Eyeglasses for eliciting blink responses and their measurement system

Abstract

The device may create an optical obstruction, such as a haze, in front of one or more eyes of a user for a predetermined period of time, thereby eliciting a blink response from the user. The device may include a lens having multiple layers and a sensor configured to detect a blink of at least one eye. At least one of the multiple layers may include an electro-dynamic layer in communication with the sensor. The electro-dynamic layer may be configured to adjust the lens from a first state to a second state in response to a first signal from the sensor, and to adjust the lens from the second state back to the first state in response to a second signal from the sensor. The second state may include at least a partial obstruction of the field of view through the lens.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 580,328, filed September 1, 2023, entitled "Eyeglasses for Eliciting a Blink Response and a Measurement System Thereof," and further claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 382,829, filed November 8, 2022, entitled "Eyeglasses for Eliciting a Blink Response and a Measurement System Thereof," both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. [Background technology]

[0002] One common eye disorder is dry eye syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which is a condition in which the eyes become dry. Other associated symptoms include irritation, redness, discharge, blurred vision, and eye fatigue.

[0003] Tears are produced by the lacrimal gland located at the top of the eye, spread across the surface of the eye when you blink, then drain into small openings at the edge of the upper and lower eyelids and down tiny channels into the tear ducts and into the nose.

[0004] Dry eye syndrome typically occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate excessively. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including contact lens wear, meibomian gland dysfunction, pregnancy, Sjögren's syndrome, vitamin A deficiency, omega-3 fatty acid deficiency, LASIK surgery, antihistamines, some antihypertensive medications, hormone replacement therapy, and antidepressants. Treatment for dry eye syndrome varies depending on the underlying cause. Artificial tears are usually the first line of treatment.

[0005] A healthy person typically blinks about 10-15 times per minute. Each time you blink, your eye's tear film is renewed, protecting and moistening it. The tear film is made up of three sublayers: a mucus layer, an aqueous layer, and a top oily layer, which protect the eye from drying out (evaporation of water).

[0006] Because blinking causes the eyes to become covered with tears, the symptoms of dry eye syndrome are exacerbated by activities that involve prolonged eye use and result in decreased blink frequency. Such activities include prolonged reading, computer use (computer vision syndrome), driving, and watching television. Therefore, increasing an individual's blink frequency is beneficial for preventing dry eye syndrome and similar disorders.

[0007] Amblyopia is a visual disorder in which the brain cannot fully process input from one eye and over time favors the other eye. This usually results in decreased vision in the otherwise normal-looking eye. Amblyopia is the most common cause of monocular vision loss in children and young adults.

[0008] Amblyopia, typically in early childhood, can be caused by any condition that interferes with focusing: misalignment of the eyes (strabismus), abnormal eye shapes that make focusing difficult, one eye being more near- or far-sighted than the other (refractive), or a clouding of the lens (occlusion).

[0009] Amblyopia has three main causes: strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), refractive (when there is a difference in the degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, or when both eyes have the same degree of refractive error), and occlusion (when vision is blocked early in life by a visual impairment such as a congenital cataract).

[0010] Strabismic and refractive amblyopia are typically treated with eyeglasses to clarify the visual image, an eye patch on the dominant eye to encourage use of the amblyopic eye, or pharmacological occlusion of the good eye. Occlusion is usually achieved by temporarily paralyzing the accommodative reflex with atropine eye drops, blurring the vision in the good eye, and dilating the pupil. This helps prevent bullying and teasing associated with wearing a patch, although administering the drops can be difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention relates to a device and method for eliciting a blink response in a patient / user. Generally, a blink response is triggered by creating a temporary shadow, haze, blur, or similar optical feature (hereinafter referred to as "haze" for simplicity) in front of the user's eye, which causes the user to blink. Blur occurs when the tear film in the eye breaks up. The brain detects the haze and triggers a blink, which rebuilds the tear film in the eye. By mimicking this haze, the device of the present invention stimulates the brain at any time (e.g., at regular intervals, irregular intervals, or based on sensor data) to trigger a blink response.

[0012] The temporary haze can be generated by a number of different devices, such as eyeglasses, a computer monitor, a television, or a similar display. The haze can be electronically activated and connected to an electronic controller that controls when the temporary activation of the haze occurs. The electronic controller can be a microprocessor, microcontroller, computer, or similar processing device located on, within, or near the device. The electronic controller can also be connected to or be an electronic switch or phone that communicates with a processor (e.g., a processor that is part of the eyeglasses) via wired or wireless communication.

[0013] A portion of the electronic controller may also include a device for monitoring whether the patient's eyes are open or blinking. This may be achieved by one or more cameras monitoring one or more eyes and a processor that determines whether the eyes are open or closed based on the camera footage. Such cameras may be provided as part of the eyeglasses (e.g., on the eyeglass frames) or may be located elsewhere (e.g., near a computer monitor). As one example, the processor determines the state of the eye by determining whether the top and / or bottom of the monitored eye or its periphery is relatively curved or arcuate (e.g., when the eye is open) or relatively straight (e.g., when the eye is closed).

[0014] An apparatus for eliciting a blink response may include a sensor configured to detect a blink of at least one eye and a multi-layer lens including an electro-dynamic layer in communication with the sensor, the electro-dynamic layer configured to adjust the lens between a first state and a second state in response to a first signal from the sensor, and to adjust the lens between the second state and the first state in response to a second signal from the sensor.

[0015] A system for eliciting a blink response may include a sensor configured to detect a blink of at least one eye, a lens comprising multiple layers, and a controller in communication with the sensor, wherein at least one of the multiple layers includes an electro-dynamic layer in communication with the sensor, the electro-dynamic layer configured to adjust the lens between a first state and a second state in response to a first signal and to adjust the lens between the second state and the first state in response to a second signal, and the controller configured to generate the first signal and the second signal based on signal communication with the sensor.

[0016] A method of eliciting a blink response may include adjusting an electro-dynamic layer of a lens between a first state and a second state in response to a first signal by a sensor configured to detect a blink of at least one eye, and adjusting the lens between the second state and the first state in response to a second signal by the sensor.

[0017] A device for eliciting a blink response may function as an alternative to permanent patches (e.g., Bangerta filters such as Bangerta occlusion films) or atropine occlusion, and the device may generate a predetermined level of haze to function as a patch for treating amblyopia. Optical occlusion (e.g., haze) may be generated as needed. The type of optical occlusion may include a predetermined level or a combination of levels. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] These and other aspects, features, and advantages that embodiments of the present invention may have will become apparent from and be explained in detail in the following description of embodiments of the present invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows, in an exemplary embodiment, eyeglasses that can selectively create haze within the lenses to elicit a blink response. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows, in an exemplary embodiment, eyeglasses that can selectively create haze within the lenses to elicit a blink response.

[0020] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows, in an exemplary embodiment, a separate user interface mechanism that may be connected to the glasses by wired or wireless means.

[0021] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows, in an exemplary embodiment, glasses that may also include sensors that may be used to monitor various aspects of a user's eyes and / or the user's surrounding environment.

[0022] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment in which, in an exemplary embodiment, the haze is generated on a film or screen placed in front of the monitor.

[0023] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows, in an exemplary embodiment, a lens consisting of at least two electrical contacts or connections configured to provide power to the lens stack.

[0024] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a top perspective view of a molded lens, in an exemplary embodiment, consisting of at least two electrical contacts configured to provide power to the lens stack.

[0025] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a top perspective view of the lens stack of FIG. 7 after it has been injection molded into a desired lens shape in an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating that in an exemplary embodiment, a lens stack can be controlled to reach a predetermined amount of haze at or near a particular time.

[0027] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of a lens stack including an electrodynamic layer in an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the response time of the electrodynamic layer before and after molding of the lens stack in an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a table showing the response time of the electrodynamic layer before and after molding of the lens stack in an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the response time of a laminate made with a moisture-curable adhesive before and after molding of the lens laminate in an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a table showing the haze of a liquid crystal stack made with a moisture-curable adhesive before and after lens stack molding in an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Description

[0032] Next, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the present invention. In the drawings, the same elements are designated by the same numbers.

[0033] Although different embodiments may be described herein, it is expressly contemplated that the features of these embodiments may be combined with each other in any combination. In other words, features of different embodiments may be mixed and matched with each other. Thus, even if every combination of features from different embodiments is not explicitly set forth, the specification intends to encompass all such combinations.

[0034] Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for eliciting a blink response in a patient / user or creating a patch-equivalent optical obstruction (e.g., blur), thereby treating various ocular diseases or disorders. Generally, this blink response is triggered by creating an optical obstruction, such as a temporary shadow, haze, blur, or similar optical feature (hereinafter referred to as "haze" for simplicity), in front of the user's eye, which prompts the user to blink.

[0035] The temporary haze can be generated in a number of different devices, such as eyeglasses, computer monitors, televisions, or similar displays. Accordingly, the optical shielding may be formed in a variety of devices having screens or lenses, such as, but not limited to, monitors, televisions, eyeglasses, contact lenses, etc., as described below.

