WO2025032581A1

WO2025032581A1 - Adaptable thin lens for correction of visual aberrations

Info

Publication number: WO2025032581A1
Application number: PCT/IL2024/050784
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tomer BATASH
Original assignee: Hadasit Medical Research Services and Development Co
Current assignee: Hadasit Medical Research Services and Development Co
Priority date: 2023-08-07
Filing date: 2024-08-06
Publication date: 2025-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 2026-02-07

Abstract

The present invention provides an adaptable thin lens for correcting visual aberrations, including a plurality of design elements organized in at least one optical zone, wherein the design elements are selected from a concave design, a convex design, a piano design, a Fresnel-like design, a free-form prism design, and combinations thereof, the adaptable thin lens being capable of being placed into any desired frame of glasses or sunglasses, and to be attached to or printed on an existing lens, while providing adequate correction of visual aberrations.

Description

ADAPTABLE THIN LENS FOR CORRECTION OF VISUAL ABERRATIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is generally directed to the field of vision correction. Specifically, the invention relates to adaptable thin lenses for correcting vision in any frame of glasses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Visual aberrations are some of the most common vision problems. The most common lower order visual aberrations include myopia (nearsightedness), usually resulting from an eye that is too long, or cornea or lens that are too curved; hyperopia (farsightedness), usually resulting from the eye being too short, or cornea or lens being too flat; presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), usually resulting from loss of the ability of the lens to accommodate; and astigmatism, usually resulting from the eye not being round. Myopia, hyperopia, and regular astigmatism are all lower order (second order) aberrations that can be expressed as wavefront aberrations, or optical imperfections of the eye that prevent light from focusing perfectly on the retina. Myopia produces positive defocus, whereas hyperopia produces negative defocus. Regular (cylindrical) astigmatism produces a wavefront aberration that has orthogonal (i.e., facing at right angles) and oblique components. Other lower order aberrations include non-visually significant aberrations known as first order aberrations, such as vertical and horizontal prisms and zero order aberrations. Higher order aberrations include spherical aberration, curvature of field, coma, distortion, trefoil, among others, which decrease the quality of vision and may contribute 10% of the visual quality.

Myopia is growing around the world, with a recent study estimating that on average, 30% of the world is currently myopic, and by 2050 almost 50% will be myopic, which is a staggering 5 billion people. The hot spots of myopia are East and South East Asia where countries such as South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, China, and Japan have a prevalence of myopia of 80 to 90 %.

Correction of visual aberrations is most commonly done by applying refractive corrective lenses such as in glasses, contact lenses, or implanted lenses (usually following a cataract surgery).

Since glasses are also used as a fashion item, people often use this as an opportunity to select fashionable frames, including frames for fashionable sunglasses with optical correction. Such frames, especially for sunglasses, often include a “stylish” appearance (branding on the lenses, watermarks on the lenses), high base curves and larger lenses which are wrapped around the eyes. As the base curve increases and the lenses are larger and with larger visual aberrations, fitting vision correcting lenses becomes a challenge, thus limiting the options for the growing number of myopic patients to purchase fashionable glasses, and particularly fashionable sunglasses, with prescription lenses. This challenge becomes more complex as the refractive solutions need to address presbyopia and include multifocal lenses. As a result, people in need of vision correction often resort to solutions which may be more harmful to their eyes, such as wearing contact lenses or even to vision correction surgeries, in order to be able to wear any frame of choice.

Accordingly, there is a need for correcting lenses which provide adequate correction of visual aberrations with any frame of choice, regardless of size or shape, while also facilitating to keep original fashion and branding items appearing on original lenses, such as color, size, shape, and imprinted watermarks.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an adaptable thin lens for correcting visual aberrations, which may be suitable for use with any frame of choice. The lens of the invention includes a plurality of optical zones each having a specific optical design, which may be arranged in an array or a grid. The lens may be designed to fit any frame by arranging the different optical zones, and then be used either by incorporating it into a frame or by attaching it to an existing lens.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides an adaptable thin lens for correcting visual aberrations, the adaptable thin lens including a plurality of design elements organized in at least one optical zone, wherein the design elements are selected from a concave design, a convex design, a piano design, a Fresnel-like design, a free-form prism design, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the visual aberrations are selected from higher order aberrations and lower order aberrations. In some embodiments, the visual aberrations are selected from myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, astigmatism, spherical aberration, curvature of field, coma, distortion, and trefoil.

In some embodiments, the plurality of design elements includes at least three design elements. In some embodiments, the plurality of design elements includes at least 2, 3, or 4 different design elements.

In some embodiments, the at least one optical zone includes at least two optical zones. In some embodiments, the at least two optical zones includes at least two optical zones not including the same combination of design elements. In some embodiments, the at least one optical zone includes at least one free-form prism design element. In some embodiments, the at least one optical zone includes at least one Fresnel-like design element.

In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens includes at least one flexible region.

In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is a multifocal and/or a progressive lens.

In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is capable of being fitted into a desired frame while providing appropriate refractive correction through at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% of the lens area of the frame. embodiments, the desired frame includes at least two different base curves.

In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is designed to fit a desired frame by using a dedicated design software to define the arrangement of the optical zones in the lens.

In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens further includes an adhesive material for attaching to an existing lens.

In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is printed on the inner surface or the outer surface of an existing lens. In some embodiments, the printed adaptable lens further includes a watermark and/or a logo.

