Ophthalmic article

Abstract

This invention relates to an ophthalmic article (1) comprising: - at least one colored substrate (9), and - a polarizer (11) fixed to at least one colored substrate (9), wherein the polarizer (11) itself exhibits a light transmittance of T according to the first edition of ISO 13666 published on August 1, 1998. v ≥41%, and the polarization efficiency (PE) is 90% ≥PE ≥78%.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to an ophthalmic product, particularly an ophthalmic product for sunglasses.

[0002] The term “ophthalmic products” should be specifically understood to mean, for example, lenses used in eyeglasses (especially sunglasses, goggles, sun shades, etc.) that can be used as spectacle lenses, corrective lenses or other lenses.

[0003] The discussion of the background of this invention is included herein to explain the context of the invention. This should not be construed as an admission that any material mentioned was published, known, or part of the general public knowledge as of the priority date of any claim.

[0004] Medical advice suggests wearing sunglasses, especially in very bright outdoor conditions, to protect an individual's long-term visual potential, and also for safety reasons, such as when driving.

[0005] Polarized lenses and sunshades are widely used in ophthalmic products to reduce glare, especially for outdoor sports activities (typically in snowy, aquatic, and sandy environments). Polarized lenses are also popular in driving activities because they reduce glare and provide better visibility of the car's dashboard and the road.

[0006] Generally, polarized lenses are obtained by bonding a polarizing film to the surface of a plastic lens or by introducing such a film into the plastic material during polymerization. Regardless of the specific material used for the lens body (substrate), in many applications, it is preferred to incorporate the polarizing film into the lens.

[0007] In addition, sunglasses act as a barrier against UV (ultraviolet) rays. Numerous studies have shown that UV rays can cause damage, inflammation, or degeneration of the cornea, lens, or retina. To avoid these effects, and especially to prevent eye changes that may lead to long-term vision impairment, people are increasingly encouraged to wear sunglasses to avoid exposure to excessive light intensity.

[0008] In addition, sunglasses can eliminate uncomfortable glare, thereby improving safety while driving or during sports activities (such as skiing or other potentially risky activities).

[0009] However, a lack of contrast can cause significant eye strain and nausea in sunglasses wearers, and in extreme cases, even headaches. This reduced contrast can also make it difficult to appreciate the scenery. For drivers, it may be difficult to clearly see traffic ahead, potentially posing a danger to the driver and anyone else present.

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention aims to overcome at least one of the aforementioned technical problems of the prior art.

[0011] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide an ophthalmic article that optimizes incident light intensity and enhances protection when exposed to or not exposed to sunlight, while providing the wearer with good contrast and comfort.

[0012] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved ophthalmic article that allows for at least partial resolution of the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0013] Therefore, the present invention provides an ophthalmic product comprising:

[0014] -At least one colored substrate, and

[0015] - A polarizing film, which is fixed to at least one colored substrate.

[0016] The polarizer itself exhibits a light transmittance of Tv≥41% according to ISO_13666, and a polarization efficiency of 90%≥PE≥78%.

[0017] The polarizer used has a specific polarization efficiency lower than that of a standard polarizer and at least a certain level of light transmittance higher than that of a standard polarizer. This allows for enhanced contrast through polarization while providing glare protection. Such ophthalmic products (specifically, when used as, for example, sunglasses for drivers) allow for reduced eye strain.

[0018] These ophthalmic products are very comfortable for the wearer, especially when driving in conditions where light changes can be very rapid, such as when entering a tunnel on a sunny day.

[0019] Ophthalmic products may include one or more of the following features, either alone or in combination:

[0020] The light transmittance of the polarizer itself, according to ISO 13666, is, for example, 41% ≤ Tv ≤ 48%, preferably 43% ≤ Tv ≤ 46%.

[0021] According to one aspect, the polarization efficiency of a polarizer can be 80% ≤ PE ≤ 85%.

[0022] In particular, the ophthalmic article has, for example, at least one functional state in which the overall light transmittance value of the ophthalmic article is less than 40%, preferably less than 30%, or even less than 20%, or even less than 18%.