[0036] The optical shielding (e.g., haze) can be electronically activated and may be connected to an electronic controller that controls, modulates, or activates (which are generally used synonymously herein) the timing of periodic and temporary activation of the optical shielding. The electronic controller may be a microprocessor, microcontroller, computer, or similar processing device located on, within, or near the device. The electronic controller may also be connected to or be an electronic switch or phone that communicates with a processor (e.g., a processor that is part of the glasses) via wires or wirelessly.

[0037] A portion of the electronic controller may also include a device for monitoring whether the patient's eyes are open, closed, and / or blinking. This may be accomplished by one or more cameras monitoring one or more eyes and a processor that determines whether the eyes are open or closed based on the camera footage. Such cameras may be provided as part of the eyeglasses (e.g., on the eyeglass frames) or may be located elsewhere (e.g., near a computer monitor). As one example, the processor may determine the state of the eye by determining whether the top and / or bottom of the monitored eye or its periphery is relatively curved or arcuate (e.g., if the eye is open) or relatively straight (e.g., if the eye is closed).

[0038] In some embodiments, the electronic controller or control system may be configured to maintain an optical occlusion in front of at least one eye of the patient or user for a predetermined time interval (e.g., a relatively short time) sufficient to elicit a blink reaction or response in the patient's or user's eye. For example, the electronic controller may send a first signal to a lens or screen in front of the patient or user to adjust the lens or screen from a first state to a second state (e.g., a hazy, cloudy, blurred, or other at least partially opaque state).

[0039] The electronic controller can monitor the patient's or user's eyes using the sensors and, in response to the lens or screen being adjusted from a first state to a second state, determine whether the user blinked. If the user blinks, the electronic controller can return the lens or screen from the second state to the first state (e.g., a clear or transparent state). In this manner, the electronic controller, the sensors, and the lens or screen in front of the patient or user can form a closed-loop feedback system that functions to ensure that the user has blinked a desired number of times during a predetermined period or time interval.

[0040] In this regard, a method of use includes monitoring the eye for one or more blinks over a predetermined period of time, determining that there have been fewer than a predetermined number of blinks within the predetermined period of time, modulating an optical barrier on a device (e.g., glasses or a screen) in front of the eye to induce a blink, and removing haze from the device. The source of haze may further include applying a voltage to a liquid crystal stack (or similar display) on or within the device for a predetermined period of time.

[0041] The electronic controller can also adjust how often the blink response is elicited (e.g., adjusting a predetermined time and / or a predetermined number of blinks) based on the feedback system. The blink response may be elicited regardless of whether the user is blinking at an acceptable frequency (e.g., when the user's eyes are not being monitored), or the blink response may be elicited at a particular frequency only if the user does not meet a particular threshold.

[0042] The frequency of the evoked blink response in the feedback system may be adjusted from an application that allows the user to adjust the frequency at which the optical occlusion is modulated (i.e., the frequency at which the blink response is triggered or evoked). The user may set a particular frequency or may select a particular activity (e.g., watching a monitor, watching a television, observing a distant object) with which a predetermined blink frequency is associated.

[0043] In another example, the frequency of the elicited blink response in the feedback system may be based on sensor feedback, such as a camera or other sensor. Data from these sensors may enable the feedback system to determine whether the data is above or below a certain threshold and increase or decrease the frequency of the elicited blink response accordingly (either when considering the user's actual blinks or when no eye-tracking sensor is present and blinks are not considered). Exemplary sensor data may include depth of field, the color the user is viewing, light intensity, the rate of change of the user's visual stimulus (e.g., fast-moving images), and ambient humidity. If the blink-inducing device includes eyeglasses, it may be desirable to include sensors on the eyeglasses themselves, such as a forward-facing camera or humidity sensor, away from the user's face.

[0044] Further, in some embodiments, by monitoring the patient's or user's eye via a sensor, the electronic controller can determine that fewer than a desired or predetermined number of blinks have occurred over a predetermined period or time interval, and in response, the electronic controller can modulate or control an optical shield in front of the patient's or user's eye to increase the blink rate to approximate the patient's or user's normal blink rate or blink rate observed during a particular activity, for example, by decreasing the interval between periodic appearances of the optical shield.

[0045] In a further example, the electronic controller may be configured to maintain an optical occlusion in front of at least one eye of a user or patient for a relatively long period of time (e.g., minutes, hours, or days) to help treat certain types of amblyopia. For example, maintaining an optical occlusion in front of the patient's or user's dominant eye (e.g., the normal eye) while allowing clear vision in front of the patient's or user's non-dominant eye (e.g., the amblyopic eye) can facilitate use of the amblyopic eye without occluding the normal eye with atropine drops or an eye patch.

[0046] The device can generate haze through electronically controlled haze-inducing techniques, such as a liquid crystal stack, which in the case of an eyeglass device may have at least one pixel or at least one pixel per eye, although multiple pixels may also be used.

[0047] A blink inducer (e.g., eyeglasses, monitor screen, etc.) may generate a haze in front of a user's eyes relatively quickly, or the level of haze may increase and / or decrease more slowly to more reliably elicit a blink response. For example, the haze may be generated and maintained for 0.1 to 1 second, with the generally rapid optical obscuration generated, or it may be generated and maintained for a relatively long time frame, such as between 1 and 10 seconds. In more specific examples, the haze may be maintained for approximately 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 seconds (and increments therebetween).

[0048] Whatever time interval is selected, the haze may be increased or decreased. The time for increasing and decreasing the haze may be equal (e.g., 1 second increase and 1 second decrease) or unequal (e.g., 1 second increase and 0.1 second decrease). The decrease in haze may be determined by the detection of a blink. For example, the level of haze may increase slowly (i.e., the light transmittance gradually decreases), but when the user blinks, the device immediately removes the haze (i.e., the light transmittance immediately increases to a relatively clear state).

[0049] Additionally, the amount of haze generated can be varied based on user preference (e.g., set via a computer or smartphone app) or sensor data (e.g., the intensity of light in the user's environment). For example, a low haze level may be desired in dark conditions (e.g., 40% transmittance), while a high haze level may be desired in bright conditions (e.g., 20% transmittance).

[0050] Additionally, a predetermined level of optical obscuration (e.g., haze) can be created and maintained until turned off or disabled by the user, thus mimicking a Bangerta filter. Such use can serve as an alternative to permanent eye patching.

[0051] In view of the above, the devices and systems of the present disclosure can be used to alleviate, prevent, or otherwise address various ocular disorders associated with insufficient or low blinking frequency caused by underactivity of the muscles responsible for blinking, such as, but not limited to, dry eye syndrome.

[0052] Next, specific configurations and aspects of the embodiments will be described. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are examples of the above description. Therefore, any of the above aspects, variations, and examples can be combined with each other as well as with the specific embodiments described below.

[0053] 1 and 2 illustrate eyeglasses 100 that can selectively create an optical occlusion (e.g., haze) in one or both of their lenses 102 to elicit a blink response. Again, the use of the term "haze" herein may be interpreted to mean various types of optical occlusion, such as shading, darkening, or adjusting the transmission or focus of light through the optical elements. The eyeglasses 100 may include a frame 108 shaped and sized to receive and hold a pair of lenses 102, including a first lens 102A and a second lens 102B, and fit to a user's face. One or both of the first lens 102A and / or second lens 102B of the lenses 102 may be adjustable between a first state and a second state, or may define, hold, or include a first state and a second state.

[0054] 1, in the first state, one or both of the lenses 102 may be relatively clear or transparent so as not to interfere with the vision of a user wearing the eyeglasses 100. By way of example, in the first state, one or both of the lenses 102 may pass approximately 90% to 100% light transmittance.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 2 , in the second state, one or both of the lenses 102 may be at least partially opaque, thereby creating optical occlusion. By way of example, in the second state, one or both of the lenses 102 may create or display a haze, shading, or blurring effect, and may appear relatively or completely hazy, shading, or blurred to a user. In some embodiments, the second state may be defined as a percentage reduction in light transmission through one or both of the lenses 102 (e.g., an amount of haze or occlusion). Examples include, but are not limited to, a reduction in light transmission of approximately 10% to 30%, a reduction in light transmission of approximately 31% to 50%, a reduction in light transmission of approximately 51% to 70%, or a reduction in light transmission of approximately 71% to 100%, etc.

[0056] In any such example, the amount or percentage of reduction in light transmission through one or both of the lenses 102 in the second state compared to the first state may be appropriate or sufficient to elicit a blink response in the user. In various examples, the second state (e.g., optical obscuration, haze, haze reduction, blurring, shading, etc.) may be generated independently in only one of the first lens 102A and the second lens 102B, simultaneously in both the first and second lenses 102A, 102B, and / or at different times in both lenses 102A, 102B.

[0057] Lenses 102 may generally be formed or fabricated to include a material that transitions from a first state to a second state, becoming hazy, dark, opaque, or otherwise exhibiting reduced light transmittance, when a voltage is applied (or removed). As an example, the second state (e.g., the hazy or blurry state) may be produced by a haze-inducing layer 106 disposed on, within, or between multiple layers comprising each lens 102.

