Eyewear with prescription and laser protection

Abstract

The lens blank includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer has an anterior surface and a posterior surface and is formed of a base material and one or more energy absorbing dyes substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the base material. The one or more dyes are configured to absorb electromagnetic energy. The second layer is bonded or permanently attached to the posterior surface of the first layer and is formed of a substantially transparent base material.

Description

Related Applications

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS)

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Utility Patent Application No. 18 / 160,751, filed January 27, 2023, entitled "EYEWEAR WITH PRESCRIPTION AND LASER PROTECTION," the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field]

[0002] This application relates to eyewear, and more particularly to eyewear with one or more lenses that can be polished with a user's prescription and that can provide laser or light protection with specific characteristics. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] In the decades since lasers were first developed, their use has expanded into many diverse technological fields. For example, lasers are commonly used in optical disk drives, printers, barcode scanners, DNA sequencing equipment, fiber optics, photolithography, medical treatments, cutting and melting applications, and many other fields and technologies. In many cases, the use of lasers requires adherence to certain safety protocols to protect people in the vicinity of the laser.

[0004]

[0004] One such safety protocol is the use of protective eyewear. The human eye is highly vulnerable to laser radiation. Unprotected exposure to lasers can result in the development of cataracts, corneal burns, and vision loss. Protective eyewear blocks the high-intensity radiation from lasers from reaching the eye, thereby protecting the eye from the laser's harmful effects.

[0005]

[0005] While various types of laser protective eyewear are readily available, there are several areas for improvement. For example, typical laser protective eyewear is not suitable for grinding the eyewear with a user's prescription. As a result, users who wear corrective / prescription lenses (e.g., eyeglasses) must wear two sets of eyewear to see clearly and protect their eyes from lasers: regular eyeglasses and laser protective eyewear.

[0006]

[0006] Some efforts have been made to provide prescription laser protective eyewear. For example, tinted mineral glass is used to make lenses for such eyewear. While mineral glass can be polished with a user's prescription, it exhibits other undesirable characteristics. For example, when a prescription is polished into the glass, some portions of the glass become thinner than other portions. This can result in color gradations across the glass (e.g., due to less color in the thinner or polished areas), which can distract or impair the user's vision and can adversely affect the safety properties of the eyewear. Furthermore, mineral glass typically must be relatively thick to accommodate a range of different prescriptions, which can result in an undesirable Coke bottle effect.

[0007] In view of the above, there remains room for improvement in the field of eyewear, particularly in the field relating to prescription laser protective eyewear. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Utility Patent Application No. 18 / 160,751 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] This application relates to eyewear, and more particularly to eyewear with one or more lenses that can be polished with a user's prescription and that can provide laser or light protection with specific characteristics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] For example, in one embodiment, a lens blank may include a first layer and a second layer. The first layer may have an anterior surface and a posterior surface and may be formed of a base material and one or more energy-absorbing dyes dispersed substantially uniformly throughout the base material. The one or more dyes may be configured to absorb electromagnetic energy. The second layer may be bonded or permanently attached to the posterior surface of the first layer and may be formed of a substantially transparent base material. The second layer may be sufficiently thick so that a corrective power can be applied to the posterior surface of the second layer without affecting the first layer. The lens blank may have two or more optical densities.

[0011] In another embodiment, a lens is configured to provide vision correction and laser protection. The lens includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer has an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and a generally uniform thickness therebetween. The first layer is formed of a base material and one or more energy-absorbing dyes dispersed generally uniformly throughout the base material. The one or more dyes are configured to absorb electromagnetic energy and produce a generally uniform color across the first layer. The second layer is bonded or permanently attached to the posterior surface of the first layer. The second layer is formed of a generally transparent base material and has a surface that is surface-polished or polished to provide a corrective power. The lens has an optical density of two or more.

[0012] In yet another example embodiment, a method for forming a prescription laser protection lens is provided. The method includes mixing one or more energy absorbing dyes into a base material to create a substantially homogeneous mixture of the base material and the dye(s). The method further includes forming a first layer of a lens blank from the mixture of the base material and the dye(s), the first layer having an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The method further includes forming a second layer on the posterior surface of the first layer, the second layer being formed from the base material and having a posterior surface opposite the first layer. The method further includes surface treating or polishing the posterior surface of the second layer with a corrective power.