[0023] The colored substrate can exhibit contrast-enhancing properties. In another embodiment, this may mean exhibiting a relative minimum between 550 nm and 620 nm for contrast enhancement.

[0024] In particular, the colored substrate can be obtained by impregnation coloring with a contrast-enhancing hue mixture.

[0025] In other embodiments, the colored substrate may be obtained by bulk coloring the substrate with a contrast-enhancing hue mixture.

[0026] In particular, ophthalmic products have the ability to enhance the perceived color separation, i.e., color change, in the field of vision of the wearer, with ophthalmic lenses having a contrast enhancement measure of Kup≥13, specifically Kup≥20, and more specifically Kup≥25.

[0027] In addition, the colored substrate can be obtained by bulk coloring the substrate with a photochromic mixture.

[0028] The colored substrate can also be obtained, for example, by applying a photochromic film lamination material.

[0029] According to another aspect, the ophthalmic product exhibits Kup≤10 in the inactivated state of the photochromic mixture and Kup≥13 in the activated state of the photochromic mixture.

[0030] Ophthalmic products can be classified as category "1" in the inactive state of the photochromic mixture and as category "3" in the activated state of the photochromic mixture.

[0031] According to another possible example, the ophthalmic article belongs to category "2" and has a Tv ≥ 25% in the inactive state of the photochromic mixture, and belongs to category "3" and has a Tv ≤ 15% in the active state of the photochromic mixture, and the ophthalmic article further includes a fixed dye so that Kup ≥ 13 in the active state.

[0032] The present invention also relates to sunglasses comprising at least one ophthalmic article as described above.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for forming an ophthalmic article, the method comprising the following steps:

[0034] - At least one colored substrate is fixed to a polarizer, wherein the polarizer itself exhibits a light transmittance of Tv ≥ 41% according to ISO 13666 and a polarization efficiency of 90% ≥ PE ≥ 78%.

[0035] Colored substrates can be obtained by impregnation with a contrast-enhancing hue mixture or, for example, by body coloring the substrate with a contrast-enhancing hue mixture.

[0036] Other advantages and features will become apparent after reading the description of the following figures, which are shown in the figures:

[0037] - Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of an ophthalmic article according to the present invention.

[0038] - Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of an embodiment of an ophthalmic article according to the present invention.

[0039] - Figure 2bis An example of the transmission spectrum of the polarizer used according to the present invention is shown.

[0040] Figure 3 Some comparative examples of the transmission spectra of ophthalmic articles according to the prior art and the transmission spectra of ophthalmic articles according to the present invention are shown.

[0041] - Figures 4 to 7 Other examples of the transmission spectrum of ophthalmic articles according to the present invention are shown.

[0042] In all the accompanying drawings, the same elements are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0043] The following embodiments are merely examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, features described in relation to one embodiment may also relate to another embodiment, even if not explicitly mentioned. Simple features from different embodiments may also be combined to provide alternative implementations.

[0044] In this instruction manual, the terms "front" or "back" of a layer should be used to refer to the direction of light propagation through the lens towards the eye when the ophthalmic device with the lens is worn on the wearer's face. Therefore, the "front" side is always the side closest to the user's field of vision, while the "back" side is always the side closest to the user's eye.

[0045] The "upstream" or "downstream" of two elements or layers should be referenced to the propagation of light toward the eye in the same system described above. Therefore, when light first passes through the first element and then through the second element along its path toward the user's eye, the first element is positioned upstream of the second element. Conversely, when light first passes through the second element and then through the first element along its path toward the user's eye, the first element is positioned "downstream" of the second element.

[0046] The term "crystal" or "crystal glass" should be understood to refer to Class 0 glass / optical material, which is classified into five categories based on light transmittance according to the standardized international definition of glass. It is glass with a light transmittance range between 80% and 100% in the visible spectrum.

