Device and method for reminding eye examination or frame or lens replacement

Abstract

The present invention relates to an eyewear device comprising a system for notifying the user of an eye examination and / or the need for frame and / or lens replacement of the eyewear device in order to provide optimal vision correction and comfort. The present invention also relates to a method for monitoring the need for an eye examination and / or frame and / or lens replacement of an eyewear device, comprising using an eyewear device according to the present invention, and to a method for manufacturing an eyewear device according to the present invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of eyewear devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an eyewear device and a method that allows monitoring the need for eye examinations, frame changes, and / or lens changes of an eyewear device. Background Art

[0002] Many documents describe devices that include an indicator that changes after a predetermined period of time. Such an indicator typically changes color, surface, volume or shape gradually over time.

[0003] For example, color-changing dyes have been used in the food industry to indicate the quality of food that is safe to eat. A color change after a predetermined period of time is called chronochromism and has also been used in personal care devices.

[0004] US 3,542,519 discloses a toothbrush comprising a composition which changes colour, volume or appearance over a predetermined period of use of the toothbrush such that upon expiry of the period the user is given appropriate instructions to discard the toothbrush and use a new one.

[0005] US2008 / 0129960 discloses a disposable device, such as a disposable contact lens, that changes color after being exposed to oxygen for a predetermined period of time, thereby indicating that the device should not be reused. For example, the disposable contact lens includes a dye that changes to a visible color after the contact lens is exposed to oxygen for a predetermined period of time, thereby indicating that the contact lens should not be reused.

[0006] Different techniques can be used to generate time-chromaticity. US2007 / 0064541 and US7,232,253 disclose examples of elapsed time indicator devices.

[0007] Wearing corrective spectacles, especially for children, requires rigorous and regular monitoring of their suitability for the wearer's needs. This monitoring requires, first and foremost, regular eye examinations. These examinations should be performed, for example, every three, six, or twelve months, depending on the type of correction required (myopia, presbyopia, etc.), its rate of progression, and / or the age of the wearer. Furthermore, morphological changes and their impact on the suitability of the corrective spectacles described above should be monitored, particularly for children undergoing myopia correction.

[0008] Because the prevalence of myopia increases among children, timely eye examinations are important to reduce the progression of myopia. Furthermore, children grow rapidly in head size and pupil distance, which can affect the fit of eyewear and the accuracy of refractive correction. In adults, regular updates are needed to monitor near reading light additions for myopia and presbyopia, and eye examinations are also needed to detect vision-limiting diseases, allowing for early intervention.

[0009] Chronochromism or any other mechanism that triggers a color change in a device upon stimulation or after a period of time has never been disclosed for use in an eyewear device to alert regarding the need to perform an eye exam and / or replace frames or lenses.

[0010] For aesthetic reasons and / or ease of detection in the dark, eyewear devices have been disclosed that have at least a portion that changes color. However, the color change of such devices is not suitable for indicating the need to perform an eye exam and / or replace frames or lenses. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an eyewear device that includes a system for notifying the user of the need for an eye exam and / or frame and / or lens replacement of the eyewear device to provide optimal vision correction and comfort. This is particularly important for children to reduce the progression of myopia and allow for the growth and development of their head and face. For adults, this reminder will encourage timely eye exams to help them achieve optimal near and far vision correction, thereby ensuring their work efficiency, safety, and improved quality of life. Furthermore, early detection of eye pathology can provide a better prognosis, thereby preventing vision impairment.

[0012] According to the present invention, the above objects are achieved by providing an eyewear device comprising a frame and at least one lens, wherein the device comprises at least one frame area and / or lens area adapted to be changed, wherein a color change of the at least one frame area and / or lens area indicates the need for an eye examination and / or a frame replacement and / or lens replacement of the eyewear device.

