Ophthalmic lenses with dynamic optical properties for reducing myopia progression

Abstract

An ophthalmic lens includes a first region corresponding to a first zone of an optical surface of the ophthalmic lens and a second region corresponding to a second zone of the optical surface of the ophthalmic lens, different from the first region. The second region has an optical energy switching component that is switchable between a first optical state and a second optical state different from the first optical state. In the first optical state, the second region partially scatters or defocuses light incident on the second region.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to provisional application No. 62 / 837,688, filed April 23, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to ophthalmic lenses with dynamic optical properties, and more particularly, to ophthalmic lenses with dynamic optical properties for reducing myopia progression. Background Art

[0004] The eye is an optical sensor. Light from an external light source is focused through the lens onto the surface of the retina, which is a wavelength-dependent array of photosensors. Each of the various shapes that the eye lens can adopt is associated with a focal length at which external light rays are optimally or nearly optimally focused to produce an inverted image on the retinal surface that corresponds to the external image observed by the eye. In each of the various shapes that the eye lens can adopt, the eye lens optimally or nearly optimally focuses light emitted or reflected by external objects within a certain distance range from the eye, while less optimally focusing or failing to focus objects outside this distance range.

[0005] For people with normal vision, the axial length of the eye, or the distance from the lens to the retinal surface, corresponds to a focal length close to optimal focus for distant objects. The eye of a person with normal vision focuses on distant objects without neural input to the muscles that exert force to change the shape of the eye's lens, a process called accommodation. Nearer, nearby objects are focused in a normal person as a result of accommodation.

[0006] However, many people suffer from eye length-related conditions, such as myopia ("nearsightedness"). In people with myopia, the axial length of the eye is longer than required to focus on distant objects without accommodation. As a result, a myopic person can see close objects clearly, but distant objects are blurry. Although myopic people are generally able to accommodate, the average distance at which they can focus objects is shorter than that of people with normal vision.

[0007] Typically, infants are born farsighted, with an eye that is shorter than required for optimal or near-optimal focus on distant objects without accommodation. During normal development of the eye, a process called "emmetropization," the axial length of the eye increases relative to the other dimensions of the eye to a length that provides near-optimal focus on distant objects without accommodation. Ideally, biological processes maintain this near-optimal relative ratio of eye length to eye size as the eye reaches its final adult size. However, in people with myopia, the axial length of the eye relative to overall eye size continues to increase during development, exceeding the length that provides near-optimal focus on distant objects, resulting in increasingly pronounced myopia.

[0008] Myopia is believed to be influenced by both behavioral and genetic factors. Therefore, myopia can be alleviated by therapeutic devices that address behavioral factors. For example, U.S. Publication No. 2011 / 0313058A1 describes a therapeutic device for treating eye length-related diseases, including myopia. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Generally, in a first aspect, the present invention is characterized by an ophthalmic lens comprising: a first area corresponding to a first zone of an optical surface of the ophthalmic lens; and a second area corresponding to a second zone of the optical surface of the ophthalmic lens, different from the first zone, the second area having an optical energy switching component that can be switched between a first optical state and a second optical state different from the first optical state, wherein in the first optical state, the second area partially scatters or defocuses light incident on the second area.

[0010] Embodiments of the ophthalmic lens may include one or more of the following features and / or features of other aspects: For example, in at least one optical state, the first zone is a substantially transparent zone.

[0011] The first region can have a maximum dimension (eg, diameter) of from about 2 mm to about 10 mm.

[0012] The first region may be a circular region.

[0013] The first region may include an optical energy switchable component and may be switchable between a transparent optical state and a partially scattering optical state.

[0014] The second zone may surround the first zone.

[0015] In the second optical state, the second region can be substantially transparent (eg, having a transparency similar to CR-39 or polycarbonate).

[0016] In the second optical state, the second region may partially scatter light incident on the second area by an amount different from that in the first optical state.

[0017] The optical energy switchable component may be switchable between more than two optical states. For example, the optical energy switchable component may be continuously adjustable between different optical states.

[0018] The first zone may intersect the optical axis of the ophthalmic lens.

[0019] The first zone may correspond to the user's foveal field of view for distance viewing.

[0020] The second zone may be switchable between different optical powers. For example, the second zone may be switchable between a first optical power corresponding to the optical power of the first zone and a second optical power where the second zone introduces myopic defocus to light passing through the ophthalmic lens. The second zone may correspond to one or more lenslets. The second zone may correspond to one or more annular regions.

[0021] The optical energy switching component may include an electro-optical material, such as a material including a liquid crystal material. In some embodiments, the electro-optical material is a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) material. The electro-optical material may be arranged in a layer between two transparent substrates. At least one substrate may support an electrode layer. The electrode layer may be formed of a transparent conductive material (e.g., indium tin oxide). Each of the substrates may support an electrode layer, and at least one of the electrode layers may be a patterned electrode layer including a first electrode corresponding to a first region and a second electrode corresponding to a second region. The electrode layer may be patterned to provide a pixelated electrode structure. The electrode may be a passively addressable electrode or an actively addressable electrode.

[0022] The lenses can be plano, single vision, or multivision.

[0023] The lens may be a spectacle lens or a contact lens.

[0024] In general, in another aspect, the invention features a system comprising: an eyewear device comprising a pair of ophthalmic lenses, each ophthalmic lens capable of switching between at least two different optical states, wherein, in a first of the two different optical states, the system reduces the contrast of an image viewed through a first area of ​​the corresponding ophthalmic lens as compared to an image viewed through a second area of ​​the corresponding ophthalmic lens; a power supply arranged to provide power to the pair of ophthalmic lenses to switch each ophthalmic lens between the two different optical states; and an electronic controller in communication with the power supply and the ophthalmic lenses and programmed to control the transfer of power from the power supply to each of the ophthalmic lenses.