[0047] The grade or category of ophthalmic products refers to the current European standard EN 1836:2005, as defined below:

[0048] - Category 0-80%-100% Transmittance - For stylish, indoor use, or cloudy days

[0049] - Category 1 - 43% - 80% transmittance - Low sunlight exposure

[0050] Category 2 - 18% - 43% transmittance - Moderate sunlight exposure

[0051] - Category 3 - 8% - 18% transmittance - High brightness, reflected light from water or snow

[0052] - Category 4 - 3% - 8% transmittance - Strong sunlight from high mountains and glaciers; not suitable for use while driving or on the road.

[0053] The standard further specifies that a + / - 2% overlap is permitted between Category 0 and Category 1, Category 1 and Category 2, or Category 2 and Category 3. This means that, for example, an ophthalmic product with a transmittance of 19% can be sold as either a Category 2 or Category 3 ophthalmic product.

[0054] like Figure 1 and 2 The ophthalmic article 1 shown is intended for use, for example, in eyeglasses, particularly sunglasses. For this purpose, the shape of the outer edge 3 only needs to be shaped according to the desired shape of the eyeglass or sunglasses frame. Alternatively, and within the scope of this disclosure, the ophthalmic article may be intended for use in goggles, vision shading, etc.

[0055] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 Two examples of ophthalmic product 1 are shown. Light incident on ophthalmic product 1 is indicated by arrow 5, and eye 7 represents the user. Field of vision 13 is therefore located to one side of arrow 5, and the user looks through ophthalmic product 1 with his eye 7.

[0056] Ophthalmic products 1 refer to finished or semi-finished corrective or non-corrective lenses (plano lenses) suitable for installation in eyeglass frames (e.g., spectacle frames), goggles, face shields, or sunshades intended to be placed in front of the eyes and form a visual protective screen.

[0057] Ophthalmic article 1 includes at least one colored layer or substrate 9.

[0058] The substrate 9 is made of, for example, thermosetting plastic material, particularly poly(urea-urethane), or thermoplastic material, particularly polyamide (PA) (such as nylon), polycarbonate, or polyester fiber.

[0059] The substrate 9 has a back surface 9R oriented toward the user's eyes 7 and a front surface 9F oriented toward the user's field of vision 13. The thickness of the substrate 9 is, for example, between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 4 mm, most preferably between 1.4 mm and 4 mm, or even between 1.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0060] However, the thickness of the substrate 9 can be selected according to, for example, the optical correction function of the ophthalmic article 1. In particular, if optical correction is desired, the substrate 9 can have a non-uniform thickness, such that the curvature of its front side 9F is different from the curvature of its back side 9R.

[0061] In this embodiment, the ophthalmic product is specifically a plano lens, which is a lens that is considered to have no optical power.

[0062] In another embodiment, the back surface 9R of the substrate 9A can be surface-finished to achieve a corrective effect.

[0063] According to an embodiment not shown, the colored substrate 9 may be composed of several substrate layers fixed together. One of these layers, particularly the one closest to the eye, may be crystal and exhibit a curvature on the rear side for optical correction of the user's vision.

[0064] The coloring substrate 9 includes, for example, one or more colorants and / or pigments, wherein the colorants and / or pigments of all substrates interact together.

[0065] At least some of the colorants, dyes and / or pigments can exhibit photochromic properties.

[0066] Photochromic colorants, dyes, or pigments exhibit reversible color changes upon exposure to light radiation containing ultraviolet rays (such as ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or mercury lamp light). For applications requiring sunlight-induced reversible color changes or color deepening, various types of photochromic compounds have been synthesized for these applications. The most widely described types of photochromic compounds are spiro-oxazine, spiropyran, and fulgide.

[0067] The general mechanisms by which different types of photochromic compounds exhibit reversible color changes, i.e., changes in absorption spectra within the visible light range (400-700 nm), have been described and classified. See John C. Crano, “Chromogenic Materials (Photochromic)”, Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 4th ed., 1993, pp. 321-332, incorporated herein by reference. The general mechanism of the most common types of photochromic compounds involves electronic mechanisms that convert colorless open-ring forms into colored closed-ring forms.

