Prismatic microlenses on PAL contribute to correction.

Abstract

A lens element adapted to a wearer and intended to be worn in front of the wearer's eyes under standard viewing conditions, comprising: - a refractive region including a distance vision region having a first refractive power, a near vision region having a second refractive power, and an intermediate vision region extending from the distance vision region to the near vision region and having a refractive power that varies continuously from the first refractive power to the second refractive power; - at least a first group of optical elements having at least a third refractive power, the at least first optical element group being superimposed on at least one of the distance vision, intermediate vision, and near vision regions of the refractive region, characterized in that the combination of the first optical element group and the refractive region to which it is superimposed provides an optical function adapted to the wearer that focuses an image of an object on the wearer's retina in central vision when the wearer gazes at the object through the at least one first optical element group.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to lens elements, and more particularly to multifocal lenses including optical elements with reduced peripheral aberrations. [Background technology]

[0002] Multifocal refractive lenses, such as progressive power lenses, have been used for many years to correct a wearer's refractive error in a manner suitable for both distance and near vision, for which the lenses have a power value that is variable between a region for distance vision and a region for near vision.

[0003] Usually, the refractive power values ​​of these two visual areas are determined from the prescription made for the wearer. However, it is known that such multifocal refractive lenses, in a manner specific to their principle, exhibit unintended astigmatism, which causes peripheral aberrations known as the "swimming effect". The greater the difference between the refractive power prescribed for distance vision and the refractive power prescribed for near vision, the more significant the peripheral aberrations, and the more difficult it may be for the wearer to adapt to the new lenses. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention aims to propose a multifocal refractive lens that offers a large difference in refractive power between the distance and near vision zones, without any of the drawbacks that are generally associated with this, in other words, a lens with reduced peripheral aberrations.

[0005] Over the years, multifocal refractive lens designs have become increasingly complex. This increased design complexity has made the process of manufacturing the lenses more difficult. Furthermore, the complexity of the lens designs has led to thicker peripheral lenses, which have less aesthetic appeal.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems of prior art multifocal refractive lenses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To this end, the present disclosure proposes a lens element adapted to a wearer and intended to be worn in front of the wearer's eye in standard viewing conditions, the lens element comprising: a refractive region, a distance-vision area having a first refractive power P1; a near vision area having a second refractive power P2; an intermediate vision region extending from the distance vision region to the near vision region and having a refractive power Pi that varies continuously from a first refractive power to a second refractive power; a refractive region having at least a first optical group having at least a third refractive power, the at least first optical group being superimposed on at least one of the distance-vision region, the intermediate-vision region, and the near-vision region of the refractive region; Including, The combination of the first optical group and the refractive region on which they are superimposed provides an optical function that is adapted to the wearer and focuses, in central vision, the image of an object onto the wearer's retina when the wearer gazes at the object through the first optical group.

[0008] Advantageously, the combination of the optic and the refractive zone can provide the wearer with good vision while reducing peripheral aberrations. Additionally, the combination of the optic and the refractive zone can provide a lens element with reduced thickness, especially in the periphery.

[0009] According to further embodiments, which may be considered alone or in combination, - the optical element is superimposed on the distance vision area, and the first refractive power P1 of the distance vision area in combination with the third refractive power of the optical element provides an optical function for focusing on the retina, in central vision, the image of an object located at a distance of 2 meters or more from the wearer's eye; and / or - the optical element is superimposed on the near vision zone, and the second refractive power P2 of the near vision zone in combination with the third refractive power of the optical element provides an optical function for focusing on the retina, in central vision, the image of an object located at a distance of 50 cm or less from the wearer's eye; and / or - the optical element is superimposed on the intermediate vision area, and the combination of the refractive power Pi of the intermediate vision area and the third refractive power of the optical element provides an optical function for focusing on the retina, in central vision, the image of an object located at a distance of less than 2.0 m and more than 50 cm from the wearer's eye; and / or the absolute value of the difference between the first refractive power P1 and the second refractive power P2 is 0.5D or more, for example 0.75D or more, and 2.5D or less, for example 1.5D or less; and / or the refractive power Pi of the intermediate vision area increases from a first refractive power P1 to a second refractive power P2, and / or the refractive power Pi of the intermediate portion decreases from a first refractive power P1 to a second refractive power P2, and / or the variation of the refractive power Pi between the first refractive power P1 and the second refractive power P2 is monotonic, and / or - at least some of the optical elements in the optical element group are continuous, and / or - at least some of the optical elements in the optical element group are discontinuous, and / or the lens element further comprises a plurality of optical element groups organized in horizontal bands; and / or - the optical elements in the optical group have a common focal point, and the prism angle of each optical element in the optical group varies with the distance between the optical element and the common focal point of the optical group; and / or - along a vertical axis passing through the geometric center of the lens element, the refractive power of the optical elements in each optical group increases from the geometric center toward the bottom of the lens element; and / or at least some, e.g. all, of the optical elements are spherical lenslets; and / or at least one, for example all, of the optical elements are aspheric lenslets; and / or at least some, e.g. all, of the optical elements are toric lenslets; and / or at least some, e.g. all, of the optical elements are aspheric lenslets; and / or - The refractive zones other than the zones for far vision, intermediate vision, and near vision do not contain any optical elements.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic front view of a lens element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic side view of a lens element / ocular system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a lens element / eye system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 shows a front view of a lens element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 shows a front view of a lens element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 shows a front view of a lens element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the size of some elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help illustrate embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] In the following description, terms such as "upper", "lower", "horizontal", "vertical", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear" or other words may be used to indicate relative positions, and these terms should be understood in the context of wearing the optical lenses.

