several methods, including Hartmann-Shack, Tscherning, narrow-beam single-ray tracing, and optical path difference methods. Each method generates detailed reports of low-order aberrations (spherical and cylindrical) and high-order aberrations (spherical aberration, coma, and cloverleaf aberration, etc.).

[0081] Fourier analysis is an alternative method for evaluating the output from an aberrometer. Fourier analysis involves a sinusoidal transform derived from complex shapes. The shapes derived from Fourier analysis are more detailed than those derived from Zernike polynomial analysis, theoretically allowing for the measurement and treatment of corneal aberrations at higher levels.

[0082] The method described above is used in specialized design software to simulate a lens comprising various optical regions having predetermined parameters as described above, in order to achieve optimal visual correction that can be adapted to the desired frame. The selected design includes specific parameters defining each optical region, as well as the overall arrangement of the optical regions within the lens, which is best suited to the specific frame design.

[0083] Therefore, the adaptable thin lens of the present invention can be designed to fit any frame having any basic shape and size.

[0084] Another element that can be incorporated into lens design within specialized design software is flexibility. As described further below, by incorporating flexible regions into the lens using certain materials, along with a specific design, it is helpful to include deformable areas within the lens, making it easier to fit the lens into a specific frame or attach it to a specific lens.

[0085] In some embodiments, the lens of the present invention is at least partially flexible. In some embodiments, the lens of the present invention includes at least one flexible region. In some embodiments, the lens of the present invention is completely flexible. In some embodiments, the lens of the present invention has a flexible region and a rigid region. In some embodiments, the lens of the present invention includes a deformable region.

[0086] The term "flexible" refers to the ability of a lens or its components to bend without breaking. Conversely, the term "rigid" describes a lens or its components that cannot bend without breaking.

[0087] It should also be noted that the digital design of the lens of the present invention facilitates the acquisition of complex designs or corrections of complex visual aberrations, including multifocal or progressive designs or any other designs with different visual corrections (e.g., refractive intensities) at different locations within the lens. Furthermore, if desired, the adaptable thin lens of the present invention can incorporate any prescription at any location within the lens.

[0088] In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is digitally adaptable, that is, designed to fit the desired frame by digitally determining or designing the arrangement or relative position of the optical region including it.

[0089] In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is a multifocal or progressive lens, such as a camber lens. In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is not a multifocal lens. In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is not a progressive lens. In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is a monofocal lens. In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens includes at least two optical regions that provide different visual corrections to each other.

[0090] Figures 4A-4BAn exemplary design of an adaptable thin lens according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0091] Figure 4A An exemplary design of an adaptable thin lens 400 according to some embodiments is shown. The adaptable thin lens 400 is fitted into a frame 402 and includes optical regions (optical regions 404 and 406) containing individual design elements and optical regions (optical regions 408 and 410) containing combinations of design elements, these design elements being arranged relative to each other in a specific design. Optical region 404 includes a single concave, convex, or flat design element. Optical region 406 includes a single freeform prism design element. Optical region 408 includes a Fresnel-like design element and a combination of several freeform prism design elements. Optical region 410 includes a combination of convex / concave / flat design elements and freeform prism design elements.

[0092] Figure 4B Another exemplary adaptable thin lens 450 according to the invention is shown, which includes design elements, such as design elements 452 and 454, which can be independently any of concave, convex, flat, or freeform prisms. Each of these elements can be a separate optical region, or they can be organized into optical regions, each optical region having a certain refractive effect.

[0093] Importantly, when providing correction, it is crucial that the correction encompasses a large portion of the lens area to prevent the wearer from having to turn their head instead of their eyes, as explained above with reference to the curved frame. The adaptable thin lens of this invention provides a solution to this problem through its carefully designed, multi-optical zone and flexibility.

[0094] In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens can be fitted into a desired frame while providing appropriate refractive correction by at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% of the lens area of ​​the frame.

[0095] In some embodiments, the lens area of ​​the refractive correction cover frame obtained by the adaptable thin lens is a majority. In some embodiments, at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% of the lens area of ​​the refractive correction cover frame obtained by the adaptable thin lens.

