Eyewear article with interference filter

Abstract

An eyewear article for wearing outside a human eye comprises a flexible transparent interference filter film having a multilayer structure wherein the interference filter film comprises at least one filter layer whose layer thickness is dimensioned to reduce transmission of light of a selected wavelength range by optical interference. The interference filter film may have a static adhesion surface configured to be removably attached to the lens surface or secured to an adhesion layer of the interference filter film for temporary or permanent attachment to the lens surface, such as by adhesion. The interference filter film may alternatively be bonded to an optical lens or form a separate structure for mechanical or magnetic mounting on eyeglasses.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Invention Patent Application No. 201780029895.3, filed on April 13, 2017, for “Eyewear with Interference Filter”, applicant Everight Optical Limited. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to an eyewear article for wearing outside the human eye, for attachment to or formation by eyeglasses or goggles. The term eyewear article means that it is placed in the field of view, not necessarily self-supporting. BACKGROUND

[0003] There are various needs to manipulate the spectrum to enhance the human visual experience, protect the visual system, or control a subsequence of the interaction of light with the human visual system.

[0004] The simplest example of an eyewear article that manipulates the transmission spectrum is found in sunglasses that filter light to reduce the intensity for eye comfort. Black or dark gray sunglasses are neutral density filters that dim light intensity almost equally across the wide visible spectrum. Colored eyewear with various tints are also filters that partially discriminate among various parts of the spectrum and filter more of some parts than others.

[0005] A second example is digital eye strain from intense blue light radiation from modern digital displays. Eyewear lenses that reduce blue light can often relieve eye strain and help maintain eye health. Macular degeneration is also found to progress more rapidly by exposure to blue and ultraviolet light. While it is known that exposure to intense sunlight accelerates macular degeneration, it is believed that long-term exposure to lower intensity blue light from digital displays can similarly damage the human eye.

[0006] A third example is to increase the color contrast for athletes. For example, when a golfer’s eyewear lens filters green to create a higher contrast with the golf ball, the golfer more accurately and easily sees the golf ball at a distance.

[0007] A fourth example is to help colorblind eyes see color to some extent. Colorblind people have a defect in the retinal cells with overlapping spectral sensitivity curves, resulting in more than one cell detecting the light signal. As a result, the brain cannot distinguish colors because multiple cone or rod cells are transmitting signals simultaneously. Filtering light in the spectral portion where the sensitivity overlaps increases the ability to distinguish colors.

[0008] A fifth example involves migraine headaches, which are known to worsen or begin in 85% of migraine sufferers upon exposure to light. Scientific studies have shown that this sensitivity to light is significantly higher in certain parts of the visible spectrum than others. Filters that attenuate these high sensitivity spectral ranges have been shown to reduce the risk of migraine attacks.

[0009] A sixth example is the prevention of laser and other intense light sources in medical or industrial operations.

[0010] A seventh example involves the enhanced viewing ability of modern LED displays in high ambient light environments.

[0011] An eighth example is the use of different filters on the two eyeglass lenses for 3D display and movie applications.

[0012] A ninth example is the sleep disruption caused by a small portion of the spectrum that changes our melatonin production to unhealthy levels at night. This can be filtered.

[0013] The traditional and most common way of filtering light for eyewear is the tinting of the lens plastic or glass material. Optical lenses are tinted with dyes that are opaque to certain wavelengths of light. This method is inexpensive and effective for many purposes. But this method has drawbacks. Organic or inorganic pigments typically block light by absorption. This has two limitations:

[0014] 1) A large portion of the light energy absorbed by the pigment material is converted to heat in the plastic or glass lens material, and the heat can melt or damage the optical lens. This is a particular problem for laser protective eyewear.

[0015] 2) The vast majority of absorptive pigment materials provide a relatively broad absorption spectrum, with a shallow transition from high absorption to low absorption. In other words, the peripheral ranges of the absorption spectrum that provide partial transmission of light are fairly broad and do not provide a distinct cutoff. The absorption spectrum has a shallow side, thus partially transmitting a broad range of wavelengths. While this is desirable for applications such as consumer sunglasses, it is a major drawback for several other applications. Most light filtering applications necessitate or can benefit from a higher level of selectivity of the wavelengths that are blocked and transmitted by providing a narrower range of blockage and a sharper transition from high transmission to low transmission.

