HK1219310B - Optical element for correcting color blindness - Google Patents

Description

Optical components for color blindness correction

Background of the Invention

Technical Field

Some embodiments relate to optical elements for enhancing the color discrimination ability of a person suffering from visual insensitivity between colors (eg, correcting color blindness), which can assist a person or other mammal in distinguishing between a first visible color wavelength and a second visible color wavelength.

Related technical description

Color blindness is generally considered to be a reduced ability to perceive differences between some colors that others can distinguish. There are several types of color blindness. Individuals with protanomaly are less sensitive to red light than normal individuals and are therefore affected by the dimming of the red end of the spectrum. Individuals with deuteranomaly have a mutated form of the green pigment that is shifted towards the red end of the spectrum, resulting in reduced sensitivity to the green region of the spectrum. Similar to protanomaly, deuteranomaly is poor at discerning small differences in hues in the red, orange, yellow and green regions of the spectrum. This type of protanomaly is the most common form of the condition and results in many of these hues being shifted towards the red end of the colored spectrum. Other color blind individuals are tritanomaly and have a mutated form of the blue pigment that results in a shift towards the green region of the spectrum.

Several methods have been proposed to correct color blindness in humans. The contents of each of the references discussed below are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Generally speaking, options for correcting color vision deficiencies include using spectral transmission between lenses used simultaneously, differential tinting, and color filtering. Other patents disclose associating colors with other visual indicators (such as cross-hatching) as a way to correct color vision deficiencies.

Summary of the Invention

The devices disclosed herein can be used to improve a person's ability to distinguish colors (color discrimination). These devices can be beneficial for individuals with normal color vision and individuals with impaired color discrimination. Embodiments of the present invention relate to an optical element for enhancing the color discrimination ability of a person with visual insensitivity between colors (e.g., correcting color blindness), which enhances the transmission of one or more desired emission bandwidths corresponding to colors that the individual finds difficult to identify or distinguish. The bandwidths may be in the red, yellow, green, or blue region of the visible light wavelength. In one embodiment, the optical element can both enhance the transmission of a desired first emission bandwidth and reduce the transmission of a second emission bandwidth. For example, a person with color blindness may be able to perceive a first color, but confuse the second color with the first color. In one embodiment, the optical element can enhance the contrast or intensity between two colors, which increases the distinction between them.

One embodiment provides an optical element that improves color recognition (e.g., corrects visual insensitivity between a first visible color wavelength and a second visible color wavelength). In one embodiment, the optical element comprises a substantially transparent matrix material and a luminescent compound dispersed within the substantially transparent matrix material.

In some embodiments, the luminescent compound is represented by the general formula (1):

wherein R ¹ and R ² are selected from optionally substituted diphenylamine, optionally substituted phenylnaphthylamine, optionally substituted carbazolyl and optionally substituted phenylalkylamine,

wherein R ³ is a C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl group,

wherein R ⁴ is selected from C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl, ether or polyether.

In one embodiment, the luminescent compound has an emission wavelength that substantially overlaps with a first visible color wavelength. In one embodiment, the luminescent compound has an absorption wavelength that substantially overlaps with a second visible color wavelength. In one embodiment, the luminescent compound is present in an amount selected to provide a transmittance greater than 100% in the optical element at the first visible wavelength.

Some embodiments include a device for improving color recognition (e.g., correcting impaired color vision), comprising: an optical element comprising a luminescent compound dispersed in a matrix material; wherein the optical element is sufficiently transparent to enable a person to see through the optical element; wherein the luminescent compound absorbs light at an absorption wavelength and emits light at an emission wavelength, wherein human cone photopigments are substantially more sensitive to the emission wavelength than to the absorption wavelength; and wherein the device is configured to enable a person (e.g., a person with impaired color vision) to better discern colors by viewing an image or object containing the colors through the optical element.

Some embodiments include a device for improving color vision, comprising: an optical element comprising a luminescent compound (e.g., a compound of Formula 1) dispersed in a matrix material; wherein the optical element is sufficiently transparent to enable a person to see through the optical element; wherein the luminescent compound absorbs light at an absorption wavelength and emits light at an emission wavelength, wherein human cone photopigments are substantially more sensitive to the emission wavelength than to the absorption wavelength; and wherein the device is configured to enable a person (e.g., a person with normal color vision) to better discern colors by viewing an image or object containing the colors through the optical element.

Some embodiments include a device for improving color discrimination or correcting impaired color vision (e.g., red-green color deficiency), comprising: an optical element comprising a luminescent compound in a substantially transparent matrix; and wherein the optical element absorbs light in a wavelength range near the peak sensitivity of M human cone photopigments and emits light at longer wavelengths in a wavelength range near the peak sensitivity of L human cone photopigments.

Some embodiments include a device for improving color recognition or correcting impaired color discrimination (e.g., red-green color deficiency), comprising: an optical element comprising a luminescent compound dispersed in a matrix material; the optical element being configured to absorb and emit visible light such that when an object or image is viewed through the optical element, a first color having a first set of color coordinates is converted into a second color having a second set of color coordinates to aid in color discrimination; and a distance between the first set of color coordinates and the second set of color coordinates in a direction perpendicular to a color confusion line closest to the first set of color coordinates is at least about 0.02 color coordinate units.

Some embodiments include a device for improving color recognition or correcting impaired color vision, comprising: an optical element comprising a luminescent compound dispersed in a matrix material; wherein the optical element is sufficiently transparent to enable a person to see through the optical element; wherein the optical element is configured to absorb shorter wavelength light and emit longer wavelength light such that a color having a first set of color coordinates is converted into a color having a second set of color coordinates; wherein a distance between the first set of color coordinates and the second set of color coordinates in a direction perpendicular to a color confusion line closest to the first set of color coordinates is at least about 0.02 color coordinate units; and wherein the device is configured to enable a person with impaired color vision to better discern an image or object containing the color by viewing the color through the optical element.

Some embodiments include a device for improving color discrimination, comprising: an optical element comprising a luminescent compound dispersed in a matrix material; the optical element being configured to absorb and emit visible light such that when an object or image is viewed through the optical element, a first color having a first set of color coordinates is converted into a second color having a second set of color coordinates to aid in color discrimination; and a distance between the first set of color coordinates and the second set of color coordinates is at least about 0.02 color coordinate units.

Some embodiments include a method of making a device for improving color vision, comprising: selecting a luminescent compound for use in an optical element configured to convert a color having a first set of color coordinates to a color having a second set of color coordinates by absorption and emission of visible light; wherein the luminescent compound is selected such that a distance between the first set of color coordinates and the second set of color coordinates is at least about 0.02 color coordinate units.

Some embodiments include a device for improving color vision prepared by the method.

Some embodiments include a device for correcting visual impairments related to color perception, comprising an optical element comprising a composition comprising a polymer (eg, a polymer comprising polyvinyl alcohol or a derivative thereof) and rhodamine or a rhodamine derivative.

Some embodiments include a method of preparing a device for correcting impaired color vision, comprising: selecting a luminescent compound for use in an optical element configured to convert a color having a first set of color coordinates into a color having a second set of color coordinates by absorption and emission of visible light; wherein the luminescent compound is selected such that a distance between the first set of color coordinates and the second set of color coordinates in a direction perpendicular to a color confusion line closest to the first set of color coordinates is at least about 0.02 color coordinate units.

Some embodiments include a device for improving color vision prepared by the method.

Some embodiments include an eyepiece comprising: an optical element comprising a luminescent compound in a substantially transparent matrix; wherein the device is configured such that the optical element modifies the color of an object or image viewed by a user through the optical element, thereby enabling the user to better discern color.

Some embodiments include an electronic device comprising: an electronic display; an optical element comprising a luminescent compound in a substantially transparent matrix; a touch screen assembly coupled to the optical element and the electronic display; wherein the touch screen assembly comprises: a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and a spacer layer between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, wherein the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are substantially transparent; wherein the device is configured such that user contact with the touch screen may cause the first conductive layer to contact the second conductive layer such that current flows between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer; wherein the device is configured such that at least a portion of light emitted by the display passes through the touch screen assembly and through the optical element; wherein the optical element modifies the color of light emitted by the display that passes through the optical element.

Some embodiments include a device comprising: an optical element comprising a coating, wherein the coating comprises a luminescent compound in a substantially transparent matrix, wherein the device is configured such that the optical element modifies the color of an object or image viewed by a user through the optical element such that the user can better discern the colors.

Some embodiments include a device for improving color discrimination comprising: an optical element comprising a luminescent compound in a substantially transparent matrix; and wherein the optical element has a peak wavelength of visible absorption of about 540 nm to about 550 nm.

Some embodiments include a composition comprising a polymer and rhodamine or a rhodamine derivative, wherein the polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol or a derivative of polyvinyl alcohol comprising pendant C _1-6 ester or C _1-6 acetal groups.

Some embodiments include a method of correcting impaired color vision, comprising positioning a device or optical element as described herein such that an individual with impaired color vision can view an image or object through the optical element to discern color.

Some embodiments include a method of improving color vision comprising positioning a device or optical element described herein such that an individual with normal color vision can view an image or object through the optical element.

Generally speaking, the methods and devices described herein can be used to improve color vision in individuals with impaired color vision and/or individuals with normal color vision.

These and other embodiments are described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram related to a method of determining the distance between two color coordinates in a direction perpendicular to a color confusion line.

2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of some embodiments of devices including a touch screen assembly.

3 is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of a device including a touch screen assembly.

4 is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of a device including a touch screen assembly.

5 is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of a device including a touch screen assembly.

FIG6 illustrates a light transmission spectrum of one embodiment of an optical element described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the optical element can correct for visual insensitivity between a first visible color wavelength and a second visible color wavelength. In one embodiment, the optical element corrects for visual insensitivity by enhancing transmission in an emission bandwidth corresponding to the first visible color wavelength. The first visible color wavelength can be in the red, orange, yellow, green, or blue region of the visible light wavelength. In one embodiment, the first visible color wavelength includes wavelengths in the red bandwidth. In one embodiment, the first visible color wavelength is in the range of about 530 nm to about 800 nm, about 560 nm to about 720 nm, about 580 nm to about 710 nm, about 600 nm to about 700 nm, about 530 nm to about 720 nm, about 540 nm to about 710 nm, or about 550 nm to about 700 nm. In some embodiments, the luminescent compound can provide enhanced emission in the first visible color wavelength.

The second visible color wavelength can be in the red, orange, yellow, green, or blue region of the visible light wavelength range. In one embodiment, the second visible color wavelength includes wavelengths in the green bandwidth. For example, for individuals with red-green color deficiency, it may be beneficial to increase the perception of red wavelengths of light while optionally decreasing the perception of green wavelengths of light. In one embodiment, the second visible color wavelength is in the range of about 450 nm to about 600 nm, about 500 nm to about 580 nm, or about 520 nm to about 550 nm.

The amount of luminescent compound present in the substantially transparent matrix material forming the optical element can vary. Any amount of luminescent compound is suitable, as long as the compound increases emission at the first visible color wavelength, increases emission at the second visible color wavelength, further separates the peak emission wavelength of the first color wavelength from the second color wavelength, or both, in the optical element, making the first visible color wavelength more easily discernable by color-blind individuals. In one embodiment, the luminescent compound is present in an amount selected to provide a transmittance of greater than 90% at the first visible wavelength in the optical element. This is surprising, particularly when the optical element also includes a light-absorbing dye.

In this case, the absorption band of the light absorbing dye may overlap with the emission band of the luminescent compound, resulting in a transmittance of less than 100% in the green wavelength. In one embodiment, the luminescent compound is present in an amount that provides a transmittance of greater than 95%, greater than 100%, greater than 101%, greater than 102%, greater than 103%, greater than 104%, or greater than 105% in the optical element at a first visible wavelength. In one embodiment, the luminescent compound may have an emission wavelength that substantially overlaps with a first visible color wavelength and an absorption wavelength that substantially overlaps with a second visible color wavelength.

The term benzimidazol-2-yl refers to the ring system:

wherein ^RA is selected from H, C ₁ -C ₃ alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, including but not limited to phenyl and naphthyl.

The term 1-(phenylmethyl)benzimidazol-2-yl refers to the ring system:

1-(Phenylmethyl)benzimidazol-2-yl.

The term 1-phenylbenzimidazol-2-yl refers to the ring system:

1-phenylbenzimidazol-2-yl.

The term benzoxazol-2-yl refers to the ring system:

The term benzothiazol-2-yl refers to the ring system:

The term "carbazolyl" refers to a ring system:

It includes, but is not limited to, wherein ^RB may be independently selected from H, optionally substituted _C1 - _C6 alkyl, optionally substituted _C1 - _C6 alkylC6- _C10 aryl, optionally substituted _{C6 -C10 arylC1-C6 alkyl ,} optionally substituted _C6 - _{C10 aryl} and _C1-3 perfluoroalkyl.

The term "isopropyl" refers to the structure:

The term "isobutyl" refers to the structure:

The term "phenylcarbazolyl" refers to the ring system:

wherein ^RC may be independently selected from H, optionally substituted C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl, optionally substituted C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl C ₆ -C ₁₀ aryl, optionally substituted C ₆ -C ₁₀ aryl and C _1-3 perfluoroalkyl.