[0068] In the aforementioned mechanism, the photochromic compound requires an environment in which it can be reversibly transformed. In a solid polymer matrix, the rates of activation (i.e., color formation or color deepening) and fading (i.e., reversion to the original state, or a "colorless" or "pale" state) of the two photochromic processes are thought to depend on the free volume within the polymer matrix. The free volume of the polymer matrix depends on the flexibility of the polymeric segments surrounding the photochromic compound (i.e., the local fluidity or local viscosity of the segments within the matrix). See Claus D. Eisenbach, "New Aspects of Photochromism in Bulk Polymers," Photographic Science and Engineering, 1979, pp. 183-190, incorporated herein by reference. As reported by Claus D. Eisenbach, one of the major obstacles to the wider commercial application of photochromic systems is the slow rates of activation and fading of photochromic compounds in solid polymer matrices.

[0069] The use of photochromic compounds in polyurethane to produce optical articles has been described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2001 / 0050356 and the references cited therein.

[0070] The following photochromic dyes can be used, especially naphthopyran or indene-fused naphthopyran.

[0071] Therefore, a colored substrate can be obtained by bulk coloring the substrate with a photochromic mixture (which refers to, for example, a mixture containing one or more photochromic dyes, colorants or pigments).

[0072] As an alternative, refer to Figure 2 The colored substrate can be obtained by applying photochromic film lamination material 15.

[0073] As described above, the ophthalmic product 1 exhibiting photochromic properties shows different light transmittance values ​​Tv, regardless of whether it is exposed to light containing UV light (e.g., sunlight) to activate the photochromic dye, pigment, or colorant.

[0074] In this context, ophthalmic products exhibit two “active states”: an activated state or “dark” state when exposed to light containing UV light, and an inactivated state or “faded” state when not exposed to light containing UV light.

[0075] As a distinction from standard polarizers with higher PE and lower Tv, this configuration allows skipping or bypassing two categories of the current European standard EN 1836:2005 between the inactivated and activated states. For example, ophthalmic article 1 belongs to category 1 in the inactivated state of the photochromic dye, colorant or pigment, and to category 3 in the activated state of the photochromic dye, colorant or pigment.

[0076] This means that, in this embodiment, in the deactivated state, the transmittance value of the ophthalmic article 1 is greater than or equal to 41%, and in the activation step, the transmittance value of the ophthalmic article is less than or equal to 20%. These two transmittance values ​​correspond to Category 1 and Category 3 values ​​(including tolerances) of the current European standard EN 1836:2005, respectively. Preferably, the ophthalmic article 1 strictly conforms to the category of the current European standard EN 1836:2005; therefore, in the deactivated state, the transmittance value of the ophthalmic article is greater than or equal to 43%, and in the activation step, the transmittance value of the ophthalmic article is less than or equal to 18%.

[0077] Ophthalmic products without photochromic properties exhibit only a single active state.

[0078] According to another example, the colored substrate 9 exhibits contrast-enhancing properties but does not exhibit photochromic properties.

[0079] In cases involving a variety of light-degrading dyes, colorants, or pigments, enhanced color contrast is provided by selectively filtering a specific range of light wavelengths.

[0080] While contrast enhancement is subjectively based on the wearer's personal preference, certain contrast-enhancing features can be combined to enhance the perception of primary colors. For example, reducing light transmittance in wavelength regions that overlap with primary colors can enhance primary colors.

[0081] The colored substrate 9 is obtained, for example, by impregnation coloring with a contrast-enhancing hue mixture.

[0082] According to the alternative, the colored substrate 9 is obtained by body coloring the substrate with a contrast-enhancing hue mixture.

[0083] Therefore, dyes or pigments that provide specific minimum transmittance values ​​(e.g., around 495nm, 585nm, and 700nm) are used in hue mixtures to achieve enhanced contrast.

[0084] In addition, the colored substrate 9 may be obtained by combining photochromic colorants, dyes or pigments with contrast-enhancing colorants, dyes or pigments through bulk coloring and / or impregnation coloring.

[0085] In this context, the following non-exhaustive list of treatments that impart additional functionality can be applied individually or in combination to the substrate 9, particularly to the front side 9F: shockproof, scratchproof, abrasionproof, stainproof, fogproof, and antistatic treatments, the effects of which on the transmission spectrum of the ophthalmic article 1 are negligible.

