Lens element

Abstract

A lens element intended to be worn in front of the eyes of a wearer, the lens element comprising: - a refractive region having a refractive power based on the prescription of the wearer's eyes; and - a plurality of at least two optical elements having an optical function that does not focus an image on the retina of the wearer's eyes, wherein the refractive region comprises a plurality of separate island regions, the refractive region being formed as the region other than the optical elements, and each refractive island region being within one of the optical elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lens element intended to be worn in front of a human eye to inhibit or reduce the development of refractive anomalies such as myopia or hyperopia of the eye, and also relates to an associated manufacturing method for obtaining such a lens.

[0002] The present disclosure further relates to a mold for a lens element intended to be worn in front of a human eye. Background Art

[0003] Myopia of the eye is characterized by the eye focusing distant objects in front of its retina. Myopia is typically corrected using concave lenses, and hyperopia is typically corrected using convex lenses.

[0004] It has been observed that some individuals, especially children, have inaccurate focusing when using conventional single-vision optical lenses, particularly when observing objects located at close range (i.e., under near vision conditions). Due to this focusing defect in a portion of myopic children corrected for distance vision, images of nearby objects are also formed behind their retinas (even in the foveal region).

[0005] This focusing defect may have an impact on the development of myopia in such individuals. It can be observed that for most of these individuals, the myopia defect tends to worsen over time.

[0006] Foveal vision corresponds to the viewing condition in which an image of the object being viewed is formed by the eye within the central area of the retina called the foveal region.

[0007] Peripheral vision corresponds to the perception of scene elements that are laterally offset relative to the object being viewed, and the images of these elements are formed on the peripheral part of the retina, away from the foveal region.

[0008] Ophthalmic correction provided for subjects with refractive errors is typically adapted to their foveal vision. However, it is well known that relative to the correction determined for foveal vision, the correction must be reduced for peripheral vision. In particular, studies on monkeys have shown that significant defocus behind the retina occurring away from the foveal region may cause eye elongation and thus may lead to an exacerbation of the myopia defect.

[0009] Therefore, there appears to be a need for a lens element that can inhibit or at least slow down the development of refractive anomalies such as myopia or hyperopia of the eye. Summary of the Invention

[0010] To this end, the present disclosure proposes a lens element intended to be worn in front of the wearer's eye, the lens element comprising:

[0011] - a refractive region having a refractive power based on the prescription of the wearer's eye; and

[0012] - Multiple, at least two, optical elements having an optical function of not focusing an image on the retina of the wearer's eye, for example in order to slow down the development of refractive anomalies of the eye.

[0013] Wherein the refractive zone comprises a plurality of separate and independent island regions, the refractive zone being formed as a region other than the optical elements, and each refractive island region being located within one optical element.

[0014] Advantageously, the optical elements configured not to focus an image on the retina of the wearer reduce the natural tendency of the retina of the eye to deform, in particular to elongate. Thus, the development of refractive anomalies of the eye is slowed down.

[0015] Furthermore, having a refractive zone comprising a plurality of separate and independent island regions, each of which is formed within an optical element, allows for an improvement in the correction of refractive anomalies of the wearer's eye.

[0016] In other words, the lens according to the present disclosure allows for a reduction in the development of refractive anomalies of the wearer's eye, while maintaining perfect vision by efficiently correcting the refractive anomalies of the eye.

[0017] According to further embodiments that can be considered individually or in combination:

[0018] - At least a portion, for example all, of the optical elements have an annular shape surrounding the refractive zone; and / or

[0019] - At least two, for example all, of the optical elements are continuous; and / or

[0020] - The optical elements have an outer shape that can be inscribed within a circle with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.8 mm and less than or equal to 3.0 mm; and / or

[0021] - The optical elements are positioned along a plurality of concentric rings; and / or

[0022] - The optical elements are positioned on a structured mesh; and / or

[0023] - The structured mesh is a square mesh or a hexagonal mesh or a triangular mesh or an octagonal mesh; and / or

[0024] - The mesh structure is a random mesh, such as a Voronoi mesh; and / or

[0025] - At least one, for example all, of the optical elements have an optical function of focusing an image at a position outside the retina under standard wearing conditions; and / or

[0026] - The optical elements are configured such that the average focus of the light rays passing through each optical element is at the same distance from the retina; and / or

[0027] - At least one, such as all, of the optical elements has an aspherical optical function under standard wearing conditions; and / or

[0028] - At least one, such as all, of the optical elements has a cylindrical power, and / or

[0029] - At least a portion, such as all, of the optical elements has a constant optical power and a discontinuous first derivative between two consecutive optical elements; and / or

[0030] - At least a portion, such as all, of the optical elements has a varying optical power and a discontinuous first derivative between two consecutive optical elements; and / or

[0031] - The optical element is configured such that along at least one section of the lens, the average spherical power of the optical element varies from a point of the section towards the peripheral portion of the section; and / or

[0032] - The optical element is configured such that along at least one section of the lens, the cylindrical power of the optical element varies from a point of the section towards the peripheral portion of the section; and / or

[0033] - The optical element is configured such that along at least one section of the lens, the average spherical power and / or cylindrical power of the optical element increases from the center of the section towards the peripheral portion of the section; and / or

[0034] - The refractive region includes an optical center, and the optical element is configured such that along any section passing through the optical center of the lens, the average spherical power and / or cylindrical power of the optical element increases from the optical center towards the peripheral portion of the lens; and / or

[0035] - The refractive region includes a distance reference point, a near reference point, and a meridian connecting the distance reference point and the near reference point, and the optical element is configured such that along any horizontal section of the lens under standard wearing conditions, the average spherical power and / or cylindrical power of the optical element increases from the intersection of the horizontal section and the meridian towards the peripheral portion of the lens; and / or

[0036] - The increasing functions of the average spherical power and / or cylindrical power along these sections are different according to the position of the sections along the meridian; and / or

[0037] - The increasing functions of the average spherical power and / or cylindrical power along these sections are asymmetric; and / or

[0038] - The optical element is configured such that under standard wearing conditions, the at least one section is a horizontal section; and / or

[0039] - The average spherical and / or cylindrical power of the optical element increases from a first point of the section towards the peripheral part of the section and decreases from a second point of the section towards the peripheral part of the section, the second point being closer to the peripheral part of the section than the first point; and / or

[0040] - The increasing function of the average spherical and / or cylindrical power along the at least one section is a Gaussian function; and / or

[0041] - The increasing function of the average spherical and / or cylindrical power along the at least one section is a quadratic function; and / or

[0042] - The optical element is configured such that along at least one section of the lens, the size of the optical element varies from a point of the section towards the peripheral part of the section; and / or

[0043] - The function of the size change of the optical element is monotonic; and / or

[0044] - The optical element is configured such that along at least one section of the lens, the size of the optical element increases from a point of the section towards the peripheral part of the section; and / or

