Leonard Siprut has his sights set on success with his unique invention.
Earlier this month, the San Diegan received the first American patent of 2000 for his Lensurf system. The multiple component system is designed to protect the eyes in all weather conditions, fitting into visor/sunglasses that provide excellent visibility for extreme sports.
The product can be adapted to a variety of applications, such as protective or prescriptive lenses, high-tech foam used in wetsuits, and a myriad of plastics and fabrics.
An active outdoorsman and surfer for 30 years, Siprut developed pterygia, an eye disease caused by overexposure to the sun, wind and dust.
“After years of experimentation with hats, visors and sunglasses, I concluded that there were no products available that would both protect my eyes and still allow me to continue with my action sports,” he said.
Siprut, a member of the San Diego Technology Incubator, has been working on the Lensurf technology since 1991.
The technology incubator, a joint project of the San Diego Community College District and the city of San Diego, provides office space, product development, commercialization services and mentoring to companies involved in developing new products and technologies.