[0086] Ophthalmic article 1 further includes a polarizer 11, which is fixed to the at least one colored substrate 9, for example, on its back side 9. F superior.

[0087] For example, the coloring substrate 9 has an effect on the TV value of the ophthalmic article 1 of at least -10%, preferably -15%, particularly -20%, or even -23%. In other words, the TV value of the coloring substrate is equal to or greater than 77%, particularly 80% or 85%, and at most 90%.

[0088] If the back side 9 F Since it is curved, the polarizer 11 must be adapted to the back side 9 of the substrate 9. F The shape.

[0089] The polarizer 11 can be implemented in the form of a film or in the form of a pre-fabricated film / film assembly. The polarizer film / film assembly is, for example, a PC / PVA / PC polarizer film assembly (PC = polycarbonate, PVA = H-type sheet of iodine-impregnated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer).

[0090] The polarizer 11 (film or film structure) itself (as it is understood in its original sense) exhibits a light transmittance of Tv ≥ 41%, more specifically 41% ≤ Tv ≤ 48%, preferably 43% ≤ Tv ≤ 46% according to ISO 13666, and exhibits a polarization efficiency of 90% ≥ PE ≥ 78%, particularly 80% ≤ PE ≤ 85%.

[0091] The polarizer 11 can be a neutral gray, meaning that the spectral transmittance is flattened without affecting or only slightly affecting the perception of color through the substrate 9.

[0092] Figure 2bisAn example of the transmission spectrum of the polarizer used according to the present invention is shown. It can be seen that the transmittance is almost constant between 430 nm (T = 43%) and 630 nm (T = 46.5%). Therefore, the polarizer 11 with flattened spectral transmittance is characterized by a transmittance variation of less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, and particularly less than 3.5% as in this example, within the wavelength range between 430 nm and 630 nm.

[0093] As a reminder, the definition of light transmittance in the first edition of ISO standard 13666, published on August 1, 1998, is as follows:

[0094]

[0095] in,

[0096] τ(λ) is the spectral transmittance of the tinted eyeglass lens;

[0097] V(λ) is the spectral luminous efficiency function under sunlight (see ISO / CIE 10527);

[0098] S D65λ (λ) is the spectral distribution of the CIE standard illuminant D65 (see ISO / CIE 10526).

[0099] A commercial example of such a polarizer exhibiting the aforementioned properties is known to be the TG45 polarizer manufactured by Wintec Corporation of Japan, which has a light transmittance Tv = 44% and a polarization efficiency PE = 84%. Another commercial example of a polarizer is known to be the ZP1431 M004 polarizer manufactured by Sumitomo Bakelite, which has a light transmittance Tv = 41% and a polarization efficiency PE = 85%.

[0100] The ophthalmic article 1 is designed, for example, such that in at least one of its operating states (activated state or dark state in the case of photochromic properties), the overall light transmittance value Tv of the ophthalmic article is less than about 30%, or even less than 20%. In another embodiment, in at least one of the operating states of the ophthalmic article (activated state or dark state in the case of photochromic properties), the overall light transmittance value Tv is less than or equal to 18%, for example, equal to 12% or 10%.

[0101] Furthermore, the ophthalmic product 1 is specifically designed to enhance the perceived color separation, or chromaticity variation, in the wearer's field of vision. This feature is characterized by the ophthalmic product scoring Kup ≥ 13, and more specifically, Kup ≥ 20, in terms of contrast enhancement metrics.

[0102] In fact, a group of trained users confirmed that a Kup value of 13 is a turning point for polarized lenses. In this sense, it means that viewing through polarized lenses with a Kup value of <13 has little effect on color separation, while lenses with a Kup value of >13 begin to show enhanced color separation.

[0103] Kup (KOLOR UP SCORE) is determined by comparing the visual acuity with and without lenses, and observing the colorimetric value C*. ab The increase in chromaticity. The higher the chromaticity difference, the stronger the color perception, and the higher the Kup.