[0014] The present disclosure relates to lens elements that are adapted to a wearer and intended to be worn in front of the wearer's eyes under standard viewing conditions.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the term "lens element" can refer to an optical lens, or an eyeglass optical lens shaped to fit a particular eyeglass frame, or an ophthalmic lens, or an optical device adapted to be positioned on an ophthalmic lens. The optical device may be positioned on the anterior or posterior surface of the ophthalmic lens. The optical device may be an optical patch or an optical film. The optical device may be adapted to be removably positioned on the ophthalmic lens, for example, a clip configured to clip onto an eyeglass frame containing the ophthalmic lens.

[0016] 1, lens element 10 includes at least a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. For example, the first surface may include an object-side surface F1 formed as a curved surface convex toward the object side, and the second surface may include an eyeball-side surface F2 formed as a concave surface having a curvature different from that of the object-side surface. Lens element 10 may be made of an organic material such as polycarbonate, or a mineral material such as glass.

[0017] At least a portion, preferably all, of the surface of lens element 10 may be coated with at least one layer of a coating element, and at least one layer of the coating element may include a feature selected from the group consisting of scratch resistance, anti-reflective, anti-fouling, anti-dust, UV30 filter, blue light filter, and abrasion resistance features.

[0018] The lens element 10 is fitted to the wearer according to a prescription to not only restore the presbyopic person's ability to see clearly at all distances, but also to optimally pay attention to all physiological visual functions, such as central vision, extrafoveal vision, and binocular vision, and to minimize undesirable astigmatism.

[0019] The term "prescription" is understood to mean a set of optical properties, for example, refractive power, astigmatism, and prismatic deflection, determined by an ophthalmologist or optometrist to correct a visual defect of the eye by means of a lens placed in front of the eye. For example, a prescription for nearsightedness includes values ​​of refractive power and astigmatism on the axis of distance vision. The prescription may also include an indication that the wearer's eye is normal and that no refractive power is provided for the wearer.

[0020] Conventionally, the optical quantities, i.e., refractive power, astigmatism, and prism angle, are defined for a given lens element under the wear conditions in which it is worn. Figures 2 and 3 show a diagram of the lens element / eye optical system from a side view and illustrate the definitions used in the remainder of this disclosure based on an example of a lens element.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the axis Q'F', i.e., the principal visual direction, represented by a solid line, is a horizontal axis that passes through the eye's center of rotation Q' and extends in front of the wearer when the wearer is looking straight ahead at an object placed at infinity. This axis intersects with the front surface of the lens at a point called the fitting cross CM. Traditionally, the fitting cross is marked on the lens with a permanent marking (engraving) or a non-permanent marking (ink) to allow the optician to position the lens. The fitting cross is typically located 4 mm above the geometric center of the front surface of the lens.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, a given viewing direction, indicated by a solid line in the figure, corresponds to a rotational eye position about Q' and a point J on the vertex sphere, which is defined as the sphere cutting the posterior lens surface at point O, which corresponds to the intersection of axis Q'F' and the posterior lens element surface.

[0023] A viewing direction can also be identified in spherical coordinates, the so-called Fick coordinate system, by two angles α and β. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the angle α is the angle between the Q'F' axis and the projection of the line Q'J onto a vertical plane containing the Q'F' axis. The angle β is the angle between the Q'F' axis and the projection of the line Q'J onto a horizontal plane containing the Q'F' axis. Thus, a viewing direction corresponds to a point J or a coordinate pair (α, β) on the vertex sphere.

[0024] In a given viewing direction, the image of a point M in object space, located at a given object distance, is formed between two points S and T corresponding to the minimum and maximum distances JS and JT (which are the sagittal and tangential focal lengths for a surface of rotation and point M at infinity). In the example of the present disclosure shown in Figure 2, the image of a point in object space at infinity is formed at point F' on the Q'F' axis. Points S and T are coincident, which allows the lens to be said to be locally spherical in the primary viewing direction. Distance D corresponds to the front-to-back plane of the lens.

