Lenses capable of post-fabrication power modification
View Patent ↗The present invention relates to lenses that are capable of post-fabrication power modifications. In general, the inventive lenses comprise (i) a first polymer matrix and (ii) a refraction modulating composition that is capable of stimulus-induced polymerization dispersed therein. When at least a portion of the lens is exposed to an appropriate stimulus, the refraction modulating composition forms a second polymer matrix. The amount and location of the second polymer matrix may modify a lens characteristic such as lens power by changing its refractive index and/or by altering its shape. The inventive lenses have a number of applications in the electronics and medical fields as data storage means and as medical lenses, particularly intraocular lenses, respectively.
1. An optical element comprising:
a first polymer matrix:
a refraction modulating composition dispersed throughout the first polymer matrix, wherein the refraction modulating composition further comprises a photoinitiator and a sensitizer;
wherein said first polymer matrix is formed in the presence of the refraction modulating composition.
2. The optical element of claim 1 wherein the refraction modulating composition is capable of stimulus induced polymerization.
3. The optical element of claim 2 wherein the stimulus induced polymerization is photopolymerization.
4. The optical element of claim 3 further comprising a photoinitiator dispersed throughout said first polymer matrix.
5. The optical element of claim 1 wherein the first polymer matrix is selected from the group consisting of polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, polyvinyl, polysiloxane and polyphosphazene.
6. The optical element of claim 1 wherein the refraction modulating composition contains a photopolymerizable group.
7. The optical element of claim 1 wherein the refraction modulating composition comprises silicon containing compounds.
8. The optical element of claim 1 wherein the optical element is an intraocular lens.
9. The optical element of claim 1 wherein said optical element is a contact lens.
10. The optical element of claim 1 wherein said optical element is a lens.
11. The optical element of claim 1 wherein the optical element is a prism.
12. The optical element of claim 1 wherein the optical element is a data storage device.