NIR dye mixture for a wider range of NIR cuts and better aesthetic value.

Abstract

Disclosed is an optical element containing two or more near-infrared absorbers and a method for producing the same. Two near-infrared absorbers with different near-infrared wavelength absorption ranges and residual colors are mixed with a precursor of an optical substrate. The resulting mixture is then processed to produce an optical element with a wide near-infrared wavelength absorption range and a neutral residual color.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical element and a method for manufacturing the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to an optical element containing a plurality of near-infrared dyes in an optical substrate, and a method for manufacturing the optical element. [Background technology]

[0002] Infrared (IR) radiation is electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light. Infrared radiation generally has wavelengths in the range of 780 nm to 1 mm and can be divided into three sub-regions: the near-infrared (NIR) range with wavelengths of 780 to 3000 nm; the mid-infrared (MIR) range with wavelengths of 3 μm to 50 μm; and the far-infrared (FIR) range with wavelengths of 50 to 1000 μm.

[0003] Extensive studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of NIR radiation on the eye. These studies have shown that NIR is absorbed by the retinal pigment epithelium. Depending on the fluence rate, total dose, and spectral characteristics of the NIR, structural retinal damage can occur through at least one of the following processes: photomechanical (photoacoustic), photothermal (heating), and photochemical. Furthermore, numerous studies have shown a strong correlation between habitual NIR exposure and the development of cataracts. Therefore, it is desirable to limit eye exposure to NIR radiation.

[0004] Optical filtering means are generally incorporated into optical articles (e.g., ophthalmic lens materials) to reduce or prevent NIR light from reaching the retina. Furthermore, two types of NIR filters, including NIR absorption filters and interference filters (e.g., reflective filters), can be used on optical lenses to provide eye protection against NIR radiation. However, designing multifunctional filters with optimized NIR absorption performance, along with other functions including anti-reflective properties, is challenging, as high NIR absorption has been shown to adversely affect the anti-reflective performance of optical filters. NIR absorbents can be incorporated into optical coatings deposited on optical articles. However, the direct incorporation of NIR absorbents into optical coatings can significantly increase the manufacturing cost of lenses and simultaneously degrade the mechanical properties of the optical coatings.

[0005] Another option for improving NIR protection is to incorporate NIR absorbers into the bulk substrate of the optical article by impregnating the substrate with the NIR absorber or by mixing the NIR absorber with a substrate precursor. However, commercially available NIR absorbers generally have a relatively narrow NIR absorption range, resulting in lenses or other optical articles with insufficient NIR protection. In addition, these absorbers generally also absorb visible light in the wavelength range of 380-780 nm, thereby coloring the lens or other optical article, affecting the wearer's color perception, and altering the aesthetic appearance of the lens using the absorber. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Overall, optical lenses or other optical articles with NIR protection and methods for manufacturing them exist, but given at least the aforementioned shortcomings of these optical lenses or articles, the need for improvement in this field persists. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A solution has been discovered to the above-mentioned problems related to optical elements with near-infrared (NIR) protection. This solution involves an optical element comprising a polymer matrix and two or more near-infrared absorbers. The near-infrared absorbers can be mixed substantially homogeneously in the polymer substrate. Therefore, no additional filters or coatings are used for NIR protection. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the optical article is reduced compared to optical articles that use filters or optical coatings for NIR absorption. Furthermore, the two or more near-infrared absorbers in the optical element may have different near-infrared ranges so that the optical article can absorb near-infrared radiation over a wider wavelength range compared to conventional NIR-protected optical articles. In addition, the two or more near-infrared absorbers in the optical element may have different residual colors so that synergistic residual color intensity is minimized and the aesthetic appearance of the optical article with NIR-protected absorbers is improved. Therefore, the optical element of the present invention provides technical achievements that address at least some of the problems related to currently available NIR-protected optical articles.

[0008] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to optical elements. The optical element may comprise an optical substrate and two or more near-infrared absorbers mixed in the optical substrate. The two or more near-infrared absorbers may have different near-infrared cut-off ranges and different residual colors.

[0009] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for preparing an optical element. The method may include providing a precursor material for an optical substrate, and two or more near-infrared absorbers having different near-infrared cut-off ranges and / or different residual colors. The method may include determining the concentrations of each of the two or more near-infrared absorbers in an optical substrate such that the synergistic color intensity of the two or more near-infrared absorbers is lower than the individual color intensity of any of the two or more near-infrared absorbers. The method may include mixing the precursor material with the two or more infrared absorbers at the concentrations determined to produce a substantially homogeneous mixture. The method may include manufacturing an optical element using the mixture of the optical substrate and the two or more infrared absorbers.

[0010] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for preparing optical elements. The method may include providing a precursor material for an optical substrate, and two or more near-infrared absorbers having different near-infrared cut ranges and / or different residual colors. The method may include determining the concentrations of each of the two or more near-infrared absorbers in the substrate such that the synergistic color intensity of the two or more near-infrared absorbers is lower than the individual color intensity of any one of the two or more near-infrared absorbers. The method may include dissolving two or more infrared absorbers in a first amount of the precursor material to produce a near-infrared dye masterbatch. The method may include mixing a second amount of the precursor material with one or more ultraviolet dyes, monomers, catalysts, and emitters under reduced pressure at a temperature of 23 to 27°C to produce a substantially homogeneous first mixture. The method may include cooling the first mixture to a temperature of 0 to 4°C. The method may include flowing an inert gas over the cooled first mixture. This method may include preparing a second mixture by mixing a near-infrared dye masterbatch into a first mixture under reduced pressure at temperatures of 0 to 4°C and all ranges and values ​​in between. The second mixture can be a substantially homogeneous mixture having two or more near-infrared absorbers at their determined concentrations. This method may include preparing an optical element using the second mixture by casting.