[0013] Therefore, a first object of the present invention is an eyewear device comprising a frame and at least one lens,

[0014] wherein the device comprises at least one indicator that is capable of changing,

[0015] wherein the at least one indicator change is caused by at least one stimulus, and

[0016] Wherein, the at least one indicator change indicates a need for an eye examination and / or a frame replacement and / or a lens replacement of the eyewear device.

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to an eyewear device having the following features, which may be employed alone or in combination with any other features when not mutually exclusive:

[0018] - the at least one indicator is capable of changing color, said at least one stimulus causing a color change indicative of said need;

[0019] - the at least one indicator is capable of changing its area, said at least one stimulus causing a change in area indicative of said need;

[0020] - the at least one stimulus is selected from the group consisting of: a predetermined time lapse, exposure to a predetermined light, exposure to a predetermined temperature, exposure to a predetermined chemical, exposure to a predetermined mechanical constraint, exposure to a predetermined bacterial contamination, and exposure to a predetermined electrical potential;

[0021] - the at least one indicator is not visible when the eyewear is worn by the individual;

[0022] - the at least one indicator is positioned in an area of ​​the eyewear selected from the group consisting of: a lens area, a nose bridge, an ear hook, a nose pad, and a temple;

[0023] The eyewear device includes at least two indicators that can be changed independently of each other;

[0024] - the stimulus that causes the change in each indicator is different from the stimulus that causes the change in any other indicator;

[0025] - at least one stimulus is exposure to a predetermined mechanical constraint, and a corresponding change indicates a need for frame replacement;

[0026] - at least one stimulus is a predetermined time lapse, and a corresponding change indicates the need for an eye examination;

[0027] - a time lapse indicator comprising a reservoir, a migration medium and an actuator;

[0028] - the indicator is in the form of a picture or text which is not noticeable in the absence of a stimulus and whose appearance is caused by the stimulus;

[0029] - the indicator comprises at least one medium capable of changing color, the medium being selected from the group consisting of: a sticker, chrome paint, and a gel;

[0030] - at least one stimulus is exposure to predetermined light, wherein the predetermined light is UV light, and the corresponding at least one indicator comprises at least one dye and / or pigment, and at least one UV-activated releasing agent.

[0031] Another object of the present invention is a method for monitoring the need for eye examination and / or frame and / or lens replacement of an eyewear device, the method comprising using an eyewear device comprising a frame and at least one lens,

[0032] wherein the device comprises at least one indicator that is capable of changing,

[0033] wherein the at least one indicator change is caused by at least one stimulus, and

[0034] Wherein, the at least one indicator change indicates a need for an eye examination and / or a frame replacement and / or a lens replacement of the eyewear device.

[0035] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a monitoring method having the following features, which may be employed alone or in combination with any other features when not mutually exclusive:

[0036] - the at least one indicator is capable of changing color, said at least one stimulus causing a color change indicative of said need;

[0037] - the at least one indicator is capable of changing its area, said at least one stimulus causing a change in area indicative of said need.

[0038] A final object of the present invention is a method for manufacturing an eyewear device comprising a frame and at least one lens,

[0039] wherein the device comprises at least one indicator that is capable of changing,

[0040] wherein the at least one indicator change is caused by at least one stimulus, and

[0041] Wherein the at least one indicator change indicates a need for an eye examination and / or a frame replacement and / or lens replacement of the eyewear device, the method comprises the following steps:

[0042] a) providing at least one indicator that is capable of changing,

[0043] b) determining at least one parameter value which, when reached (stimulus), should trigger a change in the at least one indicator, and

[0044] c) positioning the at least one indicator on at least one frame or lens area of ​​the eyewear device.

[0045] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for manufacturing an eyewear device having the following features, which may be employed alone or in combination with any other features when not mutually exclusive:

[0046] - the at least one indicator is capable of changing color, said at least one stimulus causing a color change indicative of said need;

[0047] - the at least one indicator is capable of changing its area, said at least one stimulus causing a change in area indicative of said need.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the method for manufacturing an eyewear device according to the present invention, the at least one stimulus is selected from the group consisting of: a predetermined time lapse, exposure to a predetermined light, exposure to a predetermined temperature, exposure to a predetermined chemical, exposure to a predetermined mechanical constraint, exposure to a predetermined bacterial contamination and exposure to a predetermined electrical potential.

