Readjustable optical elements
View Patent ↗The invention relates to optical elements whose optical properties can be repeatedly adjusted over time. Through the use of modifying compositions capable of stimulus induced polymerization coupled with a blend of stimulus absorbers and initiators, it is possible to repeatedly adjust the optical properties of the element by exposing the lens to a stimulus which exceeds the absorption capacity of the stimulus absorber.
1. An optical element comprising:
a first polymer matrix;
a modifying composition for modifying the properties of said optical element dispersed throughout the first polymer matrix; the modifying composition being capable of stimulus-induced polymerization;
a blend of a light absorbing compound and an initiator.
2. The optical element of claim 1 wherein said stimulus is light.
3. The optical element of claim 2 wherein said initiator is a photoinitiator.
4. The optical element of claim 3 wherein said optical element is a spectacle lens.
5. The optical element of claim 3 wherein said light absorbing compound is a ultraviolet (UV) absorber and said photoinitiator is a UV initiator.
6. The optical element of claim 5 wherein said UV absorber has the general formula:
wherein X is selected from the group consisting of H and alkoxy radicals, preferably containing 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, R 1 is selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl radicals, preferably containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, provided that at least one of X and R 1 is other than H, R 2 is an organic radical with a terminal double bond, and said UV initiator has the general formula:
wherein R 1 is an organic radical having a terminal unsaturation; R 2 is alkyl, aryl, substituted alkyl or substituted aryl; R 3 and R 4 are independently selected from phenyls or substituted phenyls.
7. The optical element of claim 1 wherein said element is an intraocular lens.
8. The optical element of claim 1 wherein said optical element is a contact lens.