[0011] The terms “about” or “approximately” are defined as being close, as understood by those skilled in the art. In one non-limiting embodiment, the terms are defined as being within 10%, preferably within 5%, more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%.

[0012] The terms "weight %", "volume %", and "mol %" refer to the weight, volume, or mole percentage of a component, based on the total weight, total volume, or total moles of the material containing that component, respectively.

[0013] The term “substantially” and its variations are defined to include a range of 10%, 5%, 1%, or 0.5% or less.

[0014] The terms “suppress,” “reduce,” “prevent,” or “avoid,” or any variation thereof, when used in the claims and / or specification, include any measurable reduction or complete suppression for achieving the desired result.

[0015] Where used in the specification and / or claims, the term "effective" means appropriate for achieving the desired, expected, or intended result.

[0016] The use of the term "a" or "an" in a claim or specification may mean "one," but also means "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more."

[0017] The terms “comprising” (and any form of “comprising,” such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of “having,” such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of “including,” such as “includes” and “include”), or “containing” (and any form of “containing,” such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or unrestricted and do not exclude additional unlisted elements or method steps.

[0018] The processes of the present invention may "include," "essentially consist of," or "consist of" certain components, elements, compositions, etc., disclosed herein.

[0019] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following drawings, detailed description and examples. However, it should be understood that the drawings, detailed description and examples illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention and are described only as examples and are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. In further embodiments, features from specific embodiments may be combined with features from other embodiments. For example, features from one embodiment may be combined with features from any other embodiment. In further embodiments, additional features may be added to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0020] For a more complete understanding, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] A schematic flowchart of a method for manufacturing an optical element containing two or more near-infrared absorbers according to the disclosed embodiment is shown. [Figure 2A-2C] A residual color comparison between an ophthalmic lens containing two or more near-infrared absorbers and an ophthalmic lens containing one near-infrared absorber is shown. Figure 2A shows a residual color comparison between an ophthalmic lens containing S2007 and 920A near-infrared absorbers and an ophthalmic lens containing one of the S2007 and 920A near-infrared absorbers; Figure 2B shows a residual color comparison between an ophthalmic lens containing 920A and IR765 near-infrared absorbers and an ophthalmic lens containing one of the 920A and IR765 near-infrared absorbers; Figure 2C shows a residual color comparison between an ophthalmic lens containing Epolight 4831 and IR765 near-infrared absorbers and an ophthalmic lens containing one of the Epolight 4831 and IR765 near-infrared absorbers. [Figure 3A-3B]Figure 3A shows spectral transmittance plots for lenses containing a single near-infrared absorber and lenses containing two near-infrared absorbers. Figure 3A shows the spectral transmittance of ophthalmic lenses containing both Epolight 4831 and Epolight 3169 near-infrared absorbers, ophthalmic lenses containing only Epolight 4831 near-infrared absorber, and ophthalmic lenses containing only Epolight 3169 near-infrared absorber; Figure 3B shows the spectral transmittance of ophthalmic lenses containing both Epolight 4831 and Epolight 3157 near-infrared absorbers, ophthalmic lenses containing only Epolight 4831 near-infrared absorber, and ophthalmic lenses containing only Epolight 3157 near-infrared absorber. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] Currently available optical articles with NIR protection have shortcomings including complex manufacturing processes, high manufacturing costs, insufficient protection against the NIR wavelength range, impact on user color perception, and color changes of the optical article. The present invention provides solutions to at least some of these problems. This solution is based on an optical element comprising two or more NIR absorbers mixed in a polymer substrate. The two or more NIR absorbers may have different NIR absorption ranges so that the optical element has a broader NIR absorption range than each of the individual near-infrared absorbers. Additionally, the two or more near-infrared absorbers may have different residual colors so that they synergistically have intermediate residual colors.

[0023] These and other non-limiting aspects of the present invention will be discussed in more detail in the following sections.

[0024] A. Optical elements with near-infrared protection Near-infrared radiation has been proven to cause eye damage. Optical elements such as ophthalmic lenses can incorporate near-infrared protection to protect the user's eyes. However, conventionally, near-infrared absorbers are generally incorporated into optical filters that require further processing on the optical element, or into optical coatings where the mechanical strength may be adversely affected by the near-infrared absorber. Furthermore, near-infrared absorbers may affect the user's color perception and may alter the aesthetic appearance of the optical element.

[0025] Optical elements disclosed herein are capable of extending the near-infrared wavelength cut-off range of the optical element and minimizing the residual color of the optical element by incorporating two or more near-infrared absorbers having different absorption ranges and / or different residual colors into the substrate of the optical element. Several embodiments include optical elements. In some examples, the optical element can be an ophthalmic lens. The optical element may include a front and a back surface. The front surface of the optical element may include the convex surface of the ophthalmic lens. The back surface of the optical element may include the concave surface of the ophthalmic lens.

