Contact lens selectively transmitting wavelengths

Abstract

A contact lens comprising a body, a filtering property that blocks at least some light having a wavelength between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers from being transmitted through the body, and a transmission property that transmits at least some light having a wavelength above 500 nanometers through the body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of ophthalmic lenses, and in particular to ophthalmic lenses having surface structures for controlling friction. Background Technology

[0002] Emptiness is the visual state in which a viewer can clearly see both near and distant objects. The cornea and lens work together to focus light entering the eye onto the central area of ​​the retina. Emptiness occurs when the combined refractive power of the cornea and lens precisely focuses light onto the central part of the retina.

[0003] Myopia is a visual condition in which objects close to the viewer appear clear, but objects farther away become blurry. Myopia is sometimes simply called nearsightedness. It can be caused by a variety of factors. In many cases of myopia, a significant factor is the elongation of the eye's axial length. Myopia occurs when the focal point of focused light rays forms in front of the retina. In other words, the focal point of light rays entering the eye stops near the retina.

[0004] Another condition affected by the length of the eye's axial length is farsightedness. This condition causes the viewer to see distant objects clearly, while objects closer to the viewer become increasingly blurry. Although this condition can occur for a variety of reasons, an individual has farsightedness if the focal point of the light the eye focuses forms behind the retina.

[0005] The axial length of the eye increases with age. As young adults enter their early adulthood, the eye typically stops growing, and the axial length becomes more permanent. Therefore, if the growth of the axial length of the eye can be controlled during childhood and adolescence, myopia or hyperopia can be reduced or even eliminated in adulthood. Accordingly, devices, systems, and methods for controlling the growth of the axial length of the eye during any stage of life during which the eye can grow are likely to be desired. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Several representative examples are provided to illustrate the various features, characteristics, and advantages of the disclosed user matters. It should be understood that the features, characteristics, advantages, etc., described in conjunction with an example can be used alone or in various combinations and sub-combinations with other features described in conjunction with other examples.

[0007] In one example, a contact lens includes a body, filtering properties that block at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm from passing through the body, and transmission properties that allow at least some light with wavelengths higher than 500 nm to pass through the body.

[0008] Blocking at least some of the light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers can include blocking 100% of the light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers.

[0009] Blocking at least some of the light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers may include blocking at least 90% of the light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers.

[0010] Blocking at least some of the light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm may include blocking at least 80% of the light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm.

[0011] Blocking at least some of the light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm may include blocking at least 70% of the light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm.

[0012] Blocking at least some of the light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers may include blocking at least 50% of the light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers.

[0013] Blocking at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm includes blocking at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 450 nm and transmitting at least some light with wavelengths between 450 nm and 500 nm.

[0014] Blocking at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 450 nm includes blocking 100% of light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 450 nm.

[0015] Blocking at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 450 nm includes blocking at least 90% of light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 450 nm.

[0016] Blocking at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 450 nm includes blocking at least 80% of light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 450 nm.

[0017] Blocking at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 450 nm includes blocking at least 70% of light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 450 nm.

[0018] Blocking at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 450 nm includes blocking at least 50% of light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 450 nm.

[0019] The body can be made at least partially of a polymer.

[0020] The contact lens may include a blocking agent incorporated into the polymer, wherein the blocking agent causes the filtering characteristics.

[0021] The blocking agent may include at least triphenylphosphine.

[0022] The blocker may include at least 2-[3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]ethyl methacrylate.

[0023] The blocking agent may comprise at least 1.0% of the weight of the contact lens.

[0024] The blocking agent may comprise at least 5.0% of the weight of the contact lens.

[0025] The blocking agent may comprise at least 10.0% of the weight of the contact lens.

[0026] The blocking agent may comprise at least 15.0% of the weight of the contact lens.

[0027] The blocking agent may comprise at least 25.0% of the weight of the contact lens.

[0028] The contact lens may include the viewing area of ​​the body, wherein the blocking agent is located within the viewing area.

[0029] The contact lens may include a peripheral area of ​​the body, wherein the blocking agent is located within the peripheral area.

[0030] The polymer may include silicon materials.

[0031] The polymer may include hydrogel materials.

[0032] The contact lens may include a second transmission characteristic that allows at least some light with wavelengths below 400 nanometers to pass through the body.

[0033] The second transmission characteristic may include at least some light with a transmission wavelength range between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers.

[0034] The second transmission characteristic may include at least some light with a transmission wavelength range between 360 nanometers and 370 nanometers.

[0035] The second transmission characteristic includes transmitting at least some light with a wavelength range between 360 nanometers and 380 nanometers.

[0036] The second transmission characteristic may include at least some light with a transmission wavelength range between 370 nm and 380 nm.

[0037] The second transmission characteristic may include at least some light with a transmission wavelength range between 380 nm and 390 nm.

[0038] The second transmission characteristic may include at least some light with a transmission wavelength range between 390 nm and 400 nm.

[0039] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing 100% transmission of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm through the body.

[0040] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 90% of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm to be transmitted through the body.

[0041] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 80% of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm to be transmitted through the body.

[0042] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 70% of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm to be transmitted through the body.

[0043] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 50% of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm to be transmitted through the body.

[0044] The second transmission characteristic includes allowing 100% transmission of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 380 nm through the body.

[0045] The second transmission characteristic includes allowing at least 90% of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 380 nm to be transmitted through the body.

[0046] The second transmission characteristic includes allowing at least 80% of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 380 nm to be transmitted through the body.

[0047] The second transmission characteristic includes allowing at least 70% of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 380 nm to be transmitted through the body.

[0048] The second transmission characteristic includes allowing at least 50% of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 380 nm to be transmitted through the body.

[0049] The contact lens may further include a third transmission property that enhances light wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm through absorption and fluorescence within the body.

[0050] The third transmission characteristic includes absorbing at least some light with wavelengths below 360 nm and above 400 nm and emitting at least some light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm.

[0051] The contact lens can be an orthokeratology lens.

[0052] The contact lens can be a rigid, breathable lens.

[0053] The contact lens can be a soft contact lens.

[0054] In one example, a method for controlling myopia progression / onset includes providing a contact lens and instructing a user to wear the contact lens. The contact lens may include filtering characteristics that block at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm from passing through the body, transmission characteristics that allow at least some light with wavelengths higher than 500 nm to pass through the body, and a second transmission characteristic that allows at least some light with wavelengths lower than 400 nm to pass through the body.

[0055] The second transmission characteristic may include at least some light with a transmission wavelength range between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers.

[0056] The second transmission characteristic may include at least some light with a transmission wavelength range between 360 nanometers and 370 nanometers.

[0057] The second transmission characteristic may include at least some light with a transmission wavelength range between 360 nanometers and 380 nanometers.

[0058] The second transmission characteristic may include at least some light with a transmission wavelength range between 370 nm and 380 nm.

[0059] The second transmission characteristic may include at least some light with a transmission wavelength range between 380 nm and 390 nm.

[0060] The second transmission characteristic may include at least some light with a transmission wavelength range between 390 nm and 400 nm.

[0061] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 90% of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm to be transmitted through the body.

[0062] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 70% of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm to be transmitted through the body.

[0063] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 50% of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm to be transmitted through the body.

[0064] The second transmission characteristic includes allowing at least 90% of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 380 nm to be transmitted through the contact lens.