[0058] The creation or appearance of the optical occlusion (e.g., haze or second state) in the first lens 102A and / or second lens 102B may be modulated, actuated, activated, or controlled by an electronic controller (e.g., a processor, processing unit, microprocessor, or microcontroller) in electrical communication with the lenses 102. Such a controller may be electrically connected to or in electrical or conductive communication with the haze-inducing layer 106 in the first lens 102A and second lens 102B via one or more electrical contacts or connection points.

[0059] This allows the controller to selectively apply current or power (e.g., voltage or voltage signal) to the first lens 102A or the second lens 102B, simultaneously or at different times, to selectively control or modulate the haze or haze effect (e.g., adjusting the first lens 102A or the second lens 102B to a second state), when the first lens 102A or the second lens 102B enters a clear state (e.g., adjusting or transitioning from a first state to a second state), how long the haze state remains (e.g., the time the second state is maintained), the level of haze generated therein (e.g., the rate of decrease in light transmittance observed in the second state), or other factors or parameters related to the electrically modulated optical shielding.

[0060] In some embodiments, the frame 108 of the eyeglasses 100 may include a controller including a processor or processing unit, a microprocessor or microcontroller, and a power source (e.g., a battery or transformer). In some embodiments, the controller including various components may be embedded, molded, cast, or otherwise integrated into the frame 108 of the eyeglasses 100. In other examples, the controller including various components may be fixed to or connected to the exterior or outer surface of the frame 108. In another example, the controller including any of the various components may be partially or completely separate from the frame 108 and may be electrically connected to or in communication with the haze-inducing layer 106 of the lens 102 via wired or wireless signals to at least one component of the controller located on or within the eyeglasses 100.

[0061] Whether the controller or any of its various components are part of the eyeglasses 100 or separate from the eyeglasses 100, various parameters or factors related to how and when the eyeglasses 100 generate haze or optical obscuration in the lenses 102 (e.g., adjusting the first lens 102A or the second lens 102B from a first state to a second state) may be controlled in a variety of ways, and by a variety of means, as further described below with reference to FIGS.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 1 , the eyeglasses 100 may have a first state in which one or more lenses 102 have a relatively clear state to the user / wearer. Also, as shown in FIG. 2 , the eyeglasses 100 may have a second state in which one or more lenses 102 have a relatively hazy state. The haze state may be created in only one lens 102, in both lenses simultaneously, and / or in both lenses independently at different times. The haze may be generated by a haze-inducing layer 106 on or between layers of the lens 102. For example, the haze-inducing layer 106 may be a PET laminate, a polycarbonate laminate, a nylon laminate, a polyimide laminate, a biaxially oriented PET triacetate laminate, or a polarizing sheet laminate containing a liquid crystal film layer, such as a polymer dispersed liquid crystal film (PDLC) layer. In the example of eyeglasses 100, the haze-inducing layer 106 (e.g., a liquid crystal laminate) may be further molded into a lens, such as via an injection molding process, where the lens 102 may be optionally curved to provide a corrective prescription.

[0063] The frame 108 of the eyeglasses 100 may include a controller (e.g., a processor, microprocessor, or microcontroller) and a power source (e.g., a battery) electrically connected to each of the lenses 102A, 102B. This allows the controller to control when the lenses 102A and 102B enter a haze state, the duration of the haze state, and the level of haze (e.g., light transmittance) generated. For example, the controller may selectively apply power to each lens 102A, 102B (either simultaneously or at different times) to activate the haze. The controller may be embedded in the frame 108 or connected externally to the frame. Alternatively, the controller may be separate from the frame and connected to the eyeglasses 100 via wired or wireless signals.

[0064] Whether the controller is part of the eyeglasses 100 or separate from the eyeglasses 100, the parameters of when and how the eyeglasses 100 generate the haze and elicit a blink response can be controlled in several ways. As shown in FIG. 3, a separate user interface mechanism 119 may be connected to the eyeglass frame 108 by a wired or wireless mechanism. The interface mechanism may include buttons, knobs, or similar inputs, and optionally a display, that allow the user to instantly activate the haze as well as adjust the timing parameters of the haze generation (e.g., haze generation interval, haze rate / transmittance, duration of haze display for each blink, etc.). Alternatively, the same interface controls may be included in an app on a smartphone 118 that is wirelessly connected to a wireless communication interface on / in the eyeglasses 100.

[0065] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary user interface 119 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure that may be connected to the eyeglasses 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figure 3, the user interface 119 may be embodied in the form of or displayed on a separate user interface mechanism or device that may be connected to or in communication with the frame 108 of the eyeglasses 100, and may be connected via various wired or wireless means.

[0066] In some embodiments, user interface 119 may include, but is not limited to, one or more buttons, knobs, switches, keys, or other physical input devices or features. In some embodiments, such input devices or features of user interface 119 may be virtually implemented in the form of a visual interface displayed by a mobile application or other application or software, for example, on a mobile phone or smartphone, an electronic tablet, or a desktop or laptop computer. In these embodiments, user interface 119 may be operable or usable through or connected to a touch-sensitive display.

[0067] The user interface 119 may be configured to allow a user or patient to select or selectively adjust among various parameters, factors, or settings related to the appearance of optical occlusion in the lens 102 (e.g., the second state of the first lens 102A or the second lens 102B). For example, a user or patient may operate the controller via the user interface 119, e.g., through one or more user inputs, to, among other things, immediately generate haze (e.g., transition the first lens 102A or the second lens 102B from a first state to a second state), adjust various parameters related to the timing of the generation of haze, such as the interval between periodic generation of haze on the lens 102 (e.g., the time interval between the first lens 102A or the second lens 102B transitioning from the second state to the first state and then the lens 102 returning from the first state to the second state), the haze rate or transmittance (e.g., the rate of light transmittance reduction in the second state), or the duration for which haze is displayed or maintained on the lens 102 (e.g., the time the first lens 102A or the second lens 102B maintains the second state).

[0068] Figure 4 shows an example of glasses 100 including a sensor 110, and Figure 5 shows an example of glasses 100 positioned in front of a monitor 114 and a screen 116. Figures 4-5 are described below. As shown in Figure 4, the frame 108 of glasses 100 may include a sensor 110, and as shown in Figure 5, the monitor 114 may include a sensor 112.

[0069] Sensor 110 or sensor 112 may generally represent one, two, three, four, or other number of individual sensors of similar or different types. Sensor 110 or sensor 112 may generally be used to monitor various conditions of one or more eyes of a patient or user and / or various conditions of the patient's or user's surrounding environment. For example, one of the individual sensors of sensor 110 or sensor 112 may be, but is not limited to, a still image camera, a video camera, an optical sensor, an ambient light sensor, or an ambient humidity sensor.

[0070] In some embodiments, sensors 110 and 112 may include one or more video cameras. In one such embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, sensor 110 may include two video or still image cameras and / or optical sensors positioned and configured to monitor each eye of a user or patient. In such an embodiment, sensor 110 may be removably or permanently positioned on, or integrated into, frame 108 of eyeglasses 100.

[0071] Also, in such embodiments, sensors 110 may be located above or below first lens 102A and second lens 102B, e.g., above or below frame 108, with each sensor generally pointed toward or angled toward each of the user's or patient's eyes. Alternatively, one or more of sensors 110 may be located, integrated into, or positioned on the side (e.g., a leg or arm) of frame 108, still generally pointed toward or angled toward each of the user's or patient's eyes. In such embodiments (e.g., embodiments including a sensor 110 corresponding to each eye), each eye may be monitored individually, and haze (e.g., transition to a first state or a second state) may also be independently controlled or modulated, as desired, between the first and second eyes of the user or patient.

[0072] In another example, the sensor 110 may include only a single sensor and may be used to monitor only a single eye of the patient or user, or both eyes simultaneously. Thus, haze may be controlled simultaneously in both the first lens 102A and the second lens 102B (e.g., because both eyes tend to blink).

[0073] 5, the sensor 112 may be located or mounted at a location separate from the eyeglasses 100, such as on or near a monitor 114, screen 116, or other electronic display viewable by a patient or user. In some embodiments, the sensor 112 may be in wired or wireless communication with an electronic controller, which may include a processing unit or processor and a power source (e.g., a battery or transformer), and which may be connected to or in communication with the screen 116.

[0074] In contrast to the eyeglasses 100, the screen 116 may be a feature or component for creating an optical barrier (e.g., a haze-generating or electro-dynamic layer). The screen 116 may generally be an internal or external film or layer of material that transitions from a first state to a second state, such as a film or layer, upon application (or removal) of a voltage, resulting in a hazy, dark, opaque, translucent, or other reduced light transmittance state. While the screen 116 is shown in FIG. 5 positioned on the display portion of the monitor 114, it should be understood that the screen 116 may be configured to be attached to, positioned on, or integrated into the display portion of any electronic device, such as a mobile phone or smartphone, with or without a user interface 119 (FIG. 3).

[0075] In some embodiments, the entire surface area of ​​the lens 102 or screen 116 may be configured as a single pixel. In such embodiments, application of a voltage to the lens 102 or screen 116 by the controller may transition or adjust the entire surface area of ​​the lens 102 to the second state (e.g., become hazy, blurred, or at least partially obscured). Alternatively, in other embodiments, application of a voltage to the lens 102 or screen 116 may transition or adjust only a portion of the surface area of ​​the lens 102 or screen 116 to the second state, e.g., only the central region, only the peripheral region, or only a small portion / pattern of the central and / or peripheral region.