The term "diphenylamine" refers to the ring system:

The term "phenylnaphthylamine" refers to the ring system:

The term "phenylnaphthylamine" refers to the ring system:

wherein ^RD can be independently selected from H, optionally substituted C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl and C _1-6 perfluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, ^RD can be isopropyl and isobutyl.

The term 1,3-phenylene refers to the ring system:

The term 1,4-phenylene refers to the ring system:

In one embodiment, the luminescent compound is present in an amount that shifts the first peak emission wavelength relative to the second peak emission wavelength and further separates them by at least about 1 nm, 2 nm, 5 nm, or 8 nm. In one embodiment, the luminescent compound is present in an amount that both increases the intensity and shifts the first peak emission wavelength relative to the second peak emission wavelength and further separates them by at least 1 nm, 2 nm, 5 nm, or 8 nm.

The luminescent compound can be present in the substantially transparent matrix material in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt % to about 30 wt %, from about 0.01 wt % to about 20 wt %, from about 0.01 wt % to about 15 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 20 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 15 wt %, from about 2 wt % to about 12 wt %, from about 5 wt % to about 10 wt %, or about 10 wt %, based on the weight of the composition, or in any amount within a range defined by any of these values, or in any amount within a range between any of these values.

The luminescent dyes used in the optical element may vary. Examples of suitable luminescent compounds include those described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/749,225, filed on January 5, 2013, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, an optical element composed of the luminescent compound for correcting visual insensitivity between a first visible color wavelength and a second visible color wavelength is provided, comprising: a substantially transparent matrix material; and a luminescent compound dispersed in the substantially transparent matrix material, wherein the luminescent compound has an absorption wavelength that substantially overlaps with the first visible color wavelength, and an emission wavelength that substantially overlaps with the second visible color wavelength, wherein the first visible color wavelength is a green wavelength and the second visible color wavelength is a red wavelength, wherein the luminescent compound is represented by the general formula (1):

wherein R ¹ and R ² may be selected from optionally substituted diphenylamine, optionally substituted phenylnaphthylamine, optionally substituted carbazolyl and optionally substituted phenylalkylamine,

Wherein R ³ may be a C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl group, and

Wherein R ⁴ can be selected from C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl, ether or polyether.

In some embodiments, ^R1 and ^R2 are selected from

group.

In some embodiments, ^RB can be selected from _C1 - _C6 alkyl, _C1 - _C6 alkyl, _C6 - _C10 aryl, and optionally substituted _C6 - _C10 aryl. In some embodiments, ^RB is optionally substituted phenyl. In some embodiments, ^RD can be independently selected from H, optionally substituted _C1 - _C10 alkyl, and _C1-3 perfluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, ^RD is selected from _C1 - _C6 alkyl. In some embodiments, ^RD is selected from optionally substituted isopropyl and isobutyl.

In some embodiments, R ³ can be an optionally substituted C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl. In some embodiments, R ³ can be selected from optionally substituted isopropyl and isobutyl.

In some embodiments, R ⁴ can be selected from optionally substituted C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl, ether and polyether. In some embodiments, the ether can be R ⁵ -OR ⁶ , wherein R ⁵ and R ⁶ can be independently selected from C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl. In some embodiments, R ⁴ can be selected from:

In some embodiments, the luminescent compound may be selected from:

Unless otherwise indicated, reference herein to a compound herein by structure, name, or any other means encompasses salts, including zwitterionic forms; alternative solid forms, such as polymorphs, solvates, hydrates, and the like; tautomers; or any other chemical species that is readily convertible into a compound described herein under the conditions under which the compound is used as described herein.

Any structure or name of a compound used herein may refer to any stereoisomer or any mixture of stereoisomers.

Unless otherwise indicated, when a compound or chemical structural feature, such as an alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, perylene, etc., is referred to as "optionally substituted," this includes features without substituents (i.e., "unsubstituted"), or "substituted" features, meaning that the feature has one or more substituents. The term "substituent" has its common meaning as known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and includes moieties that replace one or more hydrogen atoms attached to a parent compound or structural feature. In some embodiments, the substituents may be common organic moieties known in the art, which may have a molecular weight (e.g., the sum of the atomic masses of the substituent atoms) of 15 g/mol to 50 g/mol, 15 g/mol to 100 g/mol, 15 g/mol to 150 g/mol, 15 g/mol to 200 g/mol, 15 g/mol to 300 g/mol, or 15 g/mol to 500 g/mol. In some embodiments, the substituent comprises 0-30, 0-20, 0-10, or 0-5 carbon atoms; and 0-30, 0-20, 0-10, or 0-5 heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, Si, F, Cl, Br, or I; provided that the substituent comprises at least one atom selected from the group consisting of C, N, O, S, Si, F, Cl, Br, or I. In some embodiments, the substituent may consist of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 non-hydrogen atoms or any required hydrogen atoms. Some non-hydrogen atoms may include C, N, O, S, Si, F, Cl, Br, I, P, and the like.

Examples of substituents include, but are not limited to, alkyl (including straight-chain, branched-chain alkyl and cycloalkyl), alkenyl (including straight-chain, branched-chain alkenyl and cycloalkenyl), alkynyl (including straight-chain, branched-chain alkynyl and cycloalkynyl), heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, aryl, heterocyclic substituents (including heteroaryl and heteroalicyclic substituents), hydroxy, protected hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, acyl, acyloxy, alkylcarboxylate, carboxylate, thiol, alkylthio, arylthio, cyano, halo, carbonyl , thiocarbonyl, O-carbamyl, N-carbamyl, O-thiocarbamyl, N-thiocarbamyl, C-amide, N-amide, S-sulfonamido, N-sulfonamido, isocyanato, thiocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, silyl, sulfenyl, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, trihalomethanesulfonyl, trihalomethanesulfonamido and amino (including monosubstituted or disubstituted amino) and protected derivatives thereof, etc., or combinations thereof. In the above list, the term "combinations thereof" means that the substituents may further include any combination of the above-mentioned substituents, in which the hydrogen atoms of one substituent are replaced by another substituent. For example, the substituent can be a combination of an alkyl group and an aryl group (e.g., an aralkyl group such as _CH2 -phenyl, or a heteroaralkyl group such as _C2H4 - _heteroaryl , etc.), a combination of an alkyl group and a heterocyclic substituent (e.g., heterocycloalkyl), a combination of an alkyl group and an alkoxy group (e.g., _CH2OCH3 ), a combination of an _alkyl group and a halo group (e.g., _C2H4Cl , _{C3H6F ,} etc.), a combination of an acyl group and a hydroxy group (e.g., _-COCH2OH ), and _the like.

For convenience, the term "molecular weight" used with respect to a portion or part of a molecule means the sum of the atomic masses of the atoms in the portion or part of the molecule, even though it may not be the entire molecule."Molecular weight" may also refer to the entire molecule.

The structures associated with some of the chemical names mentioned herein are described below. As shown below, these structures can be unsubstituted, or substituents can be independently in any position normally occupied by hydrogen when the structure is unsubstituted.

Unless the point of attachment is indicated by , attachment may occur at any position normally occupied by a hydrogen atom.

As used herein, the term "alkyl" has the broadest meaning generally understood in the art and may include moieties consisting of carbon and hydrogen without double or triple bonds. The alkyl group may be a linear alkyl group, a branched alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, or a combination thereof, and in some embodiments may contain 1 to 35 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, the alkyl group may include a C _1-10 straight chain alkyl group, such as methyl (—CH ₃ ), ethyl (—CH ₂ CH ₃ ), n-propyl (—CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₃ ), n-butyl (—CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₃ ), n-pentyl (—CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₃ ), n-hexyl (—CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₃ ), etc.; a C _3-10 branched chain alkyl group, such as C ₃ H ₇ (e.g., isopropyl), C ₄ H ₉ (e.g., branched chain butyl isomers), C ₅ H ₁₁ (e.g., branched chain pentyl isomers), C ₆ H ₁₃ (e.g., branched chain hexyl isomers), C ₇ H ₁₅ (e.g., heptyl isomers), etc.; a C _3-10 cycloalkyl group, such as C ₃ H ₅ (e.g., cyclopropyl), C ₄ H ₇ (e.g., cyclobutyl isomers, such as cyclobutyl, methylcyclopropyl, etc.), C ₅ H ₉ (e.g., cyclopentyl isomers, such as cyclopentyl, methylcyclobutyl, dimethylcyclopropyl, etc.), C ₆ H ₁₁ (e.g., cyclohexyl isomers), C ₇ H ₁₃ (e.g., cycloheptyl isomers), etc. In some embodiments, the alkyl group may include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, isohexyl, isooctyl, 2-ethylhexyl, etc.

Alkoxy groups can also be straight-chain, branched or cyclic. Some examples of useful alkoxy groups include methoxy, ethyloxy, propoxy and butoxy. Alkoxyalkyl groups can also be straight-chain or branched. Some examples of useful alkoxyalkyl groups include methoxymethyl, methoxyethyl, methoxypropyl, ethoxymethyl, ethoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, propoxymethyl, propoxyethyl and propoxypropyl.

Some examples of useful cycloalkyl groups include cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl. Some examples of useful aryl groups include phenyl, diphenyl, tolyl, naphthyl, phenanthrenyl and anthracenyl. Some examples of useful arylalkyl groups include benzyl, phenethyl, diphenylmethyl, trityl, naphthylmethyl, phenanthrenyl and anthracenyl.

Some optionally substituted perylene bistriazolylbenzenes can be represented by Formula 1:

In one embodiment, the emissive compound comprises (Compound 8):

The optical element may comprise more than one luminescent compound, such that the absorption and emission spectra of the optical element may differ from the absorption and emission spectra of one of the plurality of luminescent compounds. For example, the spectrum of the optical element may be a combination of the spectra of the individual dyes, such as a concentration-dependent sum.

In some embodiments, a luminescent compound or optical element can absorb light at an absorption wavelength and emit light at an emission wavelength, wherein the human cone photopigment is substantially more sensitive to the emission wavelength than to the absorption wavelength. For example, the sensitivity of the human cone photopigment to the emission wavelength can be at least about 1.5 times, about 2 times, about 3 times, or about 4 times; and/or at most about 10 times, about 20 times, about 50 times, or about 100 times; as compared to the sensitivity to the absorption wavelength. In some embodiments, the sensitivity of the human cone photopigment to visible light absorbed by the luminescent compound is at least about 50%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90%; and/or at most about 100% less than the sensitivity to visible light emitted by the luminescent compound.

The enhanced sensitivity can be relative to any photopigment, such as a normal human cone medium wavelength sensitive (M) photopigment, a variant human cone medium wavelength sensitive (MV) photopigment, a normal human cone long wavelength sensitive (L) photopigment, a variant human cone long wavelength sensitive (LV) photopigment, or a normal human cone short wavelength sensitive (S) photopigment, provided that the absorption and emission sensitivities are compared relative to the same photopigment.

In some embodiments, a luminescent feature, such as an optical element, a luminescent compound, or a combination of luminescent compounds, has a median wavelength of visible absorption, an average wavelength of visible absorption, a peak wavelength of visible absorption, a maximum wavelength of visible absorption, or at least about 20%, about 50%, about 70%, or about 90% of its visible absorption within a range of about 380 nm to about 450 nm, about 420 nm to about 480 nm, about 510 nm to about 550 nm, about 520 nm to about 540 nm, or about 530 nm to about 550 nm. In some embodiments, a luminescent feature has a median wavelength of visible emission, an average wavelength of visible emission, a peak wavelength of visible emission, a maximum wavelength of visible emission, or at least about 20%, about 50%, about 70%, or about 90% of its visible absorption within a range of about 500 nm to about 600 nm, about 540 nm to about 580 nm, about 550 nm to about 570 nm, or about 560 nm to about 580 nm.

The median wavelength of visible absorption is the wavelength at which the number of visible photons absorbed at wavelengths longer than the median wavelength is substantially the same as the number of visible photons absorbed at wavelengths shorter than the median wavelength. The median wavelength of visible emission is the wavelength at which the number of visible photons emitted at wavelengths longer than the median wavelength is substantially the same as the number of visible photons emitted at wavelengths shorter than the median wavelength. The median wavelength can be visually estimated from the spectrum by selecting a wavelength that divides the visible spectrum into two substantially equal parts. The average wavelength of visible absorption (or visible emission) is the average wavelength of all photons in the visible range. The peak wavelength of visible absorption or visible emission is the peak in the spectrum in the visible range. The maximum wavelength of visible absorption or visible emission is the highest peak wavelength in the visible spectrum. As used herein, the term “absorb” or other forms of the term is used as an abbreviation for “the median wavelength of visible absorption, the average wavelength of visible absorption, the peak wavelength of visible absorption, the maximum wavelength of visible absorption, or the wavelength range in which at least about 50%, about 80%, or about 90% of visible light absorption exists.” As used herein, the term “emit” or other forms of the term is used as an abbreviation for “the median wavelength of visible emission, the average wavelength of visible emission, the peak wavelength of visible emission, the maximum wavelength of visible emission, or the wavelength range in which at least about 50%, about 80%, or about 90% of visible light emission exists.”