[0016] For example, the range of wavelengths that cause the unhealthy change in melatonin levels that leads to sleep disruption is very narrow. The range of wavelengths from 460 nm to 480 nm is the most harmful range. However, tinting materials do not have such a narrow absorption band to block only that range. They absorb a broader band of light, thus unnecessarily distorting color and reducing the visibility of features at adjacent wavelengths.

[0017] In the case of light-triggered migraines, two narrow parts of the spectrum were found to be the main triggers. However, tinted lens materials cannot block only those ranges without blocking significantly other ranges. Therefore, migraine sufferers have no better option but to wear dark sunglasses indoors and outdoors to reduce the risk. SUMMARY

[0018] The present application discloses an eyewear article for wearing outside the human eye, having a flexible interference filter film with a multilayer structure, wherein the interference filter film comprises at least one filter layer whose layer thickness dimensions are designed to reduce the transmission of light of a selected wavelength range by optical interference. The interference filter film can be a multilayer coating structure, customizable to have any spectral shape with high selectivity. Thin film coatings are multilayer stacks of optical materials whose thickness is less than the wavelength of the light to be filtered. These coatings manipulate the spectrum by interference effects, not by absorption, which is the blocking mechanism in pigments.

[0019] The interference filter film can have a surface with electrostatic adhesion properties that allow temporary and removable adhesion to an eyewear lens.

[0020] Alternatively, an attachment layer fixed to the interference filter film allows the interference filter film to be attached to the lenses of a pair of eyewear. The attachment layer can be on the outer surface for attaching the interference filter film to the flat or concave inner surface of the optical lens, i.e. on the side facing the eye. Alternatively, the attachment layer can be on the inner surface of the interference filter film for attachment to the outer surface of the eyewear lens. The attachment layer can be in the form of an adhesive activated by light, pressure or heat. Alternatively, the attachment layer can be an adhesive film for removable attachment.

[0021] The interference filter film can be coated with a coating for scratch protection against physical damage or with anti-glare anti-reflective properties, opposite the surface close to the eyewear lens.

[0022] According to another aspect of the application, the interference filter film can be permanently fixed to the eyewear lens. Because the interference filter film can be manufactured separately, it can be applied to finished lenses, thereby reducing inventory needs. Finished bare lenses can be equipped with a custom interference filter film according to the intended use, without the need for expensive coating equipment at the location where the eyewear is assembled. This makes it cost-effective and fast to pair corrective lenses with custom interference filter films, without the need to store many different corrective lenses with many different filters. Likewise, the interference filter can be attached on the concave inside or the convex outside of the corrective lens.

[0023] The interference film can be fixed by a permanent adhesive or by material adhesion without the need for an intermediate adhesive layer.

[0024] For a removable filter film, the space between the two optical lenses can be used as an insertion slot for the interference filter film, thus requiring no adhesion at all. Alternatively, the two optical lenses can be manually separated from each other so that the interference filter film can be placed and held between the two lenses.

[0025] In a further development, the interference filter film can include mechanical or magnetic attachment features that cooperate with the eyeglasses, or a frame for added stability.

[0026] Further details and benefits of the present application will become apparent from the description of the drawings. The drawings included herewith are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] In the drawings,

[0028] Figure 1 A pair of eyeglasses with an interference filter film according to the present application is shown;

[0029] Figure 2 A first embodiment of an eyeglass lens with an interference filter film is shown;

[0030] Figure 3 A second embodiment of an eyeglass lens with an interference filter film is shown;

[0031] Figure 4 A third embodiment of an eyeglass lens with an interference filter film is shown;

[0032] Figure 5 A fourth embodiment of an eyeglass lens with an interference filter film is shown;

[0033] Figure 6 A fifth embodiment of an eyeglass lens with an interference filter film is shown;

[0034] Figure 7 A sixth embodiment of an eyeglass lens with an interference filter film is shown;

[0035] Figure 8 A seventh embodiment of an eyeglass lens with an interference filter film is shown;

[0036] Figure 9 An eighth embodiment of an eyeglass lens with an interference filter film is shown;

[0037] Figure 10 A ninth embodiment of an eyeglass lens with an interference filter film is shown;

[0038] Figure 11A A tenth embodiment of an eyeglass lens with an interference filter film is shown;

[0039] Figure 11BA thirteenth embodiment of an eyeglass lens with an interference filter film is shown;

[0040] Figure 12 A pair of interference filter films with frames are shown;

[0041] Figure 13 A pair of interference filter films with frames in an alternate embodiment are shown;

