Description Field of the invention

The present invention relates to optical aids, such as glasses, comprising one or more, preferably two, optical parts, such as glasses, for improving or correcting myopia or hyperopia of an eye.

Background of the invention

From the prior art, many types of glasses and lenses are known, most notably to correct negative consequences for visual acuity caused by myopia or hyperopia. As such, such glasses are fine for correcting the eyesight of persons having myopia or hyperopia and to virtually eliminate these in the short term.

However, in practice it has appeared that traditional glasses in the long run cause a bipolar disruption in the visual cortex and the macula. This means that the image does not show "reality", but is distorted by the glasses (shrinkage/enlargement/cylinder slant).

In case of myopia or nearsightedness, the retina, centrally and peripherally, cannot relax, as a result of which the eye cannot recuperate. Because of the additional tension in the periphery the condition of the eye will become worse rather than improve.

In case of hyperopia or farsightedness the reverse is true: the retina, centrally and peripherally, cannot stress itself, as a result of which the eye can again not recuperate. Because of the additional relaxation in the periphery, the condition of the eye will also become worse rather than improve.

Applicant is of the opinion that glasses wearers will start staring because the muscular balance is not right. Such glasses wearers perform rigid - and little - eye movements. With every eye movement, the eye will create an image that is as perfect as possible. Both images are combined in the brain into a 3D image.

Eye movements cause the eye muscles to be more supple, but because of the glasses the eye muscles, as mentioned before, become unbalanced. Because of the distortion the eye is even forced into the wrong direction to create an image that is as perfect as possible. The eye is an organ that really pushes it to provide optimal performance.

Nobody knows why the periphery plays an important role in the deterioration of the eye. Applicant is of the opinion that this could be caused by aberrations combined with the fact that the focal point of traditional glasses and lenses does not correspond with the retina. In case of myopia the eye is too long. The focal point lies in front of the retina. At present it is thought that the eye grows when myopia increases. Applicant, however, is of the opinion that the eye muscles contract too much.

In case of hyperopia the eye, by contrast, is too short. The focal point lies behind the retina. At present it is thought that the eye has "retained" accommodation when the hyperopia increases. Applicant, however, is of the opinion that the eye muscles are too weak, i.e. contract too little.

In addition, Applicant has observed in her optical practice that the eye in fact becomes ill of high corrections, i.e. high strengths. The eye has too little flexibility to move in a supple manner. This results in mediocre blood circulation and mediocre metabolism. As a result the eye becomes polluted and gets weak blood vessels.

Eye diseases occur with more than 1 in 3 persons with a strength of more than +/- 6 diopters. Applicant therefore is of the opinion that high strengths cause the eyes to become ill. Strengths of more than +/- 6 diopters are also associated with eye diseases, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataract, stains, keratoconus and macular degeneration.

Applicant is of the opinion that in case of myopia the constant tension of the eye muscles causes the eye to be stretched by the eye muscles. Because of the eye becoming "too long", a lot of stress is exerted on the retina, which can result in retinal weakness, such as macular degeneration and detachment. Applicant is of the opinion that the glasses in case of hyperopia takes over (too) large a portion of the eye's functionality. This in turn results in excessive shrinkage of the eye, which can result in closed angles, i.e. glaucoma.

Chinese utility model publication CN 204613535 U acknowledges that nearsightedness of nearsighted persons can be decelerated by providing glasses with "peripheral defocus". This publication, however, does not disclose the insight that the right degree of undercorrection can be used as part of "eye physiotherapeutic" treatment to even cause the eye to recuperate. Moreover, this publication does not acknowledge that undercorrection can be used to cure farsightedness.

The same applies to the again Chinese utility model publication CN 201749260 U. According to Applicant, this publication even incorrectly states that the glasses disclosed therein can be utilized merely by using a relatively limited strength range.

The again Chinese utility model publication CN 102998810 U also discloses "out-of-focus" glasses for counteracting myopization, although not curing thereof.