In some embodiments, an optical element can absorb light in a wavelength range near the peak sensitivity of M human cone photopigments, such as a wavelength range in which the relative sensitivity (Table 4) is at least about 0.9 (e.g., about 510 nm to about 550 nm), about 0.93, about 0.95, about 0.96, about 0.97, about 0.98, about 0.99, or about 1.0; and emit light at a longer wavelength in a wavelength range near the peak sensitivity of L human cone photopigments, such as a wavelength range in which the relative sensitivity (Table 4) is at least about 0.9 (e.g., about 540 nm to about 580 nm for M human cone photopigments), about 0.93, about 0.95, about 0.96, about 0.97, about 0.98, about 0.99, or about 1.0. An optical element can generally emit light at a higher wavelength than the wavelength at which it absorbs, such as at a wavelength at least about 5 nm, about 10 nm, about 20 nm, or about 30 nm higher. In some embodiments, an optical element may have an absorption that is slightly red-shifted relative to the peak sensitivity of the M human cone photopigments and may have an absorption that is slightly blue-shifted relative to the peak sensitivity of the L human cone photopigments.

The relative sensitivities of M, L, S, MV, and LV human photopigments are listed in Table 4. For each photopigment, the relative sensitivities are scaled so that the maximum sensitivity is 1.00. Suitable absorption and emission ranges for an optical element, luminescent compound, or combination of luminescent compounds can be derived from any set of values in Table 4. For example, the luminescent compound can absorb within the low sensitivity range of the M photopigment, e.g., from about 384 nm to about 440 nm, from about 380 nm to about 410 nm, or any other range defined by any value in Table 4 within these ranges; and can emit within the high sensitivity range of the M photopigment, e.g., from about 465 nm to about 585 nm, from about 510 nm to about 550 nm, or any other range defined by any value in Table 4 within these ranges. In some embodiments, the luminescent compound absorbs in the low sensitivity range of the L photopigment, such as about 384 nm to about 460 nm, about 380 nm to about 430 nm, or any other range defined by any value in Table 4 within these ranges; and can emit in the high sensitivity range of the L photopigment, such as about 495 nm to about 620 nm, about 540 nm to about 580 nm, or any other range defined by any value in Table 4 within these ranges.

Suitable ranges for absorption and emission for an optical element, luminescent compound, or combination of luminescent compounds can also be derived from the sensitivity values in Table 4. For example, in Table 4, for a given photopigment, the absorption range may correspond to wavelengths with sensitivity values less than approximately 0.15, approximately 0.2, approximately 0.25, or approximately 0.3, and the emission range may correspond to sensitivity values greater than approximately 0.4, approximately 0.5, approximately 0.6, approximately 0.7, approximately 0.8, approximately 0.9, or approximately 1. The resulting ranges in Table 4 may include a median visible wavelength range, an average visible wavelength range, a peak visible wavelength range, a maximum visible wavelength range, or the like, or may include ranges in which at least approximately 50%, approximately 70%, approximately 80%, or approximately 90% of photons in the visible spectrum are emitted or absorbed. In some embodiments, absorption may correspond to sensitivity values of at least approximately 0.5, approximately 0.6, approximately 0.7, approximately 0.8, approximately 0.9, or up to approximately 1 for the M photopigment.

Table 4 - Relative sensitivity of various photopigments in the visible range

In some embodiments, the optical element may absorb at about 530 nm to about 540 nm, about 534 nm to about 537 nm, about 535 nm to about 536 nm, about 545 nm to about 565 nm, about 549 nm to about 562 nm, about 535 nm, about 536 nm, about 549 nm, about 557 nm, or about 562 nm; and may have a transmittance of less than about 90%, about 85%, or about 80% in one of these ranges.

In some embodiments, the optical element can absorb at about 540 nm to about 550 nm, about 545 nm to about 550 nm, or about 547 nm; and/or can emit at about 560 nm to about 580 nm, about 565 nm to about 575 nm, or about 569 nm.

In some embodiments, an optical element is configured to absorb and emit light, for example, to absorb shorter wavelength light and emit longer wavelength light, such that a first color having a first set of color coordinates is converted to a second color having a second set of color coordinates. In some embodiments, the distance between the first set of color coordinates and the second set of color coordinates can be at least about 0.005, about 0.01, about 0.02, about 0.03, about 0.04, or about 0.05 color coordinate units. The distance Δ between the two sets of color coordinates (x ₁ , y ₁ ) and (x ₂ , y ₂ ) can be obtained by the following formula:

For individuals with impaired color perception, the distance between the first set of color coordinates and the second set of color coordinates in a direction perpendicular to the color confusion line closest to the first set of color coordinates (hereinafter referred to as the "perpendicular distance") can be at least about 0.02, about 0.03, about 0.04, or about 0.05 color coordinate units. "Color coordinate units" refers to distances on the CIE color triangle. CIE (1932). Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage proceedings, 1931. Cambridge University Press , Cambridge. This exemplary standard is known in the art as the 1931 CIEXYZ color band intervals and is set by the International Commission on Illumination. For example, the CIE color (0.332, 345) is 0.332 color coordinate units away from the y-axis and 0.345 color coordinate units away from the x-axis. For the purposes of the present invention, the two color coordinates in the CIE color triangle (x, y) are referred to as the "x color coordinate" and the "y color coordinate."

For example, Table 5 shows how colors can be converted by optical elements for use by individuals with impaired color recognition abilities. Some optical elements can convert color A into color A', and/or can convert color B into color B'. By subtracting the distance perpendicular to the color confusion line of the first color coordinate from the distance perpendicular to the color confusion line of the second color coordinate, a perpendicular distance (normal distance) can be obtained. A negative (-) distance value indicates that the point has a lower y value than the color confusion line, and a positive distance indicates that the point has a higher y value than the color confusion line. In the direction perpendicular to the color confusion line closest to the A color coordinate, the distance between the color coordinates of A and A' is approximately 0.0095. In the direction perpendicular to the color confusion line closest to the B coordinate, the distance between the color coordinates of B and B' is approximately 0.0133.

Table 5

color X Y Deuteranopia color confusion line The distance perpendicular to the color mixing line A 0.379 0.486 8 -0.0020 A’ 0.384 0.468 8 0.0075 B 0.478 0.414 9 0.0180 B’ 0.523 0.39 9 0.0313

In some embodiments, the x color coordinate may be from about 0.290 to about 0.295, from about 0.325 to about 0.335, from about 0.330 to about 0.335, from about 0.370 to about 0.375, from about 0.375 to about 0.385, from about 0.380 to about 0.385, from about 0.475 to about 0.485, from about 0.475 to about 0.480, from about 0.51 to about 0.52, from about 0.520 to about 0.525, from about 0.520 to about 0.523, from about 0.56 to about 0.57, from about 0.570 to about 0.575, from about 0.293, from about 0.332, from about 0.371 to about 0.379, from about 0.475 to about 0.485 and/or the y color coordinate can be from about 0.34 to about 0.35, from about 0.385 to about 0.395, from about 0.395 to about 0.400, from about 0.41 to about 0.42, from about 0.465 to about 0.470, from about 0.465 to about 0.475, from about 0.48 to about 0.49, from about 0.495 to about 0.50, from about 0.46 to about 0.47, about 0.344, about 0.345, about 0.39, about 0.398, about 0.463, about 0.468, about 0.47, about 0.486, or about 0.497.

In some embodiments, the first set of color coordinates may be approximately (0.375-0.380, 0.485-0.490), approximately (0.475-0.480, 0.410-0.415), approximately (0.330-0.335, 0.340-0.345), approximately (0.570-0.575, 0.340-0.345), approximately (0.510-0.515, 0.340-0.344), approximately (0. 480-0.485, 0.388-0.392), about (0.475-0.480, 0.468-0.473), about (0.565-0.570, 0.395-0.400), about (0.290-0.295, 0.495-0.500), about (0.368-0.373, 0.485-0.490) or about (0.370-0.375, 0.460-0.465).

In some embodiments, the first set of color coordinates is A or B, and/or the second set of color coordinates is A' or B'. In some embodiments, the first set of color coordinates is one of colors 1-9 in Table 6.

Table 6

color X Y Deuteranopia color confusion line The distance perpendicular to the color mixing line 1 0.332 0.345 6 -0.0194 2 0.573 0.344 9 -0.0153 3 0.514 0.344 8 -0.0069 4 0.482 0.390 8 0.0041 5 0.476 0.470 9 0.0021 6 0.566 0.398 9 0.0171 7 0.293 0.497 7 0.0120 8 0.37 0.486 8 -0.0042 9 0.371 0.463 8 -0.0201

A color confusion line comprises any line on the CIE color triangle along which a person with a color blindness condition has difficulty distinguishing colors. Some examples of color confusion lines for deuteranopia are provided in Table 7, and some examples of color confusion lines for protanopia are provided in Table 8. A color confusion line has the formula y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept. In some embodiments, the color confusion line closest to the first set of color coordinates is deuteranopia color confusion line 1, deuteranopia color confusion line 2, deuteranopia color confusion line 3, deuteranopia color confusion line 4, deuteranopia color confusion line 5, deuteranopia color confusion line 6, deuteranopia color confusion line 7, deuteranopia color confusion line 8, or deuteranopia color confusion line 9, as shown in Table 7. In some embodiments, the color confusion line closest to the first set of color coordinates is protanopia color confusion line 1, protanopia color confusion line 2, protanopia color confusion line 3, protanopia color confusion line 4, protanopia color confusion line 5, protanopia color confusion line 6, protanopia color confusion line 7, protanopia color confusion line 8, protanopia color confusion line 9, or protanopia color confusion line 10, as shown in Table 8.

Table 7. Slope (m) and y-intercept (b) of the deuteranopia color confusion line

Table 8. Slope (m) and y-intercept (b) of the protanopia color confusion line

While there are many methods for determining the distance between two sets of color coordinates in a direction perpendicular to the color confusion line, one method is shown in Figure 1. A first line 210 is calculated that includes or passes through a first set of color coordinates 215 and is parallel to the color confusion line 220. A second line 230 is calculated that includes or passes through a first set of color coordinates 235 and is parallel to the color confusion line 220.

The first line 210 and the second line 230 have the same slope as the color mixing line. The y-intercept _b1 can be determined by the first set of color coordinates 215, and the y-intercept _b2 can be determined by the second set of color coordinates 235. For example, if the second set of color coordinates is ( _x2 , _y2 ), then the y-intercept _b2 will be:

b ₂ =y ₂ –mx ₂ ,

Where m is the slope of the color confusion line (and any line parallel to the color confusion line).

The shortest distance D between the first line 210 and the second line 230 is equal to the distance between the two sets of color coordinates in a direction perpendicular to the color confusion line. The distance can be determined using the following formula:

Where D is the distance between two parallel lines, or the distance in a direction perpendicular to the color confusion line; _b2 is the y-intercept of the line containing the second set of color coordinates; _b1 is the y-intercept of the line containing the first set of color coordinates; and m is the slope of the color confusion line. Tables 2 and 3 show the values of D for some color confusion lines at various values of _b2 - _b1 . Distance can also be estimated by plotting multiple lines and measuring the distance between them. In some embodiments, _b2 - _b1 can be at least about 0.02, about 0.03, about 0.04, about 0.05, or about 0.06.

The optical element may also include a light-absorbing dye, which may also be dispersed in the substantially transparent matrix material. In one embodiment, the light-absorbing dye has an absorption band that substantially overlaps with the wavelength of the second visible color. The combination of a luminescent compound that emits light at a first visible wavelength and a light-absorbing dye that absorbs light at a second visible wavelength can help increase the distinction between the two colors. For example, a luminescent compound that emits light at a green wavelength of visible light combined with a light-absorbing dye that absorbs red wavelengths of visible light can improve a user's ability to distinguish between shades of red and green.

Light absorbing dyes can absorb one color, such as red, and are transparent to light of all other wavelengths. Light absorbing dyes can fluoresce or not. In one embodiment, the purpose of a light absorbing dye is to make an object with the same absorption band color as the dye appear darker when viewed through an optical filter. Known light absorbing dyes can be used. In one embodiment, the light absorbing dye comprises a phthalocyanine dye, such as Epolight 6661 and/or Epolight 6084, both of which are products of Epolin, Inc (Newark, NJ, USA). More than one light absorbing dye can be used. However, the basic transparency of the optical element should be maintained.

As directed by the teachings provided herein, the optical element can be manufactured according to known film-forming or lens-forming techniques. The luminescent compound and/or light-absorbing dye can be combined with a substantially transparent base material in appropriate weight ratios. The individual components can be dissolved in a suitable solvent, such as toluene, optionally using ultrasound. The solution can then be spin-coated into a film or onto any substantially transparent substrate. The resulting film is heated to evaporate the solvent, thereby providing a corrective optical element that can be placed between the eye of a color-blind person and the object they are actually viewing.