[0065] The second transmission characteristic includes allowing at least 70% of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 380 nm to be transmitted through the contact lens.

[0066] The second transmission characteristic includes allowing at least 50% of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 380 nm to be transmitted through the contact lens.

[0067] The contact lens may further include a third transmission property that enhances light wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm through absorption and fluorescence within the body.

[0068] The third transmission characteristic includes absorbing at least some light with wavelengths below 360 nm and above 400 nm and emitting at least some light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm.

[0069] The method may include communicating to the user that wearing the initial contact lens may slow the progression of myopia, wherein the user has been diagnosed with myopia.

[0070] The method may include communicating to the user that wearing the initial contact lens may prevent the onset of myopia, wherein the user has not been diagnosed with myopia.

[0071] The method may include communicating to the user that wearing the initial contact lens may delay the onset of myopia, wherein the user has not been diagnosed with myopia.

[0072] Users can be under 5 years old.

[0073] Users can be between 3 and 12 years old.

[0074] Blocking at least some of the light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers may include blocking at least 90% of the light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers.

[0075] Blocking at least some of the light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm may include blocking at least 70% of the light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm.

[0076] Blocking at least some of the light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers may include blocking at least 50% of the light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers.

[0077] The body can be made at least partially of a polymer.

[0078] The body may include a blocking agent incorporated into the polymer, and the blocking agent causes the filtering properties.

[0079] The blocking agent may include at least triphenylphosphine.

[0080] The blocker may include at least 2-[3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]ethyl methacrylate.

[0081] The blocking agent may comprise at least 1.0% of the weight of the contact lens.

[0082] The blocking agent may comprise at least 5.0% of the weight of the contact lens.

[0083] The blocking agent may comprise at least 10.0% of the weight of the contact lens.

[0084] The contact lens may include the viewing area of ​​the body, and the blocking agent is located within the viewing area.

[0085] The contact lens may include a peripheral area of ​​the body, and the blocking agent is located within the peripheral area.

[0086] The polymer may include silicon materials.

[0087] The polymer may include hydrogel materials.

[0088] In one example, a method of manufacturing a contact lens includes applying a liquid lens material to a rotary casting mold and rotating the rotary casting mold. The liquid material includes a blocking agent having the property of blocking at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers from passing through the liquid lens material.

[0089] The method may include at least partially curing the liquid lens material to form a contact lens.

[0090] The contact lens may have the property of blocking at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm from passing through it.

[0091] In one example, a method of manufacturing a contact lens may include applying a first liquid lens material to a rotary casting mold, rotating the rotary casting mold, at least partially solidifying the first liquid lens material, and applying a second material to the first liquid lens material, wherein the second material includes a blocking agent having the property of blocking at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers from passing through the liquid lens material.

[0092] The second material can be a second liquid lens material.

[0093] Applying the second material to the first liquid lens material may include applying the second material into the rotary casting mold.

[0094] Applying the second material to the first liquid lens material may include injecting the second material into the first liquid lens material.

[0095] Applying the second material to the first liquid lens material may include infiltrating the first liquid lens material by atmospheric pressure.

[0096] Applying the second material to the first liquid lens material may include absorbing the second material into the first liquid lens material.

[0097] The first liquid lens material may be without the blocking agent.

[0098] The method may include curing the first liquid lens material and the second material together.

[0099] The method may include applying additional liquid lens material to the second material or the first liquid lens material.

[0100] The method may include the second material located between the first liquid lens material and the additional liquid lens material.

[0101] The method may include curing the additional liquid lens material.

[0102] The method may include curing the additional liquid lens material to crosslink the additional liquid lens material to the first liquid lens material.

[0103] The method may include curing the additional liquid lens material to crosslink the additional liquid lens material to the second material.

[0104] The method may include at least partially curing the first liquid lens material by exposing the liquid lens material to photochemical radiation.

[0105] In one example, a contact lens includes a cast body. The cast body includes filtering characteristics that block at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm from passing through the body, transmission characteristics that allow at least some light with wavelengths higher than 500 nm to pass through the body, and a second transmission characteristic that allows at least some light with wavelengths lower than 400 nm to pass through the body.

[0106] The contact lens may include a blocking agent that causes filtering characteristics.

[0107] The blocking agent can be triphenylphosphine or at least one of another blocking agents.

[0108] The contact lens may include the viewing area of ​​the cast body, wherein the blocking agent is located within the viewing area.

[0109] The contact lens may include a peripheral region of the cast body, wherein the blocking agent is located within the peripheral region.

[0110] The casting body may include silicon material.

[0111] The casting body may include hydrogel materials.

[0112] The cast body may include a second filtering feature that blocks at least some light with wavelengths below 360 nanometers from passing through the body.

[0113] Light with wavelengths below 360 nanometers can include ultraviolet A light.

[0114] Light with wavelengths below 360 nanometers can include ultraviolet B light.

[0115] The contact lens may include a second blocking agent that causes the second filtering characteristic.

[0116] The second blocking agent may include titanium dioxide, oxybenzone, octyl salicylate, octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate, other blocking agents, or combinations thereof.

[0117] The contact lens may further include a third transmission property that enhances light wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm through absorption and fluorescence within the body.

[0118] The third transmission characteristic includes absorbing at least some light with wavelengths below 360 nm and above 400 nm and emitting at least some light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm. Attached Figure Description

[0119] The accompanying drawings illustrate various examples of the principles described herein and are part of the specification. The examples shown are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims.

[0120] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a contact lens that guides light into the eye.

[0121] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a contact lens.

[0122] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the contact lens.

[0123] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the contact lens.

[0124] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a mold used for eye lenses.

[0125] Figure 6 It contains liquid lens material Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the mold.

[0126] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the mold, in which liquid lens material is centrifugally distributed along the mold's contour.

[0127] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of the rotating structure used to form and solidify the mold for manufacturing eye lenses.

[0128] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a mold used for eye lenses.

[0129] Figure 10 It contains liquid lens material Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the mold.

[0130] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the mold, in which liquid lens material is centrifugally distributed along the mold's contour.

[0131] Figure 12 This is an exploded view of a contact lens.

[0132] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the chemical formula of the blocking agent.

[0133] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the chemical formula of the blocking agent.

[0134] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the chemical formula of the blocking agent.

[0135] Figure 16 It is a block diagram of methods for preventing the onset of myopia and / or slowing its progression.

[0136] Figure 17 This is a block diagram of a method for creating contacts.

[0137] Figure 18 This is a block diagram of a method for manufacturing contact lenses.

[0138] Figure 19 This is a block diagram of a method for manufacturing contact lenses.

[0139] Throughout the accompanying drawings, similar and identical reference numerals indicate elements that are similar but not necessarily identical. Detailed Implementation

[0140] Blue light is generally considered to have a wavelength range centered around 475 nanometers. Natural light (that is, light from the sun) contains a significant amount of blue light, but the amount varies throughout the day. As the sun gradually sets towards the end of daylight hours, blue light tends to decrease. Based on the varying amount of blue light throughout the day, the human body adjusts its circadian rhythm. Significant amounts of blue light are typically emitted from digital screens, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs), televisions, and mobile devices. The blue light emitted by these devices is considered a factor contributing to difficulty falling asleep at night, especially when these devices are used shortly before bedtime. Furthermore, significant exposure to blue light in children and adolescents is considered a contributing factor to macular degeneration and other eye diseases later in life. Normally, adults have increased levels of compounds in the vitreous cavity of their eyes that absorb blue light before it reaches the retina. However, children's eyes are still changing and developing to their full size, and they do not have the same protection against blue light. Therefore, children are considered more susceptible to at least some of the effects of blue light than adults.