[0076] In some embodiments, the sensor 112 may be located within a suitable or known threshold or maximum distance from the patient or user to adequately or effectively elicit a blink response when the screen 116 transitions from a first state to a second state (e.g., when an optical obstruction appears on the screen 116). Such a distance may be based on the size or surface area of ​​the monitor 114 or screen 116, the brightness of the monitor 114 or screen 116, or other conditions.

[0077] In yet other embodiments, either screen 116, monitor 114, or sensor 112 may communicate with the various components of eyeglasses 100 through various wired or wireless means or mechanisms, including, but not limited to, through user interface 119, or through one or more controllers in embodiments where the user's or patient's eye is monitored by both sensor 110 and sensor 112.

[0078] In some embodiments, sensors 110 or 112 may include one or more cameras or optical sensors facing away from the user's or patient's eyes. Such sensors 110 or 112 may record video image data or other types of data that can be analyzed by the controller. Examples of such data include, but are not limited to, depth of field, color or other colors seen through lens 102 or screen 116, ambient light or light intensity of monitor 114, or rate of change of a visual stimulus viewed by the user or patient. Finally, any combination of sensors 110 or 112 described above or below may be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0079] Sensor data (e.g., information obtained by sensor 110 or sensor 112) may generally be any type of data that can be recorded or used by sensor 110 or sensor 112 of eyeglasses 100, such as, but not limited to, video data for monitoring the occurrence of a user's blinks, still image data indicative of the occurrence of blinks, optical or voltage data indicative of the occurrence of blinks, or ambient light or humidity data.

[0080] As such, in various embodiments, the sensor data may be used in a variety of ways by the controller for a variety of purposes. In some embodiments, the controller may use the sensor data to determine or modulate various parameters associated with generating an optical obscuration (e.g., a haze or haze effect, a shading or shading effect, a blur or a blur effect) in front of the patient or user via the first lens 102A, the second lens 102B, the screen 116, or other haze-inducing or generating device or system, and removing an optical obscuration in front of the patient or user from the first lens 102A, the second lens 102B, the screen 116, or other haze-inducing or generating device or system.

[0081] For example, such parameters may include, but are not limited to, the frequency of temporary optical obstructions (e.g., the time interval between two consecutive occurrences of the second state or haze effect in the lens 102 or screen 116), the length of each optical obstruction (e.g., how long the lens 102 or screen 116 remains in the second state), or the amount of light transmission when an optical obstruction occurs (e.g., the percentage of light transmittance reduction in the second state), which may be determined or adjusted using various methods or processes described above or below.

[0082] Such a method or process may include inducing the patient or user to blink by generating an optical obstruction in front of at least one of the patient's or user's eyes, monitoring the at least one eye via sensed or sensor data to ascertain or verify when the patient or user blinks, and removing the temporary optical obstruction or haze from the lens 102 or screen 116 within a predetermined period or time interval after the blink or blink response.

[0083] In such a method or process, the processor of the controller may be configured to periodically or continuously determine or evaluate the state or position of at least one eye of the patient or user by analyzing sensor data from sensor 110 or sensor 112 to determine that one or both of the upper and lower portions, or peripheral portions (e.g., upper and lower eyelids) of one or more eyes are relatively curved or generally arcuate to indicate an open state of the one or more eyes, and relatively straight or flat to indicate a closed state of the one or more eyes. In view of the above, sensor data capturing eyelid shape or position may be used to monitor blinking or blink responses in one or more eyes of the patient or user.

[0084] In one example of such a method or process, the sensor 110 or the sensor 112 may record video data that is analyzed by the controller to determine whether each eye blinked when an optical obstruction occurred in the lens 102 or the screen 116 (e.g., a transition or adjustment of the lens 102 or the screen from a first state to a second state), and the controller may relatively quickly or instantaneously remove the temporary optical obstruction or haze from the lens 102 or the screen 116 (e.g., adjust the lens 102 or the screen 116 from the first state or the second state) in response to the video data (e.g., blink data).

[0085] In another method or process embodiment, video data recorded by sensor 110 or sensor 112 may be received by the controller, but the controller may refrain from removing the optical occlusion or haze from lens 102 or screen 116 for a longer period of time (e.g., a non-instantaneous period of time) for various purposes. For example, the controller may determine that the patient or user is not blinking in response to the occurrence of the optical occlusion and may increase the haze effect (e.g., increase the reduction in light transmittance of lens 102 or screen 116) until the user blinks, or may maintain the optical occlusion on lens 102 or screen 116 until the user blinks.

[0086] In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to store the video data (e.g., the blink data) along with a timestamp corresponding to each observed blink, either temporarily or permanently, in the controller's internal memory or in an external database, so that the patient or user, or a healthcare provider, can review the blink data to determine and assess the patient's or user's blink frequency or blink rate over various periods or lengths of time, or during specific activities.

[0087] In some such examples, the stored number of blinks or blink events (which may be the exact number recorded or the average number of blinks or blink events over separate periods or intervals) may be compared to a predetermined value or range of values, such as a threshold or range of values. In some examples, the threshold or range of values ​​may be associated with a normal or appropriate blink frequency generally known to be effective in preventing or treating dry eye syndrome, or may be associated with a desired value or range of values ​​determined for an individual patient based on a healthcare provider's recommendation or prescription.

[0088] In such an embodiment, the threshold or range of values ​​may represent a normal or appropriate blink rate based on Table 1 below, which provides examples of common or typical blink rates for certain situations. (See Doughty, M. J. Consideration of Three Types of Spontaneous Eyeblink Activity in Normal Humans: during Reading and Video Display Terminal Use, in Primary Gaze, and while in Conversation, Optometry and Vision Science 78, 10 (2001), 712-725 and Skotte, J. H., Nojgaard, J. K., Jorgensen, L. V., Christensen, K. B., and Sjogaard, G. Eye blink frequency during different computer tasks quantified by electrooculography, European journal of applied physiology 99, 2 (Jan. 2007), 113-9, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.)

[0089] [Table 1]

[0090] In another example, the threshold or range of values ​​can represent a normal or appropriate blinking frequency based on the blink interval ("IBI") associated with adequate tear film protection for the eye (e.g., an eye protection index ("OPI") of 1.0 or greater). The OPI represents the relationship between the IBI and the tear film breakup time ("TFBUT"), and can be expressed as OPI=TFBUT / IBI.

[0091] Generally, a protected or unprotected ocular surface state occurs when the TFBUT is equal to or greater than the IBI, and an unprotected or dry ocular surface state occurs when the TFBUT is less than the IBI. Therefore, if a healthcare provider determines that a patient or user has an OPI of less than 1.0, the patient or user is considered to be at risk for having an unprotected or inadequately protected ocular surface and may develop symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome.

[0092] In some embodiments, the threshold may be approximately 5.97 seconds, which may be an average IBI value known to be associated with blink rates that are generally not indicative of dry eye syndrome. In other embodiments, the threshold may be approximately 2.56 seconds or approximately 3.05 seconds, which may be average IBI values ​​known to be associated with blink rates that are generally indicative of dry eye syndrome. (See Johnston PR, Rodriguez J, Lane KJ, Ousler G, Abelson MB. The interblink interval in normal and dry eye subjects. Clin Ophthalmol. 2013; 7: 253-59, incorporated herein by reference.)

[0093] In response to stored or recorded blink data regarding normal or sufficient blink frequency, the controller may vary parameters related to the temporary occurrence of optical occlusions through one or more user inputs, either automatically or manually entered via user interface 119 or other input device. For example, as described further below, the number and / or frequency of transitions from a first state to a second state and transitions from a second state to a first state (e.g., hazing events or the appearance of temporary optical occlusions) occurring over a time interval or predetermined period may be increased or decreased.

[0094] The response to the stored or recorded blink data by the processor or processing device (e.g., controller) may vary in a variety of ways. For example, in one embodiment of a method, when the controller detects a blink via sensor data from sensor 110 or sensor 112, one or both of lens 102 or screen 116 may abruptly or gradually remove optical obscuration or haze (e.g., transition or adjust from a second state to a first state) within a predetermined time period.

[0095] For example, and without limitation, the controller may quickly or slowly remove haze or optical obstruction from the lens 102 or screen 116 (e.g., adjust the lens 102 or screen 116 from the second state to the first state) within a period of, for example, but not limited to, less than 1 second, 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, 10 seconds, 11 seconds, 12 seconds, 13 seconds, 14 seconds, 15 seconds, 16 seconds, 17 seconds, 18 seconds, 19 seconds, 20 seconds, 21 seconds, 22 seconds, 23 seconds, 24 seconds, or 25 seconds, such as after the controller determines based on sensor data that the user has blinked (i.e., from both lenses if both eyes blinked, or from one of the lenses 102 if only one eye blinked).