[0042] Figure 14 A pair of interference filter films without frames are shown;

[0043] Figure 15 An example of a frame for holding interference filter films without the need for eyeglasses is shown;

[0044] Figure 16 A first method of applying interference filter films to lenses is shown;

[0045] Figure 17 A second method of applying interference filter films to lenses is shown;

[0046] Figure 18 A third method of applying interference filter films to lenses is shown; and

[0047] Figure 19 A fourth method of applying interference filter films to lenses is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Interference thin film coatings and filters are used in multiple industries from telecommunications to medical and consumer electronics, but rarely for products that require low cost and large surface area. The reason is that the process involved in producing thin film filters is very expensive. As a result, thin film filters have also not found much application in the mainstream consumer eyewear market.

[0049] In addition to military grade eyewear, which has lower cost constraints, interference thin film coatings are used in two general areas of the eyewear industry:

[0050] Anti-reflective (anti-glare) coatings - these coatings typically have one or just a few layers of coating to produce high quality anti-reflective. Similar coatings are also designed to partially reflect blue light for eye strain and macular degeneration relief. Coating technology has matured to the point that this simple coating is very affordable in large sales volumes in the eyewear market.

[0051] Laser protection - a class of laser protection eyewear also uses thin film coatings with as many as about 60 layers of coating to achieve high barrier levels without causing absorption that melts or degrades the optical lens material. However, these eyewear are very expensive and are only suitable for technical applications.

[0052] The above examples of filter requirements in eyewear and vision applications typically require tens and often hundreds of coatings. Therefore, traditional thin film coating techniques are cost prohibitive for consumer grade eyewear.

[0053] Interference filter films can be multi-layered coating structures that can be customized to have any spectral shape with high selectivity. Thin film coatings are multi-layered stacks of optical materials that are less than the wavelength of the light to be filtered. These coatings manipulate the spectrum through interference effects, rather than absorption, which is the blocking mechanism in pigments.

[0054] A new method for producing high performance interference thin film filters has been developed that provides significantly better scalability at a lower cost than traditional coatings. The general method of making such thin film filters is described in US20140242329A1. This method paves the way for the introduction of flexible interference thin film filters into the consumer eyewear market.

[0055] Filter layer thickness is determined by the application and the required spectral specification. Filter layers can vary from much thinner than a typical adhesive layer to comparable thicknesses, and in rare cases to greater thicknesses than adhesive layers. Adhesives are typically sold in a variety of thicknesses depending on how much strength is needed. For intermediate adhesive layers (in a stack structure that includes protective layers), thicker adhesives can be better so that these layers do not separate easily. But for the final adhesive layer that adheres the interference filter film to the outside of an eyeglass lens, a weak, thin adhesive can be better (unless permanent adhesion is required). Adhesives are typically 1 mil (25 microns) to 5 mils (125 microns). The interference filter film 10 itself can have a thickness from less than 25 microns, even 10 microns, to hundreds of microns, up to 1 millimeter.

[0056] Interference filters made by this hot stretching method are in the form of thin flexible films or sheets, comprising multiple sub-wavelength thick layers of optical material that cause interference light reflection. Therefore, traditional vacuum coating processes are not feasible for applying this type of interference filter to eyeglass lenses.

[0057] The present disclosure proposes various methods of applying thin film interference films to eyewear.

[0058] For example, the dome shape of the interference filter film can be achieved by controlling the stretching of the material into a sheet form. The preform comprising at least one material includes all the layers and layer thickness proportions that will be present in the interference filter film, although the absolute thicknesses are greater than in the final film. After passing through the oven, the preform is stretched to increase its length in the direction of stretching, while reducing its thickness. This process can be repeated several times until the desired thickness is reached. In the last heating step, the stretched film can be shaped to obtain its dome shape, for example by calibrating the parameters of the stretching process itself, such as the local temperature and the local stretching speed, or by shaping the sheet of the resulting filter film into a given surface shape.

[0059] In the following description of various embodiments, the flexible multilayer interference filter film has the reference number 10.