[0141] High levels of ultraviolet (UV) light, typically with wavelengths below 360 nanometers, are also considered unhealthy for the human eye. Most UV-C light is filtered out by atmospheric ozone, and UV-A and UV-B light usually never reaches the retina of the eye because these wavelengths are typically filtered out by the cornea and lens. However, high exposure of the cornea and lens to UV light can lead to cataracts and other types of damage.

[0142] Violet light, typically with wavelengths between 360 and 400 nanometers, has a wavelength between that of UV light and blue light. Generally, artificial light sources that produce large amounts of blue light (such as mobile devices, televisions, and LEDs) do not produce large amounts of violet light. In some cases, violet light can have a positive effect on preventing the onset of myopia or slowing its progression. Without being confined to any single theory, violet light reaching the retina provides a biofeedback pathway that triggers an increase in the production of certain proteins associated with preventing or slowing myopia progression. This visual feedback can be used to balance the eye's axial length with the co-focusing ability of the cornea and lens. The eye uses the focal point of light on the retina to determine when the eye's axial length is balanced.

[0143] Typically, glasses that filter UV and blue light also block and / or filter light wavelengths spanning both UV and blue light wavelengths, which also results in blocking and / or filtering violet light wavelengths. Therefore, users are at risk of blocking violet light when using sunglasses or other eyewear designed to block UV and blue light. Over time, blocking violet light may lead to insufficient violet light, which could contribute to myopia in users.

[0144] Whether you agree or disagree with these theories, the contact lenses described herein can be used to slow myopia progression and / or prevent the onset of myopia progression by selectively filtering light of certain wavelengths while allowing light of other desired wavelengths to pass through. In some examples, the transmitted wavelengths are within the range of wavelengths that are filtered and / or blocked.

[0145] Typically, a child's eyes experience significant growth in the first three years of life compared to the rest of childhood. Generally, an individual's eyes complete their growth by age 18. In indoor environments that primarily produce blue light and not violet light (such as environments lit by LED lights), children and adolescents may not receive enough violet light during these crucial years to prevent myopia. Therefore, these children may be more prone to developing myopia due to environmental factors.

[0146] In addition to one or more other users, the contact lenses described herein, and the methods for using contact lenses to control myopia progression and / or onset, can be applied to those experiencing or predisposing to childhood myopia. In some parts of the world, such as many parts of Asia, childhood myopia affects the majority of children. The contact lenses described herein can be used by children diagnosed with myopia, children not diagnosed with myopia but with genetic or environmental markers predisposing them to myopia, and any other children. The contact lenses described herein transmit a healthy amount of light within certain wavelengths while blocking other types of wavelengths, thus preventing the eye from developing childhood myopia or halting its progression. Users (such as children) can wear contact lenses until their 18th birthday or until another milestone is determined that coincides with the time when the eye is considered to have stopped growing or stopped being affected by violet light. While the eye may be more prone to rapid growth when children are teenagers, users can continue to wear contact lenses until older age to ensure that myopia progression does not recur after the user stops wearing contact lenses. Although these methods are described as being particularly relevant to childhood episodic myopia, at least some of these principles can be applied to those who are experiencing or are prone to experiencing adult episodic myopia.

[0147] Traditionally, contact lenses are formed using processes involving lathes. The contact lenses described herein can be manufactured using a lathe. However, in some examples, the contact lenses described herein can be manufactured using casting (both non-assembled and assembled) or spin casting processes, which allows for the production of precise replicas of the contact lenses at a more cost-effective speed. The contact lenses described herein can also be manufactured using any combination of additive manufacturing or subtractive manufacturing processes known in the art or developed in the future.

[0148] Figure 1This is a cross-sectional view of a contact lens 100 that allows light to enter the eye 12. In this example, the contact lens 100 is placed on the eye 12. Ambient light rays 14, 16, and 18 enter the eye 12 after passing through the contact lens 100. These rays are naturally focused by the cornea 20 and lens 21 of the eye toward the central region 22 of the retina 24. In this example, the contact lens maintains the natural focus of the light rays. In other words, in this example, the focal point 25 of the light rays 14, 16, and 18 is on the central region 22 of the retina 24, regardless of whether the contact lens is worn. However, in other examples, the contact lens 100 can influence or adjust the location where the light falls. While these examples depict light focused on the central region 22 of the retina, light may also naturally focus or defocus on the central region or the peripheral region of the retina. In some examples, the contact lens alters the focal point of light directed toward the peripheral region of the eye 12, while in other examples, the contact lens maintains the natural peripheral focus of the light.

[0149] In the examples shown, for illustrative purposes, the contact lens 100 is depicted as spaced apart from the eye 12. The contact lens 100 may directly contact portions of the cornea 21, the sclera, other parts of the eye 12, or combinations thereof. In some cases, the contact lens 100 may directly contact all parts of the eye 12 adjacent to the contact lens 100. In other examples, some portions of the contact lens 100 may be spaced apart from the eye 12, such that the eye 12 does not contact the contact lens 100 in those specific areas, but the eye 12 directly contacts other parts of the eye 12. In one of these types of examples, the periphery of the contact lens 100 may directly contact the eye 12, while the central portion of the lens 100 does not directly contact the eye 12. In some cases where some portions of the lens 100 do not directly contact the eye 12, these portions may indirectly contact the eye 12 through a fluid (such as tears). In cases where gaps exist between the eye 12 and the contact lens 100, these gaps may be filled with tears produced by the lacrimal ducts.

[0150] In other examples, the pressure applied to the eye 12 by the contact lens 100 can be uniform across the entire area covered by the contact lens 100. In other examples, the pressure on the eye 12 can vary across the entire area covered by the contact lens 100. In one example, the highest pressure applied by the contact lens 100 is on the corneal portion of the eye 12. In another example, the highest pressure applied by the contact lens 100 is in the scleral portion of the eye 12. In yet another example, the highest pressure applied to the eye 12 is located at the transition between the corneal and scleral portions of the eye 12. In those examples where the highest pressure is applied to the corneal portion of the eye 12, the pressure can be applied uniformly. However, in other examples, the pressure applied to the cornea 21 can vary across the corneal portion of the eye 12. For example, the highest pressure on the corneal portion of the eye 12 can be on those portions corresponding to the pupil of the eye 12, while a lower pressure or negative pressure is applied to the portions of the cornea 21 corresponding to the iris of the eye 12.