[0096] Similarly, the controller may quickly or slowly create a haze or optical shielding on the lens 102 or screen 116 within a period of, for example, without limitation, less than 1 second, 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, 10 seconds, 11 seconds, 12 seconds, 13 seconds, 14 seconds, 15 seconds, 16 seconds, 17 seconds, 18 seconds, 19 seconds, 20 seconds, 21 seconds, 22 seconds, 23 seconds, 24 seconds, or 25 seconds. In one such example, the controller may use sensor data from sensor 110 or sensor 112 to track the elapsed time upon detecting a blink, and when a predetermined period, amount, or interval has elapsed, the controller may quickly return the optical shielding or haze instantly or within about 1 second, or slowly return it over about 2 seconds or more. In some embodiments, such a period or interval may be sufficient or appropriate to trigger or induce blinking in the patient or user, such as in embodiments configured to increase or maintain an increased blinking frequency in the patient or user.

[0097] Additionally, the time period or time interval during which the optical shielding is generated (e.g., increasing haze) and the predetermined time period or time interval during which the optical shielding is removed (e.g., decreasing haze) may be similar or different. In one such example, the time period or time interval during which the optical shielding is generated and the time period or time interval during which the optical shielding is removed are equal, for example, but not limited to, each being approximately 1 second. In another such example, the time period or time interval during which the optical shielding is generated and the time period or time interval during which the optical shielding is removed are different, for example, but not limited to, being approximately 1 second for generating the optical shielding and approximately 0.1 seconds for removing the optical shielding.

[0098] In some embodiments, the duration for which the haze or optical obscuration is removed may be determined by the controller detecting a blink. For example, the controller may increase the degree of haze or optical obscuration relatively slowly (i.e., slowly increase the rate at which light transmission through the lens 102 or screen 116 decreases) until a blink is detected, at which point the controller may immediately or quickly remove the optical obscuration or haze, returning the lens 102 or screen 116 to a clear or crisp state immediately or quickly.

[0099] Any controller or control system described in this disclosure may be configured to control or perform any of the operations described herein via signal communication between the sensor 110 or sensor 112 and the device used to generate the optical obscuration or haze (e.g., the lens 102 or the screen 116). For example, in one example of a method or operational process for eliciting a blink response in a user or patient, the controller may generate (e.g., apply or transmit) a first signal (e.g., a voltage signal or removal of a voltage signal) to the first lens 102A, the second lens 102B, or the screen 116 to cause the lens 102 or the screen 116 to transition (e.g., adjust) from a first state to a second state over a predetermined period of time, thereby eliciting a blink response in the patient or user.

[0100] As another example, in an embodiment in which the controller is implemented as on-board circuitry of the sensor 110 or the sensor 112, the sensor 110 or the sensor 112 may adjust the first lens 102A, the second lens 102B, or the screen 116 to a second state by sending or applying (e.g., generating) a first signal (e.g., a voltage signal or removal of a voltage signal).

[0101] In some embodiments, the controller can then intermittently or continuously monitor or analyze sensor data from sensor 110 or sensor 112 to determine, confirm, or otherwise verify whether a patient or user blink occurred or was triggered by first lens 102A, second lens 102B, or screen 116 adjusting to the second state over a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, such as those in which one or more components of the controller are implemented as on-board circuitry, sensor 110 or sensor 112 can apply or transmit (e.g., generate) a blink verification or blink confirmation signal to a processor of the controller when a user or patient blink is detected.

[0102] Thereafter, if the controller receives a blink verification signal or analyzes the sensor data independently of sensor 110 or sensor 112 to determine whether a blink occurred in response to the first signal, the controller can begin timing the passage of time until a predetermined time interval has elapsed. Such a time interval may be, for example, but is not limited to, approximately 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 seconds. This time interval may be based on any of the factors or parameters described in this disclosure with respect to blink frequency or inter-blink interval (IBI), such as a desired blink frequency selected or prescribed by a healthcare provider to help alleviate dry eye syndrome, or a blink frequency selected to increase blink frequency only during certain activities, such as when using a monitor, television, or electronic screen involving viewing distant objects.

[0103] If the controller determines that such time interval has elapsed, the controller can apply or transmit a second signal (e.g., removal of or voltage signal) to the first lens 102A, the second lens 102B, or the screen 116 to transition (e.g., adjust) the lens 102 or screen 116 from the second state to the first state over a predetermined period of time. In view of the above, the controller, together with the sensor 110 or the sensor 112, can collectively constitute a closed-loop control and feedback system that verifies or otherwise determines whether each occurrence of temporary optical occlusion in the lens 102 or the screen 116 was successful in eliciting a blink in the user or patient, and can initiate processing to elicit the next blink response based thereon (e.g., a time lapse beginning after verification of the blink, or after a desired blink interval has elapsed).

[0104] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the sensor 110 may be affixed to or embedded in the eyeglasses 100 and may be a video camera or an optical sensor. In such embodiments, the optical sensor may include an infrared camera or contact electrodes adapted to measure electrooculography (EOG). Electrooculography (EOG) is a method of measuring the corneal-retinal steady-state potential that exists between the front and back of a person's eye; this measurement is called an electrooculogram. To measure this eye movement, a pair of electrodes may be placed above and below the eye or on the left and right sides, and these electrodes may or may not be included in the frame 108 of the eyeglasses 100.

[0105] If the eye moves away from its center position toward one electrode, that electrode will "sense" the positive side of the retina, and the opposite electrode will "sense" the negative side of the retina. This can result in a potential difference between the electrodes. Assuming a constant resting potential, the recorded potential can indicate a measurement or value related to eye position. These electrodes can be connected, either wired or wirelessly, to a controller located within the eyeglasses 100 or elsewhere.

[0106] Thus, one example configuration of a device or system for eliciting a blink response according to the present disclosure includes eyeglasses 100, and sensors 110 may include contact sensors (e.g., EOG electrodes) configured to measure or determine a blink or blink event of a wearer of eyeglasses 100 via a blink or an electrical pulse associated therewith, and then configured to remove haze or optical obstruction from lenses 102 after the blink event or pulse occurs.

[0107] The voltage pulses generated by the video camera or optical sensor of the sensor 110 may require signal conditioning to standardize their amplitude and timing before subsequent processing, such as by a controller processor. To achieve the desired signal conditioning, various methods are available for both adjusting the voltage level and converting the blink pulses to a uniform width. Potential technologies for amplifying the amplitude of the pulse voltage include, but are not limited to, transistor-based amplifier circuits designed with appropriate or suitable gain feedback, and transformers capable of stepping up low AC voltages via magnetic induction. Pulse width standardization may also be achieved using, but is not limited to, a monostable multivibrator circuit that is triggered by an input blink pulse and outputs a constant pulse width.

[0108] In some embodiments, a dedicated timer integrated circuit, such as a 555 timer IC, or other integrated circuit chip designed for timing applications, may be configured in monostable mode to achieve the desired fixed pulse width. Another example may include using a programmable microcontroller, such as an Arduino or Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller, running firmware designed to measure input pulse widths and generate normally timed output pulses. In such embodiments, the adjusted voltage pulses may be adjusted to or based on the lenses 102 of the eyeglasses 100 to remove haze or optical obscuration in a desired manner, such as within a desired time after a blink has been determined or verified.

[0109] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the sensor 110 may be affixed to or embedded in the eyeglasses 100 and may be a video camera or an optical sensor. In such embodiments, the optical sensor may include an infrared camera or contact electrodes adapted to measure electrooculography (EOG). Electrooculography (EOG) is a method of measuring the corneal-retinal steady-state potential that exists between the front and back of a person's eye; this measurement is called an electrooculogram. To measure this eye movement, a pair of electrodes may be placed above and below the eye or on the left and right sides, and these electrodes may or may not be included in the frame 108 of the eyeglasses 100.

[0110] If the eye moves away from its center position toward one electrode, that electrode will "sense" the positive side of the retina, and the opposite electrode will "sense" the negative side of the retina. This can result in a potential difference between the electrodes. Assuming a constant resting potential, the recorded potential can indicate a measurement or value related to eye position. These electrodes can be connected, either wired or wirelessly, to a controller located within the eyeglasses 100 or elsewhere.

[0111] Thus, one example configuration of a device or system for eliciting a blink response according to the present disclosure includes eyeglasses 100, and sensors 110 may include contact sensors (e.g., EOG electrodes) configured to measure or determine a blink or blink event of a wearer of eyeglasses 100 via a blink or an electrical pulse associated therewith, and then configured to remove haze or optical obstruction from lenses 102 after the blink event or pulse occurs.

[0112] The voltage pulses generated by the video camera or optical sensor of the sensor 110 may require signal conditioning to standardize their amplitude and timing before subsequent processing, such as by a controller processor. To achieve the desired signal conditioning, various methods are available for both adjusting the voltage level and converting the blink pulses to a uniform width. Potential technologies for amplifying the amplitude of the pulse voltage include, but are not limited to, transistor-based amplifier circuits designed with appropriate or suitable gain feedback, and transformers capable of stepping up low AC voltages via magnetic induction. Pulse width standardization may also be achieved using, but is not limited to, a monostable multivibrator circuit that is triggered by an input blink pulse and outputs a constant pulse width.