[0013] These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

[0014] To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that these drawings depict only illustrative embodiments of the invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. The invention will be explained and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a side view of a lens blank according to certain example embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 depicts an exploded view of the lens blank of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lens blank of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 4 depicts certain example embodiments of eyewear having lenses formed from lens blanks such as those of FIGS. 1-3. [Figure 5]1 illustrates an example method for creating lenses with power and laser protection properties. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016]

[0019] This application relates to eyewear. More specifically, this application relates to eyewear with one or more lenses that can be polished with a user's prescription and that can provide laser or light protection with specific properties. Even more specifically, this application relates to polymer-based lenses that can be used in eyewear to provide both prescription and laser protection properties.

[0017]

[0020] Attention is now directed to the figures depicting example embodiments of lenses that can provide the benefits and functionality discussed herein. For example, FIGS. 1-3 depict side, exploded, and cross-sectional views of a lens blank 100 that can be used to create prescription lenses with laser protection. In the illustrated embodiment, the lens blank 100 includes two layers. The first layer 102 is a front layer (e.g., located further from or facing away from the user's eye (compared to the second layer)), and the second layer 104 is a back layer (e.g., located closer to or facing the user's eye (compared to the first layer)).

[0018]

[0021] The first layer 102 may provide laser protection properties to a lens formed from the lens blank 100. The first layer 102 may be formed from a base resin, thermoplastic, or polymer. The base material may have one or more energy or laser absorbing dyes and / or other additives blended or mixed into the base material. The one or more other additives may include UV stabilizers. As discussed in more detail below, the energy or laser absorbing dyes and / or other additives may provide the lens blank 100 with one or more properties that provide protection to the human eye. Suitable energy or laser absorbing dyes and / or other additives may be obtained from a variety of suppliers, including Exciton, Epolin, QCR Solutions, HW Sands, Luxottica, and Moleculum. The amount of energy or laser absorbing dye and / or other additives added to the first layer 102 may vary depending on the amount or type of protection desired.

[0019]

[0022] The first layer 102 may have a thickness T1. In some embodiments, the thickness T1 is generally uniform across the first layer 102. In some embodiments, the thickness T1 of the first layer 102 may be in the range of approximately 1.5-2.0 mm. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness T1 may be 1.6 mm. The thickness T1 may have a tolerance of ±0.075 mm. The first layer 102 may also have an anterior radius of approximately 88.33 mm and a posterior radius of approximately 86.233 mm for base curve 6, an anterior radius of approximately 132.5 mm and a posterior radius of approximately 130.4 mm for base curve 4, or other values ​​for other base curves, or values ​​therebetween or within a reasonable variation therefrom (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10%, 25%, etc.).

[0020]

[0023] As a result of the generally uniform thickness of first layer 102, the dye disposed within first layer 102 may provide a generally uniform color across first layer 102 (and across lens blank 100). The uniform color may improve visibility through lenses formed from lens blank 100 compared to lenses formed from tinted glass having a non-uniform thickness. The uniform thickness may also help ensure generally uniform protective properties across first layer 102 (and thus across lenses formed from lens blank 100).

[0021]

[0024] The second layer 104 may be formed from a variety of transparent base materials (e.g., resins, thermoplastics, polymers) having different refractive indices. Such materials include polycarbonate, Roc Poly, etc. In some embodiments, the base material of the second layer 104 may be the same as the base material of the first layer 102, but without the addition of energy or laser absorbing dyes and / or other additives. As a result, the second layer 104 may be transparent.

[0022]

[0025] The second layer 104 may have a thickness T2. In some embodiments, the thickness T2 is generally uniform across the second layer 104. In some embodiments, the thickness T2 of the second layer 104 may be in a range of approximately 6-10 mm. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness T2 may be approximately 8.4 mm. The thickness T2 may have a tolerance of ±0.075 mm. The thickness T2 may be sufficient to allow the back surface 106 of the second layer 104 to be polished or otherwise finished with a user's power, including single vision or progressive powers and powers in the range of -8 to 11+.

[0023]

[0026] The second layer 104 may have an anterior radius of about 88.33 mm and a posterior radius of about 86.233 mm for base curve 6, an anterior radius of about 132.5 mm and a posterior radius of about 130.4 mm for base curve 4, or other values ​​for other base curves, or values ​​therebetween or within a reasonable variation therefrom (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10%, 25%, etc.).