[0025] To clearly show the rotation of the eye, we use a fixed reference frame {x, y, z} and a reference frame {x m , y m , z m} is associated with the eye. The reference frame {x, y, z} has point Q' as its origin, and the x-axis is the Q'F' axis - point F', passing through point O. This axis is directed from the lens to the eye and corresponds to the measurement direction of the astigmatism axis. The {y, z} plane is a vertical plane. The y-axis is vertical and points upward. The z-axis is horizontal, and the reference frame is a direct orthonormal coordinate system. The reference frame {x m , y m , z m} has point Q' as its center. x m The axes are defined by the view direction JQ' and coincide with the {x, y, z} reference frame in the case of the primary view direction. Listing's law gives the {x, y, z} coordinate system and the {x m , y m , z m}The relationship between the coordinate systems is obtained - see Le Grand, Optique Physiologique, Volume 1, Revue d'Optique, Paris 1965.

[0026] The cross section of the lens can be drawn in the (O,x,y) plane. The tangent to this curve at point O is inclined to the (O,y) axis by an angle called the wear tilt angle. It is also possible to draw the cut of the lens in the (O,x,z) plane. The tangent to this curve at point O is inclined to the (O,z) axis by the so-called camber angle.

[0027] These factors can be used to define the wearer's refractive power and astigmatism in each viewing direction under normal wear conditions.

[0028] Consider an object point M at an object distance given by the ergorama with respect to the gaze direction (α, β).

[0029] An ergorama is a function that associates the typical distance of an object point with each gaze direction. Typically, in far vision along the primary gaze direction, the object point is at infinity. In near vision, the object distance is approximately 30-50 cm when following a gaze direction that essentially corresponds to an angle α of approximately 36.6° in absolute value and an angle β of approximately 6° toward the nasal side. For further details regarding possible definitions of ergoramas, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,859 A, which describes ergoramas, their definitions, and methods for their modeling.

[0030] For a point M on the corresponding ray in object space, the object proximity ProxO is defined as the inverse of the distance MJ between point M and point J on the vertex sphere.

number

[0031] This allows us to calculate the object proximity in the approximated thin lens element for every point on the vertex sphere, which is used to determine the ergorama. For a real lens element, the object proximity can be thought of as the reciprocal of the distance between the object point and the front surface of the lens on the corresponding ray.

[0032] For the same gaze direction (α, β), the image of a point M with a given object proximity is formed between two points, S and T, corresponding to the minimum and maximum focal distances (which become the sagittal and tangential focal lengths), respectively. The quantity ProxI is called the image proximity of point M, and is given by:

number

[0033] Thus, similar to the case of thin lenses, for a given gaze direction and a given object proximity, i.e., for a point in object space on the corresponding ray, the refractive power P can be defined as the sum of the image proximity and the object proximity, i.e., Pui=ProxO+ProxI

[0034] Using the same notation, the astigmatism Ast is defined for all gaze directions and given object proximity as follows:

number

[0035] The above definition corresponds to the astigmatism of a light beam produced by a lens element.

[0036] Possible definitions of the refractive power and astigmatism of a lens under standard wear conditions can be calculated as described in B. Bourdoncle et al., "Ray tracing through progressive ophthalmic lenses," 1990 International Lens Design Conference, DT Moore ed., Proc. Soc. Photo. Opt. Instrum. Eng.

[0037] In the field of ophthalmology, prescriptions may include an astigmatism prescription in addition to a power prescription. Such prescriptions may consist of an axis value (degrees) and a module value (diopters). The module value represents the difference between the maximum and minimum power in a given direction and can correct the wearer's visual aberrations. According to convention, the axis represents the orientation of one of two refractive powers that follows a given rotation direction relative to a reference axis. The TABO convention may be used. In this convention, the reference axis is horizontal and the rotation direction is counterclockwise when looking at the wearer. The 45° axis corresponds to the axis that connects the upper right quadrant to the lower left quadrant when looking at the wearer. Such astigmatism prescriptions are measured for the wearer in distance vision. The term "astigmatism" is used to refer to the pair (module, axis). This term is sometimes used simply to designate the module. Those skilled in the art will easily understand what is referred to depending on the context. Those skilled in the art also recognize that a power / astigmatism prescription for a wearer is commonly described in terms of sphere, cylinder, and axis.

[0038] The prescribed distance mean power value (PFV) is defined as the prescribed power plus half the prescribed astigmatism module.

[0039] The resulting astigmatism is defined as the difference between the prescribed astigmatism and the astigmatism for each gaze direction produced by the lens in use in a reference frame associated with the eye. The resulting astigmatism may also be referred to as residual astigmatism.