In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is capable of covering at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% of the existing lens.

In some embodiments, the existing lens is a vision correcting lens (prescription lens). In some embodiments, the existing lens is a non-prescription lens. In some embodiments, the existing lens is a sunglass lens. In some embodiments, the existing lens is the adaptable thin lens disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens further includes tinting, coloring, and/or at least one filter. In some embodiments, the tinting, coloring, and/or at least one filter are for myopia control. In some embodiments, the at least one filter is a UV light filter and/or a blue light filter.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a compound lens including an adaptable thin lens as disclosed herein, attached to an existing lens

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a compound lens including at least two adaptable thin lenses each as disclosed herein, attached to each other.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing the adaptable thin lens of the invention, the method including: a. inputting into a dedicated design software parameters of a desired frame and parameters of a desired visual correction; b. preparing a computer-assisted design by the dedicated design software, the computer- assisted design including a plurality of design elements organized in at least one optical zone, wherein the design elements are selected from a concave design, a convex design, a piano design, a Fresnel-like design, a free-form prism design, and combinations thereof; c. adding 3D printing inks to a 3D printer; and d. printing the computer-assisted design by the 3D printer. In some embodiments, the printing by a 3D printer in step (d) is on a frame of glasses. In some embodiments, the printing further adds to the frame at least one element including a watermark, a logo, and/or a 3D shape. In some embodiments, the printing by a 3D printer in step (d) is on an existing lens.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include some, all, or none of the above advantages. One or more technical advantages may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions and claims included herein. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some or none of the enumerated advantages.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the figures and by study of the following detailed descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in relation to certain examples and embodiments with reference to the following illustrative figures.

Fig. 1 shows four pairs of glasses (104, 106, 108, and 109) having different base curves (4, 6, 8, and 9 diopters, respectively), with respective base angles 114, 116, 118, and 119.

Fig. 2 shows for lenses 200, 202, 204, 206, 207, and 208 examples of design of front (210, 212, 214, 216, 217, and 218, respectively) and back (220, 222, 224, 226, 227, and 228, respectively) lenses with various base curves for two prescriptions (+4.00D (left panel) or -4.00D (right panel)).

Fig. 3 shows a schematic illustration of cross section of a Fresnel lens 300.

Figs. 4A-4B shows exemplary designs of the adaptable thin lenses of the invention, according to some embodiments. Fig. 4A shows an exemplary adaptable thin lens 400, which is fitted into frame 402, and includes several different optical zones 404, 406, 408, and 410. Fig. 4B shows an exemplary adaptable thin lens 450, including design elements, e.g., design elements 452 and 453.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, various aspects of the disclosure will be described. For the purpose of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the different aspects of the disclosure. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the disclosure may be practiced without specific details being presented herein. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the disclosure.

The present invention relates to an adaptable thin lens for correcting visual aberrations, which may be designed to fit to any frame of glasses, regardless of shape and size. The adaptable thin lens of the invention includes a plurality of design elements organized in at least one optical zone, and the optical zones may be arranged as needed to fit any desired lens. The adaptable thin lens may be used either by directly attaching it in a frame as a sole lens, or by attaching it to an existing lens, thereby preserving all of the features of the original lens while adding adequate visual correction. Additionally, the adaptable thin lens of the invention may be attached to another adaptable thin lens of the invention, for improving correction, or for correcting aberrations generated by the lens design.

A specific example for a frame which is common in sunglasses and for which the lens of the present invention is useful, is a high base curve lens.

Fig. 1 shows examples of four frames of glasses (104, 106, 108, and 109), each having a different base curve with a corresponding angle (114, 116, 118, and 119, respectively).

The base curve of glasses corresponds to the curvature of the frame, which correlates to the anterior surface of the lens, and is usually measured in diopters. Prescription glasses generally have a base curve of 4-6 diopters, while the base curve may go up to about 8 diopters, especially for non-prescription sunglasses. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the flatter the angle, the lower the base curve. Accordingly, frames having a lower base curve (e.g., 104 and 106, having a base curve of 4 and 6 diopters, respectively) are flatter, while the higher base curve frames provide a higher wraparound the face (108 and 109, having a base curve of 8 and 9 diopters, respectively).

Referring to Fig. 2, when producing a lens, e.g., lenses 200, 202, 204, 206, 207, and 208, manufacturers define both front (210, 212, 214, 216, 217, and 218, respectively) and back (220, 222, 224, 226, 227, and 228, respectively) curves of the lens, thereby taking into consideration the base curve of the frame when creating lenses for a predefined prescription. The front curve of the lens corresponds to the base curve, and the back curve is designed in order for the combination of front and base curves to provide the desired prescription. Fig. 2 shows the design of the back curve for prescriptions of +4.00D (left panel) or -4.00D (right panel) lenses with different base curves (e.g., 9, 7, and 5 for the plus prescription and 4, 2, and 0.5 for the minus prescription).

However, for the higher base curves, it is difficult to adjust a refractive corrective lens, and base curves over 6 diopters are not recommended for prescription glasses for correcting high refractive errors. This limits people with visual aberrations in need of correction when choosing glasses, and even causes them to seek other solutions, such as contact lenses or corrective surgeries, which are risky and may cause damage to the eye.