To improve the effectiveness of the filter, especially in low-light environments, some luminescent compounds may have an absorption band that is as narrow as possible. Some luminescent compounds may have a narrow Stokes shift, for example, a Stokes shift of less than about 150 nm or less than about 120 nm. The Stokes shift is the difference between the positions of the maximum values of the absorption and emission spectra for the same electronic transition (expressed in wavelength units or frequency units). For example, if a compound has an absorption peak wavelength of about 485 nm and an emission peak wavelength of about 550 nm, the compound has a Stokes shift of about 65 nm.

In one embodiment, the luminescent compound absorbs light from within the UV/blue absorption spectrum and emits light within the green emission spectrum, thereby enhancing the perceived green light emitted. In one embodiment, the luminescent compound absorbs light from within the green absorption spectrum and emits light within the red emission spectrum, thereby enhancing the perceived red light emitted. In one embodiment, the luminescent compound absorbs light from within the UV or blue absorption spectrum and emits light within the red emission spectrum, thereby enhancing the perceived red light emitted. In some embodiments, the luminescent compound may be a light absorbing dye. In some embodiments, the light absorbing dye may absorb colors close to UV or blue light wavelengths, in the range of about 200 to about 450 nm, to increase color contrast and improve color recognition, while minimizing fatigue and visual stress associated with long-term exposure to such short, high-energy wavelengths. In one embodiment, this has the additional effect of protecting the user from adverse UV radiation. Some undesirable UV wavelengths are divided into medium-range UVB, ranging from about 290 to about 320 nm, and long-range UVA, ranging from about 320 to about 400 nm. In some embodiments, UV absorbing materials used with lenses may be benzophenones and benzotriazoles and their derivatives as described in US Pat. No. 8,106,108 and US Pat. No. 5,621,052, and incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the optical element may be permeable or layered with UV absorbing materials.

In some embodiments, the luminescent compound has a Stokes shift of less than about 120 nm, less than about 110 nm, less than about 100 nm, less than about 90 nm, less than about 80 nm, less than 50 nm, less than 30 nm, less than 20 nm, less than 10 nm, about 50 nm to about 120 nm, about 50 nm to about 110 nm, about 50 nm to about 100 nm, about 50 nm to about 90 nm, about 60 nm to about 80 nm, or about 70 nm.

In some embodiments, the luminescent compound has an anti-Stokes shift or a blue shift. The anti-Stokes shift can be achieved by photon upconversion, in which multiple photons are absorbed or photons are absorbed along with thermal energy and the photons are emitted at a shorter wavelength. This can convert IR light into visible wavelengths. The conversion of IR to visible light can provide night vision. Luminescent compounds with an anti-Stokes shift can include compounds containing d- and f-block elements or fifth and sixth column elements (e.g., osmium, rhenium, tungsten, gold, yttrium, and gadolinium), and may include other elements from these two columns of the periodic table. In some embodiments, the luminescent compound with a blue shift can include yttrium oxysulfide doped with gadolinium oxysulfide.

In one embodiment, the luminescent compound has a narrow absorption band. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) is the width of the absorption or emission band in nanometers when the absorption or emission intensity is half the maximum absorption value or intensity value of the band. In one embodiment, when dispersed in the substantially transparent matrix, the luminescent compound has an absorption band with a FWHM value of less than or equal to about 100 nm, less than or equal to about 90 nm, or less than or equal to about 85 nm, or less than or equal to about 75 nm. The absorption peak of the luminescent compound may vary. In one embodiment, the absorption band peak of the luminescent compound is in the range of about 445 nm to about 525 nm, about 445 nm to about 505 nm, about 475 nm to about 490 nm, or about 483 nm.

In some embodiments, the luminescent compound may have a high quantum yield and a maximum emission wavelength at a first visible color wavelength. For example, when the first visible color wavelength is green, a luminescent compound having a maximum emission at a green wavelength may be used. In some embodiments, the luminescent compound has a peak emission at a wavelength within the range of about 450 nm to about 600 nm, about 500 nm to about 580 nm, or about 520 nm to about 560 nm. When excited by visible light, the luminescent compound enhances the emission intensity within the first color wavelength. In some embodiments, the luminescent compound has a quantum yield greater than about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, or about 90%.

In some embodiments, the optical element further comprises a light-emitting element. The light-emitting element can be in optical communication with the light-emitting compound to provide an excitation source for the light-emitting compound. In one embodiment, the light-emitting element comprises a light-emitting film having a maximum emission peak within the absorption band range of the light-emitting compound. The absorption band range includes, but is not limited to, an absorption peak wavelength of about 10 nm to about 20 nm and/or a shoulder peak along the emission peak spectrum. In one embodiment, the light-emitting element comprises an inorganic or organic light-emitting diode (LED). Examples of light-emitting diodes include inorganic blue-emitting LEDs, such as those manufactured by Nichia (Japan); organic light-emitting diodes described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2010/0326526 and 2011/0140093; and organic light-emitting diodes described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13/166246, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Generally speaking, any thin-film flexible light-emitting element can be used, such as an edge-type LED having a flexible polymer film with a flexible waveguide. In some embodiments, the optical element further comprises an optical waveguide and a light-emitting element in optical communication with the light-emitting element.

The optical elements described herein are not limited in form. Preferably, the optical element can be designed so that it can be placed between the user's eyes and any object or image to be perceived in a known manner. In one embodiment, the optical element comprises a film. The film can have various thicknesses. In one embodiment, the film is attached to a piece of goggles. For example, the optical element can comprise a lens. The luminescent compound can be dispersed within the lens material, or it can be dispersed in a film attached to the lens material. In one embodiment, the lens comprises a contact lens or a spectacle lens. The substantially transparent substrate can be composed of any suitable material.

Some optical elements may comprise a transparent polymer matrix and rhodamine or a rhodamine derivative (e.g., rhodamine 6G) as a luminescent compound, wherein the polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol or a derivative thereof comprising a C _1-6 ester or C _1-6 acetal side group. In some embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol derivative may comprise repeating unit a, repeating unit b, repeating unit c, or a combination thereof.

Regarding repeating unit a, R ^o can be H or C _1-5 alkyl, such as CH ₃ , C ₂ H ₅ , C ₃ H ₇ , C ₄ H ₉ , C ₅ H ₁₁ , C ₃ -cycloalkyl, C ₄ -cycloalkyl, C ₅ -cycloalkyl, etc. In some embodiments, R ^o is n-propyl.

Regarding repeating unit c, ^RP can be H or C _1-5 alkyl, such as CH ₃ , C ₂ H ₅ , C ₃ H ₇ , C ₄ H ₉ , C ₅ H ₁₁ , C ₃ -cycloalkyl, C _{4 -cycloalkyl, C 5 -cycloalkyl} , etc. In some embodiments, ^RP is methyl.

In some embodiments, repeating unit a may comprise from about 70% to about 90% or about 80% by weight of the polymer.

In some embodiments, repeating unit b may be from about 5% to about 30% or from about 17% to about 20% by weight of the polymer.

In some embodiments, repeating units c may comprise from about 0.01% to about 3% or about 5% by weight of the polymer.

Some compositions may include poly (vinyl butyral-co-vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) (PVBAA) CAS No.: 27360-07-2, which includes repeating units a, b, and c. In some embodiments, the PVBAA has an average molecular weight ranging from about 50,000 g/mol to about 1,000,000 g/mol, about 100,000 g/mol to about 50,000 g/mol, or about 170,000 g/mol to about 250,000 g/mol. Commercially available PVBAA is available from Sigma-Aldrich (Milwaukee, WI #418420) and has an average molecular weight of 170,000-250,000 g/mol and contains 0-2.5% by weight acetate, 17.5-20% by weight hydroxyl groups, and 80% by weight vinyl butyral.

Some compositions may be about 1% (w/w) to about 20%, about 2% (w/w) to about 10% (w/w), about 4% (w/w) to about 6% (w/w), or about 5% (w/w) Rhodamine 6G and about 80% (w/w) to about 99% (w/w), about 90% (w/w) to about 99% (w/w), about 90% (w/w) to about 95% (w/w), about 94% (w/w) to about 96% (w/w), or about 95% (w/w) PVBAA. Some compositions may be about 5% (w/w) Rhodamine 6G and about 95% (w/w) PVBAA.

In some embodiments, when the optical element comprises a film such as a thin film, the film can be laminated to other conventional optical devices, including but not limited to eyeglasses, contact lenses, goggles, mirrors, LED screens (cellular phone screens, IPODs, PDAs, etc.), computer screens, and/or windshields. In one embodiment, the substantially transparent substrate material comprises polycarbonate.

In one embodiment, the optical element comprises a substantially transparent base material, which can be any material useful in making films or lenses. A "substantially transparent" material is any material that a user can see through. For example, a "substantially transparent" material can transmit light so that an object or image on the other side of the material can be observed. A "substantially transparent" material may optionally have a certain degree of shaded portion and need not be completely transparent. Transparency can be calculated by first measuring the total transmittance over the entire visible wavelength range (e.g., about 380 nm to about 780 nm) using a multi-channel light detector. The percentage transparency can be reported as the arithmetic average of each transmittance percentage recorded in 1 nm wavelength increments from about 380 nm to about 780 nm. In this case, there will be 400 data points used to calculate the average. In one embodiment, the optical element has a transparency of at least about 70%, about 80%, or about 90%.

The substantially transparent matrix material may comprise a composition comprising glass or various types of polymers in various combinations with luminescent compounds. It may be desirable for this material to be harmless and strong. In one embodiment, the substantially transparent base material comprises a material including, but not limited to, glass; thiourethane; PC; allyl diethylene glycol carbonate (e.g., CR-39); polyacrylates such as polyacrylic acid, polyalkyl acrylic acid (including methacrylic acid), or esters of polyacrylic acid or polyacrylic acid such as methyl ester, ethyl ester, propyl ester, isopropyl ester, n-butyl ester, sec-butyl ester, isobutyl ester, tert-butyl ester, ester of pentyl isomers, ester of hexyl isomers, cyclobutyl ester, cyclopentyl ester or cyclohexyl ester, etc., 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and including polyacrylate hydrogels; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; PMMA, PVB, ethylene-vinyl acetate, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene, polyimide, polystyrene, polyurethane, organosiloxane, one or more terpolymers of poly(vinyl butyral-co-vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate), hexafluoroacetone-tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene (HFA/TFE/E terpolymer), and combinations thereof.

Some optical elements may comprise a substantially transparent component coated on a substrate layer. The substrate layer may be coated with a layer comprising a substantially transparent layer and a luminescent compound dispersed in the transparent layer. The substrate layer may comprise any suitable polymeric material, such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), triacetate TAC, thiourethane, polycarbonate (PC); allyl diethylene glycol carbonate (e.g., CR-39); polyacrylates such as polyacrylic acid, polyalkyl acrylic acid (including methacrylic acid), esters of polyacrylic acid, or polyacrylic acid such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, esters of the amyl isomer, the hexyl isomer, Ester, cyclobutyl ester, cyclopentyl ester or cyclohexyl ester, etc., 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and includes polyacrylate hydrogel; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; (polymethacrylate) PMMA, PVB, ethylene-vinyl acetate, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene, polyimide, polystyrene, polyurethane, organosiloxane, poly (vinyl butyral-co-vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate), hexafluoroacetone-tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene (HFA/TFE/E terpolymer) one or more terpolymers and combinations thereof.

For devices in the form of eyewear, such as lens spectacles or sunglasses, the lenses or optical elements may be constructed from any optically suitable plastic, or they may be constructed primarily from glass or other vitreous material. Suitable optical plastics include thermoplastic synthetic resins, including poly(diethylene glycol bis(allyl carbonate)); polyurethanes containing diethylene glycol polyols; thiourethane resins from isocyanates and polythiols; acrylates such as _C1-6 alkyl methacrylates (including methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, etc.), _C1-6 alkyl acrylates (including methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, propyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, etc.) and related acrylic resins; polystyrene, including polystyrene homopolymers, and copolymers of styrene and acrylonitrile, polybutadiene-modified polystyrene, etc.; polycarbonate; vinyl resins such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, etc.; ionomers and monochlorotrifluoroethylene resins; cellulose derivatives, including cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate, etc.; epoxy resins; polyester resins; and the like.

For devices in the form of an eyepiece, such as a soft contact lens, a hard contact lens, or an intraocular lens (collectively referred to herein as an "eyepiece"), the base material of the lens or optical element may include an ophthalmically acceptable polymer.

For softer eyepieces, such as soft contact lenses, soft monomers can be incorporated into the ophthalmic polymer. For harder lenses, such as hard contact lenses, hard monomers can be incorporated into the ophthalmic polymer. Many eyepieces can include a combination of soft and hard monomers, or can be the reaction product of a mixture containing a combination of soft and hard monomers. In some embodiments, the eyepiece can include an ophthalmic polymer that is the reaction product of a mixture containing soft and/or hard monomers, and can optionally further include a crosslinker, other polymerizable monomers, an initiator, and/or other materials.