[0151] Based on the principles described in this disclosure, any suitable type of contact lens 100 can be used. For example, contact lens 100 can be a soft contact lens, a rigid gas-permeable contact lens, an Ortho-K contact lens, a composite contact lens, an eye-tinting lens, another type of contact lens, or a combination thereof. In some examples, contact lens 100 is layered. In a particular example, the layer of contact lens 100 containing the blocking agent can be sandwiched between two other layers of contact lens 100. A non-exhaustive list of materials that can be incorporated into or include suitable contact lenses 100 includes silicon materials, hydrogel materials, tefilcon, tetrafilcon A, crofilcon, helfilcon A&B, mafilcon, polymacon, hioxifilcon B, lotrafilcon A, lotrafilcon B, galyfilcon A, senofilcon A, sifilcon A, comfilcon A, enfilcon A, litofilcon B, surfilcon A, litofilcon A, alfafilcon A, omafilcon A, vasurfilcon A, hioxifilcon A, hioxifilcon D, nelfilcon A, hilafilcon A, acofilcon A, bufilcon A, deltafilcon A, phemfilcon A, bufilcon A, perfilcon, etafilcon A, focofilcon A, ocufilcon B, ocufilcon C, ocufilcon D, ocufilcon E, ocufilcon F, phemfilcon A, methafilcon A. Metafilcon B. Vilfilcon A. Other types of polymers, or combinations thereof. These materials can include various combinations of monomers, polymers, blocking agents, and other materials to form the final polymer. For example, common components of these materials can include HEMA, HEMA-GMA, etc.

[0152] Figure 2An example of a contact lens 200 with transmission characteristics is depicted. The contact lens 200 may substantially resemble and include some or all of the characteristics of any contact lens described herein. In this example, UV-A light is schematically represented by arrow 202, UV-B light by arrow 204, violet light by arrow 206, blue light by arrow 208, green light by arrow 210, and yellow light by arrow 212. In this example, the contact lens 200 includes transmission characteristics that allow UV-A, UV-B, violet, green, and yellow light to pass through the contact lens. In this example, the contact lens 200 includes filtering characteristics that block at least some blue light from passing through the contact lens. For example, the transmission characteristics may include all light with wavelengths higher than 500 nanometers. Further, in some examples, the transmission characteristics may include all light with wavelengths lower than 400 nanometers.

[0153] While this example depicts only certain types of light transmitted through contact lens 200, other types of light not depicted may also transmit through lens 200. For example, all types of light except blue light may transmit through contact lens 200. In other examples, only other types of visible light may transmit through contact lens 200, which may include red, orange, indigo, and / or other types of light.

[0154] In some examples, the filtering properties may also block other types of light with wavelengths adjacent to blue light wavelengths, such as portions of indigo and green light. In some examples, the filtering properties block at least some light in the 400 nm to 500 nm wavelength range. In some examples, the filtering properties block at least some light in the 400 nm to 450 nm wavelength range. In some examples, the filtering properties block at least some light with wavelengths below about 360 nm or below about 280 nm.

[0155] In some examples, blocking at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm includes blocking 100% of light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm, blocking at least 90% of light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm, blocking at least 80% of light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm, blocking at least 70% of light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm, blocking at least 50% of light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm, blocking another percentage of light with wavelengths in the 400 nm to 500 nm range, or combinations thereof. In some examples, where the blocking agent blocks only a certain percentage of light in the 400 nm to 500 nm range, the blocking agent blocks 100% of only certain wavelengths within that range. In other examples, the blocking agent blocks a wide range of wavelengths, but only blocks a percentage of those wavelengths it blocks.

[0156] In some examples, blocking at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 450 nm includes blocking 100% of light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 450 nm, blocking at least 90% of light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 450 nm, blocking at least 80% of light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 450 nm, blocking at least 70% of light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 450 nm, blocking at least 50% of light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 450 nm, blocking another percentage of light with wavelengths in the 400 nm to 450 nm range, or combinations thereof. In some examples, where the blocking agent blocks only a certain percentage of light in the 400 nm to 450 nm range, the blocking agent blocks 100% of only certain wavelengths within that range. In other examples, the blocking agent blocks a wide range of wavelengths, but only blocks a percentage of those wavelengths it blocks.

[0157] In some examples, blocking at least some light with wavelengths below 360 nm includes blocking 100% of light with wavelengths below 360 nm, blocking at least 90% of light with wavelengths below 360 nm, blocking at least 80% of light with wavelengths below 360 nm, blocking at least 70% of light with wavelengths below 360 nm, blocking at least 50% of light with wavelengths below 360 nm, blocking another percentage of light with wavelengths below 360 nm, or a combination thereof. In some examples, where the blocking agent blocks only a certain percentage of light below 360 nm, the blocking agent blocks 100% of only certain wavelengths within that range. In other examples, the blocking agent blocks a wide range of wavelengths, but only blocks a percentage of those wavelengths it blocks.

[0158] Figure 3An example of a contact lens 200 with transmission characteristics is depicted. The contact lens 200 may substantially resemble and include some or all of the features of any contact lens described herein. In this example, UV-A light is schematically represented by arrow 202, UV-B light by arrow 204, violet light by arrow 206, blue light by arrow 208, green light by arrow 210, and yellow light by arrow 212. In this example, the contact lens 200 includes violet, green, and yellow light passing through the contact lens. In this example, the contact lens 200 includes filtering characteristics that block at least some UV-A, UV-B, and blue light from passing through the contact lens. In some examples, the contact lens 200 may include transmission characteristics that allow at least some light with wavelengths below 400 nanometers to pass through the body. In some examples, the contact lens 200 may include transmission characteristics that allow at least some light with wavelengths below 500 nanometers to pass through the body. In this example, violet light (which may include wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm or between 360 nm and 380 nm) can be transmitted through the contact lens 200.

[0159] The transmission characteristics may include at least some light with a transmission wavelength range between 360 nm and 400 nm. The transmission characteristics may include at least some light with a transmission wavelength range between 360 nm and 370 nm, at least some light with a transmission wavelength range between 370 nm and 380 nm, at least some light with a transmission wavelength range between 380 nm and 390 nm, at least some light with a transmission wavelength range between 390 nm and 400 nm, or combinations thereof, such as at least some light with a transmission wavelength range between 360 nm and 380 nm.

[0160] The transmission characteristics may include allowing 100% transmission of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm through the body of the contact lens, allowing at least 90% transmission of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm through the body, allowing at least 80% transmission of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm through the body, allowing at least 70% transmission of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm through the body, allowing at least 50% transmission of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm through the body, and allowing at least another percentage transmission of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm through the contact lens.

[0161] The transmission characteristics may include allowing 100% transmission of light with wavelengths greater than 360 nm through the body of the contact lens, allowing at least 90% transmission of light with wavelengths greater than 360 nm through the body, allowing at least 80% transmission of light with wavelengths greater than 360 nm through the body, allowing at least 70% transmission of light with wavelengths greater than 360 nm through the body, allowing at least 50% transmission of light with wavelengths greater than 360 nm through the body, and allowing at least another percentage transmission of light with wavelengths greater than 360 nm through the contact lens.

[0162] In some examples, the transmission characteristics may also include at least some light with a transmission wavelength of about 280 nanometers or less. The transmission characteristics may include 100% transmission of light with a wavelength less than 280 nanometers through the body of the contact lens, at least 90% transmission of light with a wavelength less than 280 nanometers through the body, at least 80% transmission of light with a wavelength less than 280 nanometers through the body, at least 70% transmission of light with a wavelength less than 280 nanometers through the body, at least 50% transmission of light with a wavelength less than 280 nanometers through the body, and at least another percentage transmission of light with a wavelength less than 280 nanometers through the contact lens.