[0040] Wearing conditions should be understood as the position and orientation of the lens elements relative to the wearer's eye, which can be defined, for example, by the angle of forward tilt during wearing, the angle of curvature, the distance from the cornea to the lens, and virtually any of the following: the pupil-corneal distance, the distance from the center of rotation of the eye (CRE) to the pupil, and the distance from the CRE to the lens.

[0041] The cornea-to-lens distance is the distance between the cornea and the posterior surface of the lens along the visual axis of the eye in the first eye position (usually taken horizontally), and is, for example, comprised between 8 and 16 mm, preferably between 10 and 14 mm, and more preferably 12 mm.

[0042] The pupil-corneal distance is the distance between the pupil and the cornea along the visual axis of the eye, and is usually comprised between 1 and 4 mm, for example 2 mm.

[0043] The distance from the CRE to the pupil is the distance along the visual axis of the eye between its center of rotation (CRE) and the cornea, and is, for example, between 10 and 15 mm, preferably between 11 and 12 mm, and more preferably 11.5 mm.

[0044] The distance Q'O from the CRE to the lens is the distance between the CRE of the eye and the posterior surface of the lens along the visual axis of the eye in the first eye position (usually taken horizontally), and is, for example, between 20 and 30 mm, preferably between 22.5 and 28 mm, and more preferably 25.5 mm.

[0045] The forward tilt angle during wear is the angle in a vertical plane between the normal to the posterior surface of the lens and the visual axis of the eye in the first eye position (usually taken horizontally) at the intersection of the latter and the latter, and is, for example, between -25° and +5°, preferably between -12° and 0°, more preferably between -10° and -6°, for example -8°, preferably 0°.

[0046] The curvature angle is the angle in the horizontal plane between the normal to the posterior surface of the lens and the visual axis of the eye in the first eye position (usually taken horizontally) at the intersection of the posterior surface of the lens and the visual axis of the eye in the first eye position, and is, for example, comprised between -10° and +25°, preferably between 0° and 10°, more preferably between 0° and +5°, for example 0°.

[0047] An example of a standard wearing condition can be defined by a wearing angle of -8°, a cornea-to-lens distance of 12 mm, a pupil-to-cornea distance of 2 mm, a CRE-to-pupil distance of 11.5 mm, a CRE-to-lens distance of 25.5 mm, and a curvature angle of 0°.

[0048] Another example of a standard wearing condition adapted for a younger wearer may be defined by a wearing angle of 0° forward tilt, a cornea-to-lens distance of 12 mm, a pupil-to-cornea distance of 2 mm, a CRE-to-pupil distance of 11.5 mm, a CRE-to-lens distance of 25.5 mm, and a camber angle of 0°.

[0049] 1 and 4-6, lens element 10 includes refractive zones 12. The refractive zones include a distance vision zone FZ, a near vision zone NZ, and an intermediate vision zone IZ.

[0050] The distance-vision zone FZ is the zone surrounding the distance viewing point FV of the lens element, within which the optical power, astigmatism, and prism properties of the lens element are substantially identical to those of the distance viewing point. When a wearer wears the lens element under standard wearing conditions and looks through the distance viewing zone FZ, an image of an object at infinity forms a sharp image on the retina. The distance viewing zone is typically located at the top of the lens element. The distance viewing zone corresponds to the intersection of the lens with the distance viewing cone. The distance viewing cone is a right circular cone. The axis of the distance viewing cone passes through the center of rotation of the eye and the distance viewing point of the lens. The aperture W1 of the distance viewing cone is at least + / - 10° horizontally, preferably at least + / - 30° horizontally and at least 20° vertically.

[0051] The far viewpoint is a reference point on the surface of the lens through which the wearer's line of sight passes when the wearer looks at an object at infinity, and in which the optical function corresponds to the wearer's prescription for far vision. For example, the far viewpoint may correspond to the fitting cross CM of the lens element, or to a gaze height of 4° or 8° above the fitting cross.

[0052] The refractive zone 12 has a first refractive power P1 in the distance vision zone FZ, for example based on the wearer's prescription for distance vision. For example, the first refractive power P1 may be adapted to focus on the wearer's eye an image of an object located at a distance greater than 2 m from the lens element.

[0053] The near vision zone NZ is the area surrounding the near visual point NV of the lens element, in which the optical power, astigmatism, and prism properties of the lens element are substantially the same as those at the near visual point. When a wearer wears the lens element under standard wearing conditions and looks at a reading distance through the near vision zone NZ, the image of an object close to the wearer forms a sharp image on the retina. The near vision zone is usually located at the bottom of the lens element. The near vision zone corresponds to the intersection of the lens and the near vision cone. The near vision cone is a right circular cone. The axis of the near vision cone passes through the center of rotation of the eye and the near visual point of the lens. The aperture W2 of the near vision cone is 5° or more, preferably 10° or more.