[0096] The phrase “lens area of ​​the frame” as used in this article refers to the total area defined by the frame for placing the lens.

[0097] In some embodiments, the frame has a high base curve. In some embodiments, the frame has a base curve of at least 6 diopters. In some embodiments, the frame includes at least two different base curves. In some embodiments, the subject has high myopia.

[0098] Lenses can be made of any suitable material, including standard glass, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), rigid breathable materials (such as, but not limited to, cellulose acetate butyrate, butylstyrene, siloxane acrylates, fluorosiloxane acrylates, and perfluoropolyethers), tempered glass, standard plastics, polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), silicone, silicone hydrogel, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, nano-liquid (silica), Trivex, high refractive index materials such as 1.60 or higher, or any combination thereof. Specific examples include CR-39, Crown Glass, and Spectralite. TM RLX Lite, Ormex, Finalite, 1.60 MR-6, 1.66 MR-7, 1.6 refractive index glass, 1.7 refractive index glass and 1.8 refractive index glass.

[0099] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the lens comprises a flexible material, such as tempered glass, silicon, silicone hydrogel, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or nano-liquid (silica).

[0100] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the lens comprises a rigid material, such as standard glass, standard plastic, polycarbonate, PMMA, a rigid breathable material (such as, but not limited to, cellulose acetate butyrate, butylstyrene, siloxane acrylate, fluorosiloxane acrylate, and perfluoropolyether), Trivex, or a high refractive index material.

[0101] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the lens comprises a flexible material, such as tempered glass, silicon, silicone hydrogel, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or nano-liquid (silica); and at least a portion of the lens comprises a rigid material, such as standard glass, standard plastic, polycarbonate, PMMA, rigid breathable material (such as, but not limited to, cellulose acetate butyrate, butylstyrene, siloxane acrylate, fluorosiloxane acrylate, and perfluoropolyether), Trivex, or a high refractive index material.

[0102] As an additional feature, when a Fresnel-like design is included, the adaptable thin lens of the present invention also reduces the amount of light penetrating the eye, which is also useful when used in sunglasses.

[0103] In some embodiments, the lens reduces the amount of light reaching the eye.

[0104] Several options exist for using the adaptable thin lens of the present invention.

[0105] Adaptable thin lenses can be placed directly into the frame, potentially replacing existing lenses that were originally part of the eyeglasses.

[0106] Alternatively, the adaptable thin lens can be attached to an existing lens, for example, through an adhesive material, or by 3D printing a computer-aided adaptable thin lens directly onto an existing lens. Therefore, the adaptable thin lens of the present invention can be used to correct vision in any desired frame. Furthermore, the adaptable thin lens of the present invention can be used to correct vision in any eyeglasses, including eyeglasses that already contain lenses without replacing existing lenses, such as sunglasses. This may be relevant, for example, for sunglasses that are to be converted into optical sunglasses, or in cases where over-the-counter lenses are already available and a prescription can be added by attaching the adaptable thin lens to an existing lens. It may also be necessary to update the prescription, and not by replacing the existing lens, but by attaching the adaptable thin lens to an existing prescription lens to achieve the full desired correction.

[0107] The term "existing lens" is intended to include any lens suitable for eyeglass frames, including but not limited to the lens of this invention. An existing lens may be, for example, a lens for a pair of eyeglasses, where adjustments are required due to reasons such as those mentioned above and below.

[0108] This solution is also particularly useful when existing lenses contain specific desired features that may involve fashion or branding, such as color or watermark. Attaching the lens of the present invention to the inner surface (face side) of the lens adds refractive correction while retaining all the original features of the original lens. Therefore, the adaptable thin lens of the present invention is suitable for use with off-the-shelf eyeglasses (especially sunglasses), enabling refractive correction without replacing the original lens with its unique "style" (watermark, brand, color outline), thus enjoying refractive correction across the entire surface of the original lens without needing to replace it.

[0109] When using adhesive materials to attach adaptable thin lenses, the bonding of the lens to sunglasses can be simple and easy, and can be done by the customer or caregiver, optometrist, or anyone selling sunglasses online or in-store. Another advantage of bonding adaptable thin lenses is that they can be replaced relatively easily by peeling them off and replacing them with another lens, since individual refractive errors may be altered.