The soft monomer may include a hydrogel-forming monomer or a hydrogel-forming polymer. The hydrogel polymer includes a polymer system capable of absorbing and retaining water in an equilibrium state. The hydrogel polymer may include hydrogel-forming monomers, including hydrophilic acrylates, such as hydroxyalkyl acrylates, hydroxyalkyl methacrylates, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, etc.; vinyl lactams, including optionally substituted N-vinyl pyrrolidone, such as unsubstituted 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone; and acrylamides, such as methacrylamide and N,N-dimethylacrylamide. Some hydrogel polymers can be the reaction product of a polymerization reaction comprising, optionally, a crosslinker and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA); HEMA and methacrylic acid; HEMA and 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone; HEMA and 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone and methacrylic acid; HEMA and 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone and methyl methacrylate; HEMA and N-(1,1-dimethyl-3-oxobutyl)-acrylamide; or 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone and methyl methacrylate and allyl methacrylate.

Hard monomers include acrylic monomers lacking hydrophilic functional groups other than the CO ₂ group of the ester, such as alkyl acrylate monomers or alkyl methacrylate monomers. Other hard monomers may include cellulose derivatives such as cellulose acetate butyrate and styrene.

Hard alkyl acrylates may include alkyl esters of acrylic acid, such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, propyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, pentyl acrylate, hexyl acrylate, heptyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, n-pentyl acrylate, t-pentyl acrylate, hexyl acrylate, 2-methylbutyl acrylate, heptyl acrylate, octyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, nonyl acrylate, decyl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate, octadecyl acrylate, cyclopentyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, and the like. The alkyl methacrylate monomer may include an alkyl methacrylate of methacrylic acid, such as methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, amyl methacrylate, hexyl methacrylate, heptyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, n-amyl methacrylate, t-amyl methacrylate, hexyl methacrylate, 2-methylbutyl methacrylate, heptyl methacrylate, octyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, nonyl methacrylate, decyl methacrylate, dodecyl methacrylate, octadecyl methacrylate, cyclopentyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, isopropyl methacrylate, sec-butyl methacrylate, t-butyl methacrylate, 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl methacrylate, t-butyl acrylate, etc. In some alkyl acrylates or alkyl methacrylates, the alkyl group of the alkyl ester may contain 1, 2, 3, or 4 carbon atoms. Some eyepiece polymers are the product of a polymerization reaction comprising methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, propyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, or butyl methacrylate.

For some eyepieces, repeating units derived from alkyl acrylates and/or alkyl methacrylates are at least about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, or can be at least about 90%, about 95%, about 99%, or can approach about 100% by weight of the ophthalmic polymer.

Other hard acrylate monomers may include phenyl methacrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate, allyl methacrylate, and the like.

Examples of the crosslinking agent may include ethylene glycol diacrylate, butanediol diacrylate, hexanediol diacrylate, hexanediol dimethacrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate, triethylene glycol diacrylate, propylene glycol diacrylate, dipropylene glycol diacrylate, divinylbenzene, allyl acrylate, vinyl acrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, acryloyloxyethyl acrylate, diallyl fumarate, diallyl phthalate, diallyl adipate, divinyl adipate, α-methylene-N-vinyl pyrrolidone, 4-vinylbenzyl acrylate, 3-vinylbenzyl acrylate, 2,2-bis(acryloyloxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, 2,2-bis(acryloyloxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane phenyl)propane, 1,2-bis(2-(acryloyloxyhexafluoroisopropyl)benzene, 1,3-bis(2-(acryloyloxyhexafluoroisopropyl)benzene, 1,4-bis(2-(acryloyloxyhexafluoroisopropyl)benzene, 1,2-bis(2-(acryloyloxyisopropyl)benzene, 1,3-bis(2-(acryloyloxyisopropyl)benzene, 1,4-bis(2-(acryloyloxyisopropyl)benzene, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, butanediol dimethacrylate, diethylene glycol dimethacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, propylene glycol dimethacrylate, dipropylene glycol dimethacrylate, divinylbenzene, allyl methacrylate, vinyl methacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethylolpropane Acrylates, methacryloyloxyethyl methacrylate, 4-vinylbenzyl methacrylate, 3-vinylbenzyl methacrylate, 2,2-bis(methacryloyloxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, 2,2-bis(methacryloyloxyphenyl)propane, 1,2-bis(2-(methacryloyloxyhexafluoroisopropyl)benzene, 1,3-bis(2-(methacryloyloxyhexafluoroisopropyl)benzene, 1,4-bis(2-(methacryloyloxyhexafluoroisopropyl)benzene, 1,2-bis(2-(methacryloyloxyisopropyl)benzene, 1,3-bis(2-(methacryloyloxyisopropyl)benzene, 1,4-bis(2-(methacryloyloxyisopropyl)benzene, N,N'-bis-propane Some acrylic polymers are the product of a polymerization reaction of a mixture containing ethylene glycol diacrylate, butanediol diacrylate, 4-vinylbenzyl methacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, butanediol dimethacrylate, and/or 4-vinylbenzyl methacrylate as a crosslinking agent. For some acrylic polymers, the crosslinking agent is present in an amount of about 0.001% to 15% by weight or about 0.1% to 10% by weight of the polymerization mixture. In some embodiments, excessive use of a crosslinking agent may result in brittle eyepieces.

Optionally, one or more additional polymerizable monomers may be added to the polymerization mixture. In some embodiments, the polymerizable monomers other than acrylic acid monomers may comprise less than about 90%, about 80%, about 50%, about 30%, about 20%, about 10%, or about 5% by weight of the polymerization mixture.

A specific example of a hydrogel-forming monomer mixture is polymacon, which is composed primarily of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate with a small amount of diethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a crosslinking monomer.

Examples of additional polymerizable monomers may include silicon-containing methacrylate monomers, silicon-containing styrene derivatives, fluorine-containing styrene derivatives, fluorine-containing acrylate monomers, silicon-containing macromers, and the like. These types of polymerizable monomers may improve oxygen transport and/or contamination resistance in ophthalmic polymers. Styrene may be added to improve the mechanical strength and hardness of ophthalmic lenses, such as eyepieces.

Silicon-containing acrylate monomers may include: pentamethyldisiloxyalkylmethyl acrylate, pentamethyldisiloxyalkylpropyl acrylate, methylbis(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl acrylate, tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl acrylate, mono[methyl-bis(trimethylsiloxy)siloxy]bis(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl acrylate, tris[methyl-bis(trimethylsiloxy)siloxy]silylpropyl acrylate, methyl-bis(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl glyceryl acrylate, tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl glyceryl acrylate, mono[methyl-bis(trimethylsiloxy)siloxy]bis(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl acrylate Trimethylsilylethyltetramethyldisiloxypropyl glyceryl acrylate, trimethylsilylmethyl acrylate, trimethylsilylpropyl acrylate, trimethylsilylpropyl glyceryl acrylate, pentamethyldisiloxypropyl glyceryl acrylate, methylbis(trimethylsiloxy)silylethyltetramethyldisiloxypropyl methyl acrylate, tetramethyltriisopropylcyclotetrasiloxypropyl acrylate, tetramethyltriisopropylcyclotetrasiloxybis(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl acrylate, pentamethyldisiloxypropyl methacrylate Alkyl methyl esters, pentamethyldisiloxypropyl methacrylate, methylbis(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl methacrylate, tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl methacrylate, mono[methyl-bis(trimethylsiloxy)siloxy]bis(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl methacrylate, tris[methyl-bis(trimethylsiloxy)siloxy]silylpropyl methacrylate, methyl-bis(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl methacrylate, tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl methacrylate, mono[methyl-bis(trimethylsiloxy)siloxy]bis(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl methacrylate methylsilyl)silylethyltetramethyldisiloxypropylglycerol, trimethylsilylmethyl methacrylate, trimethylsilylpropyl methacrylate, trimethylsilylpropyl methacrylate, pentamethyldisiloxypropyl methacrylate, methylbis(trimethylsiloxy)silylethyltetramethyldisiloxypropylmethyl methacrylate, tetramethyltriisopropylcyclotetrasiloxypropyl methacrylate, tetramethyltriisopropylcyclotetrasiloxybis(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl methacrylate, and the like.

Examples of the silicon-containing derivatives of styrene may include trimethylsilylstyrene, tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylstyrene, and the like.

The silicon-containing macromonomer includes a macromonomer containing silicon (Si), such as a polysiloxane macromonomer, which has polymerizable groups at both ends of the polysiloxane macromonomer and is bonded to a vinyl-containing monomer through a urethane bond.

Some polymerization reaction mixtures may include silicone-containing monomers that react in the polymerization mixture to form a silicone hydrogel copolymer. Examples of silicone-containing monomers include monomers having a single activated double bond, such as methacryloxypropyl tris(trimethylsiloxy)silane, pentamethyldisiloxyalkyl methacrylate, tris(trimethylsiloxy)methacryloxypropylsilane, methylbis(trimethylsiloxy)methacryloxymethylsilane, 3-[tri(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl vinylcarbamate, and 3-[tri(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl vinylcarbonate; and multifunctional ethylenically "terminated" silicone-containing monomers having two activated double bonds, particularly difunctional monomers.

Examples of the fluorine-containing derivatives of styrene may include o-fluorostyrene, m-fluorostyrene, p-fluorostyrene, trifluorostyrene, perfluorostyrene, p-trifluoromethylstyrene, o-trifluoromethylstyrene, m-trifluoromethylstyrene, and the like.

Examples of fluorine-containing acrylate monomers include: 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl acrylate, 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl acrylate, 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl acrylate, 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-trifluoromethylethyl acrylate, 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-tert-amyl acrylate, 2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluorobutyl acrylate, 2,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluorobutyl acrylate, 2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluorotert-hexyl acrylate, 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutyl acrylate, 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-octafluoropentyl acrylate, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6-octafluorohexyl acrylate, 2,3,4,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)pentyl acrylate, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoropentyl acrylate, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7-dodecafluoroheptyl acrylate, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-dodecafluorooctyl acrylate, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl acrylate, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7, 7,7-tridecafluoroheptyl acrylate, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10-hexadecyl acrylate, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,10-heptadecafluorodecyl acrylate, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,10-octadecafluoroundecyl acrylate, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11-octadecyl acrylate, ,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11,12,12-eicosylfluoroundecyl acrylate, 2-hydroxy-4,4,5,5,6,7,7,7-octafluoro-6-trifluoromethylheptyl acrylate, 2-hydroxy-4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,9,9,9-dodecafluoro-8-trifluoromethylnonyl acrylate and 2-hydroxy-4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,11,11,11-hexafluoro-10-trifluoro-methylundecyl acrylate, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate, methyl 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl acrylate, 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl methacrylate, 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-trifluoromethylethyl methacrylate, 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-tert-amyl methacrylate, 2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluorobutyl methacrylate, 2,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluorobutyl methacrylate, 2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-tert-hexyl methacrylate, 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutyl methacrylate, 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-octafluoropentyl methacrylate, 3,3,4,4 ,5,5,6,6-octafluorohexyl methacrylate, 2,3,4,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)pentyl methacrylate, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoropentyl methacrylate, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7-dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-dodecafluorooctyl methacrylate, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl methacrylate, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6, 7,7,7-tridecafluoroheptyl methacrylate, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10-hexadecylfluorodecyl methacrylate, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,10-heptadecafluorodecyl methacrylate, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,10-octadecafluoroundecyl methacrylate, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11-octadecafluoroundecyl methacrylate, Undecyl methacrylate, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11,12,12-eicosyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxy-4,4,5,5,6,7,7,7-octafluoro-6-trifluoromethylheptyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxy-4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,9,9,9-dodecafluoro-8-trifluoromethylnonyl methacrylate and 2-hydroxy-4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,11,11,11-hexafluoro-10-trifluoromethylundecyl methacrylate, etc.

Examples of styrene include unsubstituted styrene, o-methylstyrene, m-methylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, p-ethylstyrene, o-hydroxystyrene, m-hydroxystyrene, p-hydroxystyrene, trimethylstyrene, t-butylstyrene, perbromostyrene, dimethylaminostyrene, α-methylstyrene and the like.

The polymerization of the reaction mixture can be achieved by thermal polymerization. For example, when a polymerization initiator is present in the polymerization reaction mixture, the polymerization reaction mixture can be heated to an elevated temperature, such as from about 50°C to about 300°C, from about 100°C to about 200°C, or from about 100°C to about 150°C. Thermal polymerization can reduce discoloration or fading after polymerization compared to other polymerization methods. Alternatively, the polymerization reaction can be photopolymerized, for example by exposure to electromagnetic radiation such as microwaves, ultraviolet radiation, radiation (gamma rays), and the like.

The polymerization initiator can be selected based on the polymerization method used. For example, if thermal polymerization is used, a free radical polymerization initiator can be used. If polymerization is achieved by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, a photopolymerization initiator or photosensitizer can be used. Polymerization can also be initiated by base or acid catalysts or by electrophiles or nucleophiles.

Any suitable free radical polymerization initiator may be used. Free radical polymerization initiators may include azobisisobutyronitrile, azobis-2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile, benzoyl peroxide, dibenzoyl peroxide, benzoin methyl ether, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide, and the like.