[0054] The near viewpoint is a reference point on the surface of the lens element through which the wearer's line of sight passes when the wearer looks at an object less than 50 cm away, and the optical function corresponds to the wearer's prescription for near vision. For example, the near viewpoint may correspond to a 36.6° downward gaze direction from the fitting cross CM. The near viewpoint NV may have coordinates (αN=6°; βN=36.6°) in a predetermined spherical coordinate system.

[0055] The refractive zone 12 has a second refractive power P2 in the near vision zone NZ, for example, based on the wearer's prescription for near vision. For example, the second refractive power P2 may be adapted to focus on the wearer's retina an image of an object at a distance of 0.5 m or less from the wearer's eye.

[0056] The intermediate vision zone IZ is the zone of the lens element surrounding the near visual point IV, within which the lens element's refractive power, astigmatism, and prismatic optical properties are substantially the same as those at the intermediate visual point. When a wearer wears the lens element under standard wearing conditions and looks through the intermediate vision zone IZ, an image of an object located between infinity and the preparation distance from the wearer forms a sharp image on the retina. The intermediate vision zone IZ extends from the distance vision zone FZ and the near vision zone NZ. The intermediate vision zone corresponds to the intersection of the lens and the intermediate vision cone. The intermediate vision cone is a right circular cone. The axis of the intermediate vision cone passes through the center of rotation of the eye and the intermediate visual point of the lens. The aperture W3 of the intermediate vision cone is at least + / - 1° horizontally, preferably 5°.

[0057] The intermediate viewpoint is a reference point on the surface of the lens element through which the wearer's line of sight passes when said wearer looks at an object at a distance of more than 50 cm and less than 2 m, and where the optical function corresponds to the wearer's prescription for intermediate vision.

[0058] The refractive power Pi of the refractive region 12 varies continuously between a first refractive power P1 and a second refractive power P2. Preferably, the variation of the refractive power Pi is monotonic. For example, the refractive power Pi may be adapted to focus an image of an object located at a distance of more than 0.5 m and less than 2 m from the wearer's eye onto the wearer's retina.

[0059] The refractive power Pi of the intermediate vision zone IZ can increase, for example, progressively from a first refractive power P1 to a second refractive power P2. Alternatively, the refractive power Pi of the intermediate vision zone IZ can increase, for example, progressively from the first refractive power P1 to the second refractive power P2. The change in the refractive power Pi between the first refractive power P1 and the second refractive power P2 can be strictly monotonic.

[0060] The absolute value of the difference between the first refractive power P1 and the second refractive power P2 is 0.5D or more, preferably 0.75D or more, for example 1.0D or more, and 3.0D or less, preferably 2.5D or less, for example 1.5D or less.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4-6, lens element 10 comprises at least a first group of optical elements 14. As shown in FIG.

[0062] The groups of optical elements 14 are superimposed on at least one of the far-vision zone FZ, the intermediate-vision zone IZ, and / or the near-vision zone NZ. For example, the optical element groups are superimposed in the intermediate and near vision. In the sense of the present disclosure, the expression "superimposed" should be understood to mean located on the front surface F1 of the lens element, and / or on the rear surface F2 of the lens element, and / or between the front and rear surfaces of the lens element.

[0063] Preferably, the refractive portion does not include any optical element in any area other than the far vision area FV, the intermediate vision area IV, and the near vision area NZ.

[0064] The optical elements 14 have at least a third refractive power. For example, all the optical elements in the first optical group have the same refractive power. Alternatively, the optical group can be formed by optical elements having different refractive powers.

[0065] All optical elements 14 of an optical group may have a common focal point. In other words, light emitted from a point object in space passing through each optical element in the same optical group will form a common image point. In the sense of the present invention, the expression "common focal point" should be understood as a 3D spherical volume whose geometric center corresponds to the mean focal point of the optical elements and has a radius of 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0066] The optical elements in an optical group may all have a common prism. Alternatively, the value and orientation of the prism angle of each optical element in the optical group varies depending on the distance between the optical element and the common focal point of the optical group and its relative position with respect to the common focal point. The prism angles of the optical elements can deflect light towards the common focal point, thus compensating for variations induced by the shape of the peripheral edges of the lens elements.

[0067] Similarly, the optical elements in an optical group may all have a common size and / or a common shape. Alternatively, the size and / or shape of each optical element in an optical group varies depending on the distance between the optical element and the common focal point of the optical group and its relative position with respect to the common focal point.

[0068] The optical elements in an optical group may all have a common optical power. Alternatively, the optical power of the optical elements in a group may vary among the optical elements. For example, the optical power of the optical elements may decrease with distance from the common focal point of the optical group.

[0069] The combination of the refractive powers of the optical elements in at least the first optical group and the refractive power of at least one zone of the lens element on which they are superimposed provides the wearer with an optical function that is tailored to the wearer and focuses an image of an object onto the wearer's retina when the wearer gazes at the object through the first optical group. The optical function of focusing light onto the wearer's retina is considered when the lens elements are worn under standard wearing conditions. For example, the optical function can be defined using an eye model such as the non-accommodative Atchison eye model.