[0113] In some embodiments, a dedicated timer integrated circuit, such as a 555 timer IC, or other integrated circuit chip designed for timing applications, may be configured in monostable mode to achieve the desired fixed pulse width. Another example may include using a programmable microcontroller, such as an Arduino or Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller, running firmware designed to measure input pulse widths and generate normally timed output pulses. In such embodiments, the adjusted voltage pulses may be adjusted to or based on the lenses 102 of the eyeglasses 100 to remove haze or optical obscuration in a desired manner, such as within a desired time after a blink has been determined or verified.

[0114] In some embodiments, sensor 110 or sensor 112 may include an ambient humidity sensor, which may communicate humidity values ​​to the controller. In such embodiments, the controller may determine, via signal communication with the humidity sensor, that a higher rate of blinking should occur in a relatively dry environment. In response, the controller may increase the frequency with which haze events are triggered (e.g., by shortening the time interval between the first signal and the second signal, or the time interval between the transition of lens 102 or screen 116 from the first state to the second state and back again). (Reference: Tabernero, Juan, Garcia-Porta, Nery, Artal, Pablo, and Pardhan, Shahina, “Intraocular Scattering, Blinking Rate, and Tear Film Osmolarity After Exposure to Environmental Stress,” Translational Vision Science & Technology, 2021, Vol. 10, No. 9, Article 12, DOI: 10.1167 / tvst.10.9.12, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.)

[0115] In view of all of the above, various parameters involved in creating or removing an optical occlusion in front of the user, such as the frequency of temporary optical occlusion (e.g., the time interval between two successive occurrences of the second state or haze effect in the lens 102 or screen 116), the length of each optical occlusion occurrence (e.g., how long the lens 102 or screen 116 remains in the second state), and the light transmittance at the time of the optical occlusion occurrence (e.g., the percentage of light transmittance reduction in the second state), may be determined and / or modified to better suit the recommended or desired blinking needs in various environments and activities.

[0116] 10 shows a lens stack 120 that includes an electro-dynamic layer 130. The lens stack 120 may encompass or generally represent one or all of the individual layers that make up or include the first lens 102A, the second lens 102B, and the screen 116. The lens 102 or lens stack 120 may each include two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten individual layers.

[0117] In some embodiments, lens stack 120 may include first layer 120A and second layer 120B. In one embodiment, one or both of first layer 120A and second layer 120B may be a single polycarbonate layer. In other embodiments, first layer 120A or second layer 120B may each be formed from a variety of other materials, such as, but not limited to, glass or glass laminates, nylon or nylon laminates, polyimide laminates, polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) laminates or biaxially oriented PET triacetate laminates, non-polarizing or polarizing sheet laminates, etc.

[0118] Lens stack 120 may include an electro-dynamic layer 130. Electro-dynamic layer 130 may be representative of haze-inducing layer 106 shown in and described with reference to Figures 1-2. Thus, electro-dynamic layer 130 may be representative of one or more layers of lens 102 or lens stack 120 and may be configured or capable of adjusting or transitioning lens 102 between a first state shown in Figure 1 and a second state shown in Figure 2 when a voltage is applied to it or when a previously applied voltage is removed or no longer applied.

[0119] In some embodiments, electro-dynamic layer 130 can be disposed on or between first layer 120A and second layer 120B. In other embodiments, electro-dynamic layer 130 can be disposed on or between lens 102 or various other layers of lens stack 120. In other embodiments, electro-dynamic layer 130 can be disposed on the outward-facing surface or other outermost surface of first layer 120A or second layer 120B.

[0120] The electrodynamic layer 130 can be made from one or more layers of various materials. For example, the electrodynamic layer 130 can be formed from various laminates with embedded liquid crystal films or layers, such as, but not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) laminates, polycarbonate laminates, nylon laminates, polyimide laminates, biaxially oriented PET triacetate laminates, or non-polarized or polarized sheet laminates. In various embodiments, such liquid crystal films or layers can be polymer dispersed liquid crystal film (“PDLC”) layers. In certain embodiments, the liquid crystal laminate (e.g., the electrodynamic layer 130) can be a PET laminate with a polymer dispersed liquid crystal film (PDLC) layer, which can include a polymer dispersed liquid crystal film with a high clearing point, allowing for higher temperature processing.

[0121] In some embodiments, the lens stack 120 or electrodynamic layer 130 (e.g., a liquid crystal stack) may be formed or integrated into the lens 102 via an injection molding process. In such embodiments, the lens stack 120 may include a liquid crystal stack (e.g., an electrodynamic layer 130) molded between two or more polycarbonate films or layers with a heat-curable, UV-curable, or e-beam-curable optical adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive. In certain embodiments, lens stack 120 may include a liquid crystal PDLC layer (which may be electrodynamic layer 130) laminated between two polycarbonate sheets each approximately 12 millimeters thick, which may represent first layer 120A and second layer 120B in some embodiments, using an optically clear pressure-sensitive adhesive and / or a heat-curing polyurethane adhesive, such as 3M 8213 OCA adhesive, which can be cured at approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Other non-limiting examples of pressure-sensitive adhesives include 3M 8146-2 OCA and 3M CEF 3104AS OCA.

[0122] In another specific embodiment, the electrodynamic layer 130 may be an infrared liquid crystal (IRLC) film or a suspended particle device (SPD) film, both of which are types of PDLC films that have relatively high clearing points, thereby increasing their heat resistance. This may be useful when the lens stack 120 or the electrodynamic layer 130 is molded or otherwise exposed to high levels of heat. In some embodiments, the electrodynamic layer 130, the first layer 120A, the second layer 120B, or other layers of the lens stack 120 may have various colors, such as white, gray, or brown. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the electrodynamic layer 130 may change color between a first state and a second state, for example, transitioning from white to gray or from light brown to dark brown.

[0123] In some embodiments, after laminating the various components or layers that make up the lens stack 120, the lens stack 120 may be directly molded into a lens made of polycarbonate or other material, which may represent the lens 102 of the eyeglasses 100 in some embodiments, without going through a molding process as shown in FIG. 8. In such embodiments, the lens stack 120, after being fabricated by lamination or other method, may be placed directly into a lens mold and molded into a complete lens (e.g., first lens 102A or second lens 102B) by laminating the lens stack 120 between, or casting the lens stack 120 into, polycarbonate or other material introduced into the lens mold. This helps avoid molding the lens stack 120, thereby avoiding damage to the electro-dynamic layer 130 or the liquid crystal layer within the lens stack 120.

[0124] As an example, the electromotive layer 130 of a liquid crystal laminate device or wafer may be made of PET and laminated to a polycarbonate sheet (e.g., 12 mil polycarbonate sheet) using an optically clear pressure-sensitive adhesive. The use of such an adhesive may allow the polycarbonate to adhere to injection-molded polycarbonate materials. The polycarbonate laminate may be molded with or without molding. Depending on the laminate, it may be molded into 0-base, 2-base, and / or 4-base curves using heat, vacuum, and molding tools after hot masking.

[0125] In other embodiments, after the various components or layers that make up the lens stack 120 have been stacked, the lens stack 120 may first be shaped to impart a permanent curvature to the lens stack 120 through the application of heat and pressure before finally being molded into a finished lens made of polycarbonate or other material, as shown in Figure 7. Such a permanent curvature may be, for example, a base curve or curvature (shown as a positive or negative number) that is selected or designed to impart a corrective force to the lens stack 120, and may be created, for example, by heating the lens stack 120 and then applying a vacuum to the lens stack 120 in a molding mold with a relatively hot mask.

[0126] In some such embodiments, shaping the lens stack 120 prior to molding, such as shaping to impart a corrective curvature to the lens stack 120, may not significantly affect or damage the performance of the electro-dynamic layer 130 or other liquid crystal layers disposed within the lens stack 120. For example, Figure 11 shows a graph illustrating the response time of the electro-dynamic layer 130 in response to an applied voltage before and after shaping and molding the lens stack 120. Figure 12 shows a table illustrating the response time of the electro-dynamic layer 130 in response to an applied voltage before and after shaping and molding the lens stack 120.

[0127] More specifically, before obtaining the performance results (e.g., response times) shown in Figures 11 and 12, the tested lens stack 120 and electrodynamic layer 130 were first shaped into a 4 base curve configuration. While a 4 base curve represents a large curvature available for many corrective lenses, the shaping and molding of the lens stack 120 and its electrodynamic layer 130 is not so limited, and such curvatures to impart corrective forces to the lens stack 120 may not significantly or significantly alter or affect the response of the electrodynamic layer 130 in operation of various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0128] Various types of laminates known in the art may be utilized. For example, the "RF" laminate shown in Figures 12-14 may include a reverse-phase polymer-dispersed liquid crystal laminate that is clear at 0 volts. The "PF" laminate may include a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal laminate that is maximum haze at 0 volts and clear at 40 volts. The "G" laminate may include a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal laminate that is maximum haze at 0 volts and clear at 70 volts AC. Other types of laminates may be dark at 0 volts and clear at 100 volts AC. It should be understood, therefore, that the "trigger conditions" for various laminates may vary depending on the embodiment, with some laminates clearing at zero voltage and others clearing at relatively high voltages. Such laminates have been shown to be effective with various base curves (e.g., 0B, 2B, 4B) and various types of adhesives (e.g., pressure-sensitive adhesives, moisture-curable adhesives, and the like).