Any suitable photopolymerization initiator can be used in the photopolymerization reaction of the polymerization mixture. Examples of photopolymerization initiators include: benzoin-based photopolymerization initiators, such as methyl o-benzoylbenzoate, methyl benzoylformate, benzoin methyl ether, benzoin ethyl ether, benzoin isopropyl ether, benzoin isobutyl ether, benzoin n-butyl ether, etc.; benzophenone photopolymerization initiators, such as 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropane-1-one, p-isopropyl-α-hydroxyisobutylbenzophenone, p-tert-butyltrichloroacetophenone, 2, 2-Dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone, α,α-dichloro-4-phenoxyacetophenone, N,N-tetraethyl-4,4-diaminobenzophenone, etc.; 1-hydroxycyclohexyl benzophenone; 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione-2-(o-ethoxycarbonyl)oxime; thioxanthone photopolymerization initiators, such as 2-chlorothioxanthone, 2-methylthioxanthone, etc.; dibenzophenone; 2-ethylanthraquinone; benzophenone acrylate; benzophenone; benzyl, etc.

Any amount of polymerization initiator can be used, such as at least about 0.005 parts by weight or at least about 0.01 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polymerization mixture. In some embodiments, the amount of polymerization initiator can be less than about 2 parts by weight or 1 part by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polymerization mixture.

The eyepiece can be formed using any of a variety of methods. For example, a cutting method can be used. In a cutting method, a polymer is formed into a desired configuration through mechanical processing methods such as cutting, grinding, etc. A molding method can also be used to form the eyepiece. In a molding method, a polymerized mixture is placed in a mold cavity, and the desired shape is achieved through the reaction of the polymerized mixture in the mold cavity. Other forming methods can also be used. Furthermore, the molding method and the cutting method can be combined.

The luminescent compound can be incorporated into the ophthalmic polymer when the lens is cast, or the finished lens can be treated with the luminescent compound, such as by soaking in or coating with a solution containing the luminescent compound.

Optionally, to form a silicone hydrogel copolymer, the mixture of monomers to be polymerized into the hydrogel copolymer may include a silicone-containing monomer. Examples of silicone-containing monomers include monomers having a single activated double bond, such as methacryloxypropyl tris(trimethylsiloxy)silane, pentamethyldisiloxymethyl methacrylate, tris(trimethylsiloxy)methacryloxypropylsilane, methylbis(trimethylsiloxy)methacryloxymethylsilane, 3-[tri(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl vinylcarbamate, and 3-[tri(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl vinylcarbonate; and multifunctional ethylenically "terminated" silicone-containing monomers, particularly difunctional monomers having two activated double bonds.

In some embodiments, the optical element of the device may include a coating, such as a scratch-resistant coating, wherein the substantially transparent substrate comprises a scratch-resistant material, and the luminescent material may be dispersed in the scratch-resistant material. Examples of scratch-resistant materials include cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose nitrate, cellulose triacetate, hard acrylates (such as those described above), polyalkylenes such as polyethylene or polypropylene, poly(acrylonitrile), poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl chloride), optionally substituted polystyrene, polybutadiene, nylon, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, polycarbonates, styrene-butadiene copolymer resins, polyurethanes such as lightly crosslinked thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyureaurethanes, polysiloxanes, polysilanes, fluoropolymers such as polymers or copolymers of ethylene fluoride, vinylidene fluoride, trifluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene (e.g., poly(tetrafluoroethylene)), epoxy-functionalized alkoxysilanes, silicon oxynitride PECVD films, metal oxides, and the like.

Any suitable polycarbonate can be used, such as a homopolycarbonate, a copolycarbonate, a branched polycarbonate, or a mixture thereof. Some polycarbonates can be prepared by reacting a carbonic acid derivative (e.g., phosgene) with a dihydroxy compound. Useful dihydroxy compounds include bisphenol compounds that can be represented by formula S:

^RA1 can be H or _C1-12 alkyl, including: a straight or branched alkyl group of formula _{CaHa +1 or CaHa} , or a cycloalkyl group of formula _{CaHa -1} or _CaHa - ₂ , wherein a is 1, 2, 3, 4, ₅ , ₆ , 7, 8, ₉ , ₁₀ , ₁₁ or 12, such as a straight or branched alkyl group of formula _CH3 , _{C2H5 , C3H7} , _C4H9 , _{C5H11 , C6H13} , _{C7H15 , C8H17} , _C9H19 , _{C10H21 ,} etc., or a straight _or branched alkyl group _of formula _{C3H5 , C4H7} , _C5H9 , _C6H11 , _C7H13 , _{C8H15 , C9H17 , C10H21 ,} etc. ₁₀ H ₁₉ etc. cycloalkyl.

^RA2 can be H or _C1-12 alkyl, including: a straight or branched alkyl group of formula _{CaHa +1} or _{CaHa ,} or a cycloalkyl group of formula _{CaHa -1} or _{CaHa -2} , wherein a is 1, 2, 3, 4, ₅ , ₆ , 7, 8, ₉ , ₁₀ , ₁₁ or 12, such as a straight or branched alkyl group of formula _CH3 , _{C2H5 , C3H7} , _C4H9 , _{C5H11 , C6H13} , _{C7H15 , C8H17} , _C9H19 , _{C10H21 ,} etc., or a straight _or branched alkyl group _of formula _{C3H5 , C4H7} , _C5H9 , _C6H11 , _C7H13 , _{C8H15 , C9H17 , C10H21 ,} etc. ₁₀ H ₁₉ etc. cycloalkyl.

In some embodiments, R ^A1 and R ^A2 are hydrogen, methyl, ^propyl , or phenyl, or are methyl. The polycarbonate can have any suitable molecular weight. In some embodiments, the polycarbonate can have a molecular weight of about 10,000 g/ ^mol to about 200,000 g/mol or about 20,000 g/mol to about 80,000 g/mol.

Generally speaking, polyurethanes include polymers that can be formed by the reaction of polyisocyanates and polyols. Polyureaurethanes include polymers that can be formed by the reaction of polyisocyanates, polyols, and polyamines.

Isocyanates include organic isocyanates having two or more isocyanate functional groups. Some polyisocyanates may have an average of about two to about three isocyanate functional groups per molecule. The polyisocyanates may be aliphatic polyisocyanates; cycloaliphatic polyisocyanates in which one or more polyisocyanate groups are directly attached to the alicyclic ring; cycloaliphatic polyisocyanates in which one or more polyisocyanate groups are not directly attached to the alicyclic ring; aromatic polyisocyanates in which one or more polyisocyanate groups are directly attached to an aromatic ring; and aromatic polyisocyanates in which one or more polyisocyanate groups are not directly attached to an aromatic ring; or mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable polyisocyanates include tetramethylene-1,4-diisocyanate, hexamethylene-1,6-diisocyanate, 2,2,4-trimethylhexane-1,6-diisocyanate, cyclobutane-1,3-diisocyanate, cyclohexane-1,3-diisocyanate, cyclohexane-1,4-diisocyanate, methylcyclohexyl diisocyanates such as 2,4- and 2,6-methylcyclohexyl diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, Esters, isomers and mixtures of isomers such as trans-trans, cis-cis and cis-trans isomers of 4,4'-methylene-bis(cyclohexyl isocyanate), hexahydrotoluene-2,4-diisocyanate, hexahydrotoluene-2,6-diisocyanate, hexahydrophenylene-1,3-diisocyanate, hexaoxyphenylene-1,4-diisocyanate, hexahydrophenylene-1,4-diisocyanate, phenylcyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, and the like.

The polyamine can be any compound containing two or more primary (eg, —NH ₂ ) and/or secondary amino functional groups, such as any compound containing 2 primary amino functional groups, any compound containing 2 secondary amino functional groups, or any compound containing 1 primary amino functional group and 1 secondary amino group. Some examples of suitable polyamines include aliphatic polyamines, for example, aliphatic diamines having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, such as 1,2-ethylenediamine, 1,3-propylenediamine, 1,4-butylenediamine, 1,5-pentanediamine, 1,6-hexanediamine, 1,8-octanediamine, and 1,10-decanediamine; cycloaliphatic polyamines; aromatic polyamines, for example, 1,2-phenylenediamine, 1,3-phenylenediamine, 1,4-phenylenediamine, 1,5-naphthalenediamine, 1,8-naphthalenediamine, 2,4-toluenediamine, 2,5-toluenediamine, 3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-benzenediamine, 4,4'-methylenebis(aniline), 4,4'-methylenebis(2-chloroaniline); dialkyltoluenediamines, in which each alkyl group has 1 to 3 carbon atoms, for example, 3,5-dimethyl-2,4-toluenediamine, 3,5- dimethyl-2,6-toluenediamine, 3,5-diethyl-2,4-toluenediamine, 3,5-diethyl-2,6-toluenediamine, 3,5-diisopropyl-2,4-toluenediamine, 3,5-diisopropyl-2,6-toluenediamine, and the like; 4,4'-methylene-bis(dialkylanilines), wherein each alkyl group has 1 to 3 carbon atoms, such as 4,4'-methylene-bis(2,6-dimethylaniline), 4,4'-methylene-bis(2,6-diethylaniline), 4,4'-methylene-bis(2-ethyl-6-methylaniline), 4,4'-methylene-bis(2,6-diisopropylaniline), 4,4'-methylene-bis(2-isopropyl-6-methylaniline) and 4,4'-methylene-bis(2,6-diethyl-3-chloroaniline), and the like. Dialkyltoluenediamines are commercially available as isomeric mixtures, for example, an isomeric mixture of 3,5-diethyl-2,4-toluenediamine and 3,5-diethyl-2,6-toluenediamine. Polyamines may also contain more than two amino groups, for example, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, and tetraethylenepentamine.

The polyurethane or polyureaurethane can be a polyether-based polyurethane or polyureaurethane, a polycarbonate-based polyurethane or polyureaurethane, depending on the type of polyol used to form the polyurethane or polyureaurethane.

Examples of polyether polyols include, but are not limited to, polyoxyalkylene polyols and polyalkoxylated polyols. Polyoxyalkylene polyols include polyols that can be prepared by reacting an alkylene oxide or a mixture of alkylene oxides with a polyhydroxy initiator or a mixture of polyhydroxy initiators, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, and the like. Examples of alkylene oxides include, but are not limited to, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, oxadiene oxides, such as styrene oxide, mixtures of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, and the like. Polyoxyalkylene polyols can be prepared using mixtures of alkylene oxides using random or stepwise alkoxylation reactions. Examples of such polyoxyalkylene polyols include polyoxyethylenes, such as polyethylene glycol, and polyoxypropylenes, such as polypropylene glycol. Polyalkoxylated polyols include polyols that can be prepared by reacting a diol (e.g., C _1-8 alkylene glycol, dihydroxybenzene, etc.) with an alkylene oxide (e.g., ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, etc.).

The polyether polyols can have any suitable molecular weight. For example, some polyether polyols can have a molecular weight of about 500 g/mol to about 3000 g/mol, about 650 g/mol to about 2000 g/mol, about 650 g/mol to about 1400 g/mol, about 850 g/mol to about 1000 g/mol, or about 1200 g/mol.

Polycarbonate polyols include polyols that can be prepared by reacting an organic diol (e.g., a diol such as ethylene glycol) with a dialkyl carbonate. Some polycarbonate polyols can be represented by the formula H-(OC(O)-O-(CH ₂ ) _m ) _n -OH, where m is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, and n is 4 to 24, 4 to 10, or 5 to 7. In some embodiments, the dialkyl carbonate is polyhexamethylene carbonate diol, where m is 6. The polycarbonate polyol can have any suitable molecular weight, for example, a number average molecular weight of about 500 g/mol to 3500 g/mol or about 650 g/mol to about 1000 g/mol.

Diols include low molecular weight polyols, for example polyols having a molecular weight of less than 500 g/mol, such as low molecular weight diols and triols. Some diols contain 2 to 16, 2 to 6, or 10 carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of diols include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-pentanediol, 1,3-pentanediol, 2,4-pentanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 2,5-hexanediol. , 1,6-hexanediol, 2,4-heptanediol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,8-octanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, 1,10-decanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,2-bis(hydroxyethyl)-cyclohexane, glycerol, tetrahydroxymethanes such as pentaerythritol, trimethylolethane and trimethylolpropane. Other isomers of these diols may also be used. The amount of diol used in conjunction with the polyether polyol and/or polycarbonate polyol component may vary from 3 to 20% by weight.

Polyester polyols include polyols that can be prepared by esterification of saturated dicarboxylic acids or their anhydrides (or a combination of acids and anhydrides) with polyols; polylactones, such as polycaprolactone and polyvalerolactone, which can be prepared by polymerizing lactones (e.g., ε-caprolactone or δ-valerolactone) in the presence of a small amount of a difunctional active hydrogen compound such as water or a low molecular weight alcohol such as 1,4-butanediol.

Saturated dicarboxylic acids include those containing 4 to 10 carbon atoms or 6 to 9 carbon atoms, such as succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, and the like.