[0045] - The optical element is configured such that along at least one section of the lens, the size of the optical element decreases from a point of the section towards the peripheral part of the section; and / or

[0046] - The size of the optical element increases from a first point of the section of the lens towards the peripheral part of the section and decreases from a second point of the section towards the peripheral part of the section, the second point being closer to the peripheral part of the section than the first point; and / or

[0047] - The optical element is configured such that along at least one section of the lens, the size of the independent island-like regions forming the refractive region 12 varies from a point of the section towards the peripheral part of the section; and / or

[0048] - The function of the size change of the independent island-like regions is monotonic; and / or

[0049] - The optical element is configured such that along at least one section of the lens, the size of the independent island-like regions forming the refractive region 12 increases from a point of the section towards the peripheral part of the section; and / or

[0050] - The optical element is configured such that along at least one section of the lens, the size of the independent island-like regions forming the refractive region 12 decreases from a point of the section towards the peripheral part of the section; and / or

[0051] - The size of the independent island regions forming the refractive region 12 increases from the first point of the segment of the lens towards the peripheral portion of the segment and decreases from the second point of the segment towards the peripheral portion of the segment, the second point being closer to the peripheral portion of the segment than the first point; and / or

[0052] - The function of the size of the optical elements and / or the independent island regions along at least one segment is a Gaussian function; and / or

[0053] - The function of the size of the optical elements and / or the independent island regions along at least one segment is a quadratic function; and / or

[0054] - At least a portion, such as all, of the optical elements are located on the front surface of the lens element; and / or

[0055] - At least a portion, such as all, of the optical elements are located on the rear surface of the ophthalmic lens; and / or

[0056] - At least a portion, such as all, of the optical elements are located between the front surface and the rear surface of the ophthalmic lens; and / or

[0057] - The spherical power, such as the average spherical power, of at least a portion, such as all, of the optical elements increases eccentrically within the optical elements; and / or

[0058] - The lens element further includes at least four optical elements, which are organized into at least two sets of consecutive optical elements; and / or

[0059] - Each set of consecutive optical elements is organized into at least two concentric rings having the same center, and the concentric rings of each set of consecutive optical elements are defined by the inner diameter corresponding to the smallest circle tangent to at least one optical element in the set and the outer diameter corresponding to the largest circle tangent to at least one optical element in the set;

[0060] - At least a portion, such as all, of the concentric rings of optical elements are centered on the optical center of the surface of the lens element provided with the optical elements; and / or

[0061] - The diameters of the concentric rings of optical elements are included between 9.0 mm and 60 mm; and / or

[0062] - The optical elements further include optical elements radially positioned between two concentric rings; and / or

[0063] - The refractive region is formed as a region other than the region formed as a plurality of optical elements; and / or

[0064] - For each circular area with a radius between 2 mm and 4 mm, it includes a geometric center located at a distance greater than or equal to the radius + 5 mm from the reference system of the pupil of the user looking straight ahead under standard wearing conditions. The ratio between the sum of the areas of the optical element portions located within the circular area and the area of the circular area is between 20% and 70%; and / or

[0065] - At least one optical element is a multifocal refractive microlens; and / or

[0066] - At least one multifocal refractive microlens includes a cylindrical power; and / or

[0067] - At least one multifocal refractive microlens includes an aspherical surface, with or without any rotational symmetry; and / or

[0068] - At least one optical element is a toric refractive microlens; and / or

[0069] - At least one multifocal refractive microlens includes a toric surface; and / or

[0070] - At least one optical element is made of a birefringent material; and / or

[0071] - The shape of at least one optical element is configured to form a caustic point in front of the retina of the human eye; and / or

[0072] - At least one optical element is a multifocal binary component; and / or

[0073] - At least one optical element is a pixelated lens; and / or

[0074] - At least a part, for example all, of the optical functions include higher-order optical aberrations; and / or

[0075] - The refractive area is further configured to provide a second optical power different from the first optical power for the wearer under standard wearing conditions and for foveal vision; and / or

[0076] - The difference between the first optical power and the second optical power is greater than or equal to 0.5 D.

[0077] This disclosure further relates to a method for processing a lens element intended to be worn in front of the eyes of a wearer, wherein the method includes:

[0078] - Providing an initial lens element, the initial lens element including at least one support surface, the at least one support surface including a plurality of at least two optical elements, these optical elements having an optical function that does not focus an image on the retina of the wearer's eye, for example in order to slow down the development of refractive abnormalities of the eye.

[0079] - Machine at least a portion of the plurality of optical elements so that a surface parallel to the support surface is present on the surface of a portion of the optical elements.

[0080] Advantageously, machining the plurality of optical elements to have a surface parallel to the support surface on a portion thereof improves the process in terms of efficiency, cost reduction and required resources, and obtaining lens elements that reduce the development of refractive anomalies of the wearer's eyes while maintaining good visual acuity of the wearer.

[0081] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a mold for a lens element, the lens element including a plurality of optical elements having a target optical function, the mold including:

[0082] - A first molding element having a first surface with a first curvature, and including a plurality of first surface elements having a curvature substantially the same as the first curvature and a plurality of second surface elements having at least a second curvature different from the first curvature, the first surface elements being separate and independent island elements;

[0083] - A second molding element having a second surface,

[0084] - A gasket having an inner surface and an outer surface,

[0085] wherein the first surface of the first molding element, the second surface of the second element, and the inner surface of the gasket form a molding cavity into which molding material will be filled.

[0086] According to further embodiments that can be considered individually or in combination:

[0087] - Each first surface element is located within a second surface element; and / or

[0088] - At least a portion, such as all, of the second surface elements have an annular shape, for example, surrounding the first surface; and / or

[0089] - At least two, such as all, of the second surface elements are continuous; and / or

[0090] - The second surface elements have an outer shape that can be inscribed within a circle with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.8 mm and less than or equal to 3.0 mm; and / or

[0091] - The second surface elements are positioned along a plurality of concentric rings; and / or

[0092] - The second surface elements are positioned on a structured mesh; and / or

[0093] - The structured mesh is a square mesh or a hexagonal mesh or a triangular mesh or an octagonal mesh; and / or

[0094] - The network structure is a random network, such as a Voronoi network; and / or

[0095] - At least one, such as all, of the second surface elements have an aspherical surface; and / or

[0096] - At least one, such as all, of the second surface elements have a toroidal surface; and / or

[0097] - At least a portion, such as all, of the second surface elements have a constant curvature and a discontinuous first derivative between two consecutive second surface elements; and / or

[0098] - At least a portion, such as all, of the second surface elements have a varying curvature and a discontinuous first derivative between two consecutive second surface elements; and / or

[0099] - The second surface elements are configured such that along at least one section of the mold, the average curvature of the second surface elements varies from a point of the section towards the peripheral portion of the section; and / or

[0100] - The second surface elements are configured such that along at least one section of the mold, the cylinder of the second surface elements varies from a point of the section towards the peripheral portion of the section; and / or