[0024]

[0027] Once the lens blank 100 has been surface treated to add the user's power, the resulting lens 108 may be mounted within a frame 110 to be worn by the user, as shown in Figure 4. The resulting eyewear is thus capable of providing laser protection to the user's eyes, yet has been polished with the user's power in the lens 108.

[0025]

[0028] A method 112 for making lens blank 100 and forming lenses 108 therefrom may include the steps depicted in Figure 5. According to method 112, energy or laser absorbing dye(s) and / or other additives are mixed with a base material (such as a resin, thermoplastic, polymer, etc.) at step 114. This step may include mixing the components to provide a substantially uniform distribution of the dye(s) and / or other additives throughout the base material.

[0026]

[0029] The method may further include a two-shot injection molding process or other process to form the lens blank 100. For example, the method 112 may include a first (injection molding) step 116 in which a mixture of a base material and dye(s) and / or other additives is placed or injected into a mold to form the first layer 102. The method 112 may further include a second (injection molding) step 118 in which a transparent base material is placed or injected into a mold (either the same mold or a different mold if the first layer 102 has been transferred to a different mold) and onto the first layer 102 to form the second layer. The (injection molding) process may create a strong, substantially uniform bond between the first layer 102 and the second layer 104. In some embodiments, the (two-shot injection molding) process can bond or join the first layer 102 and the second layer 104 together such that the first layer 102 and the second layer 104 are integrally bonded into a single component. Upon completion of the (two-shot injection molding) process, the lens blank 100 is formed.

[0027]

[0030] The method 112 may further include a step 120 in which the back surface 106 of the second layer 104 is surface treated or polished to form a lens 108 having a desired power. The resulting lens(es) 108 may then be mounted within a frame to be worn by a user.

[0028]

[0031] It is important to note that when the rear surface 106 of the second layer 104 is surface treated or polished to produce the desired power, the first layer 102 is not surface treated or polished. This ensures that the thickness T1 of the first layer 102 is not altered by the surface treatment or polishing. Therefore, color uniformity across the first layer 102 is not altered, avoiding the color gradations common in existing products. Similarly, the protective properties of the first layer 102 (provided by dye(s) and / or other additives) are not altered by the surface treatment or polishing of the rear surface 106 of the second layer 104.

[0029]

[0032] As discussed above, the energy or laser absorbing dye(s) and / or other additives included in the first layer 102 can provide various desired protective properties to the lens blank 100 or lens 108. Various protective properties, or any combination thereof, are selected based on the intended use of the lens 108 and can be achieved through the selection of the particular dye(s) and / or other additives and / or the amount of dye(s) and / or other additives added to the first layer 102.

[0030]

[0033] For example, the resulting lens may have a wavelength of, for example, 100 to 400 nm, 190 to 11,000 nm, 5,500 to 11,000 nm, 900 to 1,070 nm, 900 to 1,080 nm, 190 to 532 nm, 754 to 780 nm, 800 to 1,080 nm, 190 to 400 nm, 780 to 875 nm, 875 to 1,080 nm, 190 to 532 nm, 1,040 to 1,070 nm, 1,045 to 1 Specific dye(s) and / or other additives and / or respective amounts thereof may be added to first layer 102 to provide light filtering performance within a desired electromagnetic wavelength range, such as 1,064 nm, 190-380 nm, 800-830 nm, 190-532 nm, 754-780 nm, 5,000-11,000 nm, or any range or value within or around the recited range. Similarly, specific dye(s) and / or other additives and / or respective amounts thereof may be added to first layer 102 to provide the resulting lens with light filtering capabilities for specific wavelengths, such as 1,064 nm, 532 nm, 530 nm, etc.

[0031]

[0034] The particular dye(s) and / or other additives and / or their respective amounts may be selected to provide the resulting lens with a desired visible light transmittance value, often measured in percentages such as 19, 20, 42, 45, 50, 60, or values ​​therebetween or thereabouts.

[0032]

[0035] Furthermore, the particular dye(s) and / or other additives and / or their respective amounts may be selected to provide the resulting lens with a desired optical density value of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more, and in some cases greater than 10.

