Anti-fog film for an endoscope
An endoscope comprising a lens, and an anti-fog film, wherein an optically clear adhesive bonds the anti-fog film to the lens or lens section.
1. A method of fabricating a lens for an endoscope having an anti-fog film with a detectable element that allows the anti-fog film to be detected in the event the anti-fog film is dislodged from the lens during use, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a mold with a cavity for molding a lens,
(b) providing an anti-fog film having a first side and a second side, and comprising an anti-fog coating applied to the second side, and a detectable element applied to the anti-fog film,
(c) placing the anti-fog film with the applied detectable element in the mold, with the first side of the anti-fog film facing the cavity of the mold, and
(d) injecting a material into the mold to mold a lens to the first side of the anti-fog film.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the anti-fog coating is a hydrophilic coating.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the material is silicone.
4. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the material is silicone.
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the detectable element is applied on an outside face of the anti-fog film.
6. The method according to claim 5 , wherein the detectable element is applied on an outer edge of the anti-fog film.
7. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the detectable element is applied on an outer perimeter of the anti-fog film.
8. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the detectable element is an opaque material and is visible by the naked eye.
9. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the detectable element is a material that fluoresces under a UV light.
10. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the detectable element is a radio-opaque material that can be detected using x-rays.
11. The method according to claim 10 , wherein the radio-opaque material is selected from the group consisting of a metal, barium sulfate, ceramic, graphite, and bismuth.
12. The method according to claim 7 , wherein detectable element is applied onto the anti-fog film using a method selected from the group consisting of printing, plating, and painting.
13. The method according to claim 7 , wherein detectable element is applied by molding or faulting into or onto the anti-fog film.
14. The method according to claim 7 , wherein applying the detectable element at the outer edge of the anti-fog film avoids interfering with the optics of the lens.