[0104] Color difference is measured on a selected palette known as a color checker, which is a color calibration target consisting of 24 square paint samples arranged on a cardboard frame. The Color Checker is a paper published in 1976 by McCamy, Marcus, and Davidson in the Journal of Applied Photographic Engineering (CSM McCamy, H. Marcus, and JG Davidson (1976). “A Color-Rendition Chart”. Journal of Applied Photographic Engineering 2(3). 95–99).

[0105] For each of these given colors in the standard color palette, the difference in color intensity can be obtained by comparing vision with and without lenses.

[0106] Therefore, the relative chromaticity difference, or "normalized" chromaticity difference, can be determined by dividing the chromaticity difference by the initial unfiltered chromaticity value.

[0107] Twenty-four colors were defined using a D50 illuminator to represent square paint samples arranged on a cardboard frame without lenses:

[0108]

[0109]

[0110] Therefore, this table provides unfiltered chromaticity values ​​for a standard color palette, meaning that the chromaticity values ​​can be obtained by passing through C without lenses. SP * ab (The subscript SP here refers to the standard color palette.)

[0111] For each of these colors i (i = 1 to 24), measure the filtered chromaticity value, which means that the chromaticity value can be passed through C when wearing lenses. LF * ab (The subscript LF here refers to filtered color through a lens). Therefore, these measurements give filtered chromaticity values ​​C relative to a standard color palette. LF * ab .

[0112] For each color i (i = 1 to 24), the chromaticity difference ratio can be calculated as follows:

[0113]

[0114] The greater the chromaticity difference, the stronger the color perception.

[0115] Therefore, Kup (Kolor up score) is determined to be the average of the six highest relative or normalized chromaticity difference ratios selected from the 24 colors in the palette, and then multiplied by 100 for readability.

[0116]

[0117] in

[0118] It is the six highest normalized chromaticity difference ratios among the 24 colors in the palette.

[0119] The standard ISO / CIE 11664-4, in Part 4, specifies a method for calculating and measuring coordinates (including the correlation of lightness, chromaticity, and hue) in the CIE 1976 L*a*b* color space. a* and b* are the chromaticity coordinates in the CIELAB 1976 color space. Furthermore, chromaticity C*... ab It is defined by the following formula:

[0120] C* ab =[(a*)2+(b*)2] 1 / 2

[0121] For the measurement of chromaticity values, ISO standard conditions should be applied, especially with illumination using a 1500 lx illuminator D65.

[0122] The present invention also relates to a method for forming an ophthalmic article 1, the method comprising the step of fixing at least one colored substrate 9 to a polarizer 11, wherein the polarizer itself exhibits a light transmittance of Tv ≥ 41%, preferably 43% ≤ Tv ≤ 46%, according to the first edition of ISO 13666 published on August 1, 1998, and exhibits a polarization efficiency of 90% ≥ PE ≥ 78%.

[0123] The fixing step can be accomplished by introducing the polarizer into a mold and forming a lens in the mold, which includes the polarizer, or by later applying the polarizer to, for example, a manufactured substrate by lamination or by applying it to, an adhesive.

[0124] As described above, the colored substrate 9 can be obtained by impregnation coloring with a contrast-enhancing hue mixture or by body coloring the substrate 9 with a contrast-enhancing hue mixture.

[0125] Figure 3 Transmission spectra of two different ophthalmic articles 1 are shown, each having a coloring substrate 9 with photochromic properties as described above.

[0126] Spectra 100 and 102 correspond to standard photochromic gray polarized lenses according to the prior art, with Tv = 30% and polarization efficiency PE = 95%.

[0127] Spectrum 100 corresponds to the spectrum of fading or inactivation of photochromic dyes.

[0128] Spectrum 102 corresponds to the spectrum of color deepening or activation of photochromic dyes.

[0129] The prior art ophthalmic product 1 belongs to Category 2 (Tv = 30%) in its faded or inactive state, and to Category 3 (Tv = 11%) in its dark or active state. In this prior art configuration, photochromism only allows skipping one category between the active and inactive states.

[0130] Spectra 104 and 106 correspond to a photochromic gray polarizing lens having a polarizer 11, which has the features according to the invention, more specifically Tv = 43% and polarization efficiency PE = 85%.