[0101] - The second surface elements are configured such that along at least one section of the mold, the average curvature and / or the cylinder of the second surface elements increase from the center of the section towards the peripheral portion of the section; and / or

[0102] - The average curvature and / or the cylinder increase function along the section varies according to the position of the section along the meridian; and / or

[0103] - The average curvature and / or the cylinder increase function along the section is asymmetric; and / or

[0104] - The average curvature and / or the cylinder of the optical element increase from a first point of the section towards the peripheral portion of the section and decrease from a second point of the section towards the peripheral portion of the section, the second point being closer to the peripheral portion of the section than the first point; and / or

[0105] - The average curvature and / or the cylinder increase function along at least one section is a Gaussian function; and / or

[0106] - The average curvature and / or the cylinder increase function along at least one section is a quadratic function; and / or

[0107] - The curvature of at least a portion, such as all, of the second surface elements increases eccentrically within the optical element; and / or

[0108] - The mold further includes at least four second surface elements, which are organized into at least two groups of consecutive second surface elements; and / or

[0109] - Each group of consecutive second surface elements is organized into at least two concentric rings having the same center, and the concentric rings of each group of consecutive second surface elements are defined by an inner diameter corresponding to the smallest circle tangent to at least one second surface element in the group and an outer diameter corresponding to the largest circle tangent to at least one second surface element in the group;

[0110] - At least a portion, such as all, of the concentric rings of the second surface elements are centered on the center of the first surface of the mold where the second surface elements are provided; and / or

[0111] - The diameter of the concentric rings of the second surface elements is between 9.0 mm and 60 mm; and / or

[0112] - The mold further includes second surface elements radially positioned between two concentric rings; and / or

[0113] - The difference between the first curvature and the second curvature is greater than or equal to 0.5D. Description of the Drawings

[0114] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0115] o Figure 1 is a plan view of a lens element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0116] o Figure 2 is an overall contour view of a lens element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0117] o Figure 3 shows a close-up view of an optical element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0118] o Figures 4a to 4d shows an example of the organization of optical elements on a lens element according to the present disclosure;

[0119] o Figure 5 shows an example of the organization of optical elements on a lens element according to the present disclosure;

[0120] o Figure 6a shows the astigmatic axis position γ of a lens in the TABO convention;

[0121] o Figure 6b shows the cylinder axis position γ in the convention for characterizing aspherical surfaces AX ;

[0122] o Figure 7 and Figure 8Schematically shows the optical system of the eye and the lens;

[0123] o Figures 9a to 9b Shows a method for machining a lens element intended to be worn in front of the wearer's eye; and

[0124] o Figure 10 Shows an exploded view of a mold for a lens element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] The elements in the drawings are shown only for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be enlarged relative to other elements to help improve the understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0126] The present disclosure relates to a lens element intended to be worn in front of the wearer's eye.

[0127] In the remainder of this specification, terms such as "upper", "bottom", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "front", "rear", etc., or other words indicating relative positions may be used. These terms are understood in the wearing conditions of the lens element.

[0128] In the context of the present disclosure, the term "lens element" may refer to an uncut optical lens or an ophthalmic optical lens or ophthalmic lens that has been edged to fit a specific spectacle frame and an optical device adapted to be positioned on the ophthalmic lens. The optical device may be positioned on the front surface or the rear surface of the ophthalmic lens. The optical device may be an optical patch. The optical device may be adapted to be removably positioned on the ophthalmic lens, such as a clip that is configured to clip onto a spectacle frame including the ophthalmic lens.

[0129] The lens element 10 according to the present disclosure is adapted to the wearer and is intended to be worn in front of the wearer's eye.

[0130] As Figure 1 represented, the lens element 10 according to the present disclosure includes:

[0131] - a refractive region 12, and

[0132] - a plurality of consecutive optical elements 14.

[0133] As Figure 1 shown, the refractive region 12 includes a plurality of separately independent island regions.

[0134] In the sense of the present disclosure, two optical elements are considered independent if they produce independent images.

[0135] In particular, when irradiated by a parallel light beam "under central vision", each "independent continuous optical element" forms a speckle associated therewith on a plane in the image space. In other words, when one of the "optical elements" is hidden, the speckle disappears even if this optical element is continuous with another optical element.

[0136] The refractive region is preferably formed as a region other than the region formed as a plurality of optical elements. In other words, the refractive region is a region complementary to the region formed by the plurality of optical elements.

[0137] The refractive region 12 is configured to provide a first optical power based on the wearer's prescription for the wearer's foveal vision under standard wearing conditions, in particular, for correcting refractive anomalies of the wearer's eyes.

[0138] The wearing conditions should be understood as the position of the lens element relative to the wearer's eyes, which is defined, for example, by the tilt angle, the corneal-to-lens distance, the pupil-to-cornea distance, the distance from the center of rotation of the eye (CRE) to the pupil, the distance from the CRE to the lens, and the wrap angle.

[0139] The corneal-to-lens distance is the distance between the cornea and the posterior surface of the lens along the visual axis of the eye in the primary eye position (usually considered to be horizontal), for example, equal to 12 mm.

[0140] The pupil-to-cornea distance is the distance between the pupil and the cornea of the eye along the visual axis of the eye, usually equal to 2 mm.

[0141] The distance from the CRE to the pupil is the distance between the center of rotation (CRE) of the eye and the cornea along the visual axis of the eye, for example, equal to 11.5 mm.

[0142] The distance from the CRE to the lens is the distance between the CRE of the eye and the posterior surface of the lens along the visual axis of the eye in the primary eye position (usually considered to be horizontal), for example, equal to 25.5 mm.

[0143] The tilt angle is the angle in the vertical plane between the normal to the posterior surface of the lens and the visual axis of the eye in the primary eye position (usually considered to be horizontal) at the intersection of the posterior surface of the lens and the visual axis of the eye in the primary eye position, for example, equal to -8°.

[0144] The wrap angle is the angle in the horizontal plane between the normal to the posterior surface of the lens and the visual axis of the eye in the primary eye position (usually considered to be horizontal) at the intersection of the posterior surface of the lens and the visual axis of the eye in the primary eye position, for example, equal to 0°.

[0145] Examples of standard wearer conditions can be defined by a tilt angle of -8°, a corneal-to-lens distance of 12 mm, a pupil-to-cornea distance of 2 mm, a CRE-to-pupil distance of 11.5 mm, a CRE-to-lens distance of 25.5 mm, and a wrap angle of 0°.

[0146] The term "prescription" should be understood to refer to a set of optical properties of refractive power, astigmatism, and prism deviation, which are determined by an ophthalmologist or optometrist in order to correct, for example, a vision defect of an eye by means of a lens positioned in front of the wearer's eye. For example, the prescription for a myopic eye includes a refractive power value and an astigmatism value with an axis for distance vision.

