Rugate optical lens to prevent macular degeneration

Abstract

An improved lens with Rugate filter specifically designed to be worn in prescription and non-prescription glasses, contact lenses, intraocular lenses and sunglasses, and to provide protection against macular degeneration by reducing harmful visible blue light transmission and ocular photochemical damage. The lens at least includes a single lens layer with a Rugate filter deposited thereon to selectively block visible blue light. Other layers may be added including a polarizing layer, dielectric layer and/or color tint in a lens sandwich configuration, to additionally give a high degree of UVA and UVB protection, color contrast, and glare reduction. The Rugate filter is a stop band which yields an exceptional light transmission profile under all light conditions, thereby maximizing protection as well as clarity of vision. In the multi-layer embodiment, all of the lens layers provide comprehensive protection for preventing macular degeneration, cataracts and other ocular injuries, yet maintain a balanced light transmission profile for visual acuity.

1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . A method of reducing ocular photochemical damage in a subject, the method comprising:
 providing an optical lens system comprising a first optical lens layer, a second optical lens layer, and a rugate filter, wherein the first optical lens layer is disposed on the second optical lens layer, and wherein the rugate filter comprises a transparent coating with an incrementally varying refractive index profile along its width, is disposed on an exterior face of the first or second optical lens layer, and selectively blocks a selected range of visible blue light wavelengths within the range of 400 nm to 475 nm and transmits visible light at wavelengths both below and above the selected range; and wherein the optical lens system has a color-balanced transmission profile;   disposing the optical lens system anterior to a pupil of an eye of the subject, so as to lie within the path of light that reaches the pupil.   
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the optical lens system is a contact lens. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the optical lens system is a sunglass lens. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the first optical lens layer is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of glass, plastic, allyl diglycol carbonate, polycarbonate, a polyurethane, high-index plastic, and high-index glass. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the second optical lens layer is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of glass, plastic, allyl diglycol carbonate, polycarbonate, a polyurethane, high-index plastic, and high-index glass. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the optical lens system comprises a polarizing layer, which is disposed between the first and second optical lens layers. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the optical lens system comprises a dielectric mirror layer, which is disposed on an exterior face of the first or second optical lens layer. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the rugate filter comprises silica. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the rugate filter comprises silicon nitride or hafnium oxide. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the rugate filter comprises alternating layers of silica and silicon nitride. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the rugate filter comprises alternating layers of silica and hafnium oxide. 
     
     
         42 . A method of preventing macular degeneration in a subject, the method comprising:
 providing an optical lens system comprising a first optical lens layer, a second optical lens layer, and a rugate filter, wherein the first optical lens layer is disposed on the second optical lens layer, and wherein the rugate filter comprises a transparent coating with an incrementally varying refractive index profile along its width, is disposed on an exterior face of the first or second optical lens layer, and selectively blocks a selected range of visible blue light wavelengths within the range of 400 nm to 475 nm and transmits visible light at wavelengths both below and above the selected range;   disposing the optical lens system anterior to a pupil of an eye of the subject, so as to lie within the path of light that reaches the pupil.   
     
     
         43 . A method of preventing cataracts in a subject, the method comprising:
 providing an optical lens system comprising a first optical lens layer, a second optical lens layer, and a rugate filter, wherein the first optical lens layer is disposed on the second optical lens layer, and wherein the rugate filter comprises a transparent coating with an incrementally varying refractive index profile along its width, is disposed on an exterior face of the first or second optical lens layer, and selectively blocks a selected range of visible blue light wavelengths within the range of 400 nm to 475 nm and transmits visible light at wavelengths both below and above the selected range;   disposing the optical lens system anterior to a pupil of an eye of the subject, so as to lie within the path of light that reaches the pupil.