U.S. patent application number 14/193254 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-04 for myopia control optical system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Essilor International (Compagnie Generale D'Optique) S.A.. The applicant listed for this patent is Essilor International (Compagnie Generale D'Optique) S.A.. Invention is credited to Bjorn Drobe.
Application Number | 20140247423 14/193254 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47845885 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140247423 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Drobe; Bjorn |
September 4, 2014 |
MYOPIA CONTROL OPTICAL SYSTEM
Abstract
An optical system having a transmission pattern comprising at
least a first zone Z1 extending from at or about 380 nm to a first
limit L1 between Z1, and a second zone Z2. A third zone Z3 extends
from a second limit L2 between Z2 and Z3 to about 780 nm. L1 may be
greater than or equal to or about 436 nm. Second limit L2 may be
greater than L1 and smaller than or equal to or about 487 nm. The
average transmission values T1, T2, T3, in each zone Z1, Z2, Z3 may
be: T2>5*(T1+T3)/2, with T1 the average transmission over Z1, T2
the average transmission over Z2, T3 the average transmission over
Z3. T1 and T3 may be greater than or equal to or about 3% and
smaller than or equal to or about 70%. T2 may be greater than or
equal to or about 75%.
Inventors: |
Drobe; Bjorn; (Singapore,
SG) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Essilor International (Compagnie Generale D'Optique) S.A. |
Paris |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Essilor International (Compagnie
Generale D'Optique) S.A.
Paris
FR
|
Family ID: |
47845885 |
Appl. No.: |
14/193254 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
351/159.29 ;
351/159.63; 351/159.79; 623/6.17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2250/0082 20130101;
G02B 5/20 20130101; G02C 7/105 20130101; G02B 5/223 20130101; A61F
2/1659 20130101; G02B 5/28 20130101; G02B 5/23 20130101; A61F
2250/0053 20130101; G02C 2202/24 20130101; G02C 7/104 20130101;
A61F 2/1613 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
351/159.29 ;
351/159.63; 351/159.79; 623/6.17 |
International
Class: |
G02C 7/10 20060101
G02C007/10; A61F 2/16 20060101 A61F002/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 1, 2013 |
EP |
13305237 |
Claims
1. An optical system having a transmission pattern comprising at
least a first zone Z1 extending from 380 nm to a first limit L1
between the first zone Z1 and a second zone Z2, and a third zone Z3
extending from a second limit L2 between the second zone Z2 and the
third zone Z3 to 780 nm, wherein the first limit L1 is greater than
or equal to 436 nm, wherein the second limit L2 is greater than the
first limit L1 and smaller than or equal to 487 nm; wherein the
average transmission values T1, T2, T3, in each zone Z1, Z2, Z3 are
such as: T2>5*(T1+T3)/2, wherein T1 the average transmission
over the first zone Z1, wherein T2 the average transmission over
the second zone Z2, wherein T3 the average transmission over the
third zone Z3, and wherein T1 and T3 being greater than or equal to
3% and smaller than or equal to 70%, and T2 being greater than or
equal to 75%.
2. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein the first limit
L1 is greater than or equal to about 446 nm.
3. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein the second
limit L2 is smaller than or equal to about 477 nm.
4. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein the average
transmission T2 over the second zone Z2 is greater than the average
transmissions T1 and T3 over the first and third zones Z1, Z3.
5. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein the average
transmission T1 over the first zone Z1 is smaller than or equal to
the average transmission T3 over the third zone Z3.
6. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein the average
transmission T1 over the first zone Z1 is greater than or equal to
8% and smaller than or equal to about 43%.
7. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein the average
transmission T1 over the first zone Z1 is greater than or equal to
8% and smaller than or equal to about 18%.
8. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein the average
transmission T3 over the third zone Z3 is greater than or equal to
8% and smaller than or equal to about 43%.
9. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein the average
transmission T3 over the third zone Z3 is greater than or equal to
8% and smaller than or equal to about 18%.
10. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein the optical
system is an optical system selected among the list of optical
systems consisting of optical lens, ophthalmic lens, spectacle
lens, contact lens, intraocular lens.
11. Method for selecting an optical system according to claim 1 and
adapted for a wearer, the method comprising: measuring the effect
of different optical systems according to claim 1 on the size of
the pupil of the wearer; and selecting the optical system having
the greatest average transmission value over the first and third
zones and for which the wearer's pupil diameter has increased by at
least about 0.5 mm when wearing the optical system.
12. Use of an optical system according to claim 1 to slow down
myopia progression of a wearer.