[0147] Although the present disclosure does not relate to progressive lenses, the terminology used in this specification is presented for progressive lenses in document WO2016 / 146590. Figures 1 to 10 Those skilled in the art can adapt these definitions for single vision lenses.

[0148] A progressive lens includes at least one, but preferably two, non-rotationally symmetric aspherical surfaces, such as, but not limited to, a progressive surface, a toric surface, a toric surface, or a non-toric surface.

[0149] As is known, the minimum curvature CURV at any point on an aspherical surface min is defined by the following formula:

[0150]

[0151] where R max is the local maximum radius of curvature, expressed in meters, and CURV min is expressed in diopters.

[0152] Similarly, the maximum curvature CURV at any point on an aspherical surface max can be defined by the following formula:

[0153]

[0154] where R min is the local minimum radius of curvature, expressed in meters, and CURV max is expressed in diopters.

[0155] It can be noted that when the surface is locally spherical, the local minimum radius of curvature R min and the local maximum radius of curvature R max are the same, and accordingly, the minimum and maximum curvatures CURV min and CURV max are also the same. When the surface is aspherical, the local minimum radius of curvature Rmin and the local maximum curvature radius R max are different.

[0156] From the minimum and maximum curvature CURV min and CURV max These expressions, denoted as SPH min and SPH max The minimum and maximum spherical dimensions can be inferred depending on the type of surface considered.

[0157] When the surface under consideration is the object-side surface (also called the front surface), these expressions are as follows:

[0158] as well as

[0159] Where n is the refractive index of the lens's component material.

[0160] If the surface under consideration is the lateral surface of the eyeball (also called the posterior surface), these expressions are as follows:

[0161] as well as

[0162] Where n is the refractive index of the lens's component material.

[0163] As is well known, the average spherical mirror SPHmean at any point on the aspherical surface can also be defined by the following formula:

[0164]

[0165] Therefore, the expression for the mean spherical mirror depends on the surface considered:

[0166] If the surface is an object side surface, then

[0167] If the surface is the lateral surface of the eyeball, then

[0168] Also through the formula CYL=|SPH max -SPH min |Define cylinder CYL.

[0169] The properties of any aspheric surface of a lens can be expressed in terms of the local average sphere and cylinder. A surface is considered locally aspheric when the cylinder is at least 0.25 diopters.

[0170] For aspheric surfaces, the local cylindrical axis γAX can be further defined. Figure 6a shows the astigmatism axis γ defined in the TABO convention, and Figure 6bShows the cylindrical axis γAX in the convention defined for characterizing aspherical surfaces.

[0171] The cylindrical axis γAX is the angle of the orientation of the maximum curvature CURVmax relative to the reference axis and in the selected direction of rotation. In the convention defined above, the reference axis is horizontal (the angle of this reference axis is 0°) and the direction of rotation is counterclockwise for each eye when looking at the wearer (0° ≤ γAX ≤ 180°). Thus, an axial value of +45° for the cylindrical axis γAX represents an axis oriented obliquely that extends from the upper right quadrant to the lower left quadrant when looking at the wearer.

[0172] Moreover, taking into account the situation of the person wearing the lens, the progressive multifocal lens can also be defined by its optical properties.

[0173] Figure 7 and Figure 8 are graphical representations of the optical systems of the eye and the lens and thus show the definitions used in this specification. More precisely, Figure 7 represents a perspective view of such a system, showing the parameters α and β used to define the direction of gaze. Figure 8 is a view in the vertical plane parallel to the anteroposterior axis of the wearer's head and passing through the center of rotation of the eye in the case where the parameter β is equal to 0.

[0174] Mark the center of rotation of the eye as Q'. Figure 8 The axis Q'F' shown by the dotted line in is the horizontal axis passing through the center of rotation of the eye and extending in front of the wearer, i.e., the axis Q'F' corresponding to the main gaze angle. This axis cuts the aspherical surface of the lens at a point called the fitting cross, which exists on the lens to enable the optician to position the lens in the frame. The intersection point of the rear surface of the lens with the axis Q'F' is the point O. If O lies on the rear surface, it can be the fitting cross. The vertex sphere with center Q' and radius q' is tangent to the rear surface of the lens at a point on the horizontal axis. As an example, a value of the radius q' of 25.5 mm corresponds to a common value and provides satisfactory results when wearing the lens.

[0175] A given direction of gaze (represented by the solid line in Figure 7 corresponds to the position of the eye rotating around Q' and the point J on the vertex sphere; the angle β is the angle formed between the axis Q'F' and the projection of the line Q'J on the horizontal plane including the axis Q'F'; this angle appears in Figure 7 's schematic diagram. The angle α is the angle formed between the axis Q'J and the projection of the line Q'J on the horizontal plane including the axis Q'F'; this angle appears in Figure 7 and Figure 8On the schematic diagram. Thus, a given fixation angle corresponds to the point J of the ball hit or to a pair (α, β). If the value of the fixation reduction angle is greater in the positive direction, the fixation is reduced more; and if the value is greater in the negative direction, the fixation is increased more.

[0176] In a given fixation direction, the image of a point M located at a given object distance in object space is formed between two points S and T corresponding to the minimum distance JS and the maximum distance JT, and the minimum distance and the maximum distance will be the sagittal local focal length and the tangential local focal length. The image of a point at infinity in object space is formed at point F'. The distance D corresponds to the posterior crown surface of the lens.

[0177] The Ergorama function is a function that associates the usual distance of an object point with each fixation direction. Typically, in distance vision following the main fixation direction, the object point is at infinity. In near vision following a fixation direction that is basically corresponding to an angle α of about 35° in absolute value towards the nasal side and an angle β of about 5°, the object distance is about 30 cm to 50 cm. To understand more details about the possible definition of the Ergorama function, reference can be made to US Patent US-A-6,318,859. This document describes the Ergorama function, its definition, and its modeling method. For the method of the present disclosure, the point can be at infinity or not at infinity. The Ergorama function can be a function of the refractive error of the wearer or the add power of the wearer.

[0178] Using these elements, the diopter and astigmatism of the wearer can be defined in each fixation direction. Consider the object point M at the object distance given by the Ergorama function for the fixation direction (α, β). In object space, the object proximity ProxO of the point M on the corresponding ray is defined as the reciprocal of the distance MJ between the point M and the point J of the ball hit:

[0179]

[0180] This enables the calculation of the object proximity within a thin lens approximation for all points of the ball hit, and this thin lens approximation is used to determine the Ergorama function. For a real lens, the object proximity can be regarded as the reciprocal of the distance between the object point and the front surface of the lens on the corresponding ray.

[0181] For the same fixation direction (α, β), the image of the point M with a given object proximity is formed between two points S and T corresponding to the minimum focal length and the maximum focal length (which will be the sagittal focal length and the tangential focal length) respectively. The quantity ProxI is called the image proximity of the point M:

[0182]

[0183] By analogy with the case of thin lenses, the refractive power Pui can thus be defined as the sum of the image proximity and the object proximity for a given direction of gaze and a given object proximity, i.e., for the point of the object space on the corresponding ray.