[0033]

[0036] The combination of the thickness T1 of the first layer 102 and the particular dye(s) and / or other additives and / or their respective amounts can provide a desired damage threshold level for the resulting lens. More specifically, the thickness T1 of the first layer 102 can be such that it allows for the addition of sufficient energy or laser absorbing dye(s) to absorb the energy from the laser. Furthermore, the thickness of the first layer (and optionally the second layer) can be sufficient to allow for the dissipation of heat resulting from the absorption of laser energy without resulting in damage to the lens. In some embodiments, the combination of the dye(s) and the thickness of one or both layers can provide the lens with approximately 100 watts / cm. 2 Similarly, the dye(s) and thickness of the first layer can provide the desired level of protection through the desired indigence angle, such as 0-30 degrees.

[0034]

[0037] According to the disclosure herein, one exemplary embodiment of a lens blank includes a first layer having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, the first layer being formed of a base material and one or more energy-absorbing dyes dispersed substantially uniformly throughout the base material. The one or more dyes are configured to absorb electromagnetic energy. The lens blank may further include a second layer bonded or permanently attached to the posterior surface of the first layer. The second layer may be formed of a substantially transparent base material and have a posterior surface opposite the first layer. The posterior surface of the second layer may be configured to be surfaced or polished with a corrective power without affecting the first layer. The lens blank may have two or more optical densities.

[0035]

[0038] In some embodiments, the one or more energy absorbing dyes produce a substantially uniform color across the first layer.

[0036]

[0039] In some embodiments, the first layer further comprises one or more UV stabilizers dispersed substantially uniformly throughout the base material of the first layer.

[0037]

[0040] In some embodiments, the base material of the second layer is the same type of material as the base material of the first layer.

[0038]

[0041] In some embodiments, the base material comprises a resin, a thermoplastic, or a polymer.

[0039]

[0042] In some embodiments, the first layer has a substantially uniform thickness.

[0040]

[0043] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first layer is between about 1.5 mm and about 2.0 mm.

[0041]

[0044] In some embodiments, the first layer has a thickness of about 1.6 mm.

[0042]

[0045] In some embodiments, the second layer has a substantially uniform thickness.

[0043]

[0046] In some embodiments, the second layer has a thickness between about 6 nm and 10 nm.

[0044]

[0047] In some embodiments, the second layer has a thickness sufficient to allow the full progressive power to be surface treated or polished onto the back surface of the second layer without affecting the first layer.

[0045]

[0048] In another example embodiment, a lens configured to provide vision correction and laser protection is provided. The lens may include a first layer having an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and a substantially uniform thickness therebetween. The first layer may be formed of a base material and one or more energy-absorbing dyes substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the base material. The one or more dyes are configured to absorb electromagnetic energy and produce a substantially uniform color across the first layer. The lens may further include a second layer bonded or permanently attached to the posterior surface of the first layer, the second layer being formed of a substantially transparent base material and having a surface that is surface-polished or polished to a corrective power. The lens may have two or more optical densities.

[0046]

[0049] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first layer is between about 1.5 mm and about 2.0 mm.

[0047]

[0050] In some embodiments, the correction is a full progressive power.

[0048]

[0051] In some embodiments, the second layer has an unpolished or unsurfaced thickness of between about 6 mm and about 10 mm.

[0049]

[0052] In some embodiments, the lens has a base curve of 2, 4, 6, or 8.

[0050]

[0053] In yet another example embodiment, a method for forming a prescription laser protection lens is provided. The method may include mixing one or more energy absorbing dyes into a base material to create a substantially homogeneous mixture of the base material and the dye(s). The method may further include forming a first layer of a lens blank from the mixture of the base material and the dye(s), the first layer having an anterior surface and a posterior surface and providing the lens with two or more optical densities. The method may further include forming a second layer on the posterior surface of the first layer, the second layer formed from the base material and having a posterior surface opposite the first layer. The method may further include surface treating or polishing the posterior surface of the second layer with a corrective power.

[0051]

[0054] In some embodiments, forming the first layer comprises inserting a mixture of the base material and dye(s) into a mold.

[0052]

[0055] In some embodiments, forming the second layer comprises inserting a base material of the second layer into a mold and onto the rear surface of the first layer.