[0129] In some embodiments, a liquid crystal device may be laminated to a polycarbonate sheet (e.g., a 12 mil polycarbonate sheet) using a moisture-curable adhesive. The curing process may include exposing the laminate to a high temperature environment for an extended period of time. The laminate may then be molded with or without molding. FIG. 13 is a graph showing the haze before and after injection molding of a liquid crystal laminate made with a moisture-curable adhesive. FIG. 14 is a table showing the response time before and after injection molding of a liquid crystal laminate made with a moisture-curable adhesive. In one example, the moisture-curable adhesive may include an adhesive based on a polyurethane-based chemical composition. As is evident from the above figures, no significant degradation of the haze or optical shielding of the liquid crystal film was observed after injection molding.

[0130] In view of the above, it should be understood that the lens stack 120, including the first layer 120A, the second layer 120B, and the electro-dynamic layer 130, can be shaped to impart any corrective power thereto (e.g., to provide a corrective power lens). Additionally, other layers of the lens 102, such as those surrounding or enclosing the lens stack 120, can be shaped to impart corrective power during or after the molding or casting process. The lens stack 120 can be incorporated into these layers during this process. For example, the lens 102, the first layer 120A, the second layer 120B, and the electro-dynamic layer 130 can be fitted, formed, or otherwise tailored or manufactured to accommodate various eyeglass prescriptions. These prescriptions may include, for example, power ("PWR"), which is a positive or negative number indicating the degree of correction to improve near and / or distance vision, cylinder ("CYL"), which is a positive or negative number to correct astigmatism, axis ("AX"), add power ("ADD"), near-only single focus power ("SVN"), or distance-only single focus power ("SVD"), etc.

[0131] In additional embodiments, the lens stack 120, the electrodynamic layer 130, or any of the lenses 102 described above may be embedded within a cast lens material or attached via a film adhesive to a surface of either the lens 102 or the lens stack 120 during final casting using the casting process described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007 / 0122626, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such a casting process may include introducing a liquid polycarbonate material into an ophthalmic lens glass mold containing the lens stack 120 therein.

[0132] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a lens stack 120 that includes at least two electrical contacts 122. FIGS. 7 and 8 also illustrate examples of lens stacks 120. The at least two electrical contacts 122 are discussed simultaneously below with reference to FIGS. 6-8. The at least two electrical contacts 122 may generally be any electrical connections or contacts that are conductively or electrically connected to the electromotive layer 130 or the haze-inducing layer 106. In some embodiments, the screen 116 (FIG. 5) may also include at least two electrical contacts 122.

[0133] The at least two electrical contacts 122 may be electrically connected or otherwise electrically or conductively connected to any controller described herein. The at least two electrical contacts 122 are configured to receive and apply a voltage to an electro-dynamic layer 130 disposed within the lens stack 120 or the screen 116, thereby enabling the controller to control or modulate the occurrence of haze or optical obscuration (e.g., adjust the lens 102 or screen 116 from a first state to a second state, or adjust the lens 102 or screen 116 from the second state to the first state).

[0134] In one specific embodiment, the at least two electrical contacts 122 may be disposed within a PDLC film or layer of the lens stack 120 or screen 116. For example, a PDLC film or layer generally has or includes a sponge-like polymer network combined with liquid crystals, and the at least two electrical contacts 122 may represent opaque or transparent electrodes or electrode layers disposed on either side of the sponge-like polymer network, the electrodes or electrode layers configured to pass an electric current through the polymer network and the liquid crystals.

[0135] In some embodiments, the electro-power layer 130 of the lens 102 or screen 116 may become clear (e.g., adjusted from a second state to a first state) when a voltage, current, or other electrical signal is applied by the controller to the electro-power layer 130, and the lens 102 or screen 116 may become hazy or opaque (e.g., adjusted from a first state to a second state) when the electrical signal is deactivated, removed, or otherwise removed from the electro-power layer 130. In other embodiments, the electro-power layer 130, lens 102, or screen 116 may become hazy or opaque (e.g., adjusted from a first state to a second state) when a voltage, current, or other electrical signal is applied by the controller to the electro-power layer 130, and may become clear (e.g., adjusted from a second state to a first state) when the electrical signal is deactivated, removed, or otherwise removed from the electro-power layer 130.

[0136] 9 shows a graph illustrating the use of voltage to modulate an electro-dynamic layer between a first state and a second state over a period of time. As shown in FIG. 9, the electro-dynamic layer 130 (e.g., haze-inducing layer 106) of the lens stack 120 or screen 116 may be controlled using various means or methods described above or below, such as via any controller described in this disclosure. For example, the electro-dynamic layer 130 may be modulated, actuated, activated, or otherwise controlled to reach a second state (e.g., a state of reduced limited light transmission through the lenses 102 or screen 116) at or around a predetermined time based on parameters of the voltage applied thereto.

[0137] In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to gradually increase the voltage (e.g., first signal) applied to the optical blocking feature (e.g., electrodynamic layer 130 of lens 102) over various time intervals or periods, as described above with reference to FIGS. 4-5, until a predetermined voltage level is reached. In such embodiments, the predetermined voltage level may define, determine, or correspond to a second state (e.g., a percentage decrease in light transmission through lens 102 or screen). The predetermined voltage level, or the percentage decrease in light transmission at any particular voltage, may vary depending on the material of electrodynamic layer 130, such as the type of liquid crystal stack included in electrodynamic layer 130.

[0138] In some embodiments, the controller may control or modulate (e.g., adjust) the electro-power layer 130 between a first state and a second state using alternating current ("AC") power (e.g., applied to at least two electrical contacts 122). In some embodiments, the controller may control or modulate (e.g., adjust) the electro-power layer 130 between a first state and a second state using direct current ("DC") power (e.g., applied to at least two electrical contacts 122). In embodiments in which DC power is used, a DC voltage with pulsing and frequency modulation may be applied by the controller to achieve the second state (e.g., a desired haze level) within a desired time, such as any of the periods or time intervals described above.

[0139] In light of all of the above, any of the devices or systems described herein may be used to treat various vision-related conditions that can be addressed by increasing a user's blink rate, including, for example, dry eye syndrome. Additionally, any of the devices or systems described herein may be used to treat amblyopia. For example, a clinician, doctor, optometrist, or other healthcare professional may first identify a dominant, preferred, or "good" eye that properly tracks a desired visual target, and then identify a less dominant, less preferred, or "lazy" eye. Any haze-generating or -inducing device may be modulated or controlled to create and maintain haze in front of the dominant eye while allowing clear vision in front of the inferior eye, and this condition may be maintained for a period of time (e.g., hours, days, weeks, or longer).

[0140] This treatment may be particularly useful when using eyeglasses 100, although other described devices may also be used. In this manner, the amount of haze needed for amblyopia (e.g., the percentage reduction in light transmittance in the second state) is determined by the prescribing physician. Optionally, eyeglasses 100 may include the aforementioned sensors 110, which may take the form of one or more cameras facing the user's eyes. These cameras may monitor the movement of the user's inferior eye, and optionally, the dominant eye, to track improvement. For example, the cameras may monitor the eyes and record eye position data for one or both eyes to determine whether the eyes are tracking better together or whether the movement of the inferior eye is improving to a more normal movement pattern.

[0141] In any implementation of the above embodiments, a method of using the device or system to induce a blink response may include monitoring the eye for one or more blinks over a predetermined period of time, determining that fewer than a predetermined number of blinks have occurred within the predetermined period of time, and modulating haze on a haze removal device (e.g., glasses or a screen) in front of the eye to induce a blink and removing the haze from the device. The source of the haze may further include applying a voltage to a liquid crystal stack (or similar display) in the device for a predetermined period of time.

[0142] While the terms "haze," "hazing," or "optical shielding" are used generally herein, it should be understood that these terms can also refer to blocking, dimming, or otherwise adjusting the transmittance or focus of light passing through an optical element. Additionally, while the term "controller" is used generally herein in connection with various embodiments, it should be understood that this term can include control systems or control units, including microprocessors, microcontrollers, processing units, computers or computing devices, power supplies such as electrical transformers or batteries, and various methods, systems, and / or devices for establishing communication with the electrical power layer 130, the haze-inducing layer 106, the screen 116, or other devices for creating a temporary optical shield in front of a patient or user.

[0143] Additionally, embodiments of devices and systems for triggering a blink response may utilize closed-loop control based on sensor feedback, which may increase or decrease the frequency of the elicited blink response (either taking into account the user's actual blinks or, in the absence of an eye-tracking sensor, not taking into account the user's actual blinks) depending on whether the data is above or below a certain threshold. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, in the absence of an eye-tracking sensor, the frequency of the elicited blink response may be changed in response to one or more user inputs to a user interface without taking into account the user's actual blinks.

[0144] The following non-limiting examples detail particular aspects of the present subject matter that, among other things, solve the problems and provide the advantages discussed herein.

[0145] Example 1 is a device for eliciting a blink response in a user, comprising creating a haze in front of one or more eyes of the user for a predetermined period of time.

[0146] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 includes, wherein the device is a pair of glasses.

[0147] In Example 3, the subject matter of Examples 1-2 includes that the device is a screen in front of a monitor.

[0148] In Example 4, the subject matter of Examples 1-3 includes, wherein generating the haze includes varying a voltage applied to the PDLC layer.