[0110] Alternatively, an adaptable thin lens can be attached to an existing lens by printing a computer-aided design directly onto the existing lens.

[0111] When attached to an existing lens, the lens of the present invention is typically attached to the inner surface (face side or bottom surface) of the existing lens. However, it can also be attached to the outer surface of the existing lens.

[0112] Therefore, in some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens can be attached to an existing lens.

[0113] In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens includes an adhesive material for attaching to an existing lens.

[0114] In some embodiments, the adhesive material is selected from silicone adhesives, liquid optically clear adhesives (LOCA), AB adhesives, or combinations thereof.

[0115] In some embodiments, the adhesive material covers at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% of the surface adaptable to the thin lens. In some embodiments, the adhesive material covers the entire surface adaptable to the thin lens.

[0116] In some embodiments, an adaptable thin lens is printed on an existing lens.

[0117] In some embodiments, the printed adaptable lens also includes a watermark and / or logo. Note that a watermark or logo can also be added while attaching the adaptable lens to an existing lens or printing the adaptable lens onto an existing lens.

[0118] In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is attached to the inner surface of an existing lens, facing the subject wearing glasses. In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is attached to the outer surface of an existing lens, away from the subject wearing glasses. In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is printed directly onto the inner or outer surface of an existing lens.

[0119] In some embodiments, the thin lens may be adapted to cover at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% of an existing lens.

[0120] In some embodiments, the existing lens is a prescription lens (i.e., a refractive lens). In some embodiments, the existing lens is a non-prescription lens. In some embodiments, the existing lens is a sunglasses lens.

[0121] One of the problems with lenses, including those of various designs (particularly free-form prism designs and Fresnel-like designs), is that the boundaries between different designs can lead to aberrations or discontinuities. To correct this problem, a second adaptable thin lens can be attached to a first adaptable thin lens, the second lens having a different design than the first lens, in order to correct for aberrations or discontinuities in the first lens. This process can be continued by attaching or stacking several adaptable thin lenses on top of each other.

[0122] Therefore, in some embodiments, the existing lens is the adaptable thin lens of the present invention. Furthermore, an additional adaptable thin lens can be attached to an existing adaptable thin lens to further correct the existing formulation.

[0123] Adaptive lenses can also be myopia control lenses, including tinting or filters used for myopia control.

[0124] Therefore, in some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens further includes tinting, coloring, and / or at least one filter. In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is a myopia control lens. In some embodiments, the filter is a UV filter and / or a blue filter. Typically, myopia control lenses are intended for addition to the face side (inner surface) of existing prescription lenses.

[0125] In addition, lenses can be added, each correcting different aberrations or designed to achieve different goals. For example, one lens corrects myopia, another corrects astigmatism, yet another adds chromatic or marking, and a lens is used for myopia control, etc.

[0126] Therefore, in some embodiments, the present invention provides a composite lens comprising at least one adaptable thin lens as described herein, which is attached to an existing lens.

[0127] Therefore, in some embodiments, the present invention provides a composite lens comprising at least two adaptable thin lenses as described herein, the at least two adaptable thin lenses being attached to each other. It will be understood that the composite lens may also include additional lenses, such as “existing lenses” as described above.

[0128] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a composite lens comprising at least three, four, five, or ten adaptable thin lenses attached to each other.

[0129] In some embodiments, a composite lens includes at least one lens that incorporates staining, color, and / or filtering.

[0130] In some embodiments, the composite lens further includes at least one watermark, mark, stain, color, or filter.

[0131] The term “attached to” as used in this article refers to any type of attachment, such as by adhesive or by printing a thin lens onto an existing lens, including printing it onto another thin lens.

[0132] The adaptable thin lens of the present invention can be manufactured by any suitable method.

[0133] In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens of the present invention is manufactured by 3D printing a computer-aided design of the lens using a 3D printer. In some embodiments, any optical region and / or any design element is manufactured by 3D printing and combined by any suitable means.