[0184] Pui = ProxO + ProxI

[0185] Using the same notation, the astigmatism Ast is defined for each direction of gaze and a given object proximity as:

[0186]

[0187] This definition corresponds to the astigmatism of the light beam produced by the lens. It can be noted that the definition gives a typical value of astigmatism in the main direction of gaze. The astigmatism angle, which is usually called the axis, is the angle γ. The angle γ is measured in the reference frame {Q', xm, ym, zm} associated with the eye. It corresponds to the angle by which the image S or T is formed, which depends on the convention used in combination with the direction zm in the plane {Q', zm, ym}.

[0188] Under wearing conditions, the possible definitions of the refractive power and astigmatism of the lens can thus be calculated as explained in the paper by B. Bourdoncle et al., entitled "Ray tracing through progressive ophthalmic lenses" (1990 International Lens Design Conference, edited by D.T. Moore, Proceedings of the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers, UK).

[0189] The refractive zone 12 can be further configured to provide a second refractive power for the wearer, particularly for foveal vision, based on the wearer's direction of view, which is different from the first refractive power.

[0190] In the sense of the present disclosure, two refractive powers are considered different when the difference between the two refractive powers is greater than or equal to 0.5 D.

[0191] When the refractive anomaly of a person's eye corresponds to myopia, the second refractive power is greater than the first refractive power.

[0192] When the refractive anomaly of a person's eye corresponds to hyperopia, the second refractive power is less than the first refractive power.

[0193] As Figure 1 and Figure 3 shown, each independent island region constituting the refractive zone 12 is formed within an optical element 14. In other words, each optical element 14 surrounds the island region.

[0194] The lens element according to the present disclosure comprises a plurality of at least two optical elements 14.

[0195] At least one, preferably all, of the plurality of optical elements 14 has an optical function of not focusing an image on the retina of the wearer's eye, in particular for peripheral vision and preferably for central and peripheral vision.

[0196] In the sense of the present disclosure, "focusing" should be understood as generating a focusing spot with a circular cross-section, which can be reduced to a point in the focal plane or the size of a diffraction spot.

[0197] Advantageously, this optical function of the optical element reduces the deformation of the retina of the wearer's eye in peripheral vision, allowing to slow down the development of refractive anomalies of the eyes of the person wearing the lens element.

[0198] According to Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figures 4a to 4b In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure as represented, at least a part, such as all, of the optical elements has an annular shape around the refractive region.

[0199] Advantageously, this configuration provides a good re-division of the refractive region and the optical elements, thus allowing for a better correction of the refractive anomalies of the wearer's eye while maintaining the effective function of the optical elements to reduce or at least slow down the development of said refractive anomalies.

[0200] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of at least two optical elements are continuous. Figures 4b to 4d An example of continuous optical elements is shown in the sense of the present disclosure.

[0201] In the sense of the present disclosure, two optical elements are continuous if there are all paths supported by the surface of the lens element and connecting two optical elements located on the surface of the lens element, and if along said path, one optical element does not reach the base surface on which the optical element is located.

[0202] When the surface on which at least two optical elements are located is spherical, the base surface corresponds to the spherical surface. In other words, if there is a path supported by the spherical surface and connecting two optical elements located on the spherical surface, then the two optical elements are continuous, and if along said path, one optical element may not reach the spherical surface.

[0203] When the surface on which at least two optical elements are located is aspherical, the base surface corresponds to the local spherical surface that best fits the aspherical surface. In other words, if there is a path supported by the aspherical surface and connecting two optical elements located on the aspherical surface, then the two optical elements are continuous, and if along said path, one optical element may not reach the spherical surface that best fits the aspherical surface.

[0204] Advantageously, having a continuous optical element helps improve the aesthetics of the lens element and is easier to manufacture.

[0205] The lens element may comprise at least four optical elements organized into at least two groups of consecutive optical elements. Figure 4c Examples of optical elements are shown, which are organized into four consecutive groups of optical elements.

[0206] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical element has a specific size. In particular, the optical element has an outer shape that can be inscribed in a circle with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.8 mm and less than or equal to 3.0 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 1.0 mm and less than 2.0 mm.

[0207] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an optical element is positioned on a web.

[0208] The mesh on which the optical elements are located can be a structured mesh, e.g. Figure 1 and Figures 4a to 4d As displayed.

[0209] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical element is positioned on a structured net, which is a square net, a hexagonal net, a triangular net, or an octagonal net. For example, Figure 4a and Figure 4b A hexagonal network of optical elements 14 is shown, these optical elements having a ring shape around the refractive zone 12. In particular, the geometric centers of the optical elements can be organized in a network, for example a hexagonal network or a square network or a triangular network or an octagonal network.

[0210] exist Figure 1 and Figure 4c In the illustrated embodiment, the optical elements are positioned along a plurality of concentric rings.

[0211] The concentric ring of optical elements may be an annular ring.

[0212] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens element further includes at least four optical elements. The at least four optical elements are organized into at least two groups of optical elements, each group of optical elements is organized into at least two concentric rings having the same geometric center, and the concentric rings of each group of consecutive optical elements are defined by an inner diameter and an outer diameter.

[0213] The inner diameter of the concentric rings of each group of optical elements corresponds to the smallest circle tangent to at least one optical element in the group. The outer diameter of the concentric rings of optical elements corresponds to the largest circle tangent to at least one optical element in the group.

[0214] For example, a lens element may include n optical element rings, f inner 1refers to the inner diameter of the concentric ring closest to the optical center of the lens element, f outer 1 refers to the outer diameter of the concentric ring closest to the optical center of the lens element, f inner n refers to the inner diameter of the ring closest to the periphery of the lens element, and f outer n refers to the outer diameter of the concentric ring closest to the periphery of the lens element.

[0215] The distance D between two consecutive concentric rings i and i + 1 of the optical elements i can be expressed as:

[0216] D i = |f inner i+1 - f outer i |

[0217] where f outer i refers to the outer diameter of the first optical element ring i and f inner i+1 refers to the inner diameter of the second optical element ring i + 1, which is consecutive with the first optical element ring and closer to the periphery of the lens element.

[0218] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical elements are organized into concentric rings centered on the optical center of the surface of the lens element, and the geometric centers of these optical elements are connected on the surface of the lens element.

[0219] For example, the lens element may include n concentric rings of optical elements, f1 refers to the diameter of the ring closest to the optical center of the lens element, and f n refers to the diameter of the ring closest to the periphery of the lens element.