Object of the invention

A first object of the invention is thus to provide an optical aid, wherein, in case of myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, amblyopia, astigmatism, exoforia, esoforia, hyperforia, as well as hypoforia the muscle tension of the eye muscles can be positively influenced, such that the refractive error of the eye decreases and eye diseases are slowed down or are fully cured.

A second object of the invention is to provide an optical aid, wherein, in case of myopia as well as hyperopia, deterioration of the eye is counteracted by preventing inappropriate use of the eye muscles.

A third object of the invention is to provide an optical aid, for preventing myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, amblyopia, astigmatism, exoforia, esoforia, hyperforia, hypoforia and eye diseases.

Summary of the invention Thereto, the optical aid according to the invention is characterized in that the optical part at least comprises a first zone with a first strength and a second zone with a second strength, wherein the first strength differs from the second strength, and one of the first or second strengths is selected to provide undercorrection relative to the full correction of the respective eye.

Applicant has observed in her optical practice that by doing so the eye muscles become balanced again. Additionally, the metabolism and circulation within the whole eye improves. Thus, the risk of eye diseases is decreased and the clinical picture with regard to already present diseases improves. Applicant has also observed that by creating the aforementioned "muscle balance" the eye muscles exert a smaller pulling force on the eye in case of myopia. Therein, the eye even shows a "shortening".

Applicant has observed during a short experiment that, with a (myopic) eye, already after a couple of hours of wearing an optical part with an undercorrection according to the invention a substantial change of length (lengthening) of the eye ball could be observed. This appeared to hold "vice versa" for an undercorrected hyperopic eye. This experiment therewith endorses the correctness of the insight underlying the invention.

In the context of this patent application, a "full" correction means a full elimination of the refractive error. This means that, when the eye has an error of for instance +2 diopters (myopia), the attainment of a full correction comprises the provision of a corrective strength of -2 diopters. "Undercorrection" should be understood to mean: the provision of a corrective strength providing a reduced/lower degree of correction.

An embodiment sees to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein the first zone concerns a central zone in the optical part, and the second zone concerns a peripheral zone of the optical part. Preferably, the central zone is designed in such a way, that the central zone is positioned centrally in the field of view of the pupil of the respective eye.

An embodiment relates to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein the peripheral zone is designed to provide the undercorrection and the central zone is designed to provide full correction of the respective eye. In this manner, the user experiences a high user comfort when desired, such as when driving a car, while the undercorrected peripheral zone still has a noticeable effect on the shape of the eye. This because the muscles positioned more to the edge of the eye ball are positively influenced (i.e. relaxation in case of myopia and contraction in case of hyperopia).

A preferred embodiment sees to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein the other of the first or second strengths provide full correction of the respective eye.

Preferably, an aforementioned optical aid is provided with a frame, wherein the optical parts are exchangeably arranged in the frame. In this manner, the user of the optical aid can correct his or her eye depending on the situation. When the user, for instance, is a child, in many cases the optical part with an undercorrected first zone as well as an undercorrected second zone can be provided, because a child mostly does not have to look "far" (in case of myopia). Thus, as it were, "selective physiotherapy" is applied to the eye of the nearsighted child, with very good results in practice. When the nearsighted child wishes to have full user comfort and thus a full correction is desired, another optical part can be put in.

An embodiment furthermore relates to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein the first and second zones are separately exchangeably arranged in the respective optical part. In this manner, the vision wishes of the user can be responded to in a more accurate way, but in a more specific way than would be the case when exchanging the optical part as a whole. The undercorrected zone, for instance, can be replaced by (or changed into) a stronger or a less strong variant, without therein influencing the other zone.

An embodiment relates to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein the first zone has a maximum strength of -25, preferably -20 diopters in case of myopia and +25, preferably +20 diopters in case of hyperopia.

Preferably, the first zone, when this zone is used as central zone, has a maximum diameter of about 35 mm and preferably this zone has a rounded shape. The positive influence of the central, first zone thus is maximal, while user comfort is safeguarded. Additionally, sufficient "optical area" remains for the peripheral zone, without the optical aid becoming too large and/or too heavy.