[0026] In embodiments of the present invention, the optical element may include an optical substrate and two or more near-infrared absorbers mixed in the optical substrate. In some embodiments, the two or more near-infrared absorbers may have different near-infrared cut ranges and / or different residual colors. Non-limiting examples of optical substrates include allyl diglycol carbonate, polyurethane, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyamide, poly(methyl methacrylate), copolyester, cellulose triacetate, polyepisulfide, trivex, polyacrylic, polyol, polyamine, polyanhydride, polycarboxilic acid, polyepoxide, polyisocyanate, polynorbornene, polysiloxane, polysilazane, polystyrene, polyolefin, polyester, polyimide, polyurethane, polythiourethane, polyaryl, polysulfide, polyvinyl ester, polyvinyl ether, polyarylene, polyoxide, polysulfone, polycycloolefin, polyacrylonitrile, polyethylene terephthalate, polyetherimide, polypentene, or any combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of near-infrared absorbers include polymethine, phthalocyanine, porphyrin, triphenylmethane, iminium, squarylium, crokonium, dithiolene, quinone, polyperylene, pyririum, thiopyrilium, cyanine, or any combination thereof.

[0027] In some embodiments, the total concentration of two or more near-infrared absorbers may be in the range of 1 to 500 ppm, as well as all ranges and values ​​in between, including the ranges of 1 to 25 ppm, 25 to 50 ppm, 50 to 75 ppm, 75 to 100 ppm, 100 to 125 ppm, 125 to 150 ppm, 150 to 175 ppm, 175 to 200 ppm, 200 to 225 ppm, 225 to 250 ppm, 250 to 275 ppm, 275 to 300 ppm, 300 to 325 ppm, 325 to 350 ppm, 350 to 375 ppm, 375 to 400 ppm, 400 to 425 ppm, 425 to 450 ppm, 450 to 475 ppm, and 475 to 500 ppm. In some embodiments, the two or more near-infrared absorbers can be substantially homogeneously mixed in an optical substrate. Alternatively, two or more near-infrared absorbers may be heterogeneously mixed in an optical substrate. In some embodiments, the two or more near-infrared absorbers may have a concentration gradient (increase or decrease) along any direction in the optical substrate, including the horizontal, vertical, and depth directions of the optical substrate. In some examples, the two or more near-infrared absorbers may be mixed at higher concentrations in the front and / or back portions of the optical substrate than in the central portion. The front portion may comprise about one-third of the thickness of the optical substrate closest to the front. The back portion may comprise about one-third of the thickness of the optical substrate closest to the back.

[0028] In some embodiments, two or more near-infrared absorbers in an optical substrate can be adapted to produce a synergistically effective infrared absorption level higher than the individual near-infrared absorption level of any one of the two or more near-infrared absorbers. The optical element covers the wavelength range of 780 to 2000 nm, as well as 780 to 820 nm, 820 to 860 nm, 860 to 900 nm, 900 to 940 nm, 940 to 980 nm, 980 to 1020 nm, 1020 to 1060 nm, 1060 to 1100 nm, 1100 to 1140 nm, 1140 to 1180 nm, 1180 to 1200 nm, 1200 to 1240 nm, 1240 to 1280 nm, 1280 to 1320 nm, 1320 to 1360 nm, 1360 to 1400 nm, and 1400 to 14 It may be possible to absorb near-infrared radiation in all ranges and values ​​between the ranges of 40nm, 1440-1480nm, 1480-1520nm, 1520-1560nm, 1560-1600nm, 1600-1640nm, 1640-1680nm, 1680-1720nm, 1720-1760nm, 1760-1800nm, 1800-1840nm, 1840-1880nm, 1880-1920nm, 1920-1960nm, and 1960-2000nm. In some embodiments, two or more near-infrared absorbers in an optical substrate are adapted to produce a synergistically effective infrared absorption level higher than the individual near-infrared absorption level of any one of the two or more near-infrared absorbers. In some examples, two or more near-infrared absorbers are adapted to produce a synergistic infrared absorption level higher than the individual near-infrared absorption level of any one of the two or more near-infrared absorbers. 780-2000 It is possible to adapt the near-infrared radiation intensity (determined as %) to synergistically reduce it in all ranges and values ​​in between, including the ranges of 15-95%, and 15-20%, 20-25%, 25-30%, 30-35%, 35-40%, 40-45%, 45-50%, 50-55%, 55-60%, 60-65%, 65-70%, 70-75%, 75-80%, 80-85%, 85-90%, and 90-95%. In some embodiments, two or more near-infrared absorbers are adapted to synergistically cause a reduction of less than 10% in the average optical transmittance in the 380-780 nm wavelength range with respect to the optical substrate (determined as Tv%(D65)).

[0029] In some embodiments, two or more near-infrared absorbers in an optical substrate can be adapted to produce a synergistic color intensity lower than the individual color intensity of each of the two or more near-infrared absorbers. In some examples, the synergistic color intensity of two or more infrared absorbers in an optical substrate can be in the range of 0 to 5, and all ranges and values ​​in between, including the ranges of 0 to 0.5, 0.5 to 1, 1 to 1.5, 1.5 to 2, 2 to 2.5, 2.5 to 3, 3 to 3.5, 3.5 to 4, 4 to 4.5, and 4.5 to 5. In some embodiments, the two or more near-infrared absorbers in an optical substrate can be synergistically intermediate in color, or preferably colorless. In some examples, the optical substrate of an optical element can be colorless (or achromatic), and the optical element containing the optical substrate and two or more near-infrared absorbers can be intermediate in color, or preferably achromatic.

[0030] Alternatively, in some examples, sunglasses for the eyes can be cited as an optical element, and two or more near-infrared absorbers have a highly synergistic effect in terms of color saturation. Two or more near-infrared absorbers can be adapted to cause a reduction in the average optical transmittance of the optical element (determined as Tv%(D65)) in the wavelength range of 380-780 nm from 10-95%, as well as all ranges and values ​​in between, including 10-15%, 15-20%, 20-25%, 25-30%, 30-35%, 35-40%, 40-45%, 45-50%, 50-55%, 55-60%, 60-65%, 65-70%, 70-75%, 75-80%, 80-85%, 85-90%, and 90-95%.

[0031] In some embodiments, the optical element may further include one or more additional coatings covering the front and / or back surfaces of the optical element. Non-limiting examples of one or more additional coatings include polarizing coatings, mirror coatings, anti-reflective coatings, abrasion-resistant coatings, photochromic coatings, anti-fogging coatings, dyeable coatings, self-healing coatings, rainproof coatings, anti-static coatings, UV-blocking coatings, blue light-blocking coatings, or any combination thereof.

[0032] B. Method for manufacturing an optical element containing a NIR absorbent Conventionally, near-infrared light absorbing optical elements (e.g., ophthalmic lenses) can be manufactured by incorporating a multifunctional optical filter that integrates near-infrared absorption and provides an anti-reflective effect on the surface of the optical element, or by depositing an optical coating that incorporates a near-infrared absorbent into a conventional optical coating (e.g., an anti-reflective coating). However, for optical filters, high NIR absorption levels can be detrimental to the anti-reflective performance of the optical filter. For optical coatings containing near-infrared absorbents, manufacturing costs may be high, and at the same time, the mechanical properties of the optical coating may be reduced.

[0033] The method disclosed herein avoids the use of optical filters and optical coatings for near-infrared absorption purposes by directly mixing near-infrared absorbers in an optical substrate. Furthermore, the method disclosed herein selects two or more near-infrared absorbers having different absorption ranges (NIR cut ranges) and / or different residual colors with respect to the optical element to be manufactured, thereby obtaining a broader near-infrared absorption range and intermediate colors. As shown in Figure 1, embodiments include a method 100 for preparing an optical element capable of absorbing near-infrared radiation. In some embodiments, the optical element may include an ophthalmic lens.

[0034] In some embodiments, as shown in block 101, method 100 may include providing a precursor material for an optical substrate, as well as two or more near-infrared absorbers having different near-infrared cut-off ranges and / or different residual colors. Non-limiting examples of precursor materials for optical substrates include allyl monomers (e.g., blends of isocyanates and thiols) containing allyl diglycol carbonate and thiourethane polymer precursors, polyurethanes, acrylics, polycarbonates, polyamides, poly(methyl methacrylate), copolyesters, cellulose triacetates, polyepisulfides, Trivex, polyacrylics, polyols, polyamines, polyanhydrides, polycarboxilic acids, polyepoxides, polyisocyanates, polynorbornene, polysiloxanes, polysilazanes, polystyrenes, polyolefins, polyesters, polyimides, polyurethanes, polythiourethanes, polyallylics, polysulfides, polyvinyl esters, polyvinyl ethers, polyarylenes, polyoxides, polysulfones, polycycloolefins, polyacrylonitriles, polyethylene terephthalates, polyetherimides, polypentenes, or any combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of near-infrared absorbers include polymethine, phthalocyanine, porphyrin, triphenylmethane, iminium, squarylium, crokonium, dithiolene, quinone, polyperylene, pyririum, thiopyrilium, cyanine, or any combination thereof.In some aspects, non-limiting examples of isocyanates include 1,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane, 1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane, m-xylylene diisocyanate, 5-isocyanato-1-(isocyanatomethyl)-1,3,3-trimethylcyclohexane, 4,4'-methylenedicyclohexyl diisocyanate, 4,4'-methylenebis(phenylisocyanate), hexane-1,6-diisocyanate, and trans-1,4 - With respect to diisocyanatocyclohexane, toluene diisocyanate, 1,5-pentamethylene diisocyanate, 2,5-bicyclo[2,2,1]heptanebis(methylisocyanate), bis(isocyanate methylethyl)benzene, and thiols: 4,8-dimercaptomethyl-1,11-dimercapto-3,6,9-trithiaundecane, 5,7-dimercaptomethyl-1,11-dimercapto-3,6,9-trithiaundecane, 4,7-dimercaptomethyl-1, 11-Dimercapto-3,6,9-Trithiaundecane, 2,3-Bis(2-mercaptoethylthio)propane-1-thiol, or 4-mercaptomethyl-3,6-dithia-1,8-octanedithiol, Bis(2,2-sulfhydryl)ethyltetrasulfide, Pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate), Pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptoacetate), Thiodiglycol mercaptan, or 3-thiapentane-1,5-diol, Examples include 2,5-dimercaptomethyl-1,4-dithiane, 1,5-dimercapto-3-thiapentane, propanetrithiol, bis(b-epithiopropyl)sulfide, bis(b-epithiopropyl)disulfide, 4,6-(mercaptomethylthio)-1,3-dithiane, 4,5-(mercaptomethylthio)-1,3-dithiolane, 1,1,3,3-tetrakis(mercaptomethylthio)ethane, and 1,1,3,3-tetrakis(mercaptomethylthio)propane.Non-limiting examples of near-infrared absorbers include polymethine, phthalocyanine, porphyrin, triphenylmethane, iminium, squarylium, crokonium, dithiolene, quinone, polyperylene, pyririum, thiopyrilium, cyanine, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the provision in Block 101 may include selecting two or more near-infrared absorbers with respect to the target near-infrared wavelength absorption range and / or target residual color.

[0035] In some embodiments, as shown in block 102, method 100 may include determining the concentrations of each of the two or more near-infrared absorbers in an optical substrate such that the synergistic color intensity of the two or more near-infrared absorbers is lower than the individual color intensity of any of the two or more near-infrared absorbers. In some embodiments, the two or more near-infrared absorbers can be adapted to produce a synergistic infrared absorption range that is wider than the individual infrared absorption range of each of the two or more near-infrared absorbers. In some embodiments, determining may include a trial-and-error method to obtain concentrations of each near-infrared absorber that can achieve the synergistic near-infrared absorption range of the target, the synergistic near-infrared absorption level of the target, and / or the synergistic residual color of the target.

[0036] In some embodiments, as shown in block 103, method 100 may include preparing a mixture by mixing a precursor material with two or more infrared absorbers at the concentrations determined in block 102. In some embodiments, the mixture can be substantially homogeneous. In some embodiments, the mixing in block 103 may include preparing a near-infrared dye masterbatch by dissolving two or more infrared absorbers in a first amount of the precursor material. The infrared dye masterbatch may contain two or more near-infrared absorbers in the range of about 10 to 45 ppm, and all ranges and values ​​in between, including the ranges of 10 to 15 ppm, 15 to 20 ppm, 20 to 25 ppm, 25 to 30 ppm, 30 to 35 ppm, 35 to 40 ppm and 40 to 45 ppm. In some embodiments, the mixing in block 103 may include preparing a first mixture by optionally mixing a second amount of the precursor material with one or more or any combination thereof of ultraviolet dyes, monomers, catalysts and emitters. The first mixture can be produced at temperatures of 23–27°C and all ranges and values ​​in between. The first mixture can be produced under reduced pressure. In some examples, the first mixture can be substantially homogeneous. In some embodiments, the mixing in block 103 may involve cooling the first mixture to temperatures of 0–4°C and all ranges and values ​​in between, including the ranges of 0–0.5°C, 0.5–1.0°C, 1.0–1.5°C, 1.5–2.0°C, 2.0–2.5°C, 2.5–3.0°C, 3.0–3.5°C, and 3.5–4.0°C. The first mixture may be cooled by a water bath from room temperature to about °C.

[0037] In some embodiments, the mixing in block 103 may involve flowing an inert gas over the cooled first mixture. In some examples, the inert gas may include nitrogen, argon, or a combination thereof. The inert gas may be used to prevent moisture in the air from contaminating the cooled first mixture. In some embodiments, the mixing in block 103 may involve mixing a near-infrared dye masterbatch into the cooled first mixture to produce a second mixture with each of two or more near-infrared absorbers at their concentrations determined in block 202. The second mixture may be produced at temperatures in the range of 0 to 4°C, and all ranges and values ​​in between, including the ranges of 0 to 0.5°C, 0.5 to 1.0°C, 1.0 to 1.5°C, 1.5 to 2.0°C, 2.0 to 2.5°C, 2.5 to 3.0°C, 3.0 to 3.5°C, and 3.5 to 4.0°C. The second mixture may be produced under reduced pressure. In some examples, the second mixture is substantially homogeneous.

[0038] In some embodiments, as shown in block 104, method 100 may include manufacturing an optical element using a second mixture. In some embodiments, the optical element may be manufactured by casting, injection molding, film extrusion, extrusion compression molding, compression molding, transfer molding, 3D printing, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the casting process in block 104 may be carried out at casting temperatures of 20-25°C, and all ranges and values ​​in between, including 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, and 24°C. In some examples, the injection molding process in block 104 may be carried out at molding temperatures in the range of 200-400°C, as well as all ranges and values ​​in between, including 200-210°C, 210-220°C, 220-230°C, 230-240°C, 240-250°C, 250-260°C, 260-270°C, 270-280°C, 280-290°C, 290-300°C, 300-310°C, 310-320°C, 320-330°C, 330-340°C, 340-350°C, 350-360°C, 360-370°C, 370-380°C, 380-390°C, and 390-400°C. In some embodiments, method 100 may include mixing one or more ultraviolet light absorbing dyes, color-adjusting dyes, color-enhancing dyes, blue light absorbing dyes, and other visible light absorbing dyes with a precursor material prior to the manufacturing step in block 104.

[0039] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described with respect to the blocks of Figure 1, it should be recognized that the operation of the present invention is not limited to the specific blocks and / or the order of the specific blocks shown in Figure 1. Therefore, some embodiments may provide the functionality described herein using various blocks in an order different from that of Figure 1.

[0040] As part of the disclosure of the present invention, certain embodiments are included below. These embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that parameters can be changed or modified to obtain essentially the same results. [Examples]

[0041] Example 1 (Preparation of near-infrared absorbing lenses using MR8(trademark) precursor) Infrared absorbing ophthalmic lenses were manufactured using various near-infrared absorbers and precursor materials for optical substrates. The effects of ophthalmic lenses with two types of near-infrared absorbers on the infrared absorption wavelength range and lens residual color were tested. Table 1 lists the specific near-infrared absorbers, precursor materials, UV absorbers, and catalysts used to manufacture the ophthalmic lenses (λ max (This refers to the highest peak in the NIR dye spectrum.)

[0042] [Table 1]

[0043] Table 2 shows the composition of each sample using the near-infrared absorber S2007 and / or 920A. The control sample did not contain any near-infrared absorber. Table 3 shows the composition of each sample using the near-infrared absorber 920A and / or IR765, along with the control sample which did not contain any near-infrared absorber. Table 4 shows the composition of each sample using the near-infrared absorber Epolight 4831 and / or IR785, along with the control sample which did not contain any near-infrared absorber.