[0220] The distance D between two consecutive concentric rings i and i + 1 of the optical elements i can be expressed as:

[0221]

[0222] where f i refers to the diameter of the first optical element ring i, and f i+1 refers to the diameter of the second optical element ring i + 1, which is consecutive with the first optical element ring and closer to the periphery of the lens element, and

[0223] where d i refers to the diameter of the optical element on the first optical element ring, and d i+1 refers to the diameter of the optical element on the second optical element ring, which is consecutive with the first ring and closer to the periphery of the lens element. The diameter of the optical element corresponds to the diameter of the circle inscribed in the outer shape of the optical element.

[0224] Advantageously, the optical center of the lens element coincides with the center of the concentric rings of the optical elements. For example, the geometric center of the lens element, the optical center of the lens element, and the center of the concentric rings of the optical elements coincide.

[0225] In the sense of the present disclosure, the term "coincide" should be understood as being very close together, for example, less than 1.0 mm apart.

[0226] The distance D between two consecutive concentric rings i can vary according to i. For example, the distance D between two consecutive concentric rings i can vary between 1.0 mm and 5.0 mm.

[0227] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the distance D between two consecutive concentric rings of optical elements i is greater than 1.00 mm, preferably 2.0 mm, more preferably 4.0 mm.

[0228] Advantageously, having a distance D greater than 1.00 mm between two consecutive concentric rings of optical elements i allows for a larger refractive area to be managed between these rings of optical elements, thus providing better visual acuity.

[0229] In other words, the inventors have observed that for a given value of the above ratio, the organization of consecutive optical elements into concentric rings, where the distance between these rings is greater than 2.0 mm, allows for the annular regions of the refractive area to be provided more easily manufactured than when the optical elements are arranged in a hexagonal grid or randomly on the surface of the lens element, thus providing better correction of eye refractive anomalies and therefore better visual acuity.

[0230] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the diameters di of all the optical elements of the lens element are the same.

[0231] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when i increases towards the periphery of the lens element, the distance D between two consecutive concentric rings i and i + 1 i can increase.

[0232] The diameter of the concentric rings of optical elements can be between 9 mm and 60 mm.

[0233] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens element includes optical elements arranged in at least 2 concentric rings, preferably more than 5, more preferably more than 10 concentric rings. For example, the optical elements can be arranged in 11 concentric rings centered on the optical center of the lens.

[0234] In Figure 1 the optical elements are positioned along a set of 5 concentric rings. The optical power and / or the cylinder of the microlenses can vary according to their position along the concentric rings.

[0235] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens element may further include an optical element 14 radially positioned between two concentric rings. For example, only four optical elements are placed between two concentric rings, and preferably, more optical elements may be placed between the two rings.

[0236] Alternatively, the optical elements may be placed on a random structure mesh, such as a Voronoi mesh, as Figure 5 shown.

[0237] Advantageously, placing the optical elements on a random structure limits the risk of light scattering or diffraction.

[0238] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion, such as all, of the optical elements have a constant optical power and a discontinuous first derivative between two consecutive optical elements. In other words, no region is left between the junctions of two consecutive optical elements without a spherical lens.

[0239] Alternatively, at least a portion, such as all, of the optical elements have a varying optical power and a continuous first derivative between the junctions of two consecutive optical elements.

[0240] To obtain such a variation, two constant powers may be used here, one positive and one negative. The area of the negative power is much smaller than the area of the positive power, so the overall power has a positive power effect.

[0241] As Figure 2 shown, the lens element 10 according to the present disclosure includes an object-side surface F1 formed as a convex surface facing the object side, and an eye-side surface F2 formed as a concave surface having a curvature different from that of the object-side surface F1.

[0242] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion, such as all, of the optical elements are located on the front surface of the lens element.

[0243] At least a portion, such as all, of the optical elements may be located on the rear surface of the lens element.

[0244] At least a portion, such as all, of the optical elements may be located between the front surface and the rear surface of the lens element. For example, the lens element may include regions having different refractive indices that form the optical elements.

[0245] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion, such as all, of the optical elements have an optical function of focusing an image at a position other than the retina.

[0246] Preferably, at least 50%, such as at least 80%, such as all, of the optical elements have an optical function of focusing an image at a position other than the retina for peripheral vision.

[0247] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, at least for peripheral vision, all optical elements are configured such that the average focus of the light passing through each optical element is at the same distance from the wearer's retina.

[0248] The optical function, in particular the refractive function, of each optical element can be optimized in order to provide a focused image at a constant distance from the retina of the wearer's eye, especially in peripheral vision. Such optimization requires adjusting the refractive function of each optical element according to its position on the lens element.

[0249] In particular, the inventors have determined that the spot diagram of the light beam passing through a spherical 3D-shaped microlens analyzed in peripheral vision (30° from the pupil center) is not a point.

[0250] In order to obtain a point, the inventors have determined that the optical element should have a cylindrical power, for example, have an aspheric shape.

[0251] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one, for example all, optical elements have an aspheric optical function under standard wearing conditions.

[0252] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one, for example all, optical elements have a cylindrical power.

[0253] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical element is configured such that at least along a section of the lens, the average spherical power of the optical element varies from a point of the section towards the periphery of the section.

[0254] The optical element can be further configured such that at least along a section of the lens, for example, at least the same section as the section along which the average spherical power of the optical element varies, the cylindrical power varies from a point of the section (for example, the same point as the average spherical power) towards the peripheral part of the section.

[0255] Advantageously, configuring the optical element such that along at least one section of the lens, the average spherical power and / or the average cylindrical power of the optical element vary from a point of the section towards the peripheral part of the section allows changing the defocus of light in front of the retina in the case of myopia or behind the retina in the case of hyperopia.

[0256] In other words, the inventors have observed that configuring the optical element such that along at least one section of the lens, the average spherical power of the optical element varies from a point of the section towards the peripheral part of the section helps to slow down the development of refractive anomalies such as myopia or hyperopia of the eye.

[0257] The optical element may be configured such that along at least one section of the lens, the average spherical and / or cylindrical power of the optical element increases from the center of the section towards the peripheral portion of the section.

[0258] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical element is configured such that under standard wearing conditions, at least one section is a horizontal section.

[0259] The lens element, particularly the refractive region, may include an optical center, and the optical element may be configured such that along any section passing through the optical center of the lens, the average spherical and / or cylindrical power of the optical element varies, e.g., increases, from the optical center towards the peripheral portion of the lens.

[0260] The lens element, particularly the refractive region, may include a distance reference point, a near reference point, and a meridian connecting the distance reference point and the near reference point. In such an embodiment, the optical element may be configured such that under standard wearing conditions along any horizontal section of the lens, the average spherical and / or cylindrical power of the optical element varies, e.g., increases, from the intersection of the horizontal section and the meridian towards the peripheral portion of the lens.

[0261] Preferably, according to such an embodiment, the optical element is configured such that under standard wearing conditions along any horizontal section of the lens, the average spherical and / or cylindrical power of the optical element increases from the intersection of the horizontal section and the meridian towards the peripheral portion of the lens.

[0262] The meridian corresponds to the locus of the intersection of the main line of sight with the lens surface.