[0049] The different embodiments disclosed above with respect to eyewear devices may obviously also be applied to methods for monitoring the need for eye examinations and / or frame and / or lens replacement of eyewear devices and / or methods for manufacturing eyewear devices according to the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, will make clear what the present invention encompasses and how it is accomplished. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, it should be understood that where features in the claims are followed by reference numerals, the inclusion of such reference numerals is solely for the purpose of enhancing the intelligibility of the claims and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0051] In the attached figure:

[0052] - Figure 1 An eyewear device according to the present invention is disclosed.

[0053] - Figure 2 Examples of indicators positioned on ear hooks of eyewear devices according to the present invention are disclosed.

[0054] - Figure 3 Another example of an indicator positioned on the nose bridge of an eyewear device according to the present invention is disclosed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Device

[0056] Figure 1 The eyewear device 100 shown includes a frame 101 and two lenses 102. Figure 1The eyewear device includes different indicators 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108 and 109 that can change. In this application, the term "can change" is used to refer to changes in the physical properties of the indicator, for example, it can refer to changes in color, area, volume or shape.

[0057] An "eyewear device" according to the present invention may be any eyewear device comprising a frame and at least one lens. Preferably, the eyewear device is a corrective eyewear device for myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, presbyopia, and / or any other vision impairment. The eyewear device may be a pair of sunglasses. The eyewear device of the present invention may be worn by any individual, for example, an adult or a child. In a preferred embodiment, the eyewear device of the present invention is worn by a child, preferably a child with myopia, for whom regular eye examinations and / or frame or lens replacement are necessary to reduce myopia progression and / or allow for growth and development of the head and face. In another preferred embodiment, the eyewear device of the present invention is worn by an adult, preferably an adult with myopia and / or presbyopia, or an adult who may develop myopia and / or presbyopia.

[0058] Here, the indicator may more particularly be able to change its color and / or change its area.

[0059] The change in area of ​​each indicator can be an increase or decrease in the total surface area of ​​the indicator. For example, the total surface area can be measured in square millimeters. The change in area can also be a change in the shape of the indicator, regardless of whether the total surface area of ​​the indicator is changed. The change in area can be gradual, for example, when the stimulus is being applied, the area of ​​the indicator changes and increases. In some embodiments, the change in area can be, for example, the diffusion of a liquid of a given color in a medium by capillary action. Conversely, the change in area can be a decrease in the total surface area of ​​the indicator due to drying of the liquid.

[0060] The area change may be independent of any color change of the indicator.The area change may also be associated with a brightness or intensity change of the indicator, for example due to spreading of the liquid.

[0061] The color change of each indicator can be a change in the wavelength of light reflected by at least a portion of the indicator area. More specifically, it can correspond to a change in at least one of the hue, saturation, brightness, and intensity of the indicator's color. For example, the color change can be a gradual change from dark gray to white through different grayscales.

[0062] When a stimulus is present, the color change can be a sudden change between two different colors, or two different hues, saturations, brightnesses, or intensities, but it can also be a gradual color change as the stimulus is reached. A gradual color change can be manifested, for example, by an increasing color change area of ​​the indicator as the stimulus is approached, or by successive or discrete color changes of the same indicator area as the stimulus is approached. For example, on a traffic light model, the indicator area can be green when moving away from the stimulus, change to yellow when approaching the stimulus, and then change to red when the stimulus is reached.

[0063] The type of color change (abrupt or gradual) may be selected depending on the stimulus, monitoring needs, and / or the individual wearing the eyewear device. An abrupt color change may be advantageous because it may be easier to detect and understand by the individual wearing the eyewear device. It may also mean a simpler manufacturing process. A gradual color change may be advantageous because it allows for scheduling of needed eye exams and / or lens or frame replacements.