[0131] Spectrum 104 corresponds to the spectrum of fading or inactivation of photochromic dyes.

[0132] Spectrum 106 corresponds to the spectrum of color deepening or activation of photochromic dyes.

[0133] According to the invention, this ophthalmic article 1 (spectral 104 and 106) belongs to category 1 (Tv = 43%) in the faded or inactive state, and to category 3 (Tv = 15%) in the dark or active state. In this prior art configuration, photochromism allows skipping or crossing between the two categories between the active and inactive states.

[0134] Generally, skipping or overcoming two categories between the activated and inactivated states is achieved, for example, when an ophthalmic article exhibits a transmittance value Tv ≥ 41 in the inactivated state and a transmittance value TV ≤ 20 in the activation step, preferably a transmittance value Tv ≥ 43 in the inactivated state and a transmittance value Tv ≤ 18 in the activation step. The last example is primarily limited to "neutral gray". As stated above, skipping or overcoming two categories can also take into account a tolerance of + / - 2% for the Tv value as defined in the above standards. However, given this disclosure, such performance is generally only possible when wearing lenses with a class of 0 in the inactivated state, especially lenses without a polarizing coating.

[0135] Figures 4 to 7 Other examples of the spectrum of the ophthalmic article 1 according to the present invention are shown.

[0136] Figure 4 The spectra 108 and 110 correspond to a photochromic gray polarizing lens having a polarizer 11, which has the features according to the invention and a polarization efficiency PE = 85%.

[0137] Spectrum 108 corresponds to the spectrum of fading or inactivation of the photochromic dye. In this case, Tv = 27% and Kup = 7.

[0138] Spectrum 110 corresponds to the spectrum of color deepening or activation of the photochromic dye, and wherein Tv = 9% and Kup = 16.

[0139] According to the invention, this ophthalmic article 1 (spectral 108 and 110) belongs to category 2 (Tv = 27%) in the faded or inactive state, and to category 3 (Tv = 9%) in the dark or active state. In this prior art configuration, photochromism allows skipping or crossing a category between the active and inactive states.

[0140] Figure 5 The spectra 112 and 114 correspond to a photochromic brown polarizing lens having a polarizer 11, which has the features according to the invention and a polarization efficiency PE = 85%.

[0141] Spectrum 112 corresponds to the spectrum of fading or inactivation of the photochromic dye. In this case, Tv = 28% and Kup = 7.

[0142] Spectrum 114 corresponds to the spectrum of color deepening or activation of the photochromic dye, and wherein Tv = 15% and Kup = 13.

[0143] According to the invention, this ophthalmic article 1 (spectral 112 and 114) belongs to category 2 (Tv = 28%) in the faded or inactive state, and to category 3 (Tv = 15%) in the dark or active state. In this prior art configuration, photochromism allows skipping or crossing a category between the active and inactive states.

[0144] Figure 6 The spectra 116 and 118 correspond to a photochromic gray polarizing lens having a polarizer 11, which has the features according to the invention and a polarization efficiency PE = 85%.

[0145] Spectrum 116 corresponds to the spectrum of fading or inactivation of photochromic dyes. In this case, Tv = 30% and Kup = 7.

[0146] Spectrum 118 corresponds to the spectrum of color deepening or activation of the photochromic dye, where Tv = 10% and Kup = 15.

[0147] According to the invention, this ophthalmic article 1 (spectral 116 and 118) belongs to category 2 (Tv = 30%) in the faded or inactive state, and to category 3 (Tv = 10%) in the dark or active state. In this prior art configuration, photochromism allows skipping or crossing a category between the active and inactive states.

[0148] Figure 7 The spectra 120 and 122 correspond to a specific lens having a polarizer 11, which has the features according to the invention and a polarization efficiency PE = 85%.

[0149] Spectrum 120 corresponds to the spectrum of the photochromic dye activation, where Tv = 13% and Kup = 28.

[0150] Spectrum 122 corresponds to the spectrum of color deepening or activation of the photochromic dye, and wherein Tv = 14.7% and Kup = 29.