The base curve of a lens typically affects 3 factors: frame fit, cosmetics, and optics. Frame fit simply means that the lenses should properly fit in the frame. Cosmetics relates to the fact that a high base curve may create a distortion of the eye when looking from the outside, thereby affecting cosmetics. Regarding optics, the total field of view of the human eye is about 160 degrees - central plus peripheral vision. The central vision, which gives us detailed or sharp vision, is about 2 degrees. The human eye usually only rotates up to about a 15-degree angles to scan an object, and for higher angles head movement is needed. The base curve of the human eye is about 6 diopters. To provide eyeglass wearers a similar range of vision as can be obtained without glasses, the backside of an optical lens should be about 6 diopters, since a different curve will affect the field of vision and result in more head-turning. Therefore, in order to allow the full field of vision, it is desirable to have a base curve of about 6 diopters. Vogel’s rule uses spherical equivalent as a rule of thumb: for a plus prescription (Rx), front lens curve = Rx spherical equivalent + 6.00D, and for a minus prescription, front lens curve = 1/2 the Rx spherical equivalent + 6.00D. When the difference between the front lens curve and the base curve of the frame is too large, fitting a lens becomes challenging. Additionally, a different distance from the eye of a lens at a certain position also changes the refraction of the lens and the effect on the correction.

The present invention offers a solution to this problem by the division of the lens into optical zones which use various design elements, as detailed below.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the present invention provides an adaptable thin lens for correcting visual aberrations, the adaptable thin lens including a plurality of design elements organized in at least one optical zone, wherein the design elements are selected from a concave design, a convex design, a piano design, a Fresnel-like design, a free-form prism design, and combinations thereof.

The term “thin”, as used herein relates to a lens which is thinner than a regular lens having the same prescription. In some embodiments, the maximum thickness of the lens is about 3-7 mm, 3-5 mm, or 5-7 mm. In some embodiments, the maximum thickness of the lens is about 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 mm.

The term “adaptable” is used herein to reflect the ability of the lens to adapt to a frame of any shape.

The term “visual aberrations” relates to vision issues, including refractive errors, which cause light not to accurately focus on the retina, usually resulting from the length or the shape of the eye, the lens, or the cornea. Visual aberrations can generally be divided into lower order aberration, such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, and higher order aberration, such as spherical aberration, curvature of field, coma, distortion, trefoil.

In some embodiments, the visual aberrations include lower order aberration and higher order aberration. In some embodiments, the visual aberrations are selected from lower order aberration and higher order aberration. In some embodiments, the visual aberrations are selected from myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, astigmatism, spherical aberration, curvature of field, coma, distortion, and trefoil. In some embodiments, the visual aberrations are selected from myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism. In some embodiments, the visual aberrations are selected from spherical aberration, curvature of field, coma, distortion, and trefoil.

In some embodiments the visual aberrations result from a condition selected from a keratoconus, corneal ectatic disorders, pupil enlargement, and cataract. In some embodiments the visual aberrations result from pupil enlargement. In some embodiments, the visual aberrations result from cataract.

The term “optical zone” defines a region of the lens that has a specific design, which provides the optical zone with a specific refractive ability or effect. The specific refractive effect is achieved by using a design including specific combination of design elements each having specific optical parameters, and/or by using a specific arrangements of the design elements to obtain the specific refractive ability. The design of the optical zone may include a single design element, or a combination of design elements. The division of the adaptable thin lens into optical zones (as many and as large or small as needed) with varying designs based on local needs, allows for independent correction of a large variety of aberrations (and not only refractive errors) at practically any point of the lens. Optical zones may be of various shapes and sizes and do not need to be uniform by any measure. Optical zones may be, for example, squared, rounded, oval, having an irregular shape, or any other shape, as needed. The size of an optical zones may vary and may be as small or as large as needed. Generally, smaller optical zones allow for a finer tuning of the correction.

The design of an optical zone is therefore defined as the design element(s) included in the optical zone, each with its specific parameters, and the specific arrangements of the design elements in the optical zone, which facilitates obtaining the specific refractive effect.

In some embodiments, the plurality of design elements are organized in at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, or more than 10, optical zones. In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens includes at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, or more than 10, optical zones.

In some embodiments, each optical zone includes at least one design element. In some embodiments, at least one optical zone includes at least two design elements. In some embodiments, at least one optical zone includes at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, or more than 10, design elements.

In some embodiments, at least two optical zones in the lens are not the same. In some embodiments, at least two optical zones have a different design. In some embodiments, one of the two optical zones includes at least one design element not present in the other optical zone. In some embodiments, one of the two optical zones includes at least one design element in a quantity different from the quantity of the same design element in the other optical zone. In some embodiments, one of the two optical zones includes at least one design element having parameters different from parameters of the same design element in the other optical zone.

In some embodiments, no two optical zones have the same design. In some embodiments, no two adjacent optical zones have the same design. In some embodiments, at least two adjacent optical zones have the same optical design.

In some embodiments, “a plurality” of design elements means at least two design elements. In some embodiments, a plurality of design elements means at least three design elements. In some embodiments, a plurality of design elements means at least 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, or 1000 design elements.

In some embodiments, the size of the optical zones is in the mm² range. In some embodiments, the area of the optical zones is larger than 1 mm². In some embodiments, the area of the optical zones is smaller than 1 mm². In some embodiments, the area of at least one optical zone is larger than 1 mm². In some embodiments, the area of at least one optical zone is smaller than 1 mm². In some embodiments, the area of at least one optical zone is larger than 1 mm² and the area of at least one optical zone is smaller than 1 mm².