[0263] The variation function, e.g., the increasing function, of the average spherical and / or cylindrical power along the section may be different according to the position of the section along the meridian.

[0264] In particular, the variation function, e.g., the increasing function, of the average spherical and / or cylindrical power along the section may be asymmetric. For example, under standard wearing conditions, the average spherical and / or cylindrical power increasing function is asymmetric along the vertical and / or horizontal sections.

[0265] The average spherical and / or cylindrical power may increase along at least one horizontal section according to an increasing function that is a Gaussian function. The Gaussian function may be different between the nasal and temporal portions of the lens in order to account for the asymmetry of the human retina.

[0266] Alternatively, the average spherical and / or cylindrical power may vary along at least one horizontal section according to an increasing function that is a quadratic function. The quadratic function may be different between the nasal and temporal portions of the lens in order to account for the asymmetry of the human retina.

[0267] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the average spherical power and / or cylindrical power of the optical element increases from a first point of the segment towards the peripheral portion of the segment and decreases from a second point of the segment towards the peripheral portion of the segment, the second point being closer to the peripheral portion of the segment than the first point.

[0268] Such an embodiment is shown in Table 1, which provides the average spherical power of the optical element according to the radial distance of the optical element from the optical center of the lens element.

[0269] In the example of Table 1, the optical element is a microlens placed on a spherical front surface having a curvature of 329.5 mm, and the lens element is made of an optical material having a refractive index of 1.591, and the prescription refractive power of the wearer is -6D. The optical element should be worn under standard wearing conditions, and the wearer's retina is considered to have a defocus of 0.8D at an angle of 30°. It is determined that the optical element has a peripheral defocus of 2D.

[0270] Distance from the optical center (mm) Average spherical power of the optical element (D) 0 1.992 5 2.467 7.5 2.806 10 3.024 15 2.998 20 2.485

[0271] Table 1

[0272] As shown in Table 1, starting from near the optical center of the lens element, the average spherical power of the optical element increases towards the peripheral portion of the segment and then decreases towards the peripheral portion of the segment.

[0273] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the average cylindrical power of the optical element increases from a first point of the segment towards the peripheral portion of the segment and decreases from a second point of the segment towards the peripheral portion of the segment, the second point being closer to the peripheral portion of the segment than the first point.

[0274] Such embodiments are shown in Table 2 and Table 3, which provide the magnitudes of the cylindrical power vectors projected in a first direction Y corresponding to a local radial direction and a second direction X orthogonal to the first direction.

[0275] In the example of Table 2, the optical element is a microlens placed on a spherical front surface having a curvature of 167.81 mm, and the lens element is made of an optical material having a refractive index of 1.591, and the prescription refractive power of the wearer is -6D. The optical element should be worn under standard wearing conditions, and the wearer's retina is considered to have a defocus of 0.8D at an angle of 30°. It is determined that the optical element has a peripheral defocus of 2D.

[0276] In the example of Table 3, the optical element is a microlens placed on the front spherical surface with a curvature of 167.81 mm, and the lens element is made of an optical material with a refractive index of 1.591. The prescription refractive power of the wearer is -1 D. The optical element should be worn under standard wearing conditions, and the wearer's retina is considered to have a defocus of 0.8 D at an angle of 30°. It is determined that the optical element has a peripheral defocus of 2 D.

[0277]

[0278] Table 2

[0279]

[0280] Table 3

[0281] As shown in Table 2 and Table 3, starting from the optical center of the lens element, the cylinder of the optical element increases towards the peripheral part of the section and then decreases towards the peripheral part of the section.

[0282] For example, the optical elements can be regularly distributed along a circle centered on the optical center of the refractive region.

[0283] The optical element on a circle with a diameter of 10 mm and centered on the optical center of the refractive region can be a microlens with an average spherical lens of 2.75 D.

[0284] The optical element on a circle with a diameter of 20 mm and centered on the optical center of the refractive region can be a microlens with an average spherical lens of 4.75 D.

[0285] The optical element on a circle with a diameter of 30 mm and centered on the optical center of the refractive region can be a microlens with an average spherical lens of 5.5 D.

[0286] The optical element on a circle with a diameter of 40 mm and centered on the optical center of the refractive region can be a microlens with an average spherical lens of 5.75 D.

[0287] The cylinder of different optical elements can be adjusted based on the shape of the human retina.

[0288] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the optical element 14 is configured such that along at least one section of the lens, the size of the optical element changes from a point of the section towards the peripheral part of the section.

[0289] The size of the optical element 14 can increase towards the periphery of the lens element along the section of the lens element.

[0290] In addition, the size of the optical element 14 increases from a first point of the section of the lens element towards the peripheral portion of the section and decreases from a second point of the section of the lens element towards the peripheral portion of the section, the second point being closer to the peripheral portion of the section than the first point.

[0291] In particular, the size of the individual island regions forming the refractive region 12 may increase along the section of the lens element towards the periphery of the lens element.

[0292] In addition, the size of the individual island regions forming the refractive region 12 may increase from a first point of the section of the lens element towards the peripheral portion of the section and decrease from a second point of the section of the lens element towards the peripheral portion of the section, the second point being closer to the peripheral portion of the section than the first point.

[0293] Alternatively, the size of the optical element 14 may decrease along the section of the lens element towards the periphery of the lens element.

[0294] In addition, the size of the optical element decreases from a first point of the section of the lens element towards the peripheral portion of the section and increases from a second point of the section of the lens element towards the peripheral portion of the section, the second point being closer to the peripheral portion of the section than the first point.

[0295] In particular, the size of the individual island regions forming the refractive region 12 may decrease along the section of the lens element towards the periphery of the lens element.

[0296] In addition, the size of the individual island regions forming the refractive region 12 may decrease from a first point of the section of the lens element towards the peripheral portion of the section and increase from a second point of the section of the lens element towards the peripheral portion of the section, the second point being closer to the peripheral portion of the section than the first point.

[0297] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the optical elements has a non-focusing optical function under standard wearing conditions and for peripheral vision.

[0298] Preferably, under standard wearing conditions and for peripheral vision, at least 50%, such as at least 80%, such as all of the optical elements 14 have a non-focusing optical function.

[0299] In the sense of the present disclosure, "non-focusing optical function" should be understood as not having a single focus under standard wearing conditions and for peripheral vision.

[0300] Alternatively, such an optical function of the optical element reduces the deformation of the wearer's eye retina, allowing the development of refractive abnormalities of the eyes of the person wearing the lens element to be slowed down.

[0301] At least one optical element having a non-focusing optical function is transparent.

[0302] Advantageously, the non-continuous optical elements are invisible on the lens element and do not affect the aesthetics of the lens element.

[0303] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens element may include an ophthalmic lens carrying a refractive region and a clip carrying the plurality of at least two optical elements, the optical elements being adapted to be removably attached to the ophthalmic lens when the lens element is worn.