[0044] [Table 2]

[0045] [Table 3]

[0046] [Table 4]

[0047] All samples were prepared using a biplane mold assembled using a taping process. The center thickness of the mold was adjusted to 2 mm. Near-infrared masterbatches were prepared by dissolving the selected near-infrared absorber in the MR8(trademark)-A or MR8(trademark)-B2 monomer precursor. The ultraviolet absorbers (Stan DMC(trademark) and Zelec UN(trademark)) were then mixed with the MR8-A precursor in a Duran bottle at room temperature under reduced pressure until a homogeneous mixture was formed. The homogeneous mixture was then cooled to 2°C, after which the reduced pressure was released and nitrogen gas was flowed over the mixture. The near-infrared dye masterbatches, additional MR8(trademark)-B1 and MR8(trademark)-B2, and the cooled homogeneous mixture were mixed under reduced pressure at 2°C until the final mixture was homogeneous. The final mixture was then filled into the biplane mold using a clean syringe. Lens samples were then formed according to the polymerization temperature profiles as shown in Table 5. For each composition, both uncoated (UNC) and hard multi-coated (HMC) lenses were produced. The manufactured lenses were cleaned. The transmittance of each lens sample in the wavelength range of 300–2000 nm was measured using a Lambda® 950 UV spectroscopy (PerkinElmer, USA). Additionally, TsIR, TvD65, YI, and C2 were measured for each lens sample. * h * The UV protection was also tested. TsIR is the transmittance % from 780 to 2000 nm, and TvD65 is the transmittance % from 380 to 780 nm. YI is the yellowness index, and C * is saturation, and h * It is a color.

[0048] [Table 5]

[0049] The appearance of the lens samples is shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, lenses containing two kinds of near-infrared absorbers (S2007 and 920A with respect to FIG. 2A, 920A and IR765 with respect to FIG. 2B, and Epolight 4831 and IR765 with respect to FIG. 2C) showed a decrease in residual color compared to lens samples containing only one kind of near-infrared absorber.

[0050] Table 6 shows the TsIR, TvD65, YI, C * , h * and UV cut test results of uncoated (UNC) lens samples containing NIR S2007 and 920A near-infrared absorbers. Table 7 shows the TsIR, TvD65, YI, C * , h * and UV cut test results of hard multi-coated lens samples containing NIR S2007 and 920A near-infrared absorbers. These results indicate that hard multi-coated and uncoated lenses containing 5 ppm of S2007 and 5 ppm of 920A showed the best infrared absorption characteristics and the least residual color. These two samples have the best intermediate color closest to a transparent lens.

[0051]

Table 6

[0052]

Table 7

[0053] Table 8 shows 920A and the TsIR, TvD65, YI, C of uncoated (UNC) lens samples containing IR765 near-infrared absorbers * , h * and UV cut test results. Table 9 shows 920A and the TsIR, TvD65, YI, C of uncoated (UNC) lens samples containing IR765 near-infrared absorbers * , h *The results of the UV-cut test are also shown. These results indicate that the hard multi-coated lenses containing 10 ppm of 920A and 4 ppm of IR765 exhibited the best infrared absorption characteristics and the least residual color. These two samples have the best intermediate color, closest to that of a clear lens.

[0054] [Table 8]

[0055] [Table 9]

[0056] Table 10 shows the TsIR, TvD65, YI, and C values ​​of uncoated (UNC) lens samples containing Epolight 4831 and / or IR785 near-infrared absorbers. * h * The results of the UV cut test are shown. Table 11 shows the TsIR, TvD65, YI, and C values ​​of hard multi-coated (HMC) lens samples containing Fpolight 4831 and / or IR785 near-infrared absorbers. * h * The results of the UV cut test are also shown. These results indicate that, because these two samples have the best intermediate color closest to a clear lens, a hard multi-coated lens containing 45 ppm Epolight 4831 and 6 ppm IR765 near-infrared absorbers yields the best results for lenses containing Epolight 4831 and / or IR785 near-infrared absorbers. Overall, the results in Tables 6-11 show that MR8 monomer-based lenses with two near-infrared absorbers improve absorption levels and absorption wavelength ranges, and reduce residual color of the lens compared to lenses containing only one near-infrared absorber.

[0057] [Table 10]

[0058] [Table 11]

[0059] Example 2 (Preparation of near-infrared absorbing lenses using polycarbonate precursors) Polycarbonate-based lenses were manufactured using different infrared absorbers, and the synergistic effect of the two infrared absorbers on the infrared absorption properties and residual color of the lenses was tested. The near-infrared absorbers used are shown in Table 12.

[0060] [Table 12]

[0061] In each polycarbonate lens sample, these two near-infrared absorbers were mixed with polycarbonate pellets. The mixture was then injection molded into ophthalmic lenses. The light transmittance and color characteristics of each lens sample were measured using Lambda® 900 (Perkin Elmer, USA).

[0062] Table 13 lists the compositions of polycarbonate lens samples containing two types of near-infrared absorbers and the compositions of corresponding comparative examples. The first set of polycarbonate lenses contained Epolight 4831 and Epolight 3169 near-infrared absorbers. The second set of polycarbonate lenses contained Epolight 4831 and Epolight 3157 near-infrared absorbers.