The term “design element” is defined as an element of the lens having a design type selected from a concave design, a convex design, a piano design, a Fresnel-like design, and a free-form prism design, as explained below. Each design element has parameters such as its design type, thickness, curvature, size, relevant angles, position relative to other elements in an optical zone, etc.

A concave design element consists of a concave lens region. A convex design element consists of a convex lens region. A piano design elements consists of a lens region having zero refractive index, i.e. a flat lens region. The concave, convex, and piano design elements do not include any other design.

The term “prism” as used herein relates to a transparent body which may be used to refract or disperse a beam of light, that is bounded in part by at least two planar or rounded faces, where each of the rounded faces may independently be concave, convex, or piano.

The term “free-form prism design”, as used herein, means that the prism or prisms of the invention do not have a predefined structure, and are not by themselves part of another design element as defined herein, namely a concave, convex, piano, or Fresnel-like design. However, free-form prisms may be combined with another design element in a single optical zone. The prisms of the invention may be squared, oblong, oval, rounded, or have any other shape, they may have a planar and/or a rounded concave or convex face, and have any curvature, angle, or size, as needed. It is appreciated that the free-form prism design is not bound by a specific shape.

However, for clarity and to avoid confusion, the term “free-form prism design”, as used herein, excludes the specifically-defined design elements concave, convex, piano, and Fresnel-like design elements.

The term “Fresnel-like design” relates to a design based on a Fresnel lens, including regions of concentric annular prisms optionally with a concave, convex, or piano center. An example of a Fresnel lens is shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3 shows a cross section of a typical Fresnel lens 300, in a frame having a base curve of 0 diopters. A Fresnel lens design reduces the lens thickness by dividing it into a set of concentric annular sections. This effectively divides the continuous surface of a standard lens into a set of surfaces of the same curvature (302), with stepwise discontinuities between them. The curved surfaces may be replaced with flat surfaces, with a different angle in each section. Such a lens can be regarded as an array of prisms arranged in a circular fashion with steeper prisms on the edges (302) and a flat or slightly convex center (304). It is noted that the Fresnel lens reduces the thickness of the lens at a cost of reducing the imaging quality of the lens.

In some embodiments, the plurality of design elements includes a concave design. In some embodiments, the plurality of design elements includes a convex design. In some embodiments, the plurality of design elements includes a piano design. In some embodiments, the plurality of design elements includes a Fresnel-like design. In some embodiments, the plurality of design elements includes a free-form prism design.

In some embodiments, the plurality of design elements includes at least 2, 3, 4, or 5 different design elements selected from a concave design, a convex design, a piano design, a Fresnel-like design, and a free-form prism design.

In some embodiments, the lens includes at least 2, 3, 4, or 5 different design elements selected from a concave design, a convex design, a piano design, a Fresnel-like design, and a freeform prism design.

In some embodiments, the lens includes at least one optical zone including at least one design element selected from a concave design, a convex design, a piano design, a Fresnel-like design, and a free-form prism design, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the lens includes at least one optical zone including at least one Fresnel-like design element. In some embodiments, the lens includes at least one optical zone including at least one free-form prism design element.

In some embodiments, the lens includes at least one optical zone including a combination of at least two different design elements selected from a concave design, a convex design, a piano design, a Fresnel-like design, and a free-form prism design.

Parameters characterizing an optical zone include minimum thickness, maximum thickness, overall curvature, number and identity of design elements and their associated parameters (such as angles, curvature, size, etc.), positional relationship between elements such as the annular prisms and the concave/convex/plano center of the Fresnel-like design, etc. The parameters are defined independently for each optical zone and may vary as needed for the required correction. These parameters may be defined for each optical zone based on known principles of optometry, such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Basic and Clinical Science Course, Clinical Optics, and as explained in some detail below.

The complete adaptable thin lens of the invention is designed as a combination of optical zones individually designed to best fit the visual correction needs, selected frame, and customer’s preferences. The optical zones may be arranges by any arrangement or order. In some embodiments, the optical zones are arranged in an array or a grid.

In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens of the invention, or parts thereof (such as optical zones or design elements), are digitally designed by a dedicated design software. To this end, the dedicated design software receives parameters of a desired frame, including the shape definition, curvature, etc., and of the visual correction required for the subject, and provides a computer-assisted design of the adaptable thin lens, which includes design elements organized in optical zones which are arranged at a certain arrangement (such as an array or a grid), each optical zone having a specific design that may best fit both the shape of the frame and the needed visual correction. The computer-assisted design may be printed by a 3D printer to obtain the adaptable thin lens.

In some embodiments, the final computer-assisted design of the adaptable thin lens includes several alternatives, each correcting or mitigating some aberrations while not (or only partially) correcting others. Additionally, in cases where there is a tradeoff, for example, between the thickness of the lens and correcting certain aberrations, the alternatives may be presented to the customer and the final choice may be based on the preference of the customer.