[0025] Embodiments of the system may include one or more of the following features and / or features of other aspects. For example, the system may reduce the contrast of an image viewed by a wearer of the eyewear device by increasing the amount of scattering of incident light on a region of the lens corresponding to the first area.

[0026] The system can reduce the contrast of an image by adding light to an image viewed through a region of the lens corresponding to the first region. The eyewear device may include a projection display module that directs light toward the user's eyes, and the system uses the projection display module to add light to the image viewed through the region of the lens corresponding to the first region.

[0027] The system may include one or more sensors in communication with an electronic controller, at least one of the sensors being an eye-tracking sensor that provides information about eye movement of a user to the electronic controller. The electronic controller is programmed to change a zone of at least one ophthalmic lens corresponding to a second region in response to the information about eye movement of the user. The electronic controller may be programmed to change the zone corresponding to the second region so that it coincides with the user's gaze axis.

[0028] The system may include one or more sensors in communication with the electronic controller, at least one of the sensors being an environmental sensor that provides information about the user's environment to the electronic controller. The environmental sensor may be a proximity sensor, and the electronic controller may be programmed to change the optical state of the ophthalmic lens based on information from the proximity sensor. The electronic controller may be programmed to change the optical state of the ophthalmic lens based on information from the environmental sensor. The electronic controller may change the optical state by changing a position of a zone of the corresponding ophthalmic lens corresponding to the first region.

[0029] The ophthalmic lenses can each be switchable between more than two different optical states, each optical state corresponding to a different level of contrast reduction of an image viewed through the first region of the respective ophthalmic lens.

[0030] The power source may include a battery, such as a rechargeable battery.

[0031] The eyewear assembly may include an eyewear frame housing a power source and electronic controller.

[0032] The system may include a headset including an eyewear assembly, a power supply, and an electronic controller. The headset may be an augmented reality (AR) headset.

[0033] In general, in another aspect, the invention features a method for reducing contrast of an image formed in a person's peripheral vision, including using an optical energy-switching material in an ophthalmic lens used by the person to change an amount of scattering in a zone of the lens.

[0034] Implementations of the method may include one or more of the following features and / or features of other aspects: For example, the changing may include changing the area of ​​the lens that scatters incident light and changing the area of ​​the lens that is transparent.

[0035] Changing the region may include changing the size of the region.Changing the region may include changing the position of the region.

[0036] The amount of scatter may vary based on a person's visual task (eg, reading, viewing a screen).

[0037] The amount of scatter can be changed based on a person's eye movement. The amount of scatter can be changed to align the clear area of ​​the lens with a person's central visual axis and to align the scattering area with a person's peripheral vision.

[0038] In general, on the other hand, the invention features a method for reducing the contrast of an image formed in a person's peripheral vision, comprising: using a head-mounted light projection module to direct light to the person's eyes so that the light is projected onto the person's retina at a position corresponding to the person's peripheral field of view and not at a position corresponding to the person's central field of view.

[0039] Implementations of the method may include one or more of the following features and / or features of other aspects.For example, the method may include changing light based on a person's eye movement.

[0040] The method may include varying the light based on the ambient light level.

[0041] The method may include measuring image contrast through the lens and electronic circuitry (e.g., providing a feedback loop) via a contrast sensor located behind the lens to maintain peripheral image contrast approximately constant (e.g., varying by no more than 40%, no more than 30%, no more than 20%, no more than 10%).

[0042] Among other advantages, the disclosed embodiments can mitigate the progression of myopia in people (eg, children) while providing a visual experience that adapts to the environment and other stimuli. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1A is a plan view of an embodiment of a dynamic lens.

[0044] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the dynamic lens shown in .

[0045] Figure 2A Describes the purpose Figure 1A Cross-sectional view of the dynamic lens shown.

[0046] Figure 2B is a perspective view of a pair of glasses containing Figure 1A and 1B A pair of dynamic lenses shown.

[0047] Figure 3A and 3B are plan and cross-sectional views, respectively, of an embodiment of a dynamic lens featuring pixels in a first operational state.

[0048] Figure 3C and 3D are in the second operating state Figure 3A and 3B Plan and cross-sectional views of the dynamic lens shown in .

[0049] Figure 4A A perspective image of an augmented reality (AR) headset.

[0050] Figure 4B is used for Figure 4A A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a projection display module in an AR headset is shown in FIG.

[0051] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a pair of glasses for reduced contrast in the wearer's peripheral vision.

[0052] Figure 6A is a plan view of another embodiment of a dynamic lens.

[0053] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of the dynamic lens shown in .

[0054] Figure 7 is a plan view of another example of a dynamic lens.

[0055] Like reference numbers in different drawings identify like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] refer to Figure 1A and 1B, the ophthalmic lens 100 includes two areas that can switch between different optical states independently of each other. Specifically, the lens 100 includes an on-axis area 102 (i.e., the optical axis of the lens 100 intersects with the area 102) and a peripheral area 104 surrounding the on-axis area 102, each of which can switch between a state in which the area partially scatters incident light and another state in which the area is transparent. The lens 100 has a multi-layer structure that is composed of an electro-optical unit stacked between two layers 110a and 110b having optical power. The electro-optical unit is composed of a layer 124 of electro-optical material sandwiched between two opposing transparent substrates 108a and 108b. Transparent electrode layers 106a and 106b are respectively disposed on facing surfaces of the substrates 108a and 108b, adjacent to the electro-optical material.