[0163] Figure 4 An example of a contact lens 200 with transmission characteristics is depicted. The contact lens 200 may substantially resemble and include some or all of the features of any contact lens described herein. In this example, UV-A light is schematically represented by arrow 202, UV-B light by arrow 204, violet light by arrow 206, blue light by arrow 208, green light by arrow 210, and yellow light by arrow 212. In this example, the contact lens 200 includes violet, green, and yellow light passing through the contact lens. In this example, the contact lens 200 includes filtering characteristics that absorb at least some of the UV-A, UV-B, and / or blue light incident on the lens and prevent at least some of the UV-A, UV-B, and / or blue light from passing through the contact lens. Further, in this example, the contact lens 200 includes filtering characteristics that emit at least some energy absorbed from the incident UV-A, UV-B, and / or blue light as violet light, as indicated by arrow 206. In some examples, as shown, at least some of the violet light emitted from the lens due to the absorption of UV-A, UV-B, and / or blue light can enter the eye. In some examples, the contact lens 200 thereby achieves the effect of blocking at least some of the UV-A, UV-B, and / or blue light and enhancing the eye's exposure to violet light.

[0164] In some examples, this effect can be achieved, for example, by including a fluorescent agent in the contact lens 200. In some examples, this fluorescent agent can absorb and / or block UV-A, UV-B, and / or blue light, and may fluoresce or emit violet light. As described herein, in some examples, the contact lens 200 may include a fluorescent agent, such as Indo-1. In some examples, a suitable fluorescent agent may be used as a blocking agent, or a fluorescent agent may be used in addition to one or more other blocking agents.

[0165] In some examples, the contact lens may include, for example, fluorescence to enhance the transmission properties of at least some light with wavelengths below 400 nm, as described herein. As used herein, enhancement (or enhancement) may include exposing the eye to an amount or intensity of light of one or more wavelengths greater than the natural amount or intensity of one or more wavelengths incident on the lens. In some examples, the contact lens may include transmission properties to enhance at least some light with wavelengths below 500 nm. In this example, violet light (which may include wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm or between 360 nm and 380 nm) may be enhanced by a fluorescent agent in the contact lens 200.

[0166] Transmission characteristics may include enhancing at least some light in the wavelength range between 360 nm and 400 nm. Transmission characteristics may include enhancing at least some light in the wavelength range between 360 nm and 370 nm, transmitting at least some light in the wavelength range between 370 nm and 380 nm, transmitting at least some light in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 390 nm, transmitting at least some light in the wavelength range between 390 nm and 400 nm, or combinations thereof, such as transmitting at least some light in the wavelength range between 360 nm and 380 nm. Transmission characteristics may further include blocking or absorbing at least some light in the wavelength range below 360 nm and / or above 400 nm, such as as described herein. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As described.

[0167] In some examples, the contact lens may include a hue, for example, by including one or more dyes in the contact lens. In some examples, the hue may be used to selectively filter and enhance a desired portion of the spectrum. In some examples, a contact lens including a hue may have transmission properties that include enhancing at least some light in the wavelength range between 360 nm and 400 nm. The transmission properties may include enhancing at least some light in the wavelength range between 360 nm and 370 nm, transmitting at least some light in the wavelength range between 370 nm and 380 nm, transmitting at least some light in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 390 nm, transmitting at least some light in the wavelength range between 390 nm and 400 nm, or combinations thereof, such as transmitting at least some light in the wavelength range between 360 nm and 380 nm.

[0168] In some examples, the contact lens can enhance the desired wavelength or wavelength range of light through, for example, thin-film interference. In some examples, one or more surfaces of the contact lens may include a thin film whose thickness is configured to reflect or otherwise block at least some UV-A, UV-B, and / or blue light from transmitting through the lens. For example, in some examples, the contact lens may include a thin film, such as a polymer film, whose thickness is a multiple of half the wavelength of UV-A, UV-B, and / or blue light. For example, some UV light has a wavelength of 300 nanometers, and the contact lens may include a thin film with a thickness of 150 nanometers, 300 nanometers, 450 nanometers, or other multiples of half the wavelength of UV light (that is, 150 nanometers). Furthermore, in some examples, the thin film may have a refractive index different from that of the contact lens body.

[0169] Figures 5 to 8 Various components for manufacturing contact lenses (such as contact lenses 100, 200) as described herein are shown in some examples. A liquid lens material 52 can be applied to the contour 54 of a mold 42. The mold 42 with the liquid lens material 52 can be loaded into a rotating structure 68 configured to rotate the mold 42 such that the liquid lens material 52 is centrifugally dispersed on the contour 54 in the desired shape of the contact lens. As the mold 42 rotates, a curing agent (e.g., temperature, photochemical radiation, or another type of curing agent) is exposed to the liquid lens material 52. As a result, the liquid lens material 52 hardens into a contact lens.

[0170] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of an example mold for a contact lens based on the principles of this disclosure. In this example, mold 42 has a base 56 with a plurality of cutouts 58, 60, 62, which are spaced apart and shaped to interlock with the inner surface of the rotating structure in a later stage of manufacturing. The profile 54 of mold 42 is shaped to form the front surface of the contact lens.

[0171] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of an example mold 42 having liquid lens material 52 according to the principles of this disclosure. In this example, the liquid lens material 52 is deposited into the contour 54 of the mold.

[0172] The liquid lens material 52 can be made of any material suitable for contact lenses. For example, the liquid lens material 52 can be made of any silicon material and / or hydrogel material. This material can be formed from polymers such as tefilcon, tetrafilcon A, crofilcon, helfilconA&B, mafilcon, polymacon, hioxifilcon B, lotrafilcon A, lotrafilcon B, galyfilcon A, senofilcon A, sifilcon A, comfilcon A, enfilcon A, lidofilcon B, surfilcon A, lidofilcon A, alfafilcon A, omafilcon A, vasurfilcon A, hioxifilcon A, hioxifilcon D, nelfilcon A, hilafilcon A, acofilconA, bufilcon A, deltafilcon A, phemfilcon A, bufilcon A, perfilcon, etafilcon A, focofilcon A, ocufilcon B, ocufilcon C, ocufilconD, ocufilcon E, ocufilcon F, phemfilcon A, methafilcon A, methafilcon B.vilfilcon A. Other types of polymers, monomers, or combinations thereof. These materials may include various combinations of monomers, polymers, and other materials to form liquid lens materials.

[0173] In some examples, the material constituting the liquid lens material may include at least one blocking agent that blocks light within a desired wavelength range. In some examples, a blue light blocking agent is incorporated into the liquid lens material. Any suitable type of blue light blocking agent may be incorporated into the lens. In some examples, the blue light blocking agent includes triphenylphosphine, a colored dye, another type of blocking agent, or a combination thereof. In some examples, a UV light blocking agent is incorporated into the liquid lens material. In some examples, two or more types of blocking agents may be incorporated into the liquid lens material.

[0174] In some examples, another type of blocking agent can be used to block light at desired wavelengths below about 360 nm or below about 280 nm. These blocking agents can be used to block UV or blue light wavelengths. In these examples, any suitable type of blocking agent can be used to block these wavelengths, such as titanium dioxide, oxybenzone, octyl salicylate, octyl methoxycinnamate, RUVA-93, thermoplastic olefins, dyes such as yellow dye #15, benzotriazole reagents such as ethyl 2-[3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]methacrylate, other blocking agents, or combinations thereof.