Today, certain types of lenses, such as multifocal or progressive lenses, are designed by using ray tracing software such as, e.g., the Digital Ray-Path® software from IOT. The dedicated design software for designing the adaptable thin lens of the invention is similar to ray tracing software in terms of the general concept, but further allows for additional elements unique to the lens of the invention (such as, e.g., the free-form prisms), resulting in additional designs. Accordingly, by providing to the dedicated design software with a collection, or a database of optical zones having specific designs including design elements selected from a concave, convex, piano, Fresnel-like, a free-form prism, and combinations thereof, and a desired frame, a specific computer-assisted design (or several alternative designs) including arrangements of the provided optical zones may be obtained, defining a thin lens suitable for a given frame.

To supplement the dedicated design software, a database is developed, including parameters such as base curve of glasses frames, desired refraction in each region of the lens, and total lower and higher aberrations desired for each frame. Additionally, the database may also include parameters of specific lenses (of specific brands and models), for attaching the adaptable thin lens of the invention to an existing lens.

The dedicated design software provides the suggested computer-assisted design based on known techniques available for measuring and analyzing wavefront aberrations, as detailed below, based on the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Basic and Clinical Science Course, Refractive Surgery.

Several techniques are available for measuring wavefront aberrations, with the most popular aberrometer in clinical practice being based on the Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor. The measurement includes a low-power laser beam that focuses on the retina, with a point on the retina acting as a point source. The light reflected backwards (anteriorly) through the optical elements of the eye is measured by a detector. In an aberration-free eye, all of the reflected rays emerge in parallel, and the reflected wavefront is a flat plane. However, in reality, the wavefront is not flat, and an array of lenses samples parts of the wavefront and focuses light on a detector to determine the shape of the reflected wavefront. The extent of the divergence of the lenslet images from their expected focal points determines the wavefront error. Optical aberrations measured by the aberrometer can be resolved into a variety of basic shapes, the combination of which represents the total aberration of the subject’s ocular system, just as conventional a refractive error is a combination of sphere and cylinder.

Currently, wavefront aberrations are most commonly defined by Zernike polynomials, which are the mathematical formulas used to describe the surfaces. Each aberration may be positive or negative in value and induces predictable alterations in the image quality. The magnitude of these aberrations is expressed as a root mean square (RMS) error, which is the deviation of the wavefront averaged over the entire wavefront. The higher the RMS value is, the greater is the overall aberration for a given eye. The majority of patients have total RMS values less than 0.3 m for a 6-mm pupil. Most higher order Zernike coefficients have mean values close to zero. The most important Zernike coefficients affecting visual quality are defocus, spherical aberration, coma, and secondary astigmatism. Wavefront aberrations analyses can be performed clinically by several methods, including Hartmann-Shack, Tscherning, thin -beam single-ray tracing, and optical path difference. Each method generates a detailed report of lower order aberrations (sphere and cylinder) and higher order aberrations (spherical aberration, coma, and trefoil, among others).

Fourier analysis is an alternative method of evaluating the output from an aberrometer. Fourier analysis involves a sine wave-derived transformation of a complex shape. Compared with shapes derived from Zernike polynomial analysis, the shapes derived from Fourier analysis are more detailed, theoretically allowing for the measurement and treatment of more highly aberrant corneas.

The above methods are used in the dedicated design software as a simulation of a lens including various optical zones having predefined parameters, as described above, in order to achieve the best visual correction that may fit the parameters of a desired frame. The selected design includes specific parameters defining each optical zone, and an overall arrangement of the optical zones in the lens, which best fits the specific frame design.

As a result, the adaptable thin lens of the invention may be designed to fit any frame having any base shape and size.

A further element of the lens design, which may be incorporated into the dedicated design software, is flexibility. Designing flexible regions into the lens, by using certain materials, as further detailed below, together with specific designs, facilitates including deformation regions in the lens, which provide for easier fitting of the lens into specific frames or for attaching onto specific lenses.

In some embodiments, the lens of the invention is at least partially flexible. In some embodiments, the lens of the invention includes at least one flexible region. In some embodiments, the lens of the invention is completely flexible. In some embodiments, the lens of the invention has flexible regions and rigid regions. In some embodiments, the lens of the invention includes regions of deformation.

The term “flexible” relates to the ability of the lens or parts thereof to bend without breaking. In contrast, the term “rigid” describes a lens or parts thereof which cannot be bent without breaking.

It is further noted that the digital design of the lens of the invention facilitates obtaining complex designs, or correction of complex visual aberrations, including multifocal or progressive designs, or any other design having different visual corrections (e.g., refractive strength) at different positions in the lens. Furthermore, if needed, the adaptable thin lens of the invention may include any prescription at any position in the lens.

In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is digitally adaptable, namely designed to fit a desired frame by digitally determining or designing the arrangement or relative position of the optical zones including it.

In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is a multifocal or a progressive lens, such as a Camber lens. In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is not a multifocal lens. In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is not a progressive lens. In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is a single focus lens. In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens includes at least two optical zones providing visual corrections different from each other.

Figs. 4A-4B shows exemplary designs of the adaptable thin lenses of the invention, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 4A shows an exemplary design of an adaptable thin lens 400 according to some embodiments, which is fitted into frame 402, and includes optical zones including a single design element (optical zones 404 and 406), and optical zones including a combination of design elements (optical zones 408, and 410), arranged at a certain design with respect to each other. Optical zone 404 includes a single concave, convex, or piano design element. Optical zone 406 includes a single free-form prism design element. Optical zone 408 includes a combination of a Fresnel-like design element and several free-form prism design elements. Optical zone 410 includes a combination of a convex/concave/plano design element and a free-form prism design element.

Fig. 4B shows another exemplary adaptable thin lens 450, according to the invention, including design elements, e.g., design elements 452 and 454 which may independently be any one of concave, convex, piano, or free-form prism. These elements may each be a separate optical zone, or may be organized into optical zones, each having a certain refractive effect.

An important point is that when providing a correction, it is important that the correction encompasses most of the lens area, so as to prevent the wearer from having to turn their head instead of their eyes, as explained above with reference to curved frames. The adaptable thin lens of the invention, by the elaborate design, multiple optical zones, and flexibility, offers a solution to this problem.

In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is capable of being fitted into a desired frame while providing appropriate refractive correction through at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% of the lens area of the frame.

In some embodiments, the refractive correction obtained by the adaptable thin lens covers a large portion of the lens area of the frame. In some embodiments, the refractive correction obtained by the adaptable thin lens covers at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the lens area of the frame.

The phrase “lens area of the frame”, as used herein, relates to the complete area defined by the frame for placing a lens.

In some embodiments, the frame has a high base curve. In some embodiments, the frame has a base curve of at least 6 diopters. In some embodiments, the frame includes at least two different base curves. In some embodiments, the subject has high myopia.

The lens may be produced from any suitable material, including standard glass, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), rigid gas permeable materials (such as but not limited to cellulose acetate butyrate, butyl styrene, siloxane acrylates, fluoro siloxane acrylates, and perfluoroethers), tempered glass, standard plastic, polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), silicon, silicon hydrogel, hydroxy ethyl methacrylate, nano liquid (silicon dioxide), Trivex, high index materials such as refractive index of 1.60 or higher, or any combination thereof. Specific examples include CR-39, Crown Glass, Spectralite™, RLX Lite, Ormex, Finalite, 1.60 MR-6, 1.66 MR-7, 1.6 Index Glass, 1.7 Index glass, and 1.8 index glass.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the lens includes a flexible material such as tempered glass, silicon, silicon hydrogel, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or nano liquid (silicon dioxide).

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the lens includes a rigid material such as standard glass, standard plastic, polycarbonate, PMMA, rigid gas permeable materials (such as but not limited to cellulose acetate butyrate, butyl styrene, siloxane acrylates, fluoro siloxane acrylates, and perfluoroethers), Trivex, or high index materials.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the lens includes a flexible material such as tempered glass, silicon, silicon hydrogel, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or nano liquid (silicon dioxide); and at least a portion of the lens includes a rigid material such as standard glass, standard plastic, polycarbonate, PMMA, rigid gas permeable materials (such as but not limited to cellulose acetate butyrate, butyl styrene, siloxane acrylates, fluoro siloxane acrylates, and perfluoroethers), Trivex, or high index materials.

As an added feature, when including a Fresnel-like design, the adaptable thin lens of the invention also reduces the amount of light penetrating the eye, which is also useful when used in sunglasses.

In some embodiments, the lens reduces the amount of light that reaches the eye. Several options exist for using the adaptable thin lens of the invention.

The adaptable thin lens may be placed directly into the frame, possibly replacing an existing lens which was originally part of the glasses.

Alternatively, the adaptable thin may be attached to an existing lens, e.g. by an adhesive material, or by 3D printing of the adaptable thin lens computer-assisted design directly on the existing lens. As a result, the adaptable thin lens of the invention may be used for correcting vision with any desired frame. Furthermore, the adaptable thin lens of the invention may be used for correcting vision of any glasses, including glasses already containing lenses, without replacing the existing lenses, such as sunglasses. This may be relevant, e.g., for sunglasses which are to be converted to optical sunglasses, or also in a situation where there is already a non-prescription lens and the prescription may be added by attaching the adaptable thin lens to the existing lens. It may also be possible that a prescription needs to be updated, and instead of replacing the existing lenses, the adaptable thin lens is attached to the existing prescription lens, bringing the prescription to the complete desired correction.

The term “existing lens” is intended to encompass any lens suitable for use in a frame of glasses, including but not limited to the lens of the invention. The existing lens may be, for example, a lens from a pair of glasses, in which the lenses need to be adapted for reasons such as those mentioned above and below.

This solution is also especially useful when the existing lens contains specific desirable characteristics that may be related to fashion or to branding, such as color, or watermark. Attaching the lens of the invention on the inner surface (face side) of the lens, preserves all the original features of the original lens while adding a refractive correction. Hence, the adaptable thin lens of the invention is suitable for use with off-the-shelf glasses (especially sunglasses), enabling to achieve refractive correction without replacing the original lenses with its distinctive “style” (watermarks, branding, color contour), thus enjoying refractive correction of the entire surface of the original lens without replacing the original lenses.

In case of the using adhesive material for attaching the adaptable thin lens, adhesion of the lenses on the sunglasses may be simple and easy, and may be done by the customer or by caregiver, optometrist or any person selling sunglasses online or in site. Another advantage of the adhesive adaptable thin lens is the relative ease of replacing the adhesive lenses as the individual refraction may change, by peeling off the lens and replacing it with another.

Alternatively, the adaptable thin lens may be attached to the existing lens by directly printing the computer-assisted design on the existing lens.

When being attached to an existing lens, the lens of the invention is usually attached on the inner surface (the face side, or bottom side) of the existing lens. However, it may also be possible to attach it on the outer surface of the existing lens.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is capable of being attached to an existing lens

In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens contains an adhesive material for attaching to an existing lens.

In some embodiments, the adhesive material is selected from a silicon-based adhesive, a liquid optically clear adhesive (LOCA), an AB glue, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the adhesive material covers at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 99%, of the surface of the adaptable thin lens. In some embodiments, the adhesive material covers the compete surface of the adaptable thin lens.

In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is printed on an existing lens.

In some embodiments, the printed adaptable lens further includes a watermark and/or a logo. It is noted that it is also possible to add a watermark or logo while attaching the adaptable lens to or printing the adaptable lens on the existing lens.

In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is attached to the inner surface of the existing lens, facing the subject wearing the glasses. In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is attached to the outer surface of the existing lens, away from the subject wearing the glasses. In some embodiments the adaptable thin lens is directly printed on the inner surface or the outer surface of an existing lens.

In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens covers at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80, 90%, 95%, or 99% of the existing lens.

In some embodiments, the existing lens is a prescription lens (i.e., a refractive correcting lens). In some embodiments, the existing lens is a non-prescription lens. In some embodiments, the existing lens is a sunglasses lens.

One of the issues with lenses including various designs, especially free-form prism design and a Fresnel-like design, is that the borders between different designs may cause aberrations or discontinuity. To correct this issue, a second adaptable thin lens may be attached to the first - adaptable thin lens, the second lens having a different design from the first lens, so as to correct aberrations or discontinuity in the first lens. This process may continue by attaching or stacking several -adaptable thin lens on top of each other.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the existing lens is the adaptable thin lens of the invention. In addition, an additional adaptable thin lens may be attached to an existing adaptable thin lens, to further correct an existing prescription. The adaptable lens may be also a myopia control lens, including tinting or a filter for myopia control.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens further includes tinting, coloring, and/or at least one filter. In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is a myopia control lens. In some embodiments, the filter is a UV filter and/or a blue filter. Typically, the myopia control lens is intended for adding on the face side (inner surface) of an existing prescription lens.

Furthermore, lenses may be added, each correcting a different aberration or directed to achieving a different goal, e.g., one lens correcting myopia, another correcting astigmatism, a further lens adding tinting or logo, a lens for myopia control, etc.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the present invention provides a compound lens including at least one adaptable thin lens as described herein, attached to an existing lens.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the present invention provides a compound lens including at least two adaptable thin lenses as described herein, attached to one another. It is appreciated that the compound lens may further include additional lenses, such as the “existing lens” described above.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a compound lens including at least 3, 4, 5, or 10 adaptable thin lenses attached to one another.

In some embodiments, the compound lens includes at least one lens including tinting, color, and/or filter.

In some embodiments, the compound lens further includes at least one watermark, logo, tinting, color, or filter.

The term “attached to”, as used herein, relates to any type of attachment, such as by an adhesive, or by printing the thin lens on the existing lens, including on another thin lens.

The adaptable thin lens of the invention may be manufactured by any suitable method.

In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens of the invention is manufactured by 3D printing of the lens computer-assisted design by a 3D printer. In some embodiments, any of the optical zones and/or any of the design elements are manufactured by 3D printing and combined by any suitable means.

In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is manufactured by 3D printing of the lens computer-assisted design on an existing lens. In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is manufactured by 3D printing of the lens computer-assisted design on the inner surface (face side) of an existing lens. In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens is manufactured by 3D printing of the lens computer-assisted design on the outer surface (away for the face) of an existing lens. In some embodiments, the adaptable thin lens computer-assisted design is 3D printed on adhesive material for attaching to an existing lens or to a desired frame.

In some embodiments, additional elements may be 3D printed on the lens or as part of the lens, such as watermarks, shading, and colors. Such elements may be added by adding parameters to the dedicated design software for creating the computer-assisted design and by adding the materials (such as different colors) to the 3D printing inks.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing the adaptable thin lens of the invention, the method including:

(a) inputting into a dedicated design software parameters of a desired frame and parameters of a desired visual correction;

(b) preparing a computer-assisted design by the dedicated design software, the computer- assisted design including a plurality of design elements organized in at least one optical zone, wherein the design elements are selected from a concave design, a convex design, a piano design, a Fresnel-like design, and a free-form prism design;

(c) adding 3D printing inks to a 3D printer; and

(d) printing the computer-assisted design by the 3D printer.

Definitions and embodiments mentioned above and which may be relevant to the methods embodiments also apply here, and vice versa. Some particularly relevant embodiments may be pointed out or explicitly repeated.

In some embodiments, the parameters of the desired frame include shape definition of the frame including curvature, base curve, size measurements, lens height, lens width, bridge width, temple length, eye size, etc.

In some embodiments, the parameters of the desired visual correction include desired refraction in each region of the lens, total lower and higher aberrations desired for each frame, required tinting and color, required watermarks, required filters (such as UV light or blue light filter) etc.

In some embodiments, the dedicated design software is further provided with a collection, or a database of optical zones including design elements selected from a concave, convex, piano, Fresnel-like, a free-form prism, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the dedicated design software is further provided with a database including parameters (such as size and base curve) of specific frames of glasses.

In some embodiments, the dedicated design software is further provided with a database including parameters of specific lenses (such as of specific brands and models), for attaching the adaptable thin lens of the invention to an existing lens. In some embodiments, the printing is on an existing lens.