[0060] The reference number 12 denotes a rigid spectacle lens, which is shown without restriction as a convex lens for correcting myopia. Figure 9 A lens for correcting hyperopia is shown. The spectacle lens 12 can be made of glass or polycarbonate or any other transparent material suitable for optical lenses. These are merely examples for illustration. Typically, the spectacle lens is dome-shaped, with an outer convex surface and an inner concave surface. In this context, the term "dome-shaped" means that the optical lens is curved in both of its main dimensions. The optical lens surface can be shaped as partially spherical, but deviations from the spherical shape for variations of the optical focus are included in the definition of "dome-shaped", for example in multifocal, progressive or astigmatic lenses. The disclosed interference filter film 10 is also suitable for various multifocal or progressive lenses 12, including those that correct for astigmatism.

[0061] The adhesive layer, if present, is denoted with the reference number 14, and the coating with the reference number 16. The coating can provide scratch protection or have anti-reflective properties with anti-glare or both.

[0062] Figure 1 A pair of glasses 20 is shown with the interference filter film 10 applied to the optical lens 12. The line A-A represents Figures 2-10 The cross-section of the optical lens 12 is shown in the horizontal direction relative to the vertical direction, which is exaggerated for better drawing of the thin layers. In addition, the individual thicknesses of the layers and of the optical lens are not to scale relative to each other. Figures 2-10

[0063] Figure 2 and 3 ​A first and second embodiment of an interference filter film 10 is shown attached to an eyeglass lens 12 by an adhesive layer 14 applied to the interference filter film 10 for adhesion to the optical lens surface. The term "adhesive layer" is used herein to include embodiments having a layer of static cling material such that the adhesive force can be permanent or temporary, meaning that the interference filter film can be removed intact from the optical lens and not damage the optical lens or the interference filter film. Thus, the interference filter film 10 can be replaced with a different filter film 10 that blocks a different range of wavelengths and can be reusable. Thus, the interference filter film can be provided in a custom cut domed piece as shown in Figure 14 .

[0064] In a first embodiment of the Figure 2 , the adhesive layer 14 is applied to the concave inner surface 10A of the interference filter film 10 for adhesion to the outer surface of the optical lens 12. The outer surface of the optical lens is the surface that is distal from the eye. In a second embodiment of the Figure 3 , the adhesive layer 14 is applied to the convex outer surface 10B of the interference filter film 10 for adhesion to the inner surface of the optical lens 12.

[0065] For example, because the interference filter film 10 can be applied to both the outer and inner surfaces of the optical lens, a first interference filter film (e.g., for a migraine sufferer) can be combined with a second interference filter film, e.g., for blocking blue spectral wavelengths from a computer monitor. One of the two films can be applied to the outer surface of the optical lens 12 and the other to the inner surface. Because the blocked wavelength range has steep spectral sides, the application of two interference filter films 10 will not unduly hinder the transmission of wavelengths outside the blocked spectral range. Alternatively, two or more filter films can be stacked on one surface.

[0066] Figure 4 and 5 A third and fourth embodiment is shown in which the interference filter film 10 is attached to the eyeglass lens 12 by thermal or ultrasonic bonding on at least the periphery of the overlapping area between the optical lens 12 and the interference filter film 10. As in the first two embodiments, the interference filter film 10 can be applied to the outer surface of the optical lens 12, to the inner surface of the optical lens 12 or both.

[0067] Figure 6 , 7 and 8 show variations of the optical lens 12 with the interference filter film 10 and a coating 16. While these embodiments all show an adhesive layer 14, the adhesive layer 14 can be omitted as shown in Figure 4 and 5 without departing from the scope of the invention. In Figure 6 and8 In this case, the coating 16 is applied to the pre-made interference filter film 10 so that applying the interference filter film 10 to the optical lens 12 also gives the optical lens 12 the scratch-resistant or anti-glare properties. Alternatively, Figure 7 An optical lens 12 is shown with a coating 16 applied directly to the optical lens 12. For pre-coated lenses, it is recommended to apply the interference filter film 10 on the opposite side of the optical lens 12, as the coating 16 between the optical lens 12 and the interference filter film 10 loses its purpose. Because the coating 16 is typically present on the outer surface of the optical lens, the interference filter film 10 will typically be applied to the inner surface of the coated lens 12, as Figure 7 shown. Figure 7 The interference filter film 10 of Figure 6 may additionally have its own coating 16, so that the optical lens is scratch-protected or anti-reflective from both sides. Also, as mentioned above, Figure 6 and Figure 8 Embodiments of the interference filter film 10 and the coating 16 can be combined to provide the optical lens 12 with two interference filter films 10 having different properties.

[0068] Figure 9 Finally, an embodiment of a spectacle lens 12 is shown with a coating 16 on its outer surface and an adhered interference filter film 10 on its inner surface.