Polyols include aliphatic alcohols containing at least two hydroxyl groups, such as linear diols containing 2 to 10 or 4 to 8 carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples include the diols described above. In some embodiments, the polyol is 1,4-butanediol.

The polyester polyol can have any suitable molecular weight, for example, a number average molecular weight of about 1000 g/mol to about 3000 g/mol or about 1000 g/mol to about 2000 g/mol. Non-limiting examples of polyester polyols include poly(butylene glycol-1,4-adipate), poly(butylene glycol-1,4-succinate), poly(butylene glycol-1,4-glutarate), poly(butylene glycol-1,4-pimelate), poly(butylene glycol-1,4-subanedioate), poly(butylene glycol-1,4-azelaate), poly(butylene glycol-1,4-sebacate), and poly(ε-caprolactone).

The scratch-resistant coating can include 0 to 20 wt % or about 1 to about 90 wt % of a metal oxide such as silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, antimony oxide, tin oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, or the like, or mixtures thereof, based on the total weight of the composition.

The scratch-resistant coating has any suitable thickness, such as from about 1 mil to about 20 mils (about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm) or from about 5 mils to about 10 mils (about 0.125 mm to about 0.25 mm). The scratch-resistant coating can be applied directly to other materials or applied using an adhesive layer, such as a substantially transparent layer having a thickness of less than 25 microns, about 0.1 microns to about 10 microns, about 0.1 microns to about 5 microns, or about 1 micron.

The resistance of a coating to scratches can be determined by a rotary steel wool test, which involves subjecting the coating to five rotations of a 0000 grade steel wool plate at a defined pressure (typically 12 or 24 psi). Scratch abrasion resistance is assessed by measuring the increase in haze caused by abrasion. Test methods such as ASTM D-1044 have been developed for optically measuring the resistance of transparent plastic materials to abrasion. Another standard test for abrasion resistance is the Taber abrasion test described in ASTM D-1004-56.

In many applications, toughness and impact resistance can be important for scratch-resistant coatings. A coating's toughness and impact resistance are typically measured using the "falling sand" test (ASTM D968-51). A coating with good scratch abrasion resistance may not necessarily have good impact abrasion resistance. In the falling sand test, sand is poured onto the coating from a specified height while the coating thickness is observed. The result is expressed as the number of liters of sand required to remove one-tenth of a mil of coating thickness.

Optical elements can be integrated into electronic devices that include an electronic display, an optical element, and a touchscreen assembly. An example of such a device 10 is depicted in FIG2 . In such a device, a touchscreen assembly 30 can be positioned over the entire electronic display 20 . An optical element 15 is also included. Optical element 15 can be positioned over the entire touchscreen assembly 30, as shown in FIG2 , or positioned between the electronic display 20 and the touchscreen assembly 30, as shown in FIG3 , or in another location that allows light from the electronic display 20 to pass through optical element 15. Touchscreen element 30 includes a first conductive layer 40, a second conductive layer 50, and a spacer layer 60 between the first and second conductive layers 40, 50. As shown in FIG2A , when there is no contact between a user and device 10, there is no electrical contact between the first and second conductive layers 40, 50. As shown in FIG2B , user contact 80 can cause contact between the first and second conductive layers 40, 50, which creates electrical contact between the first and second conductive layers 40, 50. This allows current to flow between the first and second conductive layers 40, 50. Thus, the touch screen assembly can function as an on/off switch that is sensitive to the user's touch. Light 70 emitted by display 20 passes through touch screen assembly 30 and through optical element 15. Optical element 30 can modify the color of light 70 emitted by display 20.

As depicted in FIG4 , a touch screen assembly (e.g., touch screen assembly 30) can further include a first support layer, such as first support layer 90. First support layer 90 can be positioned such that first conductive layer 40 is disposed between spacer layer 60 and first support layer 90. Additionally, the touch screen assembly can further include a second support layer, such as second support layer 100. Second support layer 100 can be positioned such that second conductive layer 50 is disposed between spacer layer 60 and second support layer 100. As depicted in FIG5 , the touch screen assembly can further include a first dielectric layer, such as first dielectric layer 110, which can be disposed between first conductive layer 40 and first support layer 90. Touch screen assembly 30 can further include a second dielectric layer, such as second dielectric layer 120, which can be disposed between second conductive layer 50 and second support layer 100.

A touch screen element (eg, touch screen element 30 ) should be sufficiently transparent to a display (eg, display 20 ) so as to be visible through the touch screen element.

The conductive layer (e.g., the first conductive layer 40 or the second conductive layer 50) can be made of any conductive material. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer can be made of the same material or can be made of different materials. Examples of conductive materials that can be used include, but are not limited to, metals such as gold, silver, molybdenum, palladium, copper, aluminum, nickel, chromium, titanium, iron, cobalt, tin, etc., and alloys thereof; metal oxides such as indium oxide, tin oxide, titanium oxide, cadmium oxide, and mixtures thereof. Other metal compounds, such as copper iodine, can also be used. In some embodiments, the conductive layer comprises indium oxide containing tin oxide or tin oxide containing antimony. The conductive layer can have any thickness that makes the film sufficiently conductive and sufficiently transparent, for example, a thickness of about 10 nm to about 300 nm.

The spacer layer (e.g., spacer layer 60) can be a vacuum or can be composed of any non-conductive material (e.g., air, nitrogen, argon, or other inert gas). The spacer layer can have any suitable thickness, such as about 10 μm to about 500 μm, about 100 μm to about 200 μm, or about 150 μm.

The support layer can be any layer that is conducive to the desired function of the conductive layer. The first support layer (e.g., first support layer 90) and the second support layer (e.g., second support layer 100) can be the same or different and can be composed of the same or different materials. Examples of suitable support materials include, but are not limited to, polyester-based resins, acetate-based resins, polyethersulfone-based resins, polycarbonate-based resins, polyamide-based resins, polyimide-based resins, polyolefin-based resins, acrylate-based resins, polyvinyl chloride-based resins, styrene-based resins, polyvinyl alcohol-based resins, polyphenylene sulfide-based resins, polyvinylidene chloride-based resins, and the like. In some embodiments, the support layer comprises a polyester-based resin, a polycarbonate-based resin, or a polyolefin-based resin. The support layer can have any suitable thickness, for example, from about 75 μm to about 400 μm, from about 100 μm to about 200 μm, from about 2 μm to about 300 μm, or from about 10 μm to about 130 μm.

The dielectric layer can be made of any dielectric material. The first dielectric layer (e.g., first dielectric layer 110) and the second dielectric layer (e.g., second dielectric layer 120) can be the same or different and can be made of the same or _different materials. Non _{-limiting examples include NaF, Na3AlF6, LiF, MgF2, CaF2, BaF2, SiO2, LaF3, CeF3, Al2O3 , etc. The dielectric layer can have} any suitable thickness, such as about 10 nm to about 300 nm, about 10 nm to about 200 nm, about 10 nm to about 120 nm, or about 15 nm to about 60 _nm .

The optical elements described herein are useful in methods for correcting visual insensitivity in mammals. In one embodiment, the method comprises identifying an individual having visual insensitivity between a first visible color wavelength and a second visible color wavelength. In one embodiment, the method comprises selecting an optical element described herein that corrects the visual insensitivity. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing or arranging to provide the optical element to the individual. In one embodiment, the visual insensitivity comprises deuteranomaly.

In one embodiment, identifying an individual with visual insensitivity between a first visible color wavelength and a second visible color wavelength includes genotyping. For example, identifying an individual with visual insensitivity may include using a sampling kit having at least a medical subject sampling swab typically used in conjunction with amino acid sequencing. Compared with a standardized sequence table (Neitz, Jay et al., The genetics of normal and defective color vision, Vision Res. 51 (2011): 633-651; Neitz, Maureen et al., Molecular Genetics of Color Vision and Color Vision Defects, Arch Ophthalmol 118: 691-700 (2000)), genotyping information related to whether the subject's amino acid sequence is consistent or inconsistent with a normal or abnormal sequence can be provided. Any suitable sequencing process and assay are suitable for performing such assays, see, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,837,461, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Diagnosis of cone photoreceptor-based vision disorders by these methods can involve the use of standard molecular biology methods, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to examine the recognition of all or a subset of at least 18 dimorphic nucleotide sites in the red and green photoreceptor genes. The pattern of nucleotide differences indicates whether a vision disorder is present. Different patterns of nucleotide recognition correspond to different disorders and varying degrees of severity within a disorder.

In one exemplary method, the test determines the amino acids specified by the following sites of the red cone photopigment and the green cone photopigment: sites 65, 111, and 116 in exon 2; sites 153, 171, 174, 178, and 180 in exon 3; sites 230, 233, and 236 in exon 4; and sites 274, 275, 277, 279, 285, 298, or 309 in exon 5, and is used to find the "poison" combination of amino acids at these sites in the diagnosis of visual impairment. It is not necessary to check all 18 dimorphic sites to make a diagnosis. For example, because the dimorphic sites in exon 5 are closely linked, it is usually only necessary to check one of the codon sites within exon 5 to preliminarily identify the group encoding the red or green cone photopigment. It is preferred to check all dimorphic sites encoded in exons 2, 3, and 4. However, some conditions do not require testing of all sites.

There are currently a variety of molecular biology methods that allow for the examination of the DNA sequences of the red and green photopigment genes. For example, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used to amplify gene fragments. As previously described (J. Neitz, M. Neitz and Grishok, Vision Research 35:2395-2407, 1995), the red and green pigment genes can be selectively amplified, respectively.

The amplified gene fragments can be subjected to one or more of the following procedures that provide information regarding the DNA sequence: 1) direct DNA sequencing of the PCR products, as previously described (J. Neitz, M. Neitz, and Grishok, supra, 1995); and/or 2) restriction enzyme digestion analysis (as previously described in J. Neitz, M. Neitz, and Grishok, supra, 1995). Some of the amino acid substitutions noted above are associated with restriction site polymorphisms. For example, the amino acid at position 180 is either serine or alanine. If alanine is encoded, the DNA fragment contains a BsoFI restriction site, and if serine is the encoded amino acid, the restriction site is not present. Thus, the PCR amplified DNA fragments can be digested with appropriate restriction enzymes and the digestion products separated by electrophoresis. The sizes of the fragments can be determined. Based on the observed sizes of the fragments, information regarding the DNA sequence, and thus the amino acid sequence, can be inferred. 3) single-strand conformational polymorphism or other similar procedures. The amplified DNA is end-labeled with fluorescent or radioactive traces, denatured into single strands, and separated by electrophoresis. Based on the migration of the strands in an electric field, information about the DNA sequence can be derived.

Once the amino acid assigned to the codon position is determined, the amino acid data can be compared with previously determined amino acid combinations that are suggestive of various color vision deficiencies. See U.S. Patent No. 5,837,461. The "eyedox" brand genotyping test kit and sequencing service provided by Genevolve Vision Diagnostics, Inc. (Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA) is another suitable way to obtain such information.

In some embodiments, identifying an individual having visual insensitivity between a first visible color wavelength and a second visible color wavelength includes phenotypic determination of the individual. In some embodiments, these phenotypic determinations can be achieved by showing a color photograph or plate and asking the subject to indicate what he or she can see in the plate. In one embodiment, a method for correcting visual insensitivity in a mammal includes providing a standardized examination. In one embodiment, a method for correcting visual insensitivity in a mammal includes associating the score of the examination with visual impairment. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these include isochromic test plates and their uses, such as versions of the Ishihara 14/24/38 plates (Kanehara Trading, Tokyo JP, 2009), Hardy Rand and Ritter Pseudoisocromic Plate test 4th edition; Dvorine 2nd edition, American Optical Company, 1965; and/or Richmond HRR pseudo isochromatic plates (1991 edition). Other suitable examples include the pencil and paper test described in A New Mass Screening Test for Color-Vision Defiencies in Children, Neity, Maureen, et al., Color Research and Application Supplement, Vol. 26, S239-S249 (2000). Other instruments can be used to perform such visual impairment measurements, such as the Farnswarth 100 Hue Test (Richmond Products, Inc., Albuquerque, NM, USA) and Heidelberg Multi-color (HMC) Anomaloscopes (Oculus, Inc., Lynwood, WA, USA). Determining the presence of a visual impairment and/or the severity of such an impairment can be achieved using the above-mentioned instruments or methods and/or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, these defects are determined and described as differences in spectral separation between at least two photopigments. In some embodiments, at least two photopigments are L photopigments, M photopigments, and/or combinations, hybrids, or variants of L or M photopigments. In some embodiments, spectral separation is described as a difference in excitation spectra, and at least two photopigments are L photopigments, M photopigments, and/or combinations, hybrids, or variants of L or M photopigments.

In one embodiment, the method includes providing an optical element as described herein that corrects visual insensitivity. In some embodiments, providing the optical element further includes incorporating a sufficient amount of a luminescent compound into the optical element to increase visual sensitivity between a first visible color wavelength and a second visible color wavelength.

In some embodiments, providing the optical element further comprises: doping the optical element with a sufficient amount of a second fluorescent material to enhance visual sensitivity between the first visible color wavelength and the second visible color wavelength.