In some embodiments, the printing is on an adhesive layer.

In some embodiments, the 3D printing inks and/or printed surfaces include at least one material selected from rigid material such as standard glass, standard plastic, PMMA, rigid gas permeable materials (such as but not limited to cellulose acetate butyrate, butyl styrene, siloxane acrylates, fluorosiloxane acrylates, and perfluoroethers), polycarbonate, Trivex, or high index materials, and/or at least one flexible material selected from tempered glass, silicon, silicon hydrogel, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or nano liquid (silicon dioxide).

In some embodiments, the printing further includes printing a watermark, a shade, or a color by adding the relevant parameters to the input at step (a), and adding the relevant materials, such as colors, to the 3D printing inks.

In some embodiments, the printing includes printing on a frame of glasses. In some embodiments, the printing includes adding to the frame of glasses at least one element including a watermark, a logo, and/or a 3D shape.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.

The term "a" and "an" refers to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element.

The term "about" when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a ratio, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of ±10% of the indicated value, as such variations are also suitable to perform the disclosed invention. Any numerical values appearing in the application are intended to be construed as if preceded by “about”, unless indicated otherwise.

While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described by the claims, which follow.

Claims

1. An adaptable thin lens for correcting visual aberrations, the adaptable thin lens comprising a plurality of design elements organized in at least one optical zone, wherein the design elements are selected from a concave design, a convex design, a piano design, a Fresnel-like design, a free-form prism design, and combinations thereof.

2. The adaptable thin lens of claim 1, wherein the visual aberrations are selected from higher order aberrations and lower order aberrations.

3. The adaptable thin lens of claim 1 or 2, wherein the visual aberrations are selected from myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, astigmatism, spherical aberration, curvature of field, coma, distortion, and trefoil.

4. The adaptable thin lens of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the plurality of design elements includes at least three design elements.

5. The adaptable thin lens of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the plurality of design elements includes at least 2, 3, or 4 different design elements.

6. The adaptable thin lens of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one optical zone includes at least two optical zones.

7. The adaptable thin lens of claim 6, wherein the at least one optical zone includes at least two optical zones not comprising the same combination of design elements.

8. The adaptable thin lens of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the at least one optical zone comprises at least one free-form prism design element.

9. The adaptable thin lens of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the at least one optical zone comprises at least one Fresnel-like design element.

10. The adaptable thin lens of any one of claims 1-9, comprising at least one flexible region.

11. The adaptable thin lens of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the adaptable thin lens is a multifocal and/or a progressive lens.

12. The adaptable thin lens of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the adaptable thin lens is capable of being fitted into a desired frame while providing appropriate refractive correction through at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% of the lens area of the frame.

13. The adaptable thin lens of claim 12, wherein the desired frame has a base curve of at least 6 diopters.

14. The adaptable thin lens of claim 12 or 13, wherein the desired frame comprises at least two different base curves.

15. The adaptable thin lens of any one of claims 12-14, wherein the adaptable thin lens is designed to fit a desired frame by using a dedicated design software to define the arrangement of the optical zones in the lens.

16. The adaptable thin lens of any one of claims 1-15, further comprising an adhesive material for attaching to an existing lens.

17. The adaptable thin lens of any one of claims 1-15, printed on the inner surface or the outer surface of an existing lens.

18. The adaptable thin lens of claim 17, wherein the printed adaptable lens further includes a watermark and/or a logo.

19. The adaptable thin lens of any one of claims 16-18, wherein the adaptable thin lens is capable of covering at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80, 90%, 95%, or 99% of the existing lens.

20. The adaptable thin lens of any one of claims 16-19, wherein the existing lens is a vision correcting lens.

21. The adaptable thin table lens of any one of claims 16-20, wherein the existing lens is a nonprescription lens.

22. The adaptable thin lens of any one of claims 16-21, wherein the existing lens is a sunglass lens.

23. The adaptable thin lens of any one of claims 16-22, wherein the existing lens is the adaptable thin lens of claim 1.

24. The adaptable thin lens of any one of claims 16-23, further comprising tinting, coloring, and/or at least one filter.

25. The adaptable thin lens of claim 24, wherein the tinting, color, and/or filter are for myopia control.

26. The adaptable thin lens of claim 24 or 25, wherein the filter is a UV light filter and/or a blue light filter.

27. A compound lens comprising an adaptable thin lens as defined in any one of claims 1-26, attached to an existing lens.

28. A compound lens comprising at least two adaptable thin lenses each as defined in any one of claims 1-26, attached to each other.

29. A method for manufacturing the adaptable thin lens of any one of claims 1-22, the method comprising: a. inputting into a dedicated design software parameters of a desired frame and parameters of a desired visual correction; b. preparing a computer-assisted design by the dedicated design software, the computer- assisted design comprising a plurality of design elements organized in at least one optical zone, wherein the design elements are selected from a concave design, a convex design, a piano design, a Fresnel-like design, a free-form prism design, and combinations thereof; c. adding 3D printing inks to a 3D printer; and d. printing the computer-assisted design by the 3D printer.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the printing by a 3D printer in step (d) is on a frame of glasses.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the printing further adds to the frame at least one element including a watermark, a logo, and/or a 3D shape.

32. The method of claim 29, wherein the printing by a 3D printer in step (d) is on an existing lens.