In a preferred embodiment, the strength of the first zone is selected to provide full correction of the eye and the second zone strength-wise provides 10 - 40%, preferably about 25%, undercorrection relative to the first zone. Applicant surprisingly has observed in her practice that with a lower degree of undercorrection the positive effect on the respective eye appeared to be too small, while a higher degree of undercorrection, in contrast with her expectations, did not provide a further improvement of the muscle tension of the respective eye. Applicant, however, does not know what causes this. However, Applicant is of the opinion that this is not important to the scope of protection of the present patent application.

Additionally, an embodiment sees to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein the strength of the first zone is selected to provide full correction of the eye and the second zone, strength-wise, at maximum provides + 4.00 diopters undercorrection relative to the first zone in case of myopia. Again, Applicant has observed in her practice that the positive effects of the invention are predictable and optimal up to the abovementioned upper limit. Larger differences even appeared to have a counterproductive effect, possibly because the brain can no longer successfully merge the first and the second zone, or because the eye muscles still have to "switch" too often between these zones.

A further embodiment furthermore relates to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein the optical part comprises a third zone for eliminating vision complaints with respect to near vision or far vision. Thus, an optical aid is provided that also provides a suitable solution to this group of users.

Preferably, this third zone has a rounded shape with a diameter of about 3 - 20 mm in order not to disturb the effect of the interaction between the first and the second zone.

In an embodiment, in case of myopia, the third zone is designed to support far vision and this third zone is arranged in the upper 1/2, preferably in the upper 1/3, of the optical part, such that the nearsighted user can still see properly at all distances, when desired. However, vision-wise he or she is stimulated to use the first and second zones as much as possible, such that the therapeutic effect is maximal. Because of the third zone being positioned in the upper area of the optical part, use is made of the "natural tendency" of the user to tilt his or her head downward for far vision.

Similarly, an embodiment sees to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein in case of hyperopia the third zone is designed to support near vision and is arranged in the lower 1/2, preferably the lower 1/3, of the optical part. With this embodiment, use is made, in an advantageous manner, of the tendency of the user to tilt his or her head upward when he or she wants to view objects at short distance, forcing the user to use the first and second zones as much as possible. Moreover, in practice objects to be viewed at short distance are often positioned in the lower area of the user's field of vision anyway.

Another embodiment relates to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein the peripheral zone provides a strength of about 0.00 diopters. In this manner, the eye of the user in practice is sufficiently encouraged to "scroll" - thereby exercising the eye muscles - while the production of the optical part with the respective peripheral zone is strongly simplified.

Another embodiment relates to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein the first or the second zone comprise one or more microlenses, preferably a pattern of microlenses, such as an insect eye pattern or a sunflower pattern. The microlenses stimulate the eye muscles to accommodate, although the brain does not actually "see" the individual strengths provided by the microlenses. Thus, the sought-after effect of exercising the eye muscles is provided, leading to recuperation of the eye.

Another embodiment relates to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein within the first or the second zone the strength of the microlenses varies.

Applicant has observed in practice that, when the strength throughout the day strongly varies, the muscle balance corrects itself. By dividing the glass into small "mini optical zones" and by letting the strength between the mini optical zones fluctuate in an acceptable manner, the muscle balance of the eyes will be restored. By, for instance, utilizing prisms in a glass, the eye muscles can be encouraged to additional relaxation/tension.

Another embodiment relates to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein the first strength of the first zone and the second strength of the second zones fluently merge into each other. Such a fluent transition provides sharper and clearer sight and helps with preventing excessive tension with myopes and excessive relaxation with hypermetropes, in particular in the peripheral field of view.

Another embodiment relates to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein the fluent transition of the first strength into the second strength is realized by a plurality of concentric rings, such as 3 rings or more than 3 rings, which have a decreasing or increasing strength with respect to each other in the direction of the periphery. In this manner, wearing the optical aid is made more comfortable.