[0151] According to the present invention, this ophthalmic article 1 (spectrums 120 and 122) belongs to category 3 in the dark or active state, and color perception is enhanced.

[0152] In summary, it should be understood that the use and combination of colored substrates (whether photochromic or not), especially when colored with color-enhancing mixtures, allows for improved contrast enhancement through polarization while providing glare protection.

[0153] Especially when combined with photochromic tinted substrate 9, the wearer can obtain good indoor vision because the attenuation is that of a Category 1 lens, while it is well protected in sunlight, where the lens will switch to Category 3 protection.

[0154] When driving, such an ophthalmic product 1 provides good vision even in rapidly changing light environments (e.g., due to clouds or tunnels).

Claims

1. An ophthalmic product (1), comprising: - At least one colored substrate (9), and - Polarizing film (11), said polarizing film being fixed to said at least one colored substrate (9). wherein the polarizing sheet (11) itself exhibits a light transmission according to the first edition of ISO_13666 published on August 01, 1998 of T v ≥ 41% and exhibits a polarizing efficiency of 90% ≥ PE ≥ 78%, Specifically, within the wavelength range between 430 nm and 630 nm, the transmittance variation of the polarizer (11) is less than 10%. The colored substrate (9) exhibits contrast-enhancing properties, and wherein the ophthalmic article (1) has the ability to enhance the perceived color separation, i.e. the chromaticity change, presented in the field of view of the article wearer, the K up ≥ 13, in, It is the highest normalized chromaticity difference ratio among the 24 colors in the standard color palette.

2. The ophthalmic product according to claim 1, wherein, The polarizer (11) itself has a light transmittance of 41% ≤ T according to the first edition of ISO 13666 published on August 1, 1998. v ≤ 48%.

3. The ophthalmic product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The polarizing efficiency of the polarizer (11) is 80% ≤ PE ≤ 85%.

4. The ophthalmic product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Within a wavelength range between 430 nm and 630 nm, the transmittance of the polarizer (11) varies by less than 5%.

5. The ophthalmic product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The ophthalmic article (1) has at least one functional state, wherein in the at least one functional state, the overall light transmittance value of the ophthalmic article is less than 40%.

6. The ophthalmic product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The colored substrate (9) is obtained by impregnation coloring with a contrast-enhancing hue mixture.

7. The ophthalmic product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The colored substrate (9) is obtained by body coloring the substrate with a contrast-enhancing hue mixture.

8. The ophthalmic product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The ophthalmic article (1) has the ability to enhance the perceived color separation, i.e., chromaticity change, in the field of vision of the wearer, and the ophthalmic article has a K value in terms of contrast enhancement. up ≥ 20, in, It is the highest normalized chromaticity difference ratio among the 24 colors in the standard color palette.

9. The ophthalmic product according to claim 1, wherein, The colored substrate (9) is obtained by coloring the substrate with a photochromic mixture.

10. The ophthalmic product according to claim 1, wherein, The colored substrate (9) is obtained by applying a photochromic film laminating material (15).

11. The ophthalmic product according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein, The ophthalmic product (1) exhibits Kup ≤ 10 in the inactivated state of the photochromic mixture and Kup ≥ 13 in the activated state of the photochromic mixture.

12. The ophthalmic product according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein, The ophthalmic product (1) belongs to category "1" in the inactivated state of the photochromic mixture and category "3" in the activated state of the photochromic mixture.

13. The ophthalmic product according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein, The ophthalmic article (1) belongs to category "2" and has a Tv ≥ 25% in the inactive state of the photochromic mixture, and belongs to category "3" and has a Tv ≤ 15% in the activated state of the photochromic mixture, and the ophthalmic article further comprises a fixed dye to make Kup ≥ 13 in the activated state.

14. A pair of sunglasses comprising an ophthalmic article according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method for forming an ophthalmic article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the following steps: - At least one colored substrate (9) is fixed to a polarizer (11), wherein the polarizer (11) itself exhibits a light transmittance of T according to the first edition of ISO 13666 published on August 1, 1998. v ≥ 41%, and the polarization efficiency is 90% ≥ PE ≥ 78%.

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