[0057] The top lens layer 110a is a plano-convex layer, with its planar surface attached (e.g., via a transparent adhesive) to the top surface of substrate 108a. The bottom lens layer is a plano-concave layer, with its planar surface attached to the bottom surface of substrate 108b. Thus, lens 100 is a meniscus lens, wherein the top convex surface is provided by the convex surface of top lens layer 110a, and the bottom concave surface is provided by the concave surface of bottom lens layer 110b. Generally, by judiciously selecting the curvature of the convex and concave surfaces of these layers, the overall optical power of lens 100 can be set to a desired value. For example, lens 100 can have positive spherical power or negative spherical power. Correction of astigmatism and / or multifocal (e.g., progressive) lenses is also possible.

[0058] Electrode layers 106a and 106b each include two electrically isolated regions corresponding to regions 102 and 104. This allows the electro-optical materials corresponding to each region to be electrically switched separately from each other. Electrode connector tabs 112a and 112b extend beyond the perimeter of lens 100, providing electrical connection points for connecting electrode layers 106a and 106b to a power source. Electrically isolated lines allow the internal electrode regions of each electrode layer corresponding to region 102 to be connected to power source 122 via tabs 112a and 112b. Electrode layers 106a and 106b are formed from a transparent conductive material, for example, a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide, a conductive polymer, a metal mesh, carbon nanotubes, graphene, a nanowire mesh, or an ultrathin metal film.

[0059] Layer 124 is composed of an electro-optical material, such as a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), in which a liquid crystal material (e.g., nematic LC) is dispersed or dissolved in a liquid polymer, which then solidifies or cures to form a dispersion of liquid crystal droplets in a polymer matrix. Typically, the refractive index of the polymer and the refractive index of the LC are selected so that alignment of the LC with an applied electric field results in a refractive index matching state between the LC droplets and the polymer, resulting in layer 124 being substantially transparent to light incident on the lens. In the absence of an electric field, the orientation of the LC directors is randomized, and the incident light is at least partially scattered. The amount of scattering can be controlled by the strength of the applied electric field. Thus, intermediate scattering states (between transparent and maximum scattering) are possible.

[0060] Other electro-optic materials may also be used. For example, in some embodiments, the electro-optic material is composed of an electrochromic material such as tungsten oxide and / or phosphaphenalene (e.g., a material that changes color depending on an applied electric field, thereby blocking and / or absorbing light).

[0061] In some embodiments, the electro-optical material of layer 124 is composed of suspended particle devices, typically formed from rod-shaped nanoparticles suspended in a liquid. The suspended particles float freely between electrodes. In the absence of an electric field, the suspended particles randomly organize and scatter light. In the presence of an electric potential, the suspended particles align and allow light to pass through.

[0062] Electrode layers 106a and 106b are formed on transparent substrates 108a and 108b, located on the top and bottom of substrates 108a and 108b, and can be made of glass, plastic, or other suitable transparent substrate materials. The material of the electrode layer can be formed on the substrate using various processes, including, for example, coating or physical deposition processes (e.g., sputtering).

[0063] Other electrode geometries are possible, such as interdigitated electrodes (eg, on a single surface adjacent layer 124).

[0064] The top lens layer 110a and the bottom lens layer 110b are attached to the top and bottom outer surfaces of the substrates 108a and 108b, respectively, and are also formed of a transparent material, such as glass or a transparent polymer (e.g., polycarbonate, Trivex), or other suitable transparent lens materials. A transparent adhesive can be used to bond the lens layers to the corresponding substrate surfaces.

[0065] In some embodiments, the outer surfaces of the top lens layer 110a and the bottom lens layer 110b may include one or more layers of other materials, which may include but are not limited to scratch-resistant coatings, mirror coatings, polarizing films, UV coatings, scratch-resistant coatings, and anti-reflective coatings.

[0066] In some embodiments, the planar surfaces of the top and bottom mirror layers provide surfaces on which to form electrodes, and no separate substrate layer is required.

[0067] Furthermore, while layer 124 is depicted as a homogeneous layer, i.e., having the same composition in regions 102 and 104, other implementations are possible. For example, layer 124 may be composed of regions having different compositions. For example, in region 102, layer 124 may have a different composition than in region 104. For example, layer 124 may be composed of a transparent material (e.g., a transparent polymer) in region 102 and an optical energy-switching material (e.g., PDLC) in region 104.

[0068] refer to Figure 2A , the sizes and positions of regions 102 and 104 are such that when a user's gaze axis 116 of the ophthalmic lens is substantially aligned with the optical axis of the lens (e.g., when the user is looking straight ahead through eyeglasses containing the lens), region 102 coincides with their foveal vision, while region 104 coincides with their peripheral field of vision 116. Thus, the lens 100 can provide different amounts of light scattering for the peripheral image, controlling the amount of image contrast reduction in that area of ​​the user's visual system.

[0069] For example, for lenses using electro-optical materials such as PDLC, lens 100 switches between two or more different optical states by applying an electric field of appropriate strength across layer 124. The electric field is applied by applying a potential difference between electrode layers 106a and 106b.

[0070] When in an "off" or unpowered state (e.g., no electric field across layer 124), the electro-optic material of layer 124 scatters incident light and provides an image with reduced contrast. When in an "on" or powered state (e.g., when an electric field of sufficient strength is applied), the electro-optic material of layer 124 becomes transparent. In some embodiments, an intermediate scattering state is provided in which the electrodes are powered, but the voltage strength is insufficient to eliminate all light scattering from layer 124. As the strength of the potential increases, layer 124 becomes increasingly clear.

[0071] Thus, both the on-axis region 102 and the peripheral region 104 can be switched between one or more scattering states and a transparent state independently of each other. In many applications, the on-axis region is maintained in a transparent state while the amount of scattering provided by region 104 is varied.

[0072] The size and shape of the on-axis region 102 can vary. Typically, the on-axis region 102 provides the user with a cone of vision for which their visual acuity can be optimally corrected (e.g., to 20 / 15 or 20 / 20). In some embodiments, the maximum dimension of the on-axis region 102 ranges from about 0.2 mm (e.g., about 0.3 mm or greater, 0.4 mm or greater, 0.5 mm or greater, 0.6 mm or greater, 0.7 mm or greater, 0.8 mm or greater, 0.9 mm or greater) to about 1.5 cm (e.g., about 1.4 cm or less, about 1.3 cm or less, about 1.2 cm or less, about 1.1 cm or less, about 1 cm or less). The on-axis region 102 can be circular (e.g., Figure 1A as shown) or non-circular (e.g., elliptical, polygonal, or irregular).

[0073] On-axis region 102 may subtend a solid angle of about 20 degrees or less (e.g., about 15 degrees or less, about 12 degrees or less, about 10 degrees or less, about 9 degrees or less, about 8 degrees or less, about 7 degrees or less, about 6 degrees or less, about 5 degrees or less, about 4 degrees or less, about 3 degrees or less) in user field of view 118. The solid angles subtended in the horizontal and vertical viewing planes may be the same or different.

[0074] Region 104 corresponds to the user's peripheral vision. The peripheral region 104 may extend to the edge of the lens (e.g. Figure 1A ) or may extend to less than the circumference of the lens. Generally, where region 104 does not extend to the edge of the lens, it may have a variety of shapes, such as circular, elliptical, polygonal, or other shapes. Generally, region 104 is large enough to provide reduced contrast in the user's peripheral vision over a large portion of the user's field of view even when not viewing directly through on-axis region 102. Peripheral region 104 may have a diameter (or maximum dimension, for non-circular areas) of 30 mm or greater (e.g., 40 mm or greater, 50 mm or greater, 60 mm or greater, 70 mm or greater, 80 mm or greater, e.g., 100 mm or less, 90 mm or less, 80 mm or less, 70 mm or less, 60 mm or less). Reference Figure 2BA pair of glasses 200 for reducing myopia progression includes two optically switchable lenses 100 in a frame 210. The frame 210 also houses a sensor 142, an electronic controller 114, and a power source 112. The controller 114 provides electrical signals to electrodes of the lenses, causing regions 102 and / or 104 to switch between different optical states. In some embodiments, the glasses include a user interface (e.g., an on / off switch or other manual control) through which a user can manually modify the optical properties of the lenses. For example, if the wearer is engaging in an activity known to cause high-contrast retinal irritation in the wearer's peripheral vision, they can turn on or increase the amount of light scattering in region 104. Conversely, if the wearer is engaging in an activity that requires maximum visual acuity across the wearer's entire field of view, they can turn off the scattering in region 104, making the entire area of ​​the lens 100 transparent.

[0075] Sensors 142 monitor one or more aspects related to the wearer's environment and provide corresponding data to controller 114, allowing the controller to modify the optical properties of one or both lenses depending on the information about the wearer's environment. Sensors 142 may include, for example, ambient light sensors, proximity sensors, and / or image sensors.

[0076] Generally, during operation, the glasses 200 detect environmental conditions corresponding to situations in which the wearer may be exposed to high-contrast images in their peripheral vision, and accordingly increase or decrease the amount of light scattering in the region 104 of each lens. For example, using image or proximity data from the sensor 142, the glasses 200 can detect when the wearer is performing close reading work (e.g., reading a book or newspaper, or reading content on a mobile device), and can increase the amount of light scattering in the region 104 compared to, for example, when the user is not reading. Alternatively or additionally, the glasses 200 can determine low-light environments, for example, using an ambient light sensor, and can decrease the amount of light scattering in the region 104.

[0077] In some embodiments, one or more sensors in the peripheral zone of the glasses measure the contrast behind the lenses (i.e., after light has been transmitted through the lenses). A feedback loop in the control unit uses this measurement to adjust the light scattering of the electro-optical unit. As a result, the peripheral contrast through the peripheral lenses can be maintained at a constant level, regardless of the contrast of the image being viewed.

[0078] In embodiments, in a scattering state, the optical energy-switchable material can provide sufficient scattering to reduce the contrast of images of objects in the wearer's peripheral vision without significantly reducing the visual acuity of the viewer in that area. Here, peripheral vision refers to the field of view outside the field of view corresponding to region 102. The contrast of images in region 104 can be reduced by 40% or more (e.g., 45% or more, 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more) relative to the contrast of images viewed through region 102. The contrast reduction can be set as needed for each individual case. It is believed that a typical contrast reduction will be in the range of approximately 50% to 55%. Contrast reductions below 50% may be used for very mild cases, while more susceptible subjects may require contrast reductions above 55%. Peripheral visual acuity can be corrected to 20 / 30 or better (e.g., 20 / 25 or better, 20 / 20 or better), as determined by subjective refraction, while still achieving meaningful contrast reduction.

[0079] Here, contrast refers to the difference in brightness between two objects in the same field of view. Therefore, contrast reduction refers to a change in this difference.