[0304] Advantageously, when a person is in a long-distance environment, such as outdoors, the person can separate the clip from the ophthalmic lens and ultimately replace it with a second clip without any of the at least two optical elements. For example, the second clip may include a sun protection tint. The person can also use the ophthalmic lens without any additional clip.

[0305] The optical element may cover a specific area of the lens element, such as in the center or any other area.

[0306] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the central area of the lens corresponds to the area centered on the optical center of the lens element and does not include any optical elements. For example, the lens element may include a void area centered on the optical center of the lens element and having a diameter equal to 9 mm, the void area not including any optical elements.

[0307] The optical center of the lens element may correspond to the fitting point of the lens.

[0308] Alternatively, the optical elements may be provided on the entire surface of the lens element.

[0309] The optical element density or the amount of focal power may be adjusted according to the area of the lens element. Typically, the optical elements may be located at the periphery of the lens element to increase the effect of the optical elements on myopia control, thereby compensating for peripheral defocus caused by, for example, the peripheral shape of the retina.

[0310] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, each circular area of the lens element with a radius between 2 mm and 4 mm includes a geometric center located at a distance from the optical center of the optical element that is greater than or equal to the radius + 5 mm, and the ratio between the sum of the areas of the portions of the optical elements located within the circular area and the area of the circular area is between 20% and 70%, preferably between 30% and 60%, more preferably between 40% and 50%.

[0311] The surface considered when determining the area ratio may be along the inclined plane of the optical element or by using a projection surface on the refractive region.

[0312] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape of at least one, e.g., all, of the optical elements is configured to form a caustic surface in front of the retina of the human eye. In other words, such an optical element is configured such that each cross-sectional plane (if any) in which the light flux is concentrated is located in front of the retina of the human eye.

[0313] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one, e.g., all, of the optical elements having an aspherical optical function are multifocal refractive microlenses.

[0314] In the sense of the present disclosure, a "multifocal refractive microlens" includes bifocal (having two dioptric powers), trifocal (having three dioptric powers), progressive multifocal lenses, having a continuously varying dioptric power, e.g., an aspherical progressive surface lens, and having a symmetry axis and a continuously varying surface dioptric power that is rotationally symmetric about said axis.

[0315] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one, preferably more than 50%, more preferably more than 80%, of the optical elements are aspherical microlenses. In the sense of the present disclosure, an aspherical microlens has a continuous dioptric power evolution on its surface.

[0316] The asphericity of the aspherical microlens can be between 0.1 D and 3 D. The asphericity of the aspherical microlens corresponds to the ratio between the optical power measured at a first point of the optical element and the optical power measured at a second point of the microlens element, the first and second points being set at different radial distances from the geometric center of the optical element.

[0317] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the absolute value of the optical power of the aspherical microlens at the first point is between 2.0 D and 7.0 D, and the absolute value of the optical power at the second point is between 1.5 D and 6.0 D.

[0318] Before coating the surface of the lens element provided with the optical element, the asphericity of the aspherical microlens can vary according to the radial distance from the optical center of the lens element.

[0319] Additionally, after coating the surface of the lens element provided with the optical element, the asphericity of the aspherical microlens can further vary according to the radial distance from the geometric center of the lens element.

[0320] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one multifocal refractive microlens has a toric surface. A toric surface is a rotational surface that can be generated by rotating a circle or an arc about a rotational axis (eventually located at infinity), which does not pass through its center of curvature.

[0321] A toric lens has two different radial profiles that are perpendicular to each other, thus generating two different dioptric powers.

[0322] The toric and spherical components of a toric lens produce an astigmatic beam of light rather than a single point focus.

[0323] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one, e.g., all, of the optical elements having an aspherical optical function are toric refractive microlenses. For example, toric refractive microlenses with a spherical power value greater than or equal to 0 diopters (δ) and less than or equal to +5 diopters (δ) and a cylindrical power value greater than or equal to 0.25 diopters (δ).

[0324] As a specific embodiment, the toric refractive microlens can be a pure cylinder, meaning that the minimum meridian power is zero and the maximum meridian power is strictly positive, e.g., less than 5 diopters.

[0325] The optical elements can be manufactured using different techniques such as direct surface treatment, molding, casting or injection molding, embossing, film forming, or lithography, etc.

[0326] The present disclosure further relates to a method for processing a lens element intended to be worn in front of a wearer's eye.

[0327] As Figure 9a shown, the method includes a step S2 of providing an initial lens element. The initial lens element includes at least one support surface, and the at least one support surface includes a plurality of at least two optical elements having an optical function that does not focus an image on the retina of the wearer's eye, e.g., in order to slow down the development of refractive anomalies of the eye.

[0328] Advantageously, the plurality of at least two optical elements have at least a first surface different from the support surface.

[0329] The method further includes a step S4 during which at least a part, e.g., all, of the plurality of optical elements are processed so as to have a surface parallel to the support surface on the surface of a part of the optical elements. This processing step S4 is shown in Figure 9b where the translation of the surface 18 equivalent to the support surface along the symmetry axis of the support surface is represented by a dashed surface.

[0330] Advantageously, the method according to the present disclosure allows for improvements in terms of efficiency, cost reduction and required resources, and the process of obtaining a lens element that reduces the development of refractive anomalies of the wearer's eye while maintaining good visual acuity of the wearer.

[0331] The method according to the present disclosure allows for adjusting Figure 9b the density of the optical elements on the lens element by adjusting the level of the cutting height of the dashed surface shown.

[0332] The support surfaces can be the same, regardless of the wearer's prescription, and the optical function of the lens element is adjusted by the opposite surface (i.e., the surface without the optical element). Such an embodiment is advantageous in terms of cost and logistics. In fact, the lens elements provided in step S2 are typically obtained using molds that are very expensive to manufacture. Having the same support surface for a wide range of prescriptions allows reducing the number of different molds required and thus reducing costs and logistics. During the processing step, for example, a surface machining method is used to remove a portion of the first surface of the optical element to obtain a second surface having the same curvature as the support surface.

[0333] The present disclosure further relates to a mold for a lens element, the lens element including a plurality of optical elements having a target optical function.

[0334] As Figure 10 shown, the mold 20 includes a first molding element 21 having a first molding surface 24. The first molding surface 24 can be a spherical surface having a first curvature.

[0335] The first molding surface 24 includes a plurality of first surface elements 26. Each first surface element 26 has a spherical surface having a curvature substantially the same as the first curvature.

[0336] A portion, preferably all, of the plurality of first surface elements 26 have a symmetry axis (Di).

[0337] The plurality of first surface elements 26 have an outer shape that can be inscribed in a circle (C) having a diameter greater than or equal to 0.8 mm and less than or equal to 3.0 mm. The circle (C) can be a planar projection of the surface of the surface element, for example, on a plane orthogonal to the symmetry axis of the surface element.

[0338] The symmetry axis of each first surