Abstract: The invention relates to coated optical elements, coatings therefor and methods of producing such coatings, the coatings having improved characteristics of adhesion and of resistance to abrasion. In a preferred embodiment the coating includes a plurality of superimposed layers, namely: a hardcoat layer, a thin adhesion layer, a first dielectric layer including a material having a high refraction index selected from the group comprising: CrxOy, TiO2, ZnSe, ZnS and mixtures thereof, wherein x is a number comprised between 1 and 2 and y is a number comprised between 1 and 3; and a second dielectric layer having a refraction index lower than the refraction index of the second material.

Abstract: An optical lens including an optically clear lens element; and a light absorbing coating on a surface of the lens that attenuates transmitted light; has a coloured or colourless reflection as seen from the front of the sunglass lens; and is anti-reflective as seen from the eye side of the lens.

Abstract: A coated optical lens includes a lens element and a coating on the surface of the lens element. The coating exhibits a substantially balanced reflectance from the center to a radius proximate the edge of the lens element. The term “substantially balanced reflectance” means that where the thickness of the coating varies across the surface of the lens, the lightness, hue and chroma of the reflectance vary in a balanced manner such that variations in visual appearance are either imperceptible or generally acceptable to an observer. For example, variations in chromatic attributes, such as hue, from the center to the edge of the lens may be balanced by a reduction in lightness from the center to the edge. Preferably, the lens element includes a surface of high curvature upon which the balanced reflectance coating is deposited.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel ophthalmic lens elements and eyewear having wide field of view, low distortion, improved astigmatism correction where required and enhanced eye protection properties. Series of lens elements have steeply curved spherical reference surfaces. The edged lenses of the series have approximately consistent aperture size, shape and hollow depth across a range of common prescriptions. Novel sunglasses, laser protective eyewear, and lens edgings, coatings and frames are included in the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to coated optical elements, coatings therefor and methods of producing such coatings, the coatings having improved characteristics of adhesion and of resistance to abrasion. In a preferred embodiment the coating includes a plurality of superimposed layers, namely: a hardcoat layer, a thin adhesion layer, a first dielectric layer including a material having a high refraction index selected from the group comprising: CrxOy, TiO2, ZnSe, ZnS and mixtures thereof, wherein x is a number comprised between 1 and 2 and y is a number comprised between 1 and 3; and a second dielectric layer having a refraction index lower than the refraction index of the second material.