Example

It has been found that various embodiments of the optical elements described herein can improve the ability of color-blind individuals to distinguish between a first color and a second color having a different wavelength. These benefits are further illustrated by the following examples, which are intended to illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope or underlying principles in any way.

Example 1-Luminescent Dye

The luminescent dye Red-1 was synthesized according to the following process:

Compound 1:

A mixture of benzotriazole (11.91 g, 100 mmol), 1-iodo-2-methylpropane (13.8 mL, 120 mmol), potassium carbonate (41.46 g, 300 mmol), and dimethylformamide (200 mL) was stirred and heated at approximately 40°C under argon for 2 days. The reaction mixture was poured into ice/water (1 L) and extracted with toluene/hexane (2:1, 2 x 500 mL). The extract was washed with 1N HCl (2 x 200 mL), followed by brine (100 mL), dried over anhydrous _MgSO₄ , and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was triturated with hexane (200 mL) and allowed to stand at room temperature for approximately 2 hours. The precipitate was separated and discarded, and the solution was filtered through a layer of silica gel (200 g). The silica gel was washed with hexane/dichloromethane/ethyl acetate (37:50:3, 2 L). The filtrate and washings were combined, and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give 2-isobutyl-2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole (Compound 1) (8.81 g, 50% yield) as an oily product.

Compound 2:

A mixture of 2-isobutyl-2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole (Compound 1) (8.80 g, 50 mmol), bromine (7.7 mL, 150 mmol), and 48% HBr (50 mL) was heated at approximately 130°C for approximately 24 hours in a reflux condenser connected to an HBr trap. The reaction mixture was poured into ice/water (200 mL), treated with 5N NaOH (100 mL), and extracted with dichloromethane (2 x 200 mL). The extract was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. A solution of the residue in hexane/dichloromethane (1:1, 200 mL) was filtered through a silica gel pad and concentrated to afford 4,7-dibromo-2-isobutyl-2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole Compound 2 (11.14 g, 63% yield) as an oil that slowly solidified upon storage at room temperature.

Compound 3:

4,7-Dibromo-2-isobutyl-2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole (Compound 2) (17.8 g, 53 mmol) was added portionwise to premixed fuming HNO ₃ (7.0 mL) and TFMSA (110 g) at about 0-5° C. After about 10 minutes, the reaction mixture was placed in an oil bath and heated at about 55° C. for about 8 hours, then cooled and poured into 500 mL of ice/water. The resulting solid was washed thoroughly with water and then with MeOH, and then dried in a vacuum oven to give 7-dibromo-2-isobutyl-5,6-dinitro-2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole (Compound 3) (20.4 g, 91%) as a light yellow solid.

Compound 4:

4-Bromotriphenylamine (65.0 g, 200 mmol) was placed in a 500 ml dry three-necked RB flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar, a low-temperature thermometer, and an argon inlet. Tetrahydrofuran was transferred to the reaction flask using a cannula (200 ml) and cooled to -78 ° C in a dry ice acetone bath, and n-BuLi (1.6 M in hexane, 130 mL) was added dropwise over a period of about 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was stirred at the same temperature for about 30 minutes, and then tributyltin chloride (65.0 mL) was added dropwise over about 30 minutes. The resulting mixture was stirred overnight and allowed to slowly warm to room temperature. It was then poured into ice-cold water (approximately 500 mL) and extracted with diethyl ether (2 × 250 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO ₄ , and the solvent was removed by evaporation to obtain 106.5 g of compound 4 as a light yellow oil, which was determined to be approximately 95% pure by ¹ H NMR.

Compound 5:

Compound 5 is formed by mixing compounds 3 and 4 in a ratio of 1: 2 in the presence of bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) dichloride. 100ml of anhydrous 1,4-dioxane is added to a flask containing compound 4 (6.80g, 12.7mmol), and argon is bubbled through the solution. Compound 3 (2.12g, 5mmol) is added, followed by bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) dichloride (0.448g, 0.640mmol) and argon, and argon is bubbled through the solution continuously for another 10 minutes. The flask is then heated to about 100°C and maintained for 2 hours. The reaction mixture is then poured into a separatory funnel and partitioned between brine and ethyl acetate. The organic layer is separated and concentrated to dryness, then dissolved in a minimum amount of dichloromethane, poured into methanol, and the precipitate is then filtered and dried to give 3.51g (93%) of compound 5 as a dark red solid.

Compound 6:

The diamine of compound 6 was prepared by dissolving compound 5 (3.51 g, 4.6 mmol) in glacial acetic acid (75 ml) and then adding iron powder (2.8 g, 10 equivalents). The reaction vessel was purged with argon and then heated to about 130 ° C. After keeping at 130 ° C for 3 hours, the reaction mixture was poured into ice and the yellow precipitate was collected by vacuum filtration. The filtrate was washed with water and then vacuum dried. The dried solid was further purified by dissolving it in dichloromethane and filtering it through a silica gel column. After removing the solvent, 3.16 g (98%) of compound 6 was obtained as a yellow solid.

Compound 7:

The diamine of compound 6 is converted into the benzotriazole of the corresponding compound 7 by treating with sodium nitrite under the condition of acetic acid being present. Compound 6 (3.03g, 4.38mmol) is dissolved in THF (20ml), and glacial acetic acid (10ml) is added. The mixture is cooled to about 0 ° C in an ice bath, and a solution of sodium nitrite (0.363g, 5.26mmol) in water (6ml) is then added dropwise while being magnetically stirred. After stirring for about 10 minutes, the reaction vessel is removed from the ice bath and then stirred at room temperature for another 20 minutes. The resulting bright red mixture is then poured into the sodium bicarbonate solution in a separating funnel, and dichloromethane is then added to extract the organic product. The combined organic layer is washed with brine and dried over magnesium sulfate, then filtered and concentrated to obtain 3g (97%) of compound 7 as a red solid.

Compound 8 (Red-1):

Compound 8 is formed by reacting compound 7 with 2-butoxyethyl 4-toluenesulfonate under alkaline conditions in N,N-dimethylformamide. Compound 7 (3 g) was mixed with N,N-dimethylformamide and potassium carbonate (2.4 g) in a round-bottom flask. A solution of 2-butoxyethyl 4-toluenesulfonate (1.5 g) in DMF was slowly added to the stirred solution. The mixture was stirred at 80 ° C for 3 hours and then allowed to cool. It was poured into a water-containing separating funnel, and the organic product was then extracted with dichloromethane. After the organic portion was dried over magnesium sulfate, it was filtered and vacuum dried. The final product was purified using a Teledyne Isco CombiFlash RF200 chromatography system with hexane and ethyl acetate as the mobile phase. After the fractions containing the product were combined and dried, 700 mg of red fine powder was collected. The material was further purified by recrystallization from dichloromethane and methanol to give 600 mg (18%) of compound 8 (Red-1) as a red powder with a purity of 98% by LCMS.

Optical components

Without the need for additional extraction or purification, the luminescent dye compound 8 prepared according to Example 1 was used and mixed with a 5 wt% solution of PVB in a 1:1 N-methylpyrrolidone:cyclopentanone solution, and then spin-coated onto glass at 2000 RPM for about 10 seconds, followed by drying on a hot plate at 100° C. for about 10 minutes. The transmission spectrum shown in FIG6 was found:

The total light transmittance of the resulting optical element was measured on a Photal MCPD-7000 (Otsuka Electronics, Osaka, JP) using a Photal MC-2530 UV/Vis Light Source _{1 2} lamp as the light source.

result

Thus, in some embodiments, an optical element may have an absorption and/or emission profile similar to that shown in FIG6 . For example, the optical element may absorb light having a wavelength of about 425 nm to about 500 nm, about 440 nm to about 500 nm, about 450 nm, or about 530 nm. In some embodiments, the optical element may emit light having a wavelength of about 510 nm to about 585 nm, about 515 nm to about 575 nm, about 530 nm, or about 560 nm. Similarly, in some embodiments, the optical element may have a transmission spectrum similar to that shown in FIG6 . For example, the optical element may have a transmittance peak at a wavelength of about 500 nm to about 700 nm, about 510 nm to about 550 nm, about 550 nm to about 620 nm, or about 640 nm to about 720 nm. In some embodiments, the transmittance at the peak may be greater than: about 90%, about 95%, or about 100%.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers used in the specification and claims to express amounts of ingredients, properties (e.g., molecular weight, reaction conditions, etc.) should be understood as being modified in all cases by the term "about". Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters mentioned in the specification and the appended claims are approximate values, which may vary depending on the properties sought to be obtained. At the very least, and without intending to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of protection of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be interpreted in light of the number of significant digits reported and by customary rounding techniques.

Unless otherwise indicated herein or the context clearly contradicts, the terms "one," "the," and similar indicators used in the context of describing the present invention (especially in the context of the following claims) or without quantifiers should be understood to cover the singular and plural. Unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context, all methods described herein can be performed in any appropriate order. The use of any and all examples or exemplary statements (such as "for example") provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the present invention, rather than to limit the scope of any claim. Any language in the specification should not be understood to indicate that any unclaimed element is essential for the implementation of the present invention.

The grouping of alternative elements or embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in combination with group members or other elements present herein. It is contemplated that, for reasons of convenience, one or more members of a group may be included in or deleted from the group. When any such inclusion or deletion is made, the specification is deemed to include the modified group, thereby achieving the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Certain embodiments of the present invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations of these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the above description. The inventors expect that technicians will adopt such variations as appropriate, and the inventors expect that the implementation of the present invention will be different from that specifically described herein. Therefore, the claims include all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter mentioned in the claims, as permitted by applicable law. In addition, any combination of the above elements in all their possible variations is encompassed, unless otherwise indicated herein or the context clearly contradicts.

Finally, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the claims. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the claims. Therefore, by way of example and not limitation, alternative embodiments may be used in accordance with the teachings herein. Therefore, the claims are not to be limited by the precisely shown and described embodiments.

Claims (17)

1. An optical element for correcting visual insensitivity between a first visible color wavelength and a second visible color wavelength, comprising: A basically transparent matrix material; and A luminescent compound dispersed within the substantially transparent matrix material, wherein the luminescent compound is represented by general formula (1): Wherein ^R1 and ^R2 are selected from optionally substituted diphenylamine, optionally substituted phenylnaphthylamine, optionally substituted carbazole, and optionally substituted phenylalkylamine. Where ^R3 is a _C1 - _C6 alkyl group, ^R4 is selected from _C1 - _C6 alkyl, ether or polyether. 2. The optical element according to claim 1, wherein ^R1 and ^R2 are selected from... Where ^RB is an optionally substituted _C6 - _C10 aryl group, and R and ^D are selected from isobutyl and isopropyl. 3. The optical element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein ^R3 is selected from isopropyl and isobutyl. 4. The optical element according to claim 3, wherein ^R4 is ^R5 - ^OR6 , wherein ^R5 and ^R6 are independently selected from _C1 - _C6 alkyl groups. 5. The optical element according to claim 4, wherein ^R4 is selected from: 6. The optical element according to claim 5, wherein the compound is selected from: 7. The optical element of claim 6, wherein the luminescent compound is present in an amount such that the selected amount provides a transmittance of greater than 90% at the first visible wavelength. 8. The optical element according to claim 7, wherein the optical element comprises a film. 9. The optical element of claim 8, wherein the optical element comprises a lens. 10. The optical element of claim 9, wherein the lens comprises a contact lens or a spectacle lens. 11. Use of the optical element according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for manufacturing an apparatus for correcting visual insensitivity between a first visible color wavelength and a second visible color wavelength. 12. The use according to claim 11, wherein the visual insensitivity includes green amblyopia. 13. An apparatus for correcting impaired color perception, comprising: An optical element comprising a luminescent compound dispersed in a matrix material, wherein the luminescent compound is represented by general formula (1): Wherein ^R1 and ^R2 are selected from optionally substituted diphenylamine, optionally substituted phenylnaphthylamine, optionally substituted carbazole, and optionally substituted phenylalkylamine. Where ^R3 is a _C1 - _C6 alkyl group, ^R4 is selected from _C1 - _C6 alkyl, ether, or polyether. The optical element is transparent enough that a person can see through it; and The device is configured to enable a person with impaired color perception to better distinguish colors by observing an image or object containing colors through the optical element. 14. The use according to claim 12, wherein the luminescent compound has an emission wavelength substantially overlapping with the first visible color wavelength and an absorption wavelength substantially overlapping with the second visible color wavelength. 15. The use according to claim 12, wherein the luminescent compound absorbs light at an absorption wavelength and emits light at an emission wavelength, wherein the human cone photosensitive pigment is substantially more sensitive to the emission wavelength than to the absorption wavelength. 16. The optical element of claim 1, wherein the luminescent compound has an emission wavelength substantially overlapping with the first visible color wavelength and an absorption wavelength substantially overlapping with the second visible color wavelength. 17. The optical element of claim 1, wherein the luminescent compound absorbs light at an absorption wavelength and emits light at an emission wavelength, wherein the human cone photosensitive pigment is substantially more sensitive to the emission wavelength than to the absorption wavelength.