[0064] In some embodiments, the indicator includes at least one light-emitting element, such as a light-emitting diode, and the color change of the indicator corresponds to the lighting or extinguishing of the at least one light-emitting element. In one embodiment, the light-emitting element is illuminated and, when a stimulus occurs, such as when a predetermined time has elapsed, the light-emitting element is extinguished. For example, the light-emitting element may be extinguished by a depleted battery or by a circuit resisting current flow (e.g., through oxidation). In another embodiment, the light-emitting element is extinguished and, when a stimulus occurs, such as when a predetermined time has elapsed, the light-emitting element is turned on.

[0065] Eyewear device 100 according to the present invention can include one or more indicators capable of changing color. Preferably, eyewear device 100 includes 1 to 10 indicators, more preferably 1 to 5, such as 2 to 5. Specifically, eyewear device 100 can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 indicators. When eyewear device 100 includes at least two indicators, these indicators preferably change color independently of one another. The color changes of the different indicators are preferably independent of each other in terms of their color before and after the change, the time of the color change, and / or the stimulus that caused the color change.

[0066] When at least two indicators capable of changing color are provided on the same eyewear device, these indicators preferably each indicate a different need, including the need for an eye exam, the need to replace the eyewear device's frames, or the need to replace the lenses. In other embodiments, a single indicator's color change can indicate at least two different needs or can be triggered by at least two different stimuli. Preferably, the shape and / or color of the indicator after the color change varies depending on the need for the reminder and / or the stimulus that triggered the color change.

[0067] Several indicators provided on the same eyewear device may exhibit color changes caused by the same or different stimuli. Preferably, the color change of each indicator is caused by a different stimulus.

[0068] Each indicator capable of changing color can be positioned at a different location on the eyewear device. Indicators 103 and 107 are positioned on the temples, indicator 108 is located on the ear hook, indicators 104 and 106 are positioned between the frame 101 and one lens 102, indicator 109 is positioned on the top portion of the frame, and indicator 105 is positioned on the bridge of the nose.

[0069] The indicators may be positioned to be visible when the individual is wearing the eyewear device (103, 104, 105, 106, 109), or not visible when the individual is wearing the eyewear device (107, 108).

[0070] Each indicator can be independently shaped in any shape. Indicators 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 109 are in the shape of text that is not noticeable in the absence of a stimulus and whose appearance is triggered by a stimulus. Alternatively, an indicator of an eyewear device according to the present invention can be in the shape of text or a picture that is noticeable in the absence of a stimulus and whose disappearance is triggered by a stimulus. Indicator 104 is in the shape of a region of frame 101 that changes color. The color-changing region of indicator 104 is positioned between frame 101 and lens 102. The color-changing region can be in any position, color, and size, as long as the color change is noticeable to the human eye.

[0071] When the shape of the indicator is text, the message displayed or erased by the color change is preferably directly associated with the need to be reminded and / or with the stimulus that caused the color change. For example, when an eye examination is needed, a message such as "eye examination" can be displayed by the color change of the indicator (103, 105, 106, 108, 109). When the stimulus is the passage of a predetermined time, a message such as "eye examination" can be displayed by the color change of the indicator (103, 105, 106, 108, 109). When the frame needs to be replaced, a message such as "too tight" can be displayed by the color change of the indicator (107). When the stimulus is a predetermined mechanical constraint, a message such as "too tight" can be displayed by the color change of the indicator (107).

[0072] The color change of the indicator may affect only a portion of the indicator area, and the area of ​​color change may correspond to an area of ​​interest for checking for changes and / or the need for frame or lens replacement. For example, the area of ​​color change may correspond to an area where a stimulus, such as a predetermined mechanical constraint, has been reached. The area of ​​color change may correspond to a pressure point of the eyewear device, and the color change may therefore facilitate frame replacement to alleviate the pressure point.