[0063] [Table 13]

[0064] Table 14 lists the test results for the first set of polycarbonate lenses containing Epolight 4831 and Epolight 3169 near-infrared absorbers. The light transmittance results for each sample are plotted in Figure 3A. Figure 3A shows that polycarbonate lenses containing both Epolight 4831 and Epolight 3169 near-infrared absorbers have a wider near-infrared wavelength cut-off range than lenses containing only one of these near-infrared absorbers. Additionally, as shown in Table 14, the residual color intensity of polycarbonate lenses containing both Epolight 4831 and Epolight 3169 near-infrared absorbers is lower (gray) than that of lenses containing only one of these near-infrared absorbers (blue or brown).

[0065] [Table 14]

[0066] Table 15 lists the test results for the second set of polycarbonate lenses containing Epolight 4831 and Epolight 3157 near-infrared absorbers. The light transmittance results for each sample are plotted in Figure 3B. Figure 3B shows that polycarbonate lenses containing both Epolight 4831 and Epolight 3157 near-infrared absorbers have a wider near-infrared wavelength cut-off range than lenses containing only one of these near-infrared absorbers. Additionally, as shown in Table 15, the residual color intensity of polycarbonate lenses containing both Epolight 4831 and Epolight 3157 near-infrared absorbers is lower (gray) than that of lenses containing only one of these near-infrared absorbers (blue or yellow-green).

[0067] [Table 15]

[0068] While embodiments of this application and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications are possible herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments, as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the scope of this application is not intended to be limited to specific embodiments of the processes, treatments, machines, manufactures, compositions, means, methods, and / or steps described herein. Existing or future-developed processes, machines, manufactures, compositions, means, methods, or steps that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same results as the corresponding embodiments described herein may also be utilized, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the above disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include such processes, machines, manufactures, compositions, means, methods, or steps within their scope. Some embodiments of this disclosure are described in the following sections [1]-

[15] . [Item 1] An optical element comprising an optical substrate and two or more near-infrared absorbing agents mixed in the optical substrate, wherein the two or more near-infrared absorbing agents have different near-infrared cut ranges and different residual colors. [Item 2] The optical element according to item 1, wherein the two or more near-infrared absorbing agents are substantially homogeneously mixed in the optical substrate. [Item 3] The optical element according to item 1, wherein the two or more near-infrared absorbers in the optical substrate are adapted to generate a synergistically effective infrared absorption level higher than the individual near-infrared absorption level of any one of the two or more near-infrared absorbers. [Item 4] The optical element according to item 1, wherein the two or more near-infrared absorbers in the optical substrate are adapted to produce a synergistic infrared absorption range that is wider than the individual infrared absorption range of each of the two or more near-infrared absorbers. [Item 5] The optical element according to item 1, wherein the two or more near-infrared absorbing agents in the optical substrate are adapted to produce a synergistic color intensity lower than the individual color intensity of each of the two or more near-infrared absorbing agents. [Item 6] The optical element according to item 5, wherein the two or more near-infrared absorbing agents in the optical substrate are synergistically intermediate in color, or preferably colorless. [Item 7] The optical element according to item 1, wherein the two or more near-infrared absorbers are adapted to synergistically cause a reduction of less than 10% in the average optical transmittance in the wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm with respect to the optical substrate. [Item 8] The optical element according to item 1, wherein the optical element includes an ophthalmic lens. [Item 9] The optical element according to item 1, wherein the optical substrate comprises allyl diglycol carbonate, polyurethane, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyamide, poly(methyl methacrylate), copolyester, cellulose triacetate, polyepisulfide, tribex, polyacrylic, polyol, polyamine, polyanhydride, polycarboxylic acid, polyepoxide, polyisocyanate, polynorbornene, polysiloxane, polysilazane, polystyrene, polyolefin, polyester, polyimide, polyurethane, polythiourethane, polyaryl, polysulfide, polyvinyl ester, polyvinyl ether, polyarylene, polyoxide, polysulfone, polycycloolefin, polyacrylonitrile, polyethylene terephthalate, polyetherimide, polypentene, or any combination thereof. [Item 10] The optical element according to item 1, comprising two or more near-infrared absorbing agents, polymethine, phthalocyanine, porphyrin, triphenylmethane, iminium, squarylium, croconium, dithiolene, quinone, polyperylene, pyrilium, thiopyrillium, cyanine, or any combination thereof. [Item 11] The optical substrate according to item 1, wherein the optical element contains 1 to 500 ppm of two or more of the above-mentioned near-infrared absorbers. [Item 12] A method for preparing an optical element as described in any one of items 1 to 11, To provide a precursor material for the optical substrate, and two or more near-infrared absorbers having different near-infrared cut-off ranges and / or different residual colors; To determine the concentration of each of the two or more near-infrared absorbers in the optical substrate such that the synergistic color intensity of the two or more near-infrared absorbers is lower than the individual color intensity of any one of the two or more near-infrared absorbers; Mixing the precursor material with the two or more infrared absorbers at concentrations determined to produce a substantially homogeneous mixture; The optical element is manufactured using a mixture of the optical substrate and the two or more near-infrared absorbers. A method that includes this. [Item 13] The method according to item 12, wherein the manufacturing step includes casting, injection molding, extrusion compression molding, compression molding, transfer molding, 3D printing, or any combination thereof. [Item 14] The method according to item 12, further comprising mixing one or more ultraviolet light absorbing dyes, color adjusting dyes, color enhancing dyes, blue light absorbing dyes, and other visible light absorbing dyes with the precursor material prior to the manufacturing step. [Item 15] A method for preparing an optical element as described in any one of items 1 to 11, To provide a precursor material for the optical substrate, and two or more near-infrared absorbers having different near-infrared cut-off ranges and / or different residual colors; To determine the concentration of each of the two or more infrared absorbers in the substrate such that the synergistic color intensity of the two or more near-infrared absorbers is lower than the individual color intensity of any one of the two or more near-infrared absorbers; A near-infrared dye masterbatch is produced by dissolving the two or more infrared absorbers in a first amount of the precursor material; A second amount of the precursor material is mixed with one or more of the ultraviolet dye, monomer, catalyst, and release agent at a temperature of 23-27°C under reduced pressure to produce a substantially homogeneous first mixture; Cool the first mixture to a temperature of 0-4°C; The process involves flowing an inert gas over the cooled first mixture; Mixing the near-infrared dye masterbatch into the first mixture at a temperature of 0-4°C under reduced pressure to produce a second mixture which is a substantially homogeneous mixture in which each of the two or more near-infrared absorbers is at its determined concentration; By casting, the optical element is manufactured using the second mixture. A method that includes this.