[0070] Advantageously, the use of optical elements in combination with refractive regions can reduce peripheral aberrations and the associated "swim effect" in multifocal lenses. Additionally, the combination of microlenses and refractive regions can provide a particular optical function with a thinner lens element.

[0071] The optical element 14 may be overlaid on the distance viewing region FZ, in which case the first refractive power P1 of the distance viewing region in combination with the third refractive power of the optical element provides an optical function for focusing an image of an object located at a distance of 2 meters or more from the wearer's eye onto the wearer's retina when the wearer views the object through the optical element in their central vision.

[0072] The optic 14 may be overlaid on the near vision zone NZ, in which case the first refractive power P2 of the near vision zone in combination with the third refractive power of the optic provides an optical function for focusing the image of an object located at a distance of 0.5 m or less from the wearer's eye onto the wearer's retina when the wearer views the object through the optic in his or her central vision.

[0073] The optical element 14 may be overlaid on the intermediate vision region IZ, in which case the combination of the refractive power Pi of the intermediate vision region and the third refractive power of the optical element provides an optical function that focuses the image of an object located at a distance of more than 0.5 m and less than 2.0 m from the wearer's eye onto the wearer's retina when the wearer views the object through the optical element in their central vision.

[0074] It should be noted that the following examples of lens elements are set forth to illustrate different embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to these examples: after reading this specification, skilled artisans, in particular opticians and lens designers, will be able to devise various other embodiments of the present disclosure covering all possible combinations of features. [Example]

[0075] Example 1 The lens element 10 includes a single group of optical elements 14, all of which have the same third refractive power of 1.0D. The first refractive power P1 in the distance-vision zone FZ is equal to 0.75D, and the second refractive power P2 in the near-vision zone NZ is equal to 1.5D. The group of optical elements 14 is superimposed only in the near-vision zone. The combination of the second refractive power P2 and the third refractive power of the optical elements provides an optical function of 2.5D when a wearer wearing the lens element under standard wearing conditions looks through the optical elements in the near-vision zone NZ.

[0076] Example 2 Lens element 10 includes a single group of optical elements 14, all having the same third refractive power of 1.0D. A first refractive power P1 in distance vision zone FZ is equal to 0.0D, and a second refractive power P2 in near vision zone NZ is equal to 1.0D. The groups of optical elements 14 are superimposed in near vision zone NZ and intermediate vision zone IZ. The combination of refractive power Pi and the refractive power of the optical elements provides an optical function that varies between 1.0D and 2.0D when viewed through the optical elements in intermediate vision zone IZ by a wearer wearing the lens element under standard wearing conditions. The combination of second refractive power P2 and the third refractive power of the optical elements provides an optical function of 2.0D in near vision zone NZ.

[0077] Example 3 The lens element 10 includes a single group of optical elements 14, all having the same refractive power of 1.0D. A first refractive power P1 in the distance-vision zone FZ is equal to 0.25D, and a second refractive power P2 in the near-vision zone NZ is equal to 0.75D. The groups of optical elements 14 are superimposed over the near-vision zone NZ, the intermediate-vision zone IZ, and the distance-vision zone FZ. The combination of the first refractive power P1 and the third refractive power of the optical elements provides an optical function of 1.25D when a wearer wearing the lens element under standard wearing conditions looks through the optical elements in the distance-vision zone FZ. The combination of the refractive power Pi and the refractive power of the optical elements provides an optical function for the intermediate-vision zone IZ that varies between 1.0D and 1.75D. The combination of the second refractive power P2 and the third refractive power of the optical element provides an optical function of 1.75D in the near vision zone NZ.

[0078] Example 4 The lens element 10 includes three groups of optical elements 14, with the optical elements in the first group having a refractive power of 0.5D, the optical elements in the second group having a refractive power of 1.0D, and the optical elements in the third group having a refractive power of 1.5D. A first refractive power P1 in the distance-vision zone FZ is equal to 0.5D, and a second refractive power P2 in the near-vision zone NZ is equal to 1.5D. The first group of optical elements 14 is overlaid on the distance-vision zone FZ. The optical elements in the second group are overlaid on the intermediate-vision zone IZ. The optical elements in the third group are overlaid on the distance-vision zone FZ. The combination of the first refractive power P1 and the refractive powers of the optical elements in the first group provides a 1D optical function when a wearer wearing the lens element under standard wearing conditions looks through the optical elements in the distance-vision zone FZ. The refractive power Pi in combination with the refractive power of the second group of optical elements provides an optical function that varies between 1.5D and 3D for the intermediate distance vision zone IZ, and the second refractive power P2 in combination with the refractive power of the third group of optical elements provides an optical function of 3D for the near vision zone NZ.