13. The optical system according to claim 1 for slowing down myopia
progression of a wearer.
14. Use of an optical system according to claim 1 to slow down
myopia progression of a wearer, wherein the optical system is an
optical system selected among the group of optical systems
consisting of optical lens, ophthalmic lens, spectacle lens,
contact lens, intraocular lens.
15. Method for selecting an optical system according to claim 1 and
adapted for a wearer, the method comprising: measuring the effect
of different optical systems according to claim 1 on the size of
the pupil of the wearer; and selecting the optical system having
the greatest average transmission value over the first and third
zones and for which the wearer's pupil diameter has increased by at
least about 0.5 mm when wearing the optical system, wherein the
optical system is an optical system selected among the group of
optical systems consisting of optical lens, ophthalmic lens,
spectacle lens, contact lens, intraocular lens.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from European Application
for Patent No. 13305237 filed Mar. 1, 2013, the disclosure of which
is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to an optical system having a
transmission pattern specifically adapted to slow down myopia
progression of the wearer and to a method for selecting an optical
system as described herein.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The discussion herein of the background is included to
explain the context of the invention described. This is not to be
taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was
published, known or part of the common general knowledge at the
priority date of any of the claims.
[0004] Myopia may have severe long term consequences on the eye
that may even result in blindness. It appears that for most
individuals, in particular for children, the myopia condition of
the eye tends to increase with time.
[0005] It is therefore crucial to slow or stop the progression of
myopia, as the severity of its consequences is linked to the
severity of the final myopia that is reached by the patient.
[0006] Recent studies point out natural light can help slow down
myopia progression. In particular, it has been observed that
outdoors activities slow down myopia progression.
[0007] However, when individual and in particular children spend
time outdoors, their eyes are also exposed to harmful light (UV,
blue light). Solar lenses protect the eyes from the harmful effects
of natural light but also appear to decrease the benefits of the
outdoor activities on the myopia progression.
[0008] Therefore, there remains a need for an optical device that
provides protection for the eye from the harmful wavelength of
natural light and maintains or even enhances the benefit of outdoor
activity on myopia progression.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] As described is an optical device that achieves some of all
of the needs described above.
[0010] In accordance with one or move embodiments there is provided
an optical system having a transmission pattern comprising at least
a first zone Z1 extending from about 380 nm to a first limit L1
between the first zone Z1 and a second zone Z2. A third zone Z3
extends from a second limit L2 between the second zone Z2 and the
third zone Z3 to about 780 nm. The first limit L1 may be greater
than or equal to or about 436 nm. The second limit L2 may be
greater than the first limit L1 and smaller than or equal to or
about 487 nm. The average transmission values T1, T2, T3, in each
zone Z1, Z2, Z3 are provided by: T2>5*(T1+T3)/2, in which T1 is
the average transmission over the first zone Z1, T2 is the average
transmission over the second zone Z2, and T3 is the average
transmission over the third zone Z3. T1 and T3 may be greater than
or equal to or about 3% and smaller than or equal to or about 70%.
T2 may be greater than or equal to or about 75%.
[0011] Advantageously, the transmission pattern of the optical
system described herein provides protection from harmful
wavelengths of natural light, in the first and third zones and
having a greater transmission in the second zone maintains the
benefit of outdoor activities on the progression of myopia.
[0012] Indeed, the wavelengths comprised in the second zone appear
to increase the retinal Dopamine secretion that slow down myopia
progression.
[0013] Furthermore, the average transmission over the first and
second zones is such that the wearer's pupil size in increased when
wearing the optical device. Therefore the amount of light the
wearer's retina receives in the wavelengths corresponding to the
second zone increases. Thus the benefit of outdoor activities on
myopia progression is enhanced when using the optical system
according to the described invention.
[0014] According to further embodiments, any one or more of the
following may be considered alone or in combination: [0015] the
first limit L1 is greater than or equal to or about 446 nm; and/or
[0016] the first limit L1 is greater than or equal to or about 456
nm; and/or [0017] the second limit L2 is smaller than or equal to
or about 477 nm; and/or [0018] the second limit L2 is smaller than
or equal to or about 467 nm; and/or [0019] the average transmission
T2 over the second zone Z2 is greater than the average
transmissions T1 and T3 over the first and third zones Z1, Z3;
and/or [0020] the average transmission T1 over the first zone Z1 is
smaller than or equal to the average transmission T3 over the third
zone Z3; and/or [0021] the average transmission T1 over the first
zone Z1 is greater than or equal to or about 8% and smaller than or
equal to or about 43%; and/or [0022] the average transmission T1
over the first zone Z1 is greater than or equal to or about 8% and
smaller than or equal to or about 18%; and/or [0023] the average
transmission T3 over the third zone Z3 is greater than or equal to
or about 8% and smaller than or equal to or about 43%; and/or
[0024] the average transmission T3 over the third zone Z3 is
greater than or equal to or about 8% and smaller than or equal to
or about 18%; and/or [0025] the optical system is an optical system
selected among the list of optical systems consisting of optical
lens, ophthalmic lens, spectacle lens, contact lens, intraocular
lens.