[0053]

[0056] In some embodiments, the method further comprises selecting one or more dyes and amounts thereof to provide the lens with desired protective properties.

[0054]

[0057] As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "approximate," and "substantially" describe an amount that is close to the stated amount but still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially" may refer to an amount that is within less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, and less than 0.01% of the stated amount.

[0055]

[0058] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced within their scope. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 100 Lens Blanks 102 First Layer 104 Second Layer 106 Back of the second layer 108 Lens 110 frames T1, T2 thickness

Claims

1. A lens blank, the lens blank comprising: a first layer having a front surface and a rear surface, the first layer being formed of a base material and one or more energy absorbing dyes dispersed substantially uniformly throughout the base material, the one or more dyes being configured to absorb electromagnetic energy; a second layer bonded or permanently attached to the rear surface of the first layer, the second layer being formed of a substantially transparent base material, the second layer having a rear surface opposite the first layer, the rear surface of the second layer being configured to be surface treated or polished with a corrective power without affecting the first layer; A lens blank, wherein the lens blank has two or more optical densities.

2. 2. The lens blank according to claim 1, A lens blank, wherein the one or more energy absorbing dyes produce a substantially uniform color across the first layer.

3. 2. The lens blank according to claim 1, The lens blank, wherein the first layer further comprises one or more UV stabilizers dispersed substantially uniformly throughout the base material of the first layer.

4. 2. The lens blank according to claim 1, A lens blank wherein the base material of the second layer is the same type of material as the base material of the first layer.

5. 5. The lens blank according to claim 4, The lens blank, wherein the base material comprises a resin, a thermoplastic, or a polymer.

6. 2. The lens blank according to claim 1, The lens blank, wherein the first layer has a substantially uniform thickness.

7. 7. The lens blank according to claim 6, The lens blank, wherein the thickness of the first layer is between about 1.5 mm and about 2.0 mm.

8. 7. The lens blank according to claim 6, The lens blank, wherein the thickness of the first layer is about 1.6 mm.

9. 2. The lens blank according to claim 1, The lens blank, wherein the second layer has a substantially uniform thickness.

10. 10. The lens blank according to claim 9, The lens blank, wherein the thickness of the second layer is between about 6 mm and 10 nm.

11. 2. The lens blank according to claim 1, The second layer has a thickness sufficient to allow full progressive power to be surface treated or polished onto the posterior surface of the second layer without affecting the first layer.

12. 1. A lens configured to provide vision correction and laser protection, said lens comprising: a first layer having a front surface and a back surface and a substantially uniform thickness therebetween, the first layer being formed of a base material and one or more energy absorbing dyes substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the base material, the one or more dyes configured to absorb electromagnetic energy, the one or more energy absorbing dyes producing a substantially uniform color across the first layer; a second layer bonded or permanently attached to the rear surface of the first layer, the second layer being formed of a substantially transparent base material and having a rear surface that is surface treated or polished to correct power; A lens, wherein the lens has two or more optical densities.

13. 13. The lens of claim 12, The thickness of the first layer is between about 1.5 mm and about 2.0 mm.

14. 13. The lens of claim 12, The lens, wherein the correction power is a full progressive power.

15. 13. The lens of claim 12, The lens, wherein the second layer has an unpolished or unsurfaced thickness of between about 6 mm and about 10 mm.

16. 13. The lens of claim 12, The lens has a base curve of 2, 4, 6, or 8.

17. 1. A method for forming a prescription laser protection lens, the method comprising: mixing one or more energy absorbing dyes into a base material to form a substantially homogeneous mixture of said base material and said dye(s); forming a first layer of a lens blank from the mixture of the base material and the dye(s), the first layer having a front surface and a back surface, the first layer providing two or more optical densities to the lens; forming a second layer on the rear surface of the first layer, the second layer being formed of a base material and having a rear surface opposite the first layer; and polishing or surface treating the rear surface of the second layer with a corrective power.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, The method, wherein forming the first layer comprises inserting the mixture of the base material and the dye(s) into a mold.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, Forming the second layer comprises inserting the base material of the second layer into the mold and onto the rear surface of the first layer.

20. 18. The method of claim 17, The method further comprises the step of selecting the one or more dyes and amounts thereof to provide the lens with desired protective properties.

Images