[0134] In some embodiments, an adaptable thin lens is manufactured by 3D printing a computer-aided design of a lens onto an existing lens. In some embodiments, an adaptable thin lens is manufactured by 3D printing a computer-aided design of a lens onto the inner surface (face side) of an existing lens. In some embodiments, an adaptable thin lens is manufactured by 3D printing a computer-aided design of a lens onto the outer surface (away from the face) of an existing lens.

[0135] In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens computer-aided design is 3D printed on an adhesive material for attachment to an existing lens or a desired frame.

[0136] In some embodiments, additional elements, such as watermarks, shadows, and colors, can be 3D printed onto the lens or as part of the lens. Such elements can be added by adding parameters to specialized design software used to create computer-aided designs and by adding materials (such as different colors) to 3D printing ink.

[0137] Therefore, in some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing the adaptable thin lens of the present invention, the method comprising:

[0138] (a) Input the parameters of the desired frame and the parameters of the desired visual correction into the dedicated design software;

[0139] (b) Prepare computer-aided designs using specialized design software, wherein the computer-aided designs include multiple design elements organized in at least one optical region, wherein the design elements are selected from concave designs, convex designs, flat designs, Fresnel-style designs and freeform prism designs;

[0140] (c) Adding 3D printing ink to a 3D printer; and

[0141] (d) Printing computer-aided designs using a 3D printer.

[0142] The definitions and embodiments mentioned above, and those that may be related to the method embodiments, also apply here, and vice versa. Some particularly relevant embodiments may be pointed out or explicitly repeated.

[0143] In some embodiments, the parameters of the desired frame include the shape definition of the frame, including curvature, base arc, dimensional measurements, lens height, lens width, bridge width, temple length, eye size, etc.

[0144] In some embodiments, the parameters of desired visual correction include the desired refractive power in each region of the lens, the total low- and high-order aberrations desired for each frame, the desired tinting and color, the desired watermark, the desired filters (such as UV or blue light filters), etc.

[0145] In some embodiments, the dedicated design software also includes a set or database of optical regions, including design elements for selecting concave, convex, flat, Fresnel-like, freeform prisms and combinations thereof.

[0146] In some embodiments, the dedicated design software also includes a database containing parameters such as size and base curve for the specific frame of the eyeglasses.

[0147] In some embodiments, the dedicated design software also includes a database of parameters for specific lenses (such as specific brands and models) for attaching the adaptable thin lens of the present invention to existing lenses.

[0148] In some embodiments, the printing is done on an existing lens.

[0149] In some embodiments, printing is performed on an adhesive layer.

[0150] In some embodiments, the 3D printing ink and / or the printed surface comprises at least one material selected from rigid materials and / or at least one flexible material. Rigid materials include standard glass, standard plastics, PMMA, rigid gas-permeable materials (such as, but not limited to, cellulose acetate butyrate, butylstyrene, siloxane acrylates, fluorosiloxane acrylates, and perfluoropolyethers), polycarbonate, Trivex, or high-refractive-index materials. Flexible materials are selected from tempered glass, silicon, silicone hydrogels, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or nano-liquids (silica).

[0151] In some embodiments, printing also includes printing watermarks, shadows, or colors by adding relevant parameters to the input of step (a) and adding relevant materials such as colors to the 3D printing ink.

[0152] In some embodiments, printing includes printing on the frame of the eyeglasses. In some embodiments, printing includes adding at least one element to the frame of the eyeglasses, including a watermark, logo, and / or 3D shape.

[0153] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0154] The term “one” refers to one or more (i.e., at least one) grammatical objects of an article. For example, “one element” refers to one or more elements.

[0155] When referring to measurable values ​​such as quantities, ratios, etc., the term "about" means including a variation of ±10% of the indicated value, as such variation is also suitable for performing the disclosed invention. Unless otherwise indicated, any numerical value appearing in this application should be understood to be preceded by "about".

[0156] While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Many modifications, alterations, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An adaptable thin lens for correcting visual aberrations, the adaptable thin lens comprising a plurality of design elements organized in at least one optical region, wherein the design elements are selected from concave designs, convex designs, flat designs, Fresnel-like designs, freeform prism designs, and combinations thereof.