[0026] Further described herein are methods for selecting an
optical system according to the inventions described, adapted for a
wearer, the methods comprising some or all of the steps of
measuring the effect of different optical systems according to some
or all of the described inventions on the size of the pupil of the
wearer and selecting the optical system having the greatest average
transmission value over the first and third zones and for which the
wearer's pupil diameter has increased of at least about 0.5 mm when
wearing the optical system.
[0027] According to further embodiments, described herein are the
use of an optical system according to the inventions described to
slow down myopia progression of a wearer.
[0028] Still further described are methods for slowing down myopia
progression of a wearer comprising at least a step of having the
wearer wear an optical system according to one or more of the
inventions described.
[0029] Additionally, described herein are optical systems according
to one or more of the inventions described for slowing down myopia
progression of a wearer.
[0030] According to still further embodiments, described herein are
computer program products, at least one or more of which comprise
one or more stored sequences of instructions that are accessible to
a processor and which, when executed by the processor, causes the
processor to carry out the steps of one or more of the methods
according to one or more of the described inventions.
[0031] The invention further includes a computer readable medium
carrying one or more sequences of instructions of the computer
program product according to the invention. The machine-readable
medium may include, but is not limited to, flash memory, optical
disks, CD-ROMs, DVD ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or
optical cards, propagation media or other type of machine-readable
media suitable for storing electronic instructions. For example,
part of the described invention may be downloaded as a computer
program or may be provided as output. The computer program may be
transferred from a remote computer (e.g., a server, first computer)
to a requesting computer (e.g., a client, second computer) by way
of data signals embodied in a carrier wave or other propagation
medium via a communication link (e.g., a modem or network
connection).
[0032] Furthermore, the described inventions relate to a program
which makes a computer execute one or more of the methods
described. Any computer program product described herein may
include a machine-readable medium having stored thereon
instructions which may be used to program a computer (e.g., a
processor or other electronic device) to perform a sequence of
operations or may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium
encoded with programmed instructions and execution of the
programmed instructions causing another processor or computerized
hosting service to run one or more of the described methods.
Operations may also be performed by a combination of hardware and
software.
[0033] Further embodiments described herein include a
computer-readable storage medium having a program recorded thereon;
where the program makes a computer execute one of the methods of
the described inventions. Such a computer program may be stored in
the computer readable storage medium, or may be any type of media
suitable for storing electronic instructions, and capable of being
coupled to a computer system bus.
[0034] Embodiments described herein further include at least one
device comprising a processor (general purpose of multi-purpose)
adapted to store one or more sequence of instructions and to carry
out at least one of the steps of the method according to the
invention. The methods described or steps of said methods may be
embodied in machine-executable instructions which cause a
general-purpose or special-purpose processor to perform certain
steps. Said execution of the programmed instructions may cause an
operably coupled device to respond, generate output, or otherwise
operate. For example, a graphical interface or output may be
generated. Various additional elements may also be included and
associated with said at least one device, such as computer memory,
hard drive, input devices and output devices.
[0035] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the
following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the
specification discussions utilizing terms such as "computing",
"calculating", or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of
a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing
device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as
physical, such as electronic, quantities within the computing
system's registers and/or memories into other data similarly
represented as physical quantities within the computing system's
memories, registers or other such information storage, transmission
or display devices.
[0036] Embodiments of the present invention may include apparatuses
for performing the operations herein. Such apparatus may be
specially constructed for the desired purposes, or it may comprise
a general purpose computer or Digital Signal Processor ("DSP")
selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored
in the computer.
[0037] The processes and displays are not inherently related to any
particular computer or other apparatus. Various general purpose
systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings
herein, or it may prove convenient to construct a more specialized
apparatus to perform the desired method. The desired structure for
a variety of these systems will appear from the description below.
In addition, embodiments of the present invention are not described
with reference to any particular programming language. It will be
appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to
implement the teachings of the inventions as described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0038] Non limiting embodiments of the invention will now be
described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:
[0039] FIG. 1 is a representative example of a transmission pattern
of an optical system as described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0040] As illustrated on FIG. 1, an optical system described herein
has a transmission pattern comprising a first, second and third
zone Z1, Z2, Z3.
[0041] The first zone Z1 extends from 380 nm, for example 400 nm,
to a first limit L1 between the first zone Z1 and the second zone
Z2.
[0042] The third zone Z3 extending from a second limit L2 between
the second zone Z2 and the third zone Z3 to 780 nm, for example 700
nm.
[0043] The average transmission values T1, T2, T3, in each zone Z1,
Z2, Z3, are such as:
T2>5*(T1+T3)/2 (1)
with: [0044] T1 as the average transmission over the first zone Z1,
[0045] T2 as the average transmission over the second zone Z2, and
[0046] T3 as the average transmission over the third zone Z3.
[0047] T1 and T3 being greater than or equal to 3% and smaller than
or equal to 70%, and T2 being greater than or equal to 75%.
[0048] As described herein, the "average transmission" over a zone
corresponds to average over the corresponding range of wavelength
of the percentage of intensity of the incident light within the
corresponding range of wavelength that is transmitted through the
optical system.
[0049] In other words, an average transmission of 70% over the
first zone corresponds to 70% of the intensity of the incident
light between 380 nm and L1 being transmitted through the optical
system.
[0050] The inventors have observed an increase in retinal dopamine
secretion by having the first limit L1 greater than or equal to 436
nm and the second limit L2 greater than the first limit L1 and
smaller than or equal to 487 nm.
[0051] According to at least one embodiment of the invention the
first limit L1 is greater than or equal to 446 nm, preferably
greater than or equal to 456 nm.
[0052] According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the
second limit L2 is smaller than or equal to 477 nm, preferably
smaller than or equal to 467 nm.
[0053] So as to further enhance the retinal dopamine secretion the
optical system according to the invention is arranged so that the
average transmission T2 over the second zone Z2 is greater than the
average transmission T1 and T3 over the first and third zones Z1,
Z3.
[0054] In particular, the inventors have observed significant
effects on myopia progression when the average transmission in each
zone are such as T2>5*(T1+T3)/2.
[0055] Having the average transmission T2 over the second zone Z2
greater than or equal to 75% provides as much light in the range of
wavelengths corresponding to the second zone as possible to the
wearer's eyes. Thus, increasing the retinal dopamine secretion of
the wearer and reducing myopia progression of the wearer's
eyes.
[0056] So as to provide a good protection of the eyes of the
wearer, the average transmission T1 in the first zone may be
smaller than the average transmission T3 in the third zone Z3.
Indeed, the smaller wavelengths corresponding to the blue part of
natural light are the most harmful for the wearer's eyes.
[0057] Depending on the use of the optical system and/or the choice
of the wearer the average transmissions T1 and T3 over the first
and third zones Z1 and Z3 may be different.
[0058] According to different embodiments of the invention, the
average transmission T1 over the first zone Z1 may be any of:
[0059] greater than or equal to 43% and smaller than or equal to
70%, so as to provide an optical system adapted for low luminosity
environments, [0060] greater than or equal to 18% and smaller than
or equal to 42%, so as to provide an optical system adapted for
average luminosity environments, [0061] greater than or equal to 8%
and smaller than or equal to 17%, so as to provide an optical
system adapted for high luminosity environments, [0062] in an
advantageous embodiment the first zone Z1 is split into a first
sub-zone Z1a and a second sub-zone Z1b. The first sub-zone Z1a is
from 380 nm to 400 nm and the average transmission T1a over the
sub-zone Z1aT1a is smaller than 0.5%. The second sub-zone Z1b is
from 400 nm to the first limit L1, [0063] greater than or equal to
3% and smaller than or equal to 7%, so as to provide an optical
system adapted for very high luminosity environments.
[0064] According to different embodiments of the invention, the
average transmission T3 over the third zone Z3 may be any of:
[0065] greater than or equal to 43% and smaller than or equal to
70%, so as to provide an optical system adapted for low luminosity
environments, [0066] greater than or equal to 18% and smaller than
or equal to 42%, so as to provide an optical system adapted for
average luminosity environments, [0067] greater than or equal to 8%
and smaller than or equal to 17%, so as to provide an optical
system adapted for high luminosity environments, [0068] greater
than or equal to 3% and smaller than or equal to 7%, so as to
provide an optical system adapted for very high luminosity
environments.