[0069] Figure 10 , 11A and 11B show an example of an interference filter film 10 inserted between the outer part 12A and the inner part 12B of a two-part lens. The interference filter film 10 can be inserted in a slot formed between the two lens parts 12A and 12B, which can be rigidly fixed relative to each other, for example by the frame 22 of the spectacles. In this arrangement, the desired interference filter film can be removably inserted in the fixed slot. Alternatively, the two lens parts 12A and 12B can be reversibly fixed to each other as separable parts, so that the interference filter film is sandwiched between the two lens parts 21A and 12B. In Figure 11A In this case, the two lens parts 21A and 12B are snapped to each other. This applies to lens materials that have a certain material elasticity. Alternatively, an elastic material can be molded onto the edges of the optical lens. Alternatively, separate fasteners 18, for example screws, can be used to fix the outer lens part 12A, the interference filter film 10 and the inner lens part 12B together.

[0070] To facilitate faster interchange of the interference filter films, a pair of coated or uncoated interference filter films 10 can be pre-manufactured with their own frames 24, with the two interference filter films 10 placed in position relative to each other so as to be removably applied to the eyeglasses 20 simultaneously. Connectors 26 formed on the frames can mate with the frames 22 of the eyeglasses for mounting the frames 24 on the frames 22. For example, the connectors 26 can be hooks that can be hung on the sides of the frames 22. Alternatively or additionally, the connectors 26 can include magnets that mate with permanent magnets or ferromagnetic features on the frames 22.

[0071] Each interference filter film 10 can alternatively have its own single frame 28, as shown in Figure 13 This construction can reduce weight compared to the embodiment of Figure 12 Each frame can be elastic and shaped to snap onto the frames 22 of the eyeglasses. While the eyeglasses 20 shown have framed lenses, the present invention can similarly be applied to rimless eyeglasses, which have a bridge and earpieces that are secured directly to the optical lenses 12. Figure 1

[0072] Figure 15 A schematic example of a frame 23 for use without the frames or eyewear of the disclosed interference filter films 10 is shown. The frame 23 is similar to a rimless eyeglass frame with two connected lens frames 25 and two earpieces 27. The two lens frames 25 are shaped to receive interference filter films 10, such as those shown in Figure 14 In the example shown, the insertion slots are in the upper frame portion of each of the two filter frames 25. Alternatively, the insertion slots can be on the lateral sides of the filter frames for horizontal insertion, or even on the bottom for upward insertion of the interference filter films. If desired, the interference filter films 10 can be manufactured to have greater rigidity than those attached to rigid lenses. Also, the inserted interference filter films 10 can be flat or domed.

[0073] In all of the above embodiments, the interference filter films can be coated with a layer of hard material for anti-reflective or anti-scratch or both. The hard coating will be the outermost layer exposed to the outside, whether on the front side or on the back side of the optical lens.

[0074] Eyeglass lenses are typically domed on both the inner and outer surfaces. The radius of curvature can be in the range of about 100 mm to about 300 mm. The radius of curvature in the vertical direction can be different than the radius of curvature in the horizontal direction. Typically, when using a flexible but flat interference filter film, applying the interference filter film to a flat or optical lens surface with a large radius of curvature will minimize distortion of the interference filter film.

[0075] ​In the following, various examples of methods of applying a flexible filter film to a lens or how to shape a flexible interference filter film prior to applying it to a lens are given. In the examples shown, additional adhesive layers and coatings are omitted. However, it should be noted that any of the above-described embodiments of an interference filter film can be used in the methods described below.

[0076] For large radii of curvature and flat lens surfaces, a variety of methods can be used to apply a planar interference filter film to a lens. The term "planar" in relation to the interference filter film 10 is used to define the relaxed shape without any bending forces applied to the film.

[0077] In a first example, a flexible roller 30 can be used, as shown in Figure 15 The flexibility of the roller can be achieved using a compressible roller material that adapts its shape to the curvature of the optical lens 12 so that when the roller is rolled over the optical lens, the interference film 10, which in this embodiment preferably includes an adhesive facing the optical lens 12, is pressed against the optical lens 12. In addition, the roller rotation axis can be elastically bendable to accommodate the surface of the optical lens. This attachment method is suitable for all lenses, whether they have concave, convex, flat or cylindrical surfaces.