[0175] Blue light blockers, UV light blockers, or other types of light blockers may be incorporated into the contact lens body in any suitable amount. Any of these blockers may constitute at least 1.0%, at least 5.0%, at least 10.0%, at least 15.0%, at least 25.0%, another suitable amount of their weight, or a combination thereof, of the contact lens body.

[0176] In one example, the liquid lens material is made of a hydrogel polymer that contains no silicone. This is expected to increase the wettability of the contact lens. In another example, the liquid lens material is made of a silicone hydrogel material.

[0177] The shape and size of a contact lens can be based on a variety of factors, including the shape and size of the user's eye and the various optical properties to be achieved by the central portion of the contact lens. In some examples, the total thickness of the contact lens can range from approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 0.14 mm. The thickness of the contact lens can vary gradually at different locations on the contact lens. For example, the contact lens can be thicker near the outer edge of the contact lens than at the center.

[0178] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of mold 42 based on the principles of this disclosure, with liquid lens material 52 centrifugally distributed on the contour 54 of mold 42. In this example, mold 42 is in a rotating structure (68, Figure 7 The rotating structure 68 rotates around the central axis 66. The rotating structure 68 rotates at a certain speed and in a manner that forms the desired rear surface 70 of the contact lens.

[0179] The rotating structure 68 includes a central loading region that receives a mold 42 containing liquid lens material 52. The central loading region can be formed from a glass tube, a metal tube, or another type of structure that holds the mold 42 in a stacked orientation. In an example using photochemical radiation as a curing agent, the rotating structure 68 can be made of an opaque, translucent, or transparent material, including a sufficient number of openings to allow photochemical radiation to enter the central loading region. Figure 8 In the example, the rotating structure 68 includes a plurality of guide posts 74 that hold the mold 42 in a stacked orientation. The rotating structure 68 also includes a region 76 that can be used for attachment to a rotary actuator, such as a motor.

[0180] The rotating structure 68 is programmed to rotate in a precise manner to form the desired rear surface 70 of the contact lens, which is the surface the contact lens is intended to contact the eye. The program causing the rotating structure 68 to rotate can be modified to create desired profiles for different users based on each user's individual prescription. A curing agent is applied to the liquid lens material 52 while the rotating structure 68 rotates the mold 42. As a result, the contact lens is formed while the rotating structure rotates. In some examples, the contact lens is fully cured within the rotating structure. However, in other examples, the contact lens may be fully cured in a process involving multiple curing stages. For example, the contact lens may be cured in the rotating structure 68 to the point where the liquid lens material retains its shape but is not fully cured. At this stage, the mold with the contact lens can be removed from the rotating structure to complete curing in a cost-effective environment. Rotating structures compatible with the principles described herein are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,193,119 to Stephen D. Newman. All disclosures of U.S. Patent No. 9,193,119 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0181] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of an example mold for a contact lens based on the principles of this disclosure. In this example, the liquid lens material 52 is only partially cured before the addition of the second material 900. In this example, the second material 900 is another liquid lens material and is added to the back of the partially cured liquid lens material 52. Figure 10 The mold 42 is depicted rotating again, which causes the second material 900 to spread and cover at least a portion of the rear side of the partially cured liquid lens material 52. In some examples, the second material 900 spreads to cover the entire rear side of the liquid lens material 52, but in other examples, the second material 900 spreads only on a portion of the rear surface area. As the second material 900 spreads, it can solidify in place.

[0182] Although shown as providing only the mold surface for the front surface, in some embodiments, additional mold parts may be provided that provide the shape of the rear surface of the contact lens, such as in a casting system. Such mold parts can be clamped together to form a contact lens by applying pressure from both sides to push the liquid lens material between them outwards to fill the mold cavity and shape the contact lens. The liquid lens solution can be cured in the mold, for example, by exposure to light of a selected wavelength (e.g., UV light). After the contact lens has cured, or as a function of combining the two parts of the mold, any overflow from the molding process can be trimmed.

[0183] In some examples, the first liquid lens material does not include at least one blocking agent, while the second material includes the missing blocking agent. For example, the first liquid lens material may not include a blue light blocking agent, but the second material does. In another example, the liquid lens material does not include at least one UV blocking agent, but the second material includes that UV blocking agent. In yet another example, the liquid lens material may include a blocking agent, but at a different concentration than in the second material. One advantage of depositing a liquid lens material without a blocking agent is that the blocking agent may affect the curing rate of the liquid lens material. The second material may be the same material as the liquid lens material, but in a smaller volume and with a higher concentration of blocking agent. In this example, only a small fraction of the lens material's curing rate is affected by the blocking agent.

[0184] In yet another example, the liquid lens material may include a first type of blocking agent and the second material may include a second type of blocking agent. Separating the blocking agents from each other by depositing them separately and partially curing one of the blocking agents in the liquid lens material before adding a second layer with the second type of blocking agent prevents the blocking agents from mixing, chemically reacting with each other, and / or otherwise interfering with each other. Another reason for separating the deposition of different blocking agents is that one blocking agent may affect the curing rate based on the first type of radiation used to cure the lens body. For example, the liquid lens body can be cured with UV light. In this example, a blue blocking agent may be incorporated into the liquid lens material. Blue light can be used to cure the second material. In this example, the second material may include a UV blocking agent.

[0185] In some examples, blue light can be used to cure materials incorporating blue light blockers. In some examples, the blue light blocker affects the curing rate when blue light is used for curing, but in other examples, the curing rate is not affected by the blue light used to cure the material containing the blue light blocker.

[0186] In some examples, UV light can be used to cure materials incorporating UV light blockers. In some examples, the UV blocker affects the curing rate when UV light cures, but in other examples, the curing rate is not affected by the UV light used to cure the material containing the UV blocker.

[0187] Figure 11 An example of adding an additional liquid lens material layer to a contact lens in mold 42 is depicted. The additional liquid lens material 1100 can be the same type of material as the first liquid lens material, or it can be a different type of material. The first liquid lens material can be partially cured before the second material 900 and the additional liquid lens material are added. In some examples, the second material 900 and the additional liquid lens material 1100 are cured simultaneously. In other examples, the second material 900 is at least partially cured before the additional liquid lens material is cured.

[0188] In one example, a first liquid lens material 52 is added to a mold 42 and rotated and partially cured. A second material 900 is added to the partially cured liquid lens material and also partially cured. Additional liquid lens material is added to both the partially cured second material and the partially cured first liquid lens material. The additional liquid lens material can then be cured such that it crosslinks to the peripheral portion of the first liquid lens material. This process can encapsulate the second material. In examples where the second material includes a blocking agent that may leach from the second material into the user's eye during wear, the additional liquid lens material and the first liquid lens material can serve as a barrier to prevent the migration of that blocking agent.

[0189] In some examples, the blocking agent does not have the property of migrating through the lens body as is typically the case when a user wears a contact lens. In this example, a single-layer contact lens may be desirable.

[0190] While some of the examples above have described the second material as a liquid lens material, the second material can take any suitable form. For example, the second lens material can be a solid material formed on a lathe. In another example, the second lens material can be a sheet of material. In yet another example, the second material can include a partially cured material that has been cured in an environment different from the first liquid lens material.