Another embodiment relates to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein the one or more optical parts, such as glasses, are configured to have a rounding or bending according to the contours of the respective eye. As a result, sharper and clearer vision is obtained. Preferably, the frames are produced in such a way, for instance by printing, that the glass "bends along" with the eye as best as possible. In the end, each head is different: nose width, facial rounding, size of the face, width position of the eyes and height position of the eyes differ from one human being to another. Producing a tailor-made frame is therefore desired according to Applicant to provide the eyes with maximum visual comfort.

Another embodiment relates to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein the first or second zone comprise nano-lenses, nano-optical elements or nano-optical centres, providing the wearer of the optical aid with multiple optical strengths within one viewing position. Applicant wants to use such nano-lenses to let the accommodation system of the eye stress itself and relax itself in such a way, conform the insight underlying the invention, that the eye recovers its flexibility and not so much to provide a variable viewing volume, as a result of which accommodation becomes easier and more comfortable to the eye and the refractive error decreases.

Another embodiment relates to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein the nano-lenses, nano-optical elements or nano-optical centres are grouped in clusters, having such a size that the user sees multiple strengths, as a result of which the eye is stimulated to accommodate and, subsequently, to let go of accommodation to keep vision sharp or the refractive error decreases.

Another embodiment relates to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein the one or more optical parts comprise multiple clusters of nano-lenses, nano-optical elements or nano-optical centres, wherein each cluster of nano-lenses, nano-optical elements or nano-optical centres has a common strength with its own optical centre, such that for each position on the retina an individual optical centre is created, as a result of which the eye has an optical centre for each position of the glass, because the eye is most comfortable looking through the optical centre, i.e. without prismatic effect.

Another embodiment relates to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein the one or more optical parts are provided with clusters of nano-lenses, nano-optical elements or nano-optical centres covering virtually the whole surface of the respective optical part, such that virtually the whole surface consists of different optical centres.

Another embodiment relates to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein the one or more optical parts comprise one or more cylinder components configured to pique the interest of the user in a horizontal or vertical direction, in order to influence the orientation of the head of the user. Applicant thus does not want to use the cylinder component to eliminate astigmatism, but in fact wants to use this to create a form of astigmatism, as a result of which the user will change the orientation of his or her head. Applicant has observed in her practice that in the long run this has a beneficial effect on the (original) astigmatism.

Another embodiment relates to an aforementioned optical aid, wherein the one or more optical parts comprise perforations. Because of these perforations the eye is massaged, so to speak (as a consequence of the "pinhole effect"), as a result of which the eye muscles become more supple. Additionally, better focus is obtained, as well as clearer vision.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the prolonged viewing of a screen, as a result of which the risk of deterioration of the condition of the eyes increases. This is caused by a decrease in blinking frequency when "staring". Blinking, however, provides a moment of relaxation to the eye and provides for a small massage movement. By blinking less, the eye gets stressed. By blinking less, the production of tears is disrupted. An optimal tear film provides for a sharp, qualitatively fine image.

By prolonged viewing at a single distance, in practice at close distance, the eye causes things to be comfortable at this single distance, and therefore myopifies. Combined with little blinking and exhaustion by blue light emitted by, for instance, a computer screen the eye will become stressed and will have a hard time recuperating. When traditional glasses are bought for this myopification, the eye will have an even harder time recuperating.

Multiple inventions have been carried out in the field of electronically adjustable strengths. Deep Optics, for instance, has carried out an invention relating to a strength- adjustable glass by means of a "liquid layer" responding to pupil distance. By converging/changing of the pupil distance, the distance at which the wearer is viewing is determined. Strength-wise, the glass is electronically adjusted to the distance at which the wearer is viewing. This invention, however, does not improve the health of the eye, but, in contrast, causes the eye to become lazy, the eye no longer having to stress itself. Applicant, however, wants to use this technology to cause the glass to be programmable, strength-wise, such that for each change of strength new glasses are not needed. Also, this technology can be used with computer glasses, wherein the strength changes when the wearer is viewing prolongedly (> 15 min) at a single distance. As a result of this, a so-called change of distance is created, as a result of which the eye does not retain accommodation. Wearing electronics on one's face is not healthy to the body, therefore the glass preferably is programmable (where possible), strength-wise. By arranging the glasses on a docking station the strength can be adjusted.

