Customized lenses

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of customizing lenses using an external stimulus such as light. Fine-tuning of the lens to match the precise optical requirements using the same lens is also possible. The lenses are self-contained and do not require the addition or removal of significant portions of the lens to achieve customization.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for preparing a customized lens comprising the steps of: determining the optical requirements of the lens; exposing a self-contained lens to an external stimulus, thereby causing changes in the optical properties of said lens to match said optical requirements; wherein said lens contains a modifying composition capable of stimulus induced polymerization and change as achieved by said exposure to stimulus.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said customizing step occurs in vivo.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said customizing step occurs in vitro.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said lens is a contact lens.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said lens is a corrective lens for glasses.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said modifying composition is photopolymerizable moiety.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said lens blank further comprises a first polymer matrix.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of determining the optical requirements of the lens comprises conducting an ophthalmologic examination of a patient.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said external stimulus is light.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said light is UV light.  
     
     
         11 . A method for preparing a customized lens comprising: 
 a. conducting an examination to determine the optical properties required for the lens;    b. exposing a lens to an external stimulus to induce changes in the optical properties of the lens to match the optical properties required for the lens; and    
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein said lens comprises a modifying composition dispersed within the lens, the modifying composition capable of stimulus-induced polymerization.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising the step of re-exposing the lens to external stimuli to induce further changes in the optical properties of the lens blank.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11  wherein said modifying composition contains a photopolymerizable moiety.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11  wherein said external stimulus is light.