[0079] Lens element 10 may include multiple groups of optical elements 14, for example, three groups, preferably five groups, and more preferably seven groups.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 6, each of these optical element groups overlaid on the refractive region 12 of the lens element may be organized into horizontal bands.

[0081] The different horizontal bands formed by the optical groups may partially overlap, in other words, two separate optical groups may cover the same horizontal band of the lens element.

[0082] Alternatively, the horizontal bands of optical elements may be arranged consecutively such that each horizontal band is adjacent to another horizontal band of a different optical element group. The horizontal bands may be arranged along a vertical axis, equally spaced from one another, that orthogonally cuts the horizontal bands of optical elements and may pass through the geometric center of the lens element.

[0083] Along this vertical axis, the refractive power of the optical elements of each optical group may increase towards the lower edge of the lens element, in other words, the optical groups may be arranged to form a gradient of increasing refractive power towards the lower limit of the lens element.

[0084] The ratio of the total area of ​​the optical elements 14 of at least one optical element group to the area of ​​at least one of the far vision area, intermediate vision area, and near vision area on which they are superimposed is included in the range of 20% to 100%.

[0085] As depicted in FIG. 5, at least some, eg, all, of the optical elements 14 of at least one optical element group may be non-contiguous.

[0086] As depicted in FIG. 6, at least some, and preferably all, of the optical elements 14 of at least one optical element group may be continuous.

[0087] In the sense of this disclosure, two optical elements on a surface of a lens element are continuous if there exists a path connecting these two optical elements supported by said surface, and on said path the optical elements do not reach the base surface of the superimposed lens element.

[0088] If the surface on which at least two optical elements are superimposed is a sphere, the base surface corresponds to said sphere, in other words, two optical elements superimposed on a sphere are continuous if there exists a path connecting these optical elements supported by said sphere and which does not lead to the sphere on said path.

[0089] If the surface on which at least two optical elements are superimposed is aspherical, the base surface corresponds to the local spherical surface that best fits the aspherical surface. In other words, two optical elements located on an aspherical surface are continuous if there is a path supported by the aspherical surface connecting these optical elements, and the spherical surface that best fits the aspherical surface cannot be reached on the path.

[0090] At least some, for example more than 50%, preferably all, of the optical elements 14 in at least one optical element group may be lenslets having a diameter of 0.2 mm or more, for example 0.4 mm or more, for example 0.6 mm or more, for example 0.8 mm or more, and a contour shape that can be inscribed in a circle of 3.0 mm or less, for example 1.0 mm or less.

[0091] At least a portion, eg, more than 50%, and preferably all, of the optical elements 14 in at least one optical element group may be spherical lenslets.

[0092] At least one, e.g., more than 50%, and preferably all, of the optical elements 14 in at least one optical element group may be aspheric lenslets. Within the meaning of this disclosure, the term "aspheric" should be understood to mean not having the same curvature and optical power across the surface. This should be contrasted with spherical lenslets, which have constant optical power across their surface.

[0093] At least one, for example, more than 50%, and preferably all, of the optical elements 14 may include astigmatic power.At least one, for example, more than 50%, and preferably all, of the optical elements 14 may be toric lenslets.

[0094] At least one, e.g., more than 50%, and preferably all, of the optical elements may be multifocal refractive lenslets. In the sense of this disclosure, "multifocal refractive lenslets" includes bifocal (having two focal powers), trifocal (having three focal powers), and progressive power lenses with continuously varying focal powers, e.g., aspheric lenses.

[0095] At least one, e.g., more than 50%, and preferably all, of the optical elements 14 in at least one optical element group may be aspheric lenslets. Aspheric lenslets, in the sense of the present invention, have a continuous refractive power variation across their surface, e.g., from the geometric or optical center to the periphery of the microlens, and have a refractive power that is smaller in absolute value at their periphery than at their center.

[0096] The absolute value of the difference between the refractive power measured at the center and the refractive power measured at the periphery of the aspheric lenslet may be between 0.1D and 5D. The central portion of the microlens may be defined by a circular region centered at the geometric center of the microlens and having a diameter between 0.1mm and 0.5mm, preferably equal to 0.2mm. The peripheral portion of the microlens may be defined by an annular region centered at the geometric center of the microlens and having an inner diameter between 0.5mm and 0.7mm and an outer diameter between 0.70mm and 0.80mm. For example, aspheric lenslets may have absolute refractive powers measured at their geometric centers between 2.0D and 7.0D and absolute refractive powers measured at their periphery between 1.5D and 6.0D.

[0097] At least one, eg, more than 50%, and preferably all, of the optical elements 14 may include an aspheric surface, whether rotationally symmetric or not.