According to the state of the art, a glass can be colored by means of a press of a button. When a user is very sensitive to light, this technique could be used, not for use as sunglasses, but for training purposes.

Additionally, according to the Applicant, by means of computer programming eye relaxation exercises and training are made possible.

For using such "smart glasses" a power supply is needed, preferably a power supply that is as energy efficient as possible and emits as little radiation as possible. Preferably, the thickness of the one or more optical parts is between 0.5 and 15 mm - depending on the strength to be achieved and for safety against cracking - for glasses and up to 1 mm for contact lenses. Brief description of the drawings

The present invention will be explained hereafter with reference to exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings. Therein:

Figure 1 shows a perspective, schematic view of an eye;

Figure 2a shows a cross-section of a traditional glass for correcting nearsightedness;

Figure 2b shows a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of a glass according to the invention for correcting nearsightedness;

Figure 3a shows a cross-section of a traditional glass for correcting farsightedness;

Figure 3b shows a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of a glass according to the invention for correcting farsightedness;

Figure 4a shows a front view of a traditional glass for correcting nearsightedness;

Figure 4b shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a glass according to the invention for correcting nearsightedness;

Figure 5a shows a front view of a traditional glass for correcting farsightedness; Figure 5b shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a glass according to the invention for correcting farsightedness;

Figure 6 shows a front view of glasses with a frame, provided with an exemplary embodiment of a glass according to the invention having three different zones; and

Figure 7 shows a front view of a glass according to an exemplary embodiment of a glass according to the invention having a wave-like pattern of varying strengths. Detailed description of the invention

Figures 1 - 7 will be discussed in conjunction. Figure 1 shows an eye 4 with a cornea 13 and an iris 14. In addition, figure 1 shows several eye muscles 15 involved with the accommodation of the eye 4. Optimally influencing these eye muscles 15 forms an important point of departure of the present invention.

The optical aid in the form of glasses 1 (see, for instance, figure 6) comprises one or more, preferably two, optical parts 2, such as glasses 3, for correcting myopia or hyperopia of an eye 4. I n an embodiment, the optical parts 2 can be exchangeably arranged in the frame 9 as shown. According to the invention, the optical part 2 comprises at least a first zone 5 with a first strength and a second zone 6 with a second strength, wherein the first strength differs from the second strength. One of the first or second strengths is selected to provide an undercorrection relative to the full correction of the respective eye 4. As shown in figures 2a up to and including 5b, the first zone 5 can concern a circular-shaped central zone 7 in the optical part 2, and the second zone 6 can concern a peripheral zone 8 of the optical part 2. Therein, the peripheral zone 8 is designed to provide undercorrection and the central zone 7 to provide full correction of the respective eye 4. The other of the first or second strengths, i.e. the peripheral zone 8, therein can provide full correction of the respective eye 4. In an advantageous manner, the first 5 and second zones 6 can be arranged separately exchangeably in the respective optical part 2. The first zone 5 has a maximum strength of -25, preferably -20 diopters in case of myopia and +25, preferably +20 diopters in case of hyperopia. The first zone 5, as shown in figures 2a - 5b has a maximum diameter of about 35 mm. Besides, in an embodiment, the peripheral zone 8 can provide a strength of about 0.00 diopters.

Figures 2a and 2b also show microlenses 21 , nano-lenses 21 , nano-optical elements 21 or nano-optical centres 21 comprised by the first and/or second zone 5, 6, providing the wearer of the optical aid with multiple optical strengths within one viewing position. Such nano-lenses 21 , nano-optical elements 21 or nano-optical centres 21 can be provided at the rear side of the respective glass 3, as well as at the front side thereof, both as (parabola-shaped) protrusions (figure 2a) as well as recesses (figure 2b). Depending on the desired end result, the size of the nano-lenses 21 , nano-optical elements 21 or nano-optical centres 21 may vary from 1 nm to 10 nm to 100 nm or even more, such as 1 pm. The microlenses 21 , nano-lenses 21 , nano- optical elements 21 or nano-optical centres 21 stimulate the eye muscles to accommodate, although the brain does not actually "see" the individual strengths provided by the microlenses 21 , nano-lenses 21 , nano-optical elements 21 or nano- optical centres 21 . Thus, the sought-after effect of exercising the eye muscles is provided (preventing the eye from "retaining" accommodation), leading to recuperation of the eye.