[0080] Contrast and contrast reduction can be measured in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, contrast can be measured based on the difference in brightness between different parts of a standard pattern, such as a checkerboard of black and white squares, obtained under controlled conditions by having areas of the lens in a clear state and areas in a diffuse state.

[0081] Alternatively or additionally, contrast reduction can be determined based on the optical transfer function (OTF) of the lens (see, for example, http: / / www.montana.edu / jshaw / documents / 18%20EELE582_S15_OTFMTF.pdf). For OTF, contrast is specified for the transmission of a stimulus in which light and dark areas are sinusoidally modulated at different "spatial frequencies." These stimuli look like alternating light and dark bars, with the spacing between the bars varying over a certain range. For all optical systems, the transmission of contrast is lowest for the sinusoidally varying stimulus with the highest spatial frequency. The relationship that describes the contrast transmission for all spatial frequencies is the OTF. The OTF can be obtained by taking a Fourier transform of the point spread function. The point spread function can be obtained by imaging a point light source through the lens onto a detector array and determining how the light from the point is distributed across the detectors.

[0082] In the event of conflicting measurements, the OTF technique is preferred.

[0083] In some embodiments, the glasses 200 can receive information from other sources that can be used to control the optical properties of the lenses. For example, the glasses 200 can include a wireless transceiver (e.g., for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth data transmission) that facilitates the transfer of data between another device (such as a mobile phone) and the controller 114. For example, the glasses can receive information about the user's location (e.g., based on GPS or cellular tower data), the user's movement (e.g., whether the user is walking or driving), and / or the user's activity (e.g., using the device to watch video content, read, or play video games), and increase or decrease the peripheral light scattering accordingly.

[0084] While lens 100 features segmented electrodes corresponding to two distinct regions of the lens (regions 102 and 104), other implementations are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the lens can be segmented into more than two regions. For example, region 104 can be further segmented into multiple regions (e.g., concentric regions) that can independently change between different optical states.

[0085] In certain embodiments, the dynamic mirror may include an array of independently addressable pixels. For example, Figure 3A , the ophthalmic lens 300 includes an array of pixels 310, each pixel being independently switchable between different optical states (eg, transparent and diffuse).

[0086] refer to Figure 3B , lens 300 has a similar structure to lens 100 described above, except that electrode layers 306a and 306b are patterned and structured to provide pixel array 310. In addition, electrode connection tabs 312 provide electrical connection terminals suitable for the electrode driving scheme employed.

[0087] In general, the pixels in lens 300 can be actively or passively addressed pixels. For example, actively addressed pixels can each include an integrated circuit (e.g., including one or more transistors) that controls the electric field at the pixel. Passively addressed pixels can be provided by forming conductor columns on one of electrode layers 306a / 306b and conductor rows on the other. Active and passive electrode addressing schemes conventionally used in liquid crystal displays can be used.

[0088] The size of each pixel 310 can vary as needed. In one embodiment, the pixel can have a maximum dimension of 1 mm or less (e.g., 0.5 mm or less, 0.3 mm or less, 0.2 mm or less, 0.1 mm or less, 0.05 mm or less).

[0089] Pixelated lenses not only allow for fine spatial adjustment of the scattering properties of the lens, but also allow for the position and / or shape of the clear areas of the lens to be varied. For example, Figure 3A and Figure 3B The area 302a in the center of the lens is shown. When the user looks directly through this area, the pixels corresponding to this area can be switched to a transparent state, such as Figure 3B As shown in FIG. 1 , the user's gaze axis 316a passes through the direction of region 302a, providing optimal visual acuity for the user's foveal vision. Pixels corresponding to the remainder of the lens's zone (outside of region 302a) are switched to a scattering state. Consequently, the user's peripheral vision experiences an image with reduced contrast due to light scattering in layer 124.

[0090] refer to Figure 3C and Figure 3D In the example above, lens 300 dynamically adjusts its optical properties in response to a user's gaze axis moving away from the center of the lens. Here, the user is looking downward (e.g., while reading), and the lens responds by activating pixels in off-axis region 302b to provide a clear aperture that coincides with the user's adjusted gaze axis 316b. Additionally, the lens switches pixels outside of region 302b to a diffuse state, providing a reduced-contrast image to the user's peripheral field of view 318b.

[0091] The eyewear device including the lens 300 may include an eye tracking sensor, and the controller may be programmed to adjust the position of the clear aperture in response to data from the eye tracking sensor. Generally, various suitable eye tracking techniques may be used. For example, eye tracking may be performed by directly viewing the pupil using a camera or by viewing the pupil's reflection on the back of the lens.

[0092] While the aforementioned examples all feature lenses that reduce image contrast in a user's peripheral image field by scattering incident light, other implementations are possible. For example, it may be possible to reduce image contrast by adding light to ambient, image-forming light. Thus, in some embodiments, an eyewear device may include a light source that is arranged to transmit light to a user's peripheral field of view. Such implementations include, for example, augmented reality (AR) eyewear devices that include, for example, a projection display system for superimposing computer-generated images in a user's field of view.

[0093] refer to Figure 4A , an example of an AR headset 400 includes a frame 410 that holds a pair of lenses 420, which may be optically powered or unpowered. The headset 400 also includes a pair of projection display modules 430, each positioned to display an image in the wearer's field of view. The AR headset 450 includes a sensor 442, an eye-tracking sensor 444, a controller 414, and a power supply 422.

[0094] Sensors 442 provide data about the user's environment to controller 414. Sensors 442 may include, but are not limited to, ambient light sensors, image sensors (e.g., for monitoring the user's field of view), proximity sensors, accelerometers, etc. Eye tracking sensors 444 monitor the user's pupil position and provide eye gaze data (e.g., eye gaze direction and duration / intensity), such as the direction of the user's eye gaze axis 416 and field of view 418, to controller 414.

[0095] Controller 414 receives data from sensor 442 and eye tracking sensor 444 and controls projection display module 430 in response to the data.

[0096] Also refer to Figure 4B , projection display module 430 includes a projection display 434 and a beam splitter 432. Projection display 434 passes light 426 to beam splitter 432, which redirects the light into the user's field of view. Thus, in addition to ambient light 424 transmitted by beam splitter 432, the user's field of view also receives light 426 from the projection display. Headset 450 modulates light 426 so that light from projection display 434 is limited to the user's peripheral field of view 418 and does not pass light to area 402 corresponding to the user's central field of view 416. Using data from eye tracking sensor 444, projection display module dynamically adjusts the modulation of the projected light field to ensure that area 402 is consistent with central field of view 416. In this way, light 426 from projection display reduces the contrast of images formed in the user's peripheral field of view without affecting images in the central field of view.

[0097] Furthermore, for the embodiments discussed previously, the AR headset 400 can adapt the amount of contrast reduction in the user's peripheral vision in response to environmental changes and / or user actions.

[0098] Typically, projection display 434 may include a light modulator, such as a MEMS mirror array or an LCD (e.g., an LCOS LCD). Projection display 434 may also include one or more light sources, such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) that provide light to the light modulator. Projection display 434 may include additional components, such as imaging optics and / or light guides, that shape the light before and / or after modulation by the light modulator in order to pass the light to beam splitter 432.

[0099] Alternative projection display modules may be used. For example, a projection display module may include a light guide film that passes light from the projection display to the user's eyes, rather than a beam splitter.

[0100] In general, although the foregoing examples are of AR headsets in the form of glasses, more generally, a variety of AR headsets can be used. For example, AR goggles can be used. In addition, although the electronic controller and power supply are depicted as being integrated into the glasses in headset 400, in some embodiments, the control electronics and / or power supply can be separate from the headset and can communicate with components of the headset using cables and / or wirelessly.

[0101] Other implementations are possible. For example, in some embodiments, light emitted by (e.g., one or more LEDs) mounted on the frame of glasses or headphones can be used to reduce contrast in the user's peripheral vision. Figure 5 An exemplary system for achieving this is a pair of glasses 500 comprising a frame 510, lenses 520 (e.g., Rx lenses), and LEDs 530 mounted on the edge of the frame 520 facing the wearer. The wearer can manually control the brightness of the LEDs, for example using a slide switch 540. Alternatively or additionally, the brightness of the LEDs 530 can be automatically controlled, for example using a sensor and feedback mechanism as described above, and / or remotely controlled, for example using an app on a mobile device via a wireless connection.

[0102] LED 530 may include one or more optical components (e.g., one or more lenses) to direct the emitted light in a particular direction, for example, so that only the contrast in a user's peripheral image field is significantly reduced, while their foveal vision is substantially unaffected.

[0103] Furthermore, while the LEDs 530 are arranged to shine light directly onto the wearer's retina, in some embodiments, light from the LEDs may be provided indirectly, such as by being reflected from the back of the lens 520.

[0104] While the foregoing embodiments include implementations for reducing the image contrast of an image in a user's peripheral field of view by scattering incident light, it is believed that lenses featuring a non-coaxial array of small lenses to be created that shifts the focal position of an image away from the retina (e.g., by introducing myopic defocus) may also be used to prevent and / or slow the progression of myopia. See, for example, U.S. Patent 2016 / 0377884 and U.S. Patent 2017 / 0131567. Thus, in some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens may be switchable between at least two states, wherein in one state the lens functions as a conventional plano or Rx lens that does not provide optical power or monovision or multifocal image correction to the user (i.e., their base state). In at least one other state, the lens includes multiple regions that provide non-coaxial myopic defocus. For example, see U.S. Patent 2016 / 0377884 and U.S. Patent 2017 / 0131567. Figure 6A, an ophthalmic lens 600 includes an on-axis region 602 (e.g., the optical axis of the lens 600 and / or the user's distance vision axis intersects the region 602) and a peripheral region 604 surrounding the on-axis region 602, each of which can be switched between a myopic defocus state and another state in which the lens provides no optical power or functions as a conventional Rx. In the myopic defocus state, the region 604 features a plurality of lenslets 606, each of which has an optical power different from that of the rest of the lens. For example, each lenslet 606 can deliver a sufficient amount of positive focus light in front of the user's retina to slow the rate of myopia progression.

[0105] In general, the amount of optical power provided by the lenslets 606 can vary depending on the implementation. In some embodiments, in the myopic defocus state, the optical power of the lenslets 606 is +0.5D or greater (e.g., +1.0D or greater, +2.0D or greater, +3.0D or greater, +4.0D or greater, +5.0D or greater, +6.0D or greater, +7.0D or greater, +8.0D or greater) greater than the base optical power of the lens 600. In some embodiments, each lenslet can be switched between a plurality of different states, from 0D to maximum optical power.

[0106] The size and / or shape of the lenslets 606 can also vary. For example, the lenslets can be circular with a diameter in the range of 0.4 mm to 5 mm (e.g., 0.5 mm or greater, 1 mm or greater, 1.5 mm or greater, 2 mm or greater, 4 mm or less, 3 mm or less). In some embodiments, the lenslets 606 are elongated in shape (e.g., elliptical) with a maximum dimension in the range of 0.4 mm to 5 mm (e.g., 0.5 mm or greater, 1 mm or greater, 1.5 mm or greater, 2 mm or greater, 4 mm or less, 3 mm or less).