Claims

1. An ophthalmic lens comprising an optical substrate and two or more near-infrared absorbing agents mixed in the optical substrate, The two or more near-infrared absorbers have different near-infrared cut ranges and different residual colors. The ophthalmic lens, which includes the optical substrate and the two or more near-infrared absorbing agents, is of an intermediate color or colorless. The two or more near-infrared absorbers mentioned above: 100-TsIR ７８０－２０００ It is adapted to generate a synergistically effective near-infrared absorption level that is higher than any of the individual near-infrared absorption levels of the two or more near-infrared absorbers determined as (%), and The optical substrate is adapted to cause a decrease of less than 10% or a decrease of 10% to 15% in the average optical transmittance determined as Tv% (D65) in the wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm. The total concentration of the two or more near-infrared absorbers is in the range of 10 to 250 ppm. Eye lenses.

2. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 1, wherein the two or more near-infrared absorbing agents are mixed in the optical substrate.

3. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 1, wherein the two or more near-infrared absorbing agents in the optical substrate are adapted to produce a synergistic infrared absorption range that is wider than the individual infrared absorption range of each of the two or more near-infrared absorbing agents.

4. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 1, wherein the optical substrate comprises allyl diglycol carbonate, polyurethane, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyamide, poly(methyl methacrylate), copolyester, cellulose triacetate, polyepisulfide, tribex, polyol, polyamine, polyanhydride, polycarboxylic acid, polyepoxide, polyisocyanate, polynorbornene, polysiloxane, polysilazane, polystyrene, polyolefin, polyester, polyimide, polythiourethane, polyaryl, polysulfide, polyvinyl ester, polyvinyl ether, polyarylene, polyoxide, polysulfone, polycycloolefin, polyacrylonitrile, polyethylene terephthalate, polyetherimide, polypentene, or any combination thereof.

5. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 1, comprising two or more near-infrared absorbing agents, polymethine, phthalocyanine, porphyrin, triphenylmethane, iminium, squarylium, croconium, dithiolene, quinone, polyperylene, pyryllium, thiopyrillium, cyanine, or any combination thereof.

6. A method for preparing an ophthalmic lens according to any one of claims 1 to 5, To provide a precursor material for the optical substrate, and two or more near-infrared absorbers having different near-infrared cut ranges and different residual colors; To determine the concentration of each of the two or more near-infrared absorbers in the optical substrate such that the ophthalmic lens containing the optical substrate and the two or more near-infrared absorbers becomes intermediate or colorless, and causes a decrease of less than 10% or 10% to 15% in the average optical transmittance determined as Tv% (D65) in the wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm with respect to the optical substrate; Mixing the precursor material with the two or more near-infrared absorbers at a concentration determined to produce the mixture; The ophthalmic lens is manufactured using a mixture of the precursor material and the two or more near-infrared absorbers. A method that includes this.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the manufacturing step includes casting, injection molding, extrusion compression molding, compression molding, transfer molding, 3D printing, or any combination thereof.

8. The method according to claim 6, further comprising mixing one or more ultraviolet light absorbing dyes, color adjusting dyes, color enhancing dyes, blue light absorbing dyes, and other visible light absorbing dyes with the precursor material prior to the manufacturing step.

9. A method for preparing an ophthalmic lens according to any one of claims 1 to 5, To provide a precursor material for the optical substrate, and two or more near-infrared absorbers having different near-infrared cut-off ranges and different residual colors; To determine the concentration of each of the two or more near-infrared absorbers in the optical substrate such that the ophthalmic lens containing the optical substrate and the two or more near-infrared absorbers becomes intermediate or colorless, and causes a decrease of less than 10% or 10% to 15% in the average optical transmittance determined as Tv% (D65) in the wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm for the optical substrate; Dissolving the two or more near-infrared absorbers in a first amount of the precursor material to produce a near-infrared dye masterbatch; A first mixture is produced by mixing a second amount of the precursor material with one or more of the ultraviolet dye, monomer, catalyst, and release agent at a temperature of 23 to 27°C under reduced pressure; Cooling the first mixture to a temperature of 0 to 4°C; The process involves flowing an inert gas over the cooled first mixture; Mixing the near-infrared dye masterbatch into the first mixture at a temperature of 0 to 4°C under reduced pressure to produce a second mixture in which each of the two or more near-infrared absorbers is at its determined concentration; By casting, the ophthalmic lens is manufactured using the second mixture. A method that includes this.

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