[0098] At least one, for example, more than 50%, and preferably all, of the optical elements 14 may include a toric surface. A toric surface is a surface of revolution that can be obtained by rotating a circle or an arc around an axis of rotation that does not pass through its center of curvature (ultimately located at infinity). A toric lens has two different radial profiles that are orthogonal to each other, thereby generating two different focal powers. The toric and spherical components of a toric lens generate an astigmatic light beam as opposed to a single focal point.

[0099] Unless expressly stated otherwise, as will be apparent from the discussion that follows, discussions throughout this specification using terms such as "computing," "calculating," "generating," and the like should be understood to refer to acts and / or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and / or transform data represented as physical quantities, such as electronic quantities, in the registers and / or memory of the computing system into other data that are similarly represented as physical quantities within the memory, registers, or other such information storage, transmission, or display device of the computing system.

[0100] Embodiments of the present invention may include an apparatus for performing the operations herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the desired purposes, or it may comprise a general-purpose computer or a digital signal processor ("DSP") selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as, but not limited to, a floppy disk, an optical disk, a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), an electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a disk of any type, including a magnetic or optical card, or any other medium suitable for storing electronic instructions and capable of being coupled to a computer system bus.

[0101] The processes and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct a more specialized apparatus to perform the desired method. The desired structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the description below. In addition, embodiments of the present invention are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be understood that a variety of programming languages ​​may be used to implement the teachings of the present invention as described herein.

[0102] Many other modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the above-described exemplary embodiments, which are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined only by the appended claims.

[0103] In the claims, the word "comprise" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" and "an" do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that different features are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 10 Lens Elements 12 Refraction Area 14 Optical Elements

Claims

1. A lens element adapted to a wearer and intended to be worn in front of the wearer's eye under standard viewing conditions, comprising: a refractive area, a distance-vision zone (FZ) having a first refractive power P1; a near-vision zone (NZ) having a second refractive power P2, an intermediate vision zone (IZ) extending from the distance vision zone to the near vision zone and having a refractive power Pi that varies continuously from the first refractive power P1 to the second refractive power P2; a refractive region including at least a first group of optical elements having at least a third refractive power, said optical elements being superimposed on at least one of the distance-vision, intermediate-vision and near-vision zones of said refractive zone; Including, a lens element adapted to the wearer, the combination of the first optical group and the refractive region on which it is superimposed providing an optical function that focuses, in central vision, an image of an object onto the wearer's retina when the wearer gazes at the object through the at least one first optical group.

2. 2. The lens element of claim 1, wherein an optical element is overlaid on the distance-vision zone (FZ), and the first refractive power P1 of the distance-vision zone in combination with the third refractive power of the optical element provides an optical function of focusing, in central vision, the image of the object located at a distance of 2 meters or more from the eye of the wearer onto the retina.

3. 3. The lens element according to claim 1, wherein an optical element is superimposed on the near vision zone (NZ), and the combination of the second refractive power P2 of the near vision zone (NZ) and the third refractive power of the optical element provides an optical function of focusing, in central vision, the image of the object located at a distance of 50 cm or less from the eye of the wearer onto the retina.

4. 4. The lens element according to claim 1, wherein an optical element is overlaid on the intermediate vision zone (IZ), and the refractive power Pi of the intermediate vision zone in combination with the third refractive power of the optical element provides an optical function of focusing, in central vision, images of objects located at a distance of less than 2.0 m and more than 50 cm from the eye of the wearer onto the retina.

5. 5. The lens element according to claim 1, wherein an absolute value of a difference between the first refractive power P1 and the second refractive power P2 is 0.5D or more, for example 0.75D or more, and 2.5D or less, for example 1.5D or less.

6. The lens element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the refractive power Pi of the intermediate vision region increases from the first refractive power P1 to the second refractive power P2.

7. The lens element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the refractive power Pi of the intermediate vision region decreases from the first refractive power P1 to the second refractive power P2.

8. A lens element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least some of the optical elements (14) in the optical element group are continuous.

9. A lens element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least some of the optical elements (14) in the optical element group are discontinuous.

10. A lens element according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a plurality of groups of optical elements (14) arranged in horizontal bands.

11. 11. A lens element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the optical elements (14) in an optical group have a common focal point, and the prism angle of each optical element in the optical group varies depending on the distance between the optical element and the common focal point of the optical group.

12. 12. A lens element according to claim 10 or 11, wherein along a vertical axis passing through the geometric centre of the lens element, the refractive power of the optical elements in each optical element group increases from the geometric centre towards a bottom of the lens element.

13. A lens element according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least some, for example all, of said optical elements 14 are spherical lenslets.

14. A lens element according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least some, for example all, of said optical elements 14 are aspheric lenslets.

15. 15. The lens element according to claim 1, wherein regions of the refractive zone other than the far-vision zone (FZ), the intermediate-vision zone (IZ), and the near-vision zone (NZ) do not include any optical elements.

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