[0073] Figure 2 A portion of temple 201 and ear hook 202 of eyewear device 100 according to the present invention is shown. Indicator 203 includes a reservoir 2031 and a migrating medium 2032, the migrating medium gradually changing color in response to a stimulus. The stimulus causing the color change of indicator 203 is the passage of time. Graduations 2033 corresponding to the passage of time (3 months, 6 months, 12 months) are positioned along the migrating medium and indicate the number of months that have elapsed since the color change began. The initiation of the color change can be triggered at any desired time, such as when eyewear device 100 is first worn by an individual. The initiation of the color change can be triggered by actuation of an actuator. The initiation of the color change of indicator 203 is triggered by pressure on blister 204. Alternatively, the initiation of the color change of the indicator can be passively triggered, without requiring the action of any actuator.

[0074] The color change of the indicator may involve a portion of the indicator or the entire indicator. For example, the color change of the indicator 203 caused by the passage of time is gradual, and as long as time passes, the area of ​​the color change of the indicator 203 increases.

[0075] In another embodiment, reservoir 2031 is filled with a fluid that flows through migration medium 2032 due to capillary action. Here, the fluid does not change color. Scale 2033 corresponds to elapsed time (e.g., 3 months, 6 months, 12 months), which indicates how much time has passed since the indicator began changing. In this embodiment, as the fluid advances over time in migration medium 2032, the indicator only changes its length, and therefore its area.

[0076] The indicator may be formed from any suitable material or mixture of materials to change color when a stimulus is applied.

[0077] An example of a medium that changes color upon exposure to predetermined UV light includes a medium comprising at least one dye and / or pigment and at least one UV-activated release agent. Upon exposure to UV light, the UV-activated release agent releases the at least one dye and / or pigment, thereby triggering a color change in the indicator medium. The UV-activated release agent may be, for example, at least one iodonium salt, a sulfonium salt, or chloral hydrate. Examples of UV indicators are disclosed in US2012 / 0137958. As an alternative to UV light, the predetermined stimulating light may be light of a different wavelength, such as blue light or near-infrared light.

[0078] An example of a medium that changes color over time is a migration medium connected to a reservoir containing ink comprising at least one dye. Upon optional activation or passive activation, the ink comprising at least one dye slowly travels along the length of the migration medium over time. At each time point, for example, after three, six, or twelve months, the ink comprising at least one dye travels a known distance, and the migration medium gradually changes color, for example, depending on the density of the ink in the medium.

[0079] An example of a medium that changes color due to temperature is a thermosensitive medium. The thermosensitive medium may be sensitive to a temperature range of about 37° C. to about 38° C. (corresponding to the temperature of an individual's skin, such as a child's skin).

[0080] An example of a medium that changes color due to a chemical reaction is a medium that includes at least one pH indicator. The color change may be caused by cumulative exposure to a pH below 5.5 (corresponding to the pH of sweat). Examples of pH indicators such as thymol blue or malachite green may be used because they change color as the pH increases.

[0081] An example of a medium that changes color due to bacterial contamination is a gel medium. Such media are known in the art and have been used, for example, in the context of contact lenses. In such an embodiment, the need indicated by the color change may be the need to clean and / or inspect the refraction and / or quality of the lens.

[0082] Figure 3 The nose hook 301 is shown including an indicator 303 along which a scale 3033 corresponding to the passage of time is located. The start of the color change of the indicator 303 is triggered by pressure on an actuator 304 located on the nose pad 302.

[0083] The scale 2033 or 3033 can be any shape, such as indentations in the color changing area, so that the individual can clearly correlate the level of migration with the degree of progression of the stimulation.

[0084] In one embodiment, the eyewear device according to the present invention is a digital and / or smart eyewear device associated with software and / or a mobile phone, and each stimulus further triggers an alert on the software and / or mobile phone associated with the eyewear device.