[0107] In general, various suitable electro-optical techniques may be used to provide a switchable lenslet array. For example, variable focus LC techniques such as those described in US Pat. No. 7,218,375 and US Pat. No. 8,558,985 may be used.

[0108] For example, and refer to Figure 6BIn some embodiments, lens 600 has a multi-layer structure consisting of an electro-optical cell laminated between two layers 610a and 610b having optical power. The electro-optical cell is composed of two layers of liquid crystal (LC) material 624a and 624b, separated by a transparent spacer layer 625. Layers 624a and 624b are also sandwiched between two opposing transparent substrates 108a and 108b. Transparent substrates 624a and 624b each support a transparent electrode adjacent to the corresponding LC layer. Transparent spacer layer 625 also supports transparent electrode layers on both sides. The electrodes can be electrically contacted via tabs 612, which provide electrical connections for connecting the electrode layers to a signal generator. Thus, the electro-optical cell consists of two independently switchable LC cells, each composed of a layer of LC material between two transparent electrode layers. The electrode layers can be patterned, such as those described above, and can include actively or passively addressed pixels. Each LC cell can also include an alignment layer (e.g., a polished polymer layer) formed on top of the electrode layers. The alignment layer ensures a preferred alignment direction of the LC material adjacent the electrodes.The alignment direction of the LC material in layer 624a may be orthogonal to the alignment direction in layer 624b, ensuring refractive index changes for orthogonal polarization states propagating through the cell.

[0109] Top lens layer 610a is a plano-convex layer, with its planar surface attached (e.g., via a transparent adhesive) to the top surface of substrate 608a. Bottom lens layer is a plano-concave layer, with its planar surface attached to the bottom surface of substrate 608b. Thus, lens 600 is a meniscus lens, with the top convex surface provided by the convex surface of top lens layer 610a, and the bottom concave surface provided by the concave surface of bottom lens layer 610b. Generally, by judiciously selecting the curvature of the convex and concave surfaces of these layers, the base optical power of lens 600 can be set to a desired value. For example, lens 600 can have positive spherical power or negative spherical power. Correction of astigmatism and / or multifocal (e.g., progressive) lenses is also possible.

[0110] Other switchable lens technologies may also be deployed. For example, variable focus lenses utilizing optical fluids and / or electroactive polymers may be used. See, for example, U.S. Patent 8,000,022. Furthermore, while lens 600 features an array of lenslets, other implementations are possible. For example, more generally, the region providing myopic defocus may be shaped into other shapes besides an array of lenslets. In some embodiments, the power of the entire peripheral region may be adjusted to have sufficient power to provide myopic defocus, while the central region provides power for hyperopia. In another example, a switchable annular region of different power surrounding an aperture may be employed (see, for example, the exemplary structure in U.S. Patent 7,506,983). An example of such a lens is Figure 7. Here, lens 700 includes an on-axis region 702 (e.g., including hyperopia correction) and a series of annular domains 705a-705e, each of which has a different optical power relative to adjacent domains. The optical power of each domain can be controlled separately from the other domains and can be changed to have different optical powers. At least in some conditions, one or more domains can have an optical power that introduces myopic defocus into the image.

[0111] The term "electronic controller" refers to data processing hardware and includes various devices, equipment, and machines for processing data, including, for example, a programmable processor. A controller may also be or include a dedicated logic circuit device, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). In addition to hardware, a controller may optionally include code that creates an execution environment for a computer program, such as code constituting processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more thereof.

[0112] A computer program (which may also be referred to or described as a program, software, software application, application, module, software module, script, or code) may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, or declarative or procedural languages; and it may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A program may (but need not) correspond to a file in a file system. A program may be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store portions of one or more modules, subroutines, or code). A computer program may be deployed to execute on one or more computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a data communications network.

[0113] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable computers executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by a dedicated logic circuit device (e.g., an FPGA or ASIC) or by a combination of a dedicated logic circuit device and one or more programmed computers.

[0114] Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, for example: semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM optical disks.

[0115] A number of embodiments have been described.

Claims

1. A pair of glasses comprising: An ophthalmic lens, comprising: a first region corresponding to a first zone of an optical surface of the ophthalmic lens; and a second area corresponding to a second area of ​​the optical surface of the ophthalmic lens different from the first area, the second area comprising an optical energy switchable component capable of switching between a first optical state and a second optical state different from the first optical state, in, in the first optical state, the second region partially scatters or defocuses light incident on the second area, and in the second optical state, the second region partially scatters or defocuses light incident on the second area by an amount different from that in the first optical state; sensor; as well as an electronic controller in communication with said sensor and said ophthalmic lens, wherein the electronic controller is configured to control the optical energy switching component so that the first area corresponds to the user's central visual axis and the second area corresponds to the user's peripheral vision, and the scattering amounts of the first area and the second area are changed so that the first area is a transparent area and the second area is a partially scattering area, and The electronic controller is configured to detect when the user is performing close reading work based on the signal from the sensor, and increase the amount of scattering in the second zone compared to when the user is not performing close reading work.

2. The glasses according to claim 1, wherein: The maximum dimension of the first region is in the range from 2 mm to 10 mm.

3. The glasses according to claim 1, wherein: The first region is a circular region.

4. The glasses according to claim 1, wherein: The optical energy-switchable component is switchable between more than two optical states.