[0069] According to an embodiment of the invention, the optical
system may be arranged so as to have a transmission pattern
comprising more than 3 zones, in particular the transmission
pattern may comprise more than one zone having a great average
transmission. In such case, all odd number zones follow of the
first and third zones Z1 and Z3 characteristics while the even
numbers follow the characteristics of the second zone Z2.
[0070] As indicated previously, the optical system according to the
invention has several effects on the visual system.
[0071] For example, as any solar system, the optical system
according to the invention described herein results in an increase
of the pupil size to keep a relatively constant retinal
illuminance.
[0072] In another example, as a consequence of increase of pupil
size, the amount of light for the specific band of wavelengths
corresponding to the second zone Z2 increases as a function of
increase of the pupil diameter.
[0073] One result of such increase of transmission for wavelengths
corresponding to the second zone Z2 is an increase of dopamine
synthesis (compared to not wearing the optical system according to
the invention while in high luminance environment), resulting in a
slow-down of myopia progression. Moreover, the lens will protect
the eye against harmful wavelengths, in particular corresponding to
the first zone Z1.
[0074] The optical system according to the invention may be a pair
of optical lenses or may be a pair of an ophthalmic lenses, for
example a pair of progressive addition lenses, or a pair of
spectacle lenses, or a pair of contact lenses or a pair of
intraocular lenses.
[0075] The invention further relates to the use of the optical
system according to the invention to slow down myopia progression
of the wearer, in particular of children.
[0076] The optical system according to the invention may comprise a
photochromic function, i.e. the average transmissions in the
different zones may vary based on the amount and/or intensity of
the light received by the optical system at different
wavelengths.
[0077] The optical system according to the invention described may
comprise an electro-chromic function, i.e. the average
transmissions in the different zones may be controlled by an
electric signal.
[0078] According to one or more embodiments, the optical system may
be arranged so that only one of the zones is controlled by either a
photochromic or an electro-chromic function, for example the third
zone.
[0079] The optical system described herein may be obtained by any
means known from the skilled person.
[0080] For example, a pair of optical lenses according to the
invention may be obtained by using a specific interference filter
determined to match the specific transmission pattern.
[0081] An optical system according to the invention may also be
achieved by combining a specific dye with an interference filter
each component resulting mainly in the transmission of one
zone.
[0082] An optical system according to the invention may also be
achieved by carrying out means for absorbing light or means for
reflecting light. For example, means for absorbing light are based
on use of dye, pigment, or any absorber included within the optical
system, at a substrate level (within the material of the optical
system) and/or at a level of a functional coating on the front face
and/or on the rear face of the optical system. For example, means
for reflecting light comprise inorganic layers or organic/inorganic
layers coated on the front face and/or the rear face of the optical
system such as anti-reflection coating, mirror coating, pass-band
coating.
[0083] For example the part of the transmission pattern
corresponding to the first zone Z1 can be obtained either by a
UVAPLAST 365 dye or by an interference filter, such as LVF-H
High-pass Filter (Ocean Optics).
[0084] The part of the transmission pattern corresponding to the
third zone Z3 can be obtained through a bluish dye (such as nk-1
from Nidek Corp.) or using a low-pass interference filter or linear
variable filter, such as an LVF-L low-pass filter (Ocean
Optics).
[0085] The invention further relates to a method for selecting an
optical system according to the invention adapted for a wearer,
such as for a child.
[0086] The method comprises the steps of measuring the effect of
different optical systems according to the invention on the size of
the pupil of the wearer and of selecting the optical system having
the greatest average transmission value over the first and third
zones and for which the wearer's pupil diameter has increased of at
least 0.5 mm when wearing the optical system.
[0087] Advantageously, the method according to the invention allows
providing the most transparent optical system that has the desired
effect of protecting against harmful wavelengths over the first and
third zone while reducing the progression of myopia of the
wearer.
[0088] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method of
selected an optical system is carried out under luminance
conditions close to the luminance conditions under which the wearer
is to use the optical system. For example, if the optical system is
to be used under very bright light conditions the method of
selection can advantageously be carried out under such bright light
conditions.
[0089] In a similar manner if the optical system is to be used
under average light conditions the method of selection can
advantageously be carried out under such average light
conditions.
[0090] The invention has been described above with the aid of
embodiments without limitation of the general inventive
concept.
[0091] Many further modifications and variations will suggest
themselves to those skilled in the art upon making reference to the
foregoing illustrative embodiments, which are given by way of
example only and which are not intended to limit the scope of the
invention, that being determined solely by the appended claims.
[0092] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other
elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not
exclude a plurality. The mere fact that different features are
recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate
that a combination of these features cannot be advantageously used.
Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as
limiting the scope of the invention.
* * * * *