[0078] The details of the process can be as follows: A cleaned lens 12 is placed on a soft surface, for example, silicone rubber. The surface of the optical lens 12 covered by the interference filter film 10 will face upwards. The interference filter film 10 can first be layered with an optical quality adhesive layer, for example, a 3M OCA film, which is an optically transparent adhesive. The interference filter film 10 is brought close to the surface of the optical lens 12 with the adhesive layer exposed and facing downwards. Then, a flexible roller 30 with a soft surface, for example, silicone rubber, is pressed vertically downwards to bring the adhesive into contact with the optical lens surface. As the flexible roller rolls over the entire lens area at a steady speed under vertical pressure, the interference filter film 10 is laminated to all parts of the optical lens 12. Finally, any extra film extending beyond the periphery of the optical lens 12 will be cut using one of numerous cutting methods, water jet, laser beam or sharp guided blade. The adhesion between the optical lens and the interference filter film will be enhanced as the adhesive cures further.

[0079] In a second example, as shown in Figure 16 A rubber stamp 32 is shaped complementary to the shape of the surface of the optical lens 12 that receives the interference filter film. The rubber stamp 32 is dimensioned to cover the entire lens 12 to press the interference filter film with the adhesive layer against the optical lens. This attachment method is equally suitable for all lenses, whether they have concave, convex, flat or cylindrical surfaces.

[0080] The second example differs from the first example in that, instead of a rolling flexible roller 30, a soft stamp 32 pre-shaped to approximate the curvature of the surface of the optical lens 12 will be pressed vertically downwards to bring the interference filter film (exposed adhesive layer facing down) into contact with the optical lens.

[0081] In Figure 17 and 18 the third example illustrated, the rubber stamp 36 or 38 has a radius of curvature that allows the interference filter film 10 to be fixed to the optical lens 12 radially outward from the center of the optical lens 10. When applying the interference filter film to a convex surface or a cylindrical surface that is convex in only one direction as illustrated in Figure 17 , the rubber stamp 36 is chosen to be concave with a larger radius of curvature than the lens 12. Conversely, when the lens surface is concave or flat or hollow cylindrical surface that is concave in only one direction as illustrated in Figure 18 , the rubber stamp 38 has a convex shape with a radius of curvature smaller than that of the optical lens 12. Thus, when the rubber stamp 36 or 38 is pressed against the optical lens 12, the points close to the center of the optical lens 12 will make contact first. As the stamp is gradually pressed on the interference filter film 10, the contact area grows outward until it covers the entire optical lens 12.

[0082] For example, in the case where the interference film is used as an after-sales product and sold separately from the optical lens, or in the case where the curvature of the optical lens has a small radius of curvature that makes it difficult to attach a flat film, the interference filter film 10 can be pre-shaped in a dome shape.

[0083] Initially, the film is formed by controlling the stretching of the material into a sheet form. The preform, which includes at least one material, includes all the layers and layer thickness proportions that will be present in the interference filter film, although the absolute thickness is greater than that in the final film. After passing through the oven, the preform is stretched to increase its length in the direction of stretching, while reducing its thickness. This process can be repeated several times until the desired thickness is reached.

[0084] In the last heating step, the stretched film can be shaped to obtain its dome shape, for example by calibrating the parameters of the stretching process itself, such as the local temperature and the local stretching speed. Alternatively, the sheet of the resulting interference filter film 10 can be molded into a given surface shape. The latter process is symbolically illustrated in Figure 16 , in which heat 34 is applied while the interference filter film is pressed into the desired shape of the optical lens 12. If a mold is used instead of the optical lens 12, the interference filter film can be removed and stored separately, for example in the configuration illustrated in Figures 12-14 .

[0085] Alternatively, without using embossing, the interference filter film 10 and optical lens 12 can be slightly heated to a point close to the softening temperature of the interference filter film material, which is preferably chosen to have a softening temperature low enough that heat does not affect the optical performance of the optical lens 12. Over time, gravity and / or surface tension will cause the interference filter film 10 to shape to conform to and adhere to the surface of the optical lens 12, and the two surfaces form chemical bonds through cross-linked polymer chains. This method is equally applicable to domed and cylindrical surfaces.

[0086] Although the above description generally discusses adhesive layers, the adhesive layer of all embodiments can be replaced by using a drop of UV-curable optical adhesive placed between the interference filter film 10 and the optical lens 12 when securing the interference filter film 10 to the optical lens 12. The interference filter film 10 can then be pressed onto the optical lens 12 or shaped as described above, and the adhesive can then be cured using a strong UV light source shining from the other side (or through the interference filter film 10 if it is transparent).