[0191] Furthermore, while the partially cured first lens material is still in the mold, the second lens material may not be added to the partially cured first lens material. Before adding the second material, the partially cured first liquid lens material can be removed from the mold and transferred to another environment. In some examples, the first liquid lens material can be placed back into the same mold or a different mold before the second material has at least partially cured.

[0192] Figure 12 An example of a contact lens 100 having multiple layers 95, 96, and 97 is depicted. The front layer 95 and the rear layer 97 may be made of a barrier material that prevents the migration of light wavelength blocking agents, such as those included in layer 96. In some examples, the front layer 95 and the rear layer 97 may be made of a material that provides greater oxygen permeability and is more comfortable for the eye. Layers 95, 96, and 97 may be attached to each other via a cross-linking process. In some examples, the front layer 95 and the rear layer 97 may be larger than the intermediate layer 96. In these examples, the intermediate layer may be large enough to cover the portion of the eye intended to receive pressure from the contact lens such that it is sufficient to slow the progression of myopia or prevent the onset of myopia.

[0193] Figure 13 An example of triphenylphosphine 1200 attached to a polymer chain is depicted. Triphenylphosphine is a blocking agent that can be used to block blue light. Triphenylphosphine is commonly abbreviated as P(C6H5)3. Triphenylphosphine may be relatively stable in ambient air and may be colorless at room temperature. In some examples, triphenylphosphine may undergo slow oxidation in air to form oxides. In some examples, oxide formation can be avoided by mixing the blocking agent in an inert environment. In some examples, oxidation reactions are minimized after incorporating triphenylphosphine or other blocking agents into the polymer chains forming the contact lens body. However, in some examples, the lens material containing the blocking agent can be cured in an inert environment to avoid or reduce oxidation. In some examples, the contact lens layer containing the blocking agent is encapsulated within a layer without the blocking agent, which prevents oxidation. In some examples, the blocking agent is in an oxidized form and is compatible with both being part of the contact lens and still blocking the desired wavelength.

[0194] While this example has been described with reference to a specific type of blocker, any appropriate type of blocker can be used based on the principles described herein. For example, another type of clear and / or transparent blocker used to block blue light and / or UV light could be used. In other examples, the blocker may color the contact lens or an area thereof.

[0195] Figure 14 An example of Norbloc 7966, also known as ethyl 2-[3-(2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]methacrylate, is depicted as a benzotriazole-based UV blocker that can be used to block UV light. Benzotriazole-based UV blockers can have very strong or well-defined absorption cutoffs. For example, Norbloc 7966 absorbs UV light up to approximately 385 nm to 390 nm (at which point absorption rapidly decreases). Therefore, this absorption profile allows Norbloc 7966 to effectively block UV light while allowing a high percentage of visible light to pass through, as described herein.

[0196] Furthermore, the point at which absorption rapidly disappears can be modified as needed by including one or more substituents in the molecule. For example, an electron-donating substituent at the 5th position can shift the absorption cutoff to a longer wavelength. In some examples, the substituent could be chlorine (Cl) at the 5th position, in which case the absorption cutoff could be at 400 nm. In some examples, the styrene moiety can be replaced... Figure 14 The methyl methacrylate group in the molecule shown. In some examples, an electron-donating substituent, such as a Cl group, may be included at the 5th position. In some examples, this UV blocker may have an absorption cutoff of 400 nm. In some examples, an electron-withdrawing substituent may alternatively be placed at the 5th position. This substituent may have the effect of shifting the absorption cutoff to a shorter wavelength. For example, in some examples, a nitro group (-NO2) or a sulfonic acid group (-SO3Na) may be used as a substituent at the 5th position, which can shift the absorption cutoff to about 370 nm. In some examples, one or more variants of benzotriazole blockers (such as Norbloc 7966) may be included in a contact lens to selectively block light of a desired wavelength as described herein.

[0197] Figure 15 An example of 2-[4-(bis(carboxymethyl)amino)-3-[2-[2-(bis(carboxymethyl)amino)-5-methylphenoxy]ethoxy]phenyl]-1H-indole-6-carboxylic acid, also known as Indo-1, is described as a UV-absorbing fluorescent agent that absorbs UV light and emits violet light as described herein. Indo-1 is a fluorescent molecule with an emission peak at 475 nm. However, in the presence of calcium, the emission peak of Indo-1 shifts to 400 nm. Accordingly, Indo-1 and calcium can be incorporated into contact lenses as described herein to enhance light at a wavelength of 400 nm. In some examples, contact lenses containing Indo-1 and calcium can absorb at least some of the UV light incident on the lens and then emit light at a wavelength of 400 nm toward the eye.

[0198] Figure 16 A method 1300 for controlling myopia progression and / or preventing myopia onset is described. In this example, method 1300 includes: providing a contact lens 1302, the contact lens including filtering characteristics that block at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm from passing through the body, transmission characteristics that allow at least some light with wavelengths higher than 500 nm to pass through the body, and a second transmission characteristic that allows at least some light with wavelengths lower than 400 nm to pass through the body; and optionally instructing a user 1304 to wear the first contact lens.

[0199] In box 1302, a contact lens is provided to the user. The contact lens includes at least one blocking agent that blocks certain wavelengths of light from entering the eye, while also allowing light of a desired wavelength to pass through the body of the contact lens and enter the user's eye. In some examples, a second transmission characteristic includes transmitting at least some light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm. In some examples, an additional blocking agent may be incorporated into the contact lens to block at least some light with wavelengths below 360 nm.

[0200] In box 1304, the user is instructed on how to wear contact lenses. The desired effect of slowing myopia progression and / or preventing the onset of myopia can be achieved by wearing contact lenses in an environment with violet light, while simultaneously filtering blue and / or UV light. Violet light can provide biofeedback to prevent myopia from initially forming or progressing. In some examples, the presence of violet light can slow the progression of myopia that is already progressing.

[0201] This system can instruct users to wear contact lenses throughout their entire lifespan, corresponding to the axial length growth of the eye. After the end of this lifespan, users can be instructed to discontinue contact lens wear. In some examples, the period corresponding to axial length growth may end when the user turns 18. Consequently, in some examples, users can be instructed to discontinue use around their 18th birthday. In some examples, even after the end of the lifespan corresponding to axial length growth, users may optionally continue wearing contact lenses to reduce or prevent adult-onset myopia or other similar eye problems. In some examples, users can choose to wear contact lenses for a desired period after the lifespan corresponding to axial length growth.

[0202] If a user has a genetic predisposition to developing myopia, they can be instructed to wear contact lenses even if they have not been diagnosed with myopia. In some examples, if a user has environmental, genetic, biological, sociological, or any other factor or combination of factors that could lead to the onset of myopia, they can be instructed to wear contact lenses even if they have not yet been diagnosed with myopia. Potential environmental factors for developing myopia include living in an indoor environment with only artificial light sources (without significant amounts of violet light).

[0203] Figure 17An example of a method 1400 for manufacturing a contact lens is depicted. In this example, method 1400 includes: applying a liquid lens material 1402 into a rotary casting mold, wherein the liquid material includes a blocking agent having the property of blocking at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm from passing through the liquid lens material; and rotating the rotary casting mold 1404. While the process of the present invention is disclosed primarily with respect to rotary casting processes, the materials of the present invention can be used and manufactured in any number of contact lens forming processes, including, but not limited to, rotary casting, casting (non-assembled and assembled types), and lathe machining. In some examples, a hybrid process includes rotary casting or casting followed by lathe machining.