2. The adaptable thin lens of claim 1, wherein the visual aberration is selected from higher-order aberrations and lower-order aberrations.

3. The adaptable thin lens as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the visual aberrations are selected from myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, astigmatism, spherical aberration, field curvature, coma, distortion, and cloverleaf.

4. The adaptable thin lens as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the plurality of design elements comprises at least three design elements.

5. The adaptable thin lens as described in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the plurality of design elements comprises at least two, three, or four different design elements.

6. The adaptable thin lens according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one optical region comprises at least two optical regions.

7. The adaptable thin lens of claim 6, wherein the at least one optical region comprises at least two optical regions that are identical combinations without containing any design elements.

8. The adaptable thin lens as claimed in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the at least one optical region comprises at least one freeform prism design element.

9. The adaptable thin lens according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the at least one optical region includes at least one Fresnel-style design element.

10. The adaptable thin lens as described in any one of claims 1-9, comprising at least one flexible region.

11. The adaptable thin lens according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the adaptable thin lens is a multifocal lens and / or a progressive lens.

12. The adaptable thin lens as claimed in any one of claims 1-11, wherein the adaptable thin lens can be fitted into a desired frame while providing appropriate refractive correction by at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% of the lens area of ​​the frame.

13. The adaptable thin lens of claim 12, wherein the desired frame has a base arc of at least 6 diopters.

14. The adaptable thin lens of claim 12 or 13, wherein the desired frame comprises at least two different base arcs.

15. The adaptable thin lens as claimed in any one of claims 12-14, wherein the adaptable thin lens is designed to define the arrangement of optical regions in the lens by using specialized design software to adapt to a desired frame.

16. The adaptable thin lens as described in any one of claims 1-15, further comprising an adhesive material for attaching to an existing lens.

17. The adaptable thin lens as described in any one of claims 1-15 is printed on the inner or outer surface of an existing lens.

18. The adaptable thin lens of claim 17, wherein the printed adaptable lens further includes a watermark and / or marking.

19. The adaptable thin lens as claimed in any one of claims 16-18, wherein the adaptable thin lens is capable of covering at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% of the existing lens.

20. The adaptable thin lens as described in any one of claims 16-19, wherein the existing lens is a vision-correcting lens.

21. The adaptable thin lens according to any one of claims 16-20, wherein the existing lens is a non-prescription lens.

22. The adaptable thin lens as described in any one of claims 16-21, wherein the existing lens is a sunglasses lens.

23. The adaptable thin lens as claimed in any one of claims 16-22, wherein the existing lens is the adaptable thin lens as claimed in claim 1.

24. The adaptable thin lens as described in any one of claims 16-23, further comprising staining, coloring, and / or at least one filter.

25. The adaptable thin lens of claim 24, wherein the tinting, coloring, and / or filter is used for myopia control.

26. The adaptable thin lens of claim 24 or 25, wherein the filter is a UV light filter and / or a blue light filter.

27. A composite lens comprising an adaptable thin lens as defined in any one of claims 1-26, said composite lens being attached to an existing lens.

28. A composite lens comprising at least two adaptable thin lenses, each of the at least two adaptable thin lenses as described in any one of claims 1-26, the at least two adaptable thin lenses being attached to each other.

29. A method for manufacturing an adaptable thin lens as described in any one of claims 1-22, the method comprising: a. Input the desired frame parameters and desired visual correction parameters into the specialized design software; b. Prepare a computer-aided design using the dedicated design software, the computer-aided design comprising a plurality of design elements organized in at least one optical region, wherein the design elements are selected from concave designs, convex designs, flat designs, Fresnel-like designs, freeform prism designs, and combinations thereof; c. Add 3D printing ink to the 3D printer; as well as d. Print the computer-aided design using the 3D printer.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the printing by the 3D printer in step (d) is on the frame of the glasses.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the printing further includes adding at least one element, including a watermark, logo, and / or 3D shape, to the frame.

32. The method of claim 29, wherein the printing by the 3D printer in step (d) is on an existing lens.

Images