[0085] method

[0086] The method for monitoring the need for eye examination and / or frame and / or lens replacement of an eyewear device according to the present invention comprises using an eyewear device 100 comprising a frame and at least one lens,

[0087] wherein the device comprises at least one indicator that is capable of changing,

[0088] wherein the at least one indicator change is caused by at least one stimulus, and

[0089] Wherein, the at least one indicator change indicates a need for an eye examination and / or a frame replacement and / or a lens replacement of the eyewear device.

[0090] The at least one indicator provided in the monitoring method may include the features disclosed above for the indicator of the eyewear device according to the present invention. In particular, the at least one indicator provided in the monitoring method may be able to change color and / or its area.

[0091] Monitoring is performed by monitoring changes in at least one indicator of the eyewear device. The type of need being monitored can be associated with, for example, the color and / or shape of the indicator being monitored. For example, the nature of the need being monitored can be associated with the shape of a picture and / or text of the indicator being monitored.

[0092] When the eyewear device is a digital and / or smart eyewear device associated with software and / or a cell phone, the monitoring is further performed by monitoring the occurrence of an alert on the software and / or cell phone associated with the eyewear device.

[0093] Once a change in at least one indicator of the eyewear device indicates a need for an eye exam and / or frame and / or lens replacement, the individual wearing the eyewear device should visit a professional, such as an optometrist or optician. The indicator that has changed color can be replaced by the professional to continue monitoring the need for an eye exam and / or frame replacement. If the portion of the eyewear device where the indicator is located does not need to be changed, the indicator can be reset by the professional and / or the portion of the device where the indicator is located (e.g., the lens area, nose bridge, ear hook, nose pad, or temple) can be replaced by the professional.

[0094] In the present invention, a change in the indicator signifies a need for an eye exam and / or replacement of the frames and / or lenses of the eyewear device. However, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other needs that may be directly or indirectly related to at least one stimulus causing a color change in at least one indicator may be similarly addressed and / or monitored while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

[0095] The method for producing an eyewear device according to the present invention is a method for producing an eyewear device comprising a frame and at least one lens,

[0096] wherein the device comprises at least one indicator that is capable of changing,

[0097] wherein the at least one indicator change is caused by at least one stimulus, and

[0098] Wherein the at least one indicator change indicates a need for an eye examination and / or a frame replacement and / or lens replacement of the eyewear device, the method comprises the following steps:

[0099] a) providing at least one indicator that is capable of changing,

[0100] b) determining at least one parameter value which, when reached, should trigger a change in the at least one indicator, and

[0101] c) positioning the at least one indicator on at least one frame or lens area of ​​the eyewear device.

[0102] The at least one indicator provided in step a) may include the features disclosed above for the indicator of the eyewear device according to the present invention. In particular, the at least one indicator provided in the manufacturing method may be capable of changing color and / or its area.

[0103] Determining step b) includes first determining which parameter should trigger the color change. Examples of parameters are elapsed time, accumulated light of a predetermined wavelength or a predetermined wavelength range (also referred to herein as "predetermined light"), temperature, chemical concentration, mechanical constraint, bacterial contamination, a predetermined electrical potential, or a combination of at least two thereof. For example, the parameter can be the elapsed time during which the eyewear device has been exposed to the predetermined light, predetermined temperature, chemical concentration, predetermined mechanical constraint, predetermined bacterial contamination, or predetermined electrical potential.

[0104] The determination of step b) further comprises determining a threshold value or value range for the change of at least part of the indicator.The indicator is then designed or selected to provide the desired change.

[0105] The positioning of the indicator of step c) can be performed at any location of the eyewear device. For example, the indicator can be positioned on an area of ​​the eyewear device selected from the group consisting of: lens area, nose bridge, ear hook, nose pad and temple as disclosed above.

[0106] Steps (a), (b), and (c) can be performed in any order. The method further includes the typical steps of a method for manufacturing an eyewear device, such as positioning at least one lens in a frame. The steps of the method for manufacturing an eyewear device can be performed at different times. For example, steps (a), (b), and / or (c) can be performed during the design and / or manufacture of the frame. Conversely, further steps, such as lens positioning, can be performed later when the individual requiring correction purchases the frame, and lenses suitable for correcting the individual's vision are positioned in the frame.