[0087] Although the above description constitutes the preferred embodiments of the present application, it is to be understood that the application is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope and fair meaning of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An eyewear article for wearing outside a person's eye, the eyewear article comprising: a flexible interference filter film having a multilayer structure and the interference filter film comprising at least one filter layer having a layer thickness dimensioned to reduce transmission of light of a selected wavelength range by optical interference.

2. The eyewear article of claim 1, wherein, the interference filter film has a planar relaxed shape.

3. The eyewear article of claim 2, wherein, the interference filter film has a static adhesive surface configured for removably attaching to a lens surface.

4. The eyewear article of claim 1, further comprising an attachment layer secured to the interference filter film.

5. The eyewear article of claim 4, wherein, the interference filter film has a dome shape having a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface.

6. The eyewear article of claim 5, wherein, the attachment layer is secured to the convex outer surface.

7. The eyewear article of claim 5, wherein, the attachment layer is secured to the concave inner surface.

8. The eyewear article of claim 4, wherein, the attachment layer is a light-activated, pressure-sensitive, or heat-activated adhesive.

9. The eyewear article of claim 4, further comprising an anti-scratch coating on a surface opposite the attachment layer.

10. The eyewear article of claim 1, further comprising an anti-reflective coating.

11. The eyewear article of claim 1, further comprising a rigid optical lens, the interference filter film being secured to the rigid optical lens.

12. The eyewear article of claim 11, wherein, the optical lens is a corrective lens.

13. The eyewear article of claim 11, wherein, the interference filter film has a dome shape having a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface, and the concave inner surface of the interference filter film is secured to a convex outer surface of the optical lens.

14. The eyewear article of claim 11, wherein, the interference filter film is secured to the optical lens by an adhesive layer.

15. The eyewear article of claim 11, wherein, the interference filter film is secured to the optical lens by material bonding.

16. The eyewear article of claim 11, wherein, the rigid optical lens is a first optical lens, further comprising a second rigid optical lens arranged nested with the first optical lens, wherein a space between the first and second optical lenses forms a slot configured for receiving the interference filter film.

17. The eyewear article of claim 16, wherein, the first and second optical lenses are spaced apart by an air gap, wherein the interference filter film is removably inserted into the air gap.

18. The eyewear article of claim 16, wherein, the first and second optical lenses are reversibly attached to each other, wherein the interference filter film is removably held between the first and second optical lenses.

19. The eyewear article of claim 1, further comprising a surround frame configured for attachment to eyewear.

20. The eyewear article of claim 1, wherein, the interference filter film is a first interference filter film, further comprising a second interference filter film connected to the first interference filter film by a nose bridge.

21. The eyewear article of claim 1, further comprising an attachment structure for attachment to eyewear.

22. The eyewear article of claim 21, wherein, the attachment structure is configured for mechanically attaching to the eyewear.

23. The eyewear article of claim 21, wherein, the attachment structure is configured for magnetically attaching to the eyewear.

24. The eyewear article of claim 1, further comprising a rimless frame having two earpieces and two filter frames, each filter frame surrounding a rimless window, wherein, each of the two filter frames comprises an insertion slot for receiving one of the interference filter films.

25. The eyewear article of claim 24, wherein, the insertion slot is located in an upper frame portion of each of the two filter frames.

26. A method of manufacturing an eyewear article to be worn outside a person's eye, the method comprising the steps of: forming a flexible multilayer interference filter film; and shaping the multilayer interference film complementary to a surface of an optical lens.

27. The method according to claim 26, comprising the intermediate step of applying an adhesive to a surface of at least one of the light filtering film and the optical lens, placing the light filtering film on the optical lens with the adhesive between the light filtering film and the optical lens.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein, The shaping step is performed by pressing the light filtering film onto the lens with a compressible tool.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein, The compressible tool is a flexible roller and the filter is pressed onto the lens by rolling the roller over the light filtering film.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein, The compressible tool is a rubber stamp.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein, The rubber stamp has a radius of curvature that allows the light filtering film to be secured to the optical lens radially outward from the center of the optical lens by applying a progressive pressure.

32. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of placing a light filtering film on the dome surface, wherein, The shaping step is performed by heating the light filtering film to a softening temperature for a sufficient length of time to allow the light filtering film to adapt to the dome surface.

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