5. The glasses according to claim 1, wherein: The second region surrounds the first region.

6. The glasses according to claim 1, wherein: In the second optical state, the second region is substantially transparent.

7. The glasses according to claim 1, wherein: In the second optical state, the second region partially scatters light incident on the second area by an amount different from that in the first optical state.

8. The glasses according to claim 4, wherein: The optical energy switchable component is continuously adjustable between different optical states.

9. The glasses according to claim 1, wherein: The first zone intersects the optical axis of the ophthalmic lens.

10. The glasses according to claim 1, wherein: The second zone is switchable between different optical powers.

11. The glasses according to claim 10, wherein: The second zone is switchable between a first optical power corresponding to the optical power of the first zone and a second optical power where the second zone introduces myopic defocus to light passing through the ophthalmic lens.

12. The glasses according to claim 11, wherein: The second zone corresponds to one or more lenslets.

13. The glasses according to claim 11, wherein: The second zone corresponds to one or more annular regions.

14. The glasses according to claim 1, wherein: The optical energy-switching component comprises an electro-optical material.

15. The glasses according to claim 14, wherein: The electro-optical material includes a liquid crystal material.

16. The glasses according to claim 15, wherein: The electro-optical material is a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) material.

17. The glasses according to claim 14, wherein: The electro-optical material is arranged in a layer between two transparent substrates.

18. The glasses according to claim 17, wherein: At least one substrate supports the electrode layer.

19. The glasses according to claim 18, wherein: The electrode layer is formed of a transparent conductive material.

20. The glasses according to claim 19, wherein: Each of the substrates supports an electrode layer, and at least one of the electrode layers is a patterned electrode layer including a first electrode corresponding to the first region and a second electrode corresponding to the second region.

21. The glasses according to claim 20, wherein: The electrode layer is patterned to provide a pixelated electrode structure.

22. The glasses according to claim 21, wherein: The electrodes are passively addressable electrodes.

23. The glasses according to claim 21, wherein: The electrodes are actively addressable electrodes.

24. The glasses according to claim 1, wherein: The lens is a plano lens, a single vision lens or a multi-vision lens.

25. A system comprising: An eyeglass device comprising a pair of ophthalmic lenses, each ophthalmic lens comprising an optically switchable component and capable of switching between at least two different optical states, wherein: In a first optical state of the two different optical states, the system reduces the contrast of an image viewed through a first area of ​​the corresponding ophthalmic lens as compared to an image viewed through a second area of ​​the corresponding ophthalmic lens; a power source arranged to provide power to the pair of ophthalmic lenses to switch each ophthalmic lens between the two different optical states; sensor; as well as an electronic controller in communication with the power source and the ophthalmic lenses and programmed to control the transfer of the power from the power source to each of the ophthalmic lenses, wherein the electronic controller is configured to control the optical energy switching component so that the first area corresponds to the user's central visual axis and the second area corresponds to the user's peripheral vision, and the scattering amounts of the first area and the second area are changed so that the first area is a transparent area and the second area is a partially scattering area, and The electronic controller is configured to detect when the user is performing close reading work based on a signal from the sensor and to increase the amount of scattering in the second zone compared to when the user is not performing close reading work.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein: The system reduces the contrast of an image by adding light to the image viewed through a region of the lens corresponding to the first area.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein: The eyewear device includes a projection display module that directs light toward the user's eyes, and the system uses the projection display module to add light to an image viewed through the region of the lens corresponding to the first area.

28. The system of claim 25, wherein: The sensor is an eye tracking sensor configured to provide information about movements of a user's eyes to the electronic controller.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein: The electronic controller is programmed to change a zone of the at least one ophthalmic lens corresponding to the second region in response to the information regarding the movement of the user's eye.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein: The electronic controller is programmed to change the zone corresponding to the second area so that it coincides with the user's gaze axis.

31. The system of claim 25, wherein: The sensor is an environmental sensor configured to provide information about the user's environment to the electronic controller.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein: The environmental sensor is a proximity sensor, and the electronic controller is programmed to change the optical state of the ophthalmic lens based on the information from the proximity sensor.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein: The electronic controller is programmed to change the optical state of the ophthalmic lens based on the information from the environmental sensor.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein: The electronic controller changes the optical state by changing the position of a zone of the respective ophthalmic lens corresponding to the first region.

35. The system of claim 25, wherein: Each optical state corresponds to a different level of contrast reduction of an image viewed through the first region of the corresponding ophthalmic lens.

36. The system of claim 25, wherein: The power source includes a battery.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein: The battery is rechargeable.

38. The system of claim 25, wherein: The eyeglass device includes an eyeglass frame that houses the power source and the electronic controller.

39. The system of claim 25, further comprising a headset, the headset comprising the eyewear device, a power source, and the electronic controller.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein: The headset is an augmented reality (AR) headset.

41. A method for reducing the contrast of images formed in a person's peripheral vision for non-therapeutic purposes, the method using the glasses according to claim 1 or the system according to claim 25, the method comprising: using an optical energy switching component in an ophthalmic lens used by the person to change the amount of scatter in a scattering zone of the lens, in, The change includes changing the size and position of the scattering area of ​​the lens that scatters incident light and the transparent area of ​​the lens.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein The amount of scatter varies based on the person's visual task.

43. The method according to claim 41, wherein The amount of scattering changes based on eye movement of the person.

44. The method according to claim 43, wherein The amount of diffusion is varied to align the clear zone of the lens with the person's central visual axis and to align the diffusion zone with the person's peripheral vision.

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