[0204] In frame 1402, a liquid lens material is applied to the mold. The liquid lens material may include a blocking agent that filters and / or blocks light of a predetermined wavelength. The blocking agent may block at least a portion of blue light, UV-A light, UV-B light, light of different wavelengths, or combinations thereof. The blocking agent may allow light of other wavelengths to pass through the contact lens body, such as violet light and all other light in the visible spectrum with wavelengths longer than blue light.

[0205] Figure 18 An example of a method 1500 for manufacturing a contact lens is depicted. In this example, method 1500 includes applying a liquid lens material 1502 into a rotary casting mold, at least partially solidifying the liquid lens material 1504 to form a contact lens, and applying a second material 1506 to the first liquid lens material, wherein the second material includes a blocking agent having the property of blocking at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm from passing through the liquid lens material.

[0206] In box 1502, liquid lens material is added to the mold. In some examples, the first liquid lens material includes a blocking agent, but in other examples, the first liquid lens material is essentially free of a blocking agent.

[0207] In box 1504, the first liquid lens material is at least partially cured. In some examples, the first liquid lens material undergoes a curing process during spin casting of the first liquid lens. At least partial curing allows the liquid lens material to solidify into a desired shape, but some molecular bonds remain unbonded for later stages of the manufacturing process. In some examples, the first liquid lens material is completely cured. At least partial curing can be achieved using light intensities within a specific wavelength range, such as blue light, UV light, light of another wavelength, or combinations thereof.

[0208] In box 1506, a second material is applied to the first liquid lens material. In some examples, the second material is added after the first liquid lens material has at least partially solidified. In some examples, the second material is a liquid material. However, in other examples, the second material may be a solid material or a gaseous material deposited on / within the first liquid material.

[0209] Figure 19 An example of a method 1600 for manufacturing a contact lens is depicted. In this example, method 1600 includes: applying a liquid lens material 1602 into a rotary casting mold; at least partially curing the liquid lens material 1604 to form a contact lens; applying a second material 1606 to a first liquid lens material, wherein the second material includes a blocking agent having the property of blocking at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm from passing through the liquid lens material; applying additional liquid lens material 1608 to the second material or the first liquid lens material; and curing the additional liquid lens material 1610.

[0210] In box 1608, the additional liquid lens material may contain a blocking agent; however, in other examples, the additional liquid lens material may be substantially free of a blocking agent. In some examples, the additional liquid lens material may provide a barrier to prevent the migration of the blocking agent from the first liquid lens material or the second material. The additional liquid lens material, after curing, may be a layer that comes into direct contact with the user's eye.

[0211] In box 1610, the additional liquid lens material is cured. During curing, the additional liquid lens material may crosslink with the first liquid lens material, the second material, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the same type of curing mechanism used previously for at least partially curing the first liquid lens material may be used at this stage. For example, the same blue light, the same UV light, the same temperature, etc., may be used for curing at each curing stage. Alternatively, different curing mechanisms may be used at these different stages.

[0212] All ranges disclosed herein should be understood to encompass and support statements that list any and all subranges or any and all individual values ​​contained therein. For example, the specified range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and support statements that list any and all subranges or individual values ​​between the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10 and / or include that minimum value and that maximum value; that is, all subranges that begin with a minimum value of 1 or greater and end with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, etc.) or any value from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, etc.).

Claims

1. A contact lens, comprising: The bulk containing polymers; The contact lens further includes a filtering property of a blocking agent incorporated into the polymer, the blocking agent blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm from passing through the body; Transmission properties that allow at least a portion of light with wavelengths higher than 500 nanometers to pass through the body; and The blocking agent includes at least one of triphenylphosphine, triphenylphosphine linked to a polymer chain, or triphenylphosphine oxide.

2. The contact lens as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm includes blocking at least 50% of the light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm entering the body of the contact lens.

3. The contact lens as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm includes blocking at least 50% of light entering the body of the contact lens with wavelengths between 400 nm and 450 nm.

4. The contact lens as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The contact lens contains at least 1.0% of the blocking agent by weight.

5. The contact lens as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The entity includes a viewing area and a surrounding area; and The blocking agent is isolated within either the visual field or the surrounding area.

6. The contact lens as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The polymer includes at least one of a silicon material or a hydrogel material.

7. The contact lens of claim 1, further comprising: The second transmission characteristic allows light with wavelengths below 400 nanometers to pass through the body.

8. The contact lens as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The second transmission characteristic includes allowing light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm to pass through the body.

9. The contact lens of claim 1, further comprising: The third transmission characteristic of light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 400 nm is enhanced through absorption and fluorescence within the body.

10. The contact lens as claimed in claim 9, wherein, This third transmission characteristic further includes: It absorbs at least a portion of light in the wavelength range below 360 nanometers and above 400 nanometers; and It emits at least a portion of light in the wavelength range between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers.

11. The contact lens as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The contact lens includes orthokeratology lenses, rigid gas-permeable lenses, or soft contact lenses.

12. The contact lens as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The body includes a second filtering characteristic that blocks at least a portion of light with wavelengths below 360 nanometers from passing through it; and Light with wavelengths below 360 nanometers includes ultraviolet A or ultraviolet B light.

13. The contact lens of claim 12, further comprising a second blocking agent that causes the second filtering characteristic.

14. The contact lens as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The second blocking agent comprises at least one of titanium dioxide, oxybenzone, octyl salicylate, octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate, or benzotriazole.

15. A method for manufacturing a contact lens, the method comprising: Apply liquid lens material into the mold; as well as The liquid lens material is cured within the mold; The liquid lens material contains a blocking agent configured to block light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm from passing through the cured lens material. The blocking agent includes at least one of triphenylphosphine, triphenylphosphine linked to a polymer chain, or triphenylphosphine oxide.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: The liquid lens material is at least partially cured to form the contact lens.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The contact lens is configured to block light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm from passing through it.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: The first liquid lens material is applied to the rotary casting mold; Rotate the rotary casting mold; The first liquid lens material is at least partially solidified; as well as A second material is applied to the first liquid lens material, wherein the second material is configured to block light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm from passing through the contact lens.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The first liquid lens material does not contain blocking agents.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: Additional liquid lens material is deposited in the mold; as well as Curing the additional liquid lens material includes crosslinking the additional liquid lens material to at least one of the first liquid lens material or the second material.

21. A contact lens, comprising: Cast body, the casting body comprising: The first blocking agent comprises triphenylphosphine, triphenylphosphine oxide or triphenylphosphine oxide linked to a polymer chain, the first blocking agent being configured to block at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 500 nm from being transmitted through the casting body, and having a first transmission characteristic that allows at least a portion of light with wavelengths higher than 500 nm to be transmitted through the casting body, and a second transmission characteristic that allows at least a portion of light with wavelengths lower than 400 nm to be transmitted through the casting body. as well as A second blocking agent is configured to block at least a portion of light with wavelengths below 360 nanometers from being transmitted through the cast body; The casting body contains either silicon material or hydrogel material.

22. The contact lens as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The second blocking agent comprises at least one of titanium dioxide, oxybenzone, octyl salicylate, octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate, or benzotriazole.

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