Preferably, the strength of the first zone 5 is selected to provide full correction of the eye 4 and the second zone strength-wise provides 10 - 40%, preferably about 25%, undercorrection relative to the first zone 5. In addition, preferably the strength of the first zone 5 is selected to provide full correction of the eye 4 and the second zone 6 strength-wise at maximum provides +4.00 diopters undercorrection relative to the first zone 5 in case of myopia and -4.00 diopters undercorrection relative to the first zone 5 in case of hyperopia. The letter 'a' (figure 4a) by the way shows the transition of the central zone 7 to the slightly progressive peripheral zone 8. The letter 'b' (figure 4b) shows the transition of the central zone 7 to the strongly degressive peripheral zone 8. The letter 'c' (figure 5a) shows the transition of the central zone 7 to the slightly degressive peripheral zone 8. The letter 'd' (figure 5b) shows the transition of the central zone 7 to the strongly degressive peripheral zone 8. It should be noted that the strength within the first zone and/or second zone, respectively, may also vary.

As shown in figure 6, the optical part 2 can comprise a third zone 10 for eliminating vision complaints related to near vision or far vision. This third zone 10, if desired, can have a rounded shape with a diameter of 3 - 20 mm. In case of myopia, this third zone 10 can be designed to support far vision and can be arranged in the upper 1/2, preferably in the upper third 1/3 (1 1 ), of the optical part 2. Otherwise, the third zone 10 can be designed to support near vision in case of hyperopia and can be arranged in the lower 1/2 (12), preferably in the lower 1/3, of the optical part.

Preferably, the glass 3 can be grinded both at the front side, as well as the rear side thereof. Furthermore, hypermetropia glasses are allowed to have more negative strength toward the edge, as well as more positive strength. Applicant furthermore prefers to apply a wave-like pattern to the glass 3 to have the optical strength vary across the glass 3 in a smooth fashion. Therein, both at the front side as well as the rear side of the glass 3, two wave-like lens patterns can be superimposed - with one wave-like pattern being rotated over 90° (in the plane of the lens) with respect to the other wave-like pattern - to yield a "syrup waffle type pattern" having peaks 22 and valleys 23, as shown in figure 7. The strengths of the peaks 22 and valleys 23 preferably range from - 0.25 to + 0.25 diopters, more preferably range from - 0.125 to + 0.125 diopters. At a certain position in the transition zone, i.e. the area between one peak and an adjacent valley the strength preferably is 0.00 diopters. It should be clear that the above description is intended to illustrate the operation of preferred embodiments of the invention, and not to reduce the scope of protection of the invention. Starting from the above description, many embodiments will be conceivable to the skilled person within the inventive concept and scope of protection of the present invention.

List of reference numerals

1 . Glasses

2. Optical part

3. Glass

4. Eye

5. First zone

6. Second zone

7. Central zone

8. Peripheral zone

9. Frame

10. Third zone

1 1 . Upper 1 /3 of optical part

12. Lower 1 /3 of optical part

13. Cornea

14. Iris

15. Eye muscle

16. Eye nerve

17. Slightly progressive zone (-)

18. Strongly degressive zone (-)

19. Slightly degressive zone (+)

20. Strongly degressive zone (+)

21 . Nano-lens/micro-lens

22. Peak

23. Valley

D1 = diameter first zone

transition of central zone to slightly progressive peripheral zone transition of central zone to strongly degressive peripheral zone transition of central zone to slightly degressive peripheral zone transition of central zone to strongly degressive peripheral zone