Claims

1. An eyewear device comprising a frame and at least one lens, in, The device comprises at least one indicator that is capable of changing, wherein the change of the at least one indicator is caused by at least one stimulus, wherein a change in the at least one indicator indicates a need for an eye examination and / or a frame replacement and / or lens replacement of the eyewear device, and Wherein, at least one stimulus is exposure to a predetermined mechanical constraint, and a corresponding change indicates a need for frame replacement.

2. The eyewear device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one indicator is capable of changing color, wherein the at least one stimulus causes a color change indicative of the need.

3. The eyewear device of claim 1 , wherein: The at least one indicator is capable of changing its area, wherein the at least one stimulus causes the change in area indicative of the need.

4. The eyewear device of claim 1 , wherein: The at least one stimulus is selected from the group consisting of: a predetermined time lapse, exposure to a predetermined light, exposure to a predetermined temperature, exposure to a predetermined chemical, exposure to a predetermined mechanical constraint, exposure to a predetermined bacterial contamination, and exposure to a predetermined electrical potential.

5. The eyewear device of claim 1 , wherein: The at least one indicator is not visible when the eyewear is worn by the individual.

6. The eyewear device of claim 1 , wherein: The at least one indicator is positioned in an area of ​​the eyewear selected from the group consisting of: a lens area, a nose bridge, an ear hook, a nose pad, and a temple.

7. The eyewear device of claim 1 , wherein: At least one stimulus is a predetermined time lapse, and a corresponding change indicates a need for an eye examination.

8. The eyewear device of claim 7, wherein: The time lapse indicator includes a reservoir, a migration medium, and an actuator.

9. The eyewear device of claim 1 , wherein: The indicator is in the shape of a picture or text, which is not noticeable without a stimulus and whose appearance is caused by the stimulus.

10. The eyewear device of claim 1, wherein: The indicator includes at least one medium capable of changing color, the medium selected from the group consisting of: a sticker, chrome paint, and a gel.

11. The eyewear device of claim 1 , wherein: At least one stimulus is exposure to predetermined light, wherein the predetermined light is UV light, and Therein, the respective at least one indicator comprises at least one dye and / or pigment, and at least one UV-activated release agent.

12. A method for monitoring the need for eye examinations and / or frame and / or lens replacement of an eyewear device, the method comprising using an eyewear device comprising a frame and at least one lens, in, The device comprises at least one indicator that is capable of changing, wherein the change of the at least one indicator is caused by at least one stimulus, wherein a change in the at least one indicator indicates a need for an eye examination and / or a frame replacement and / or lens replacement of the eyewear device, and Wherein, at least one stimulus is exposure to a predetermined mechanical constraint, and a corresponding change indicates a need for frame replacement.

13. A method for manufacturing an eyewear device comprising a frame and at least one lens, in, The device comprises at least one indicator that is capable of changing, wherein the change of the at least one indicator is caused by at least one stimulus, wherein a change in the at least one indicator indicates a need for an eye examination and / or a frame replacement and / or lens replacement of the eyewear device, and wherein at least one stimulus is exposure to a predetermined mechanical constraint and a corresponding change indicates a need for frame replacement, The method comprises the following steps: a) providing at least one indicator that is capable of changing, b) determining at least one parameter value which, when reached, should trigger a change in said at least one indicator, and c) positioning the at least one indicator on at least one frame or lens area of ​​the eyewear device.

14. The method for manufacturing an eyewear device according to claim 13, wherein: The at least one stimulus is selected from the group consisting of: a predetermined time lapse, exposure to a predetermined light, exposure to a predetermined temperature, exposure to a predetermined chemical, exposure to a predetermined mechanical constraint, exposure to a predetermined bacterial contamination, and exposure to a predetermined electrical potential.

Images