[0149] In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 4 includes the device being constructed with a multilayer film or substrate including polycarbonate and / or polyethylene terephthalate films, and the PDLC layer being molded into a spherical or corrective prescription lens.

[0150] In Example 6, the subject matter of Examples 1-5 includes a sensor configured to monitor eye blinking of a user.

[0151] In Example 7, the subject matter of Examples 1-6 includes a sensor configured to monitor depth of field, color seen by a user, light intensity, rate of change of a visual stimulus to a user, and / or humidity around a user.

[0152] In Example 8, the subject matter of Examples 1-7 includes wherein the time interval is about 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, 0.3 seconds, 0.4 seconds, 0.5 seconds, 0.6 seconds, 0.7 seconds, 0.8 seconds, 0.9 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, or 10 seconds.

[0153] In Example 9, the subject matter of Examples 1-8 includes adjusting the transmittance of the haze based on ambient light around the user.

[0154] In Example 10, the subject matter of Examples 1-9 includes allowing a user to adjust the transmittance of the haze via a computer or phone app.

[0155] In Example 11, the subject matter of Examples 1-10 includes removing the haze based on whether it is detected that the user has blinked.

[0156] In Example 12, the subject matter of Examples 2-11 includes wherein the eyeglasses include one or more sensors that detect blinking of one or more eyes of the wearer.

[0157] Example 13 is an apparatus for inducing a blink response, comprising: a sensor configured to detect a blink of at least one eye; and a lens including a plurality of layers, at least one of which includes an electro-dynamic layer capable of communicating with the sensor, the electro-dynamic layer configured to adjust the lens between a first state and a second state in response to a first signal from the sensor; and the electro-dynamic layer configured to adjust the lens between the second state and the first state in response to a second signal from the sensor.

[0158] In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 includes, in the first state, the lens is transparent or clear.

[0159] In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14 includes, in the second state, the lens is at least partially opaque or occluded.

[0160] In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 15 includes, wherein in the second state, the lens is translucent, semi-opaque, opaque, hazy, opaque, or blurred.

[0161] In Example 17, the subject matter of Examples 13-16 includes wherein the plurality of layers includes at least one polycarbonate layer.

[0162] In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 17 includes wherein the at least one polycarbonate layer comprises a first polycarbonate layer and a second polycarbonate layer, and the electrodynamic layer is disposed between the first polycarbonate layer and the second polycarbonate layer.

[0163] In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 18 includes, wherein at least one of the first polycarbonate layer and the second polycarbonate layer comprises a corrective force.

[0164] In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 19 includes the electrodynamic layer being an injection-molded polyethylene terephthalate laminate containing a liquid crystal film.

[0165] In Example 21, the subject matter of Example 20 includes, wherein the electromotive layer includes at least two electrical contacts electrically connected with the liquid crystal film.

[0166] In Example 22, the subject matter of Example 21 includes, wherein the sensor includes a camera.

[0167] Example 23 is a system for inducing a blink response, comprising: a sensor configured to detect a blink of at least one eye; and a lens including a plurality of layers, at least one of which includes an electro-dynamic layer capable of communicating with the sensor, the electro-dynamic layer configured to adjust the lens between a first state and a second state in response to a first signal; and the electro-dynamic layer configured to adjust the lens between the second state and the first state in response to the second signal from the sensor; and a controller in communication with the sensor and the electro-dynamic section of the lens, the controller configured to generate the first signal and the second signal based on signal communication with the sensor.

[0168] In Example 24, the subject matter of Example 23 is such that in the first state, the lens is transparent or clear, and in the second state, the lens is at least partially opaque or obscured.

[0169] In Example 25, the subject matter of Example 24 includes wherein the second condition is defined by a 10-30% reduction in light transmittance through the lens, a 31-50% reduction in light transmittance through the lens, or a 51-70% reduction in light transmittance through the lens.

[0170] In Example 26, the subject matter of Examples 24-25 includes the controller generating the second signal upon receiving a blink verification signal from the sensor, and the controller being configured to generate the first signal after a time interval starting from the time the controller receives the blink verification signal has elapsed.

[0171] In Example 27, the subject matter of Example 26 includes wherein the time interval is about 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, 0.3 seconds, 0.4 seconds, 0.5 seconds, 0.6 seconds, 0.7 seconds, 0.8 seconds, 0.9 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, or 10 seconds.

[0172] In Example 28, the subject matter of Examples 26-27 includes wherein the controller is adapted to vary the time interval based on at least one of a predetermined blink rate threshold, ambient light intensity, a color seen through the lens, ambient humidity, depth of field, and a rate of change of the visual stimulus.

[0173] In Example 29, the subject matter of Example 28 includes, wherein the sensor includes a camera and a humidity sensor.

[0174] In Example 30, the subject matter of Example 29 includes a user interface electrically connected to the controller, the user interface configured to allow a user to select a time interval between generation of the first signal and the second signal by the controller.

[0175] In Example 31, the subject matter of Example 30 includes, wherein the user interface is displayed on a desktop computer, an electronic tablet, or a mobile phone.

[0176] Example 32 is a method for inducing a blink response, the method including adjusting an electrodynamic layer of a lens between a first state and a second state in response to a first signal from a sensor configured to detect a blink in at least one eye, and adjusting the lens between the second state and the first state in response to a second signal from the sensor.

[0177] Example 33 is at least one machine-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processing circuit, cause the processing circuit to perform a process to implement any of Examples 1-32.

[0178] Example 34 is an apparatus including means for carrying out any one of Examples 1 to 32.

[0179] The thirty-fifth embodiment is a system for carrying out any one of the first to thirty-second embodiments.

[0180] Example 36 is a method for carrying out any of Examples 1-32.

[0181] While the present invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments and applications, additional embodiments and modifications may occur to those skilled in the art in light of the present teachings without departing from the spirit or beyond the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are provided by way of example to facilitate understanding of the invention and should not be construed as limiting its scope.

Claims

1. 1. A device for eliciting a blink response, comprising: a sensor configured to detect a blink of at least one eye; a lens including a plurality of layers, at least one of the plurality of layers including an electro-power layer in communication with the sensor; the electro-dynamic layer is configured to adjust the lens from a first state to a second state in response to a first signal by the sensor; The electro-dynamic layer is configured to adjust the lens from the second state to the first state in response to a second signal from the sensor.

2. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein in the first state, the lens is transparent or clear.

3. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein in the second state, the lens is at least partially opaque or shielded.

4. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein in the second state, the lens is translucent, semi-opaque, opaque, hazy, opaque, or blurred.

5. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of layers includes at least one polycarbonate layer.

6. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the at least one polycarbonate layer comprises a first polycarbonate layer and a second polycarbonate layer, and the electromotive layer is disposed between the first polycarbonate layer and the second polycarbonate layer.

7. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein at least one of the first polycarbonate layer and the second polycarbonate layer comprises a corrective force.

8. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the electro-dynamic layer is an injection molded polyethylene terephthalate laminate containing a liquid crystal film.

9. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the electro-dynamic layer includes at least two electrical contacts electrically connected to the liquid crystal film.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sensor comprises a camera.

11. 1. A system for eliciting an eyeblink response, comprising: a sensor configured to detect a blink of at least one eye; a lens including a plurality of layers, at least one of the plurality of layers including an electro-power layer in communication with the sensor; the electro-dynamic layer is configured to adjust the lens between a first state and a second state in response to a first signal; the electro-dynamic layer is configured to adjust the lens between the second state and the first state in response to a second signal by the sensor; The optical system further comprises a controller in communication with the sensor and the electro-dynamic portion of the lens, the controller being configured to generate the first signal and the second signal based on signal communication with the sensor.

12. 12. The system of claim 11, In the first state, the lens is transparent or clear; In the second state, the lens is at least partially opaque or shielded.

13. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the second state is defined by a 10-30% reduction in light transmission through the lens, a 31-50% reduction in light transmission through the lens, or a 51-70% reduction in light transmission through the lens.

14. 13. The system of claim 12, the controller generating the second signal upon receiving a blink verification signal from the sensor; The controller is configured to generate the first signal after a time interval that begins when the controller receives the blink verification signal.

15. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the time interval is approximately 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, 0.3 seconds, 0.4 seconds, 0.5 seconds, 0.6 seconds, 0.7 seconds, 0.8 seconds, 0.9 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, or 10 seconds.

16. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the controller is adapted to vary the time interval based on at least one of a predetermined blink rate threshold, ambient light intensity, a color viewed through a lens, ambient humidity, depth of field, or a rate of change of a visual stimulus.

17. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the sensors include a camera and a humidity sensor.

18. 18. The system according to claim 17, further comprising a user interface electrically connected to the controller, the user interface configured to allow a user to select a time interval between generation of the first signal and the second signal by the controller.

19. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the user interface is displayed on a desktop computer, an electronic tablet, or a mobile phone.

20. 1. A method for eliciting a blink response, the method comprising: adjusting an electro-dynamic layer of the lens between a first state and a second state in response to a first signal by a sensor configured to detect a blink in at least one eye; and adjusting the lens between a second state and the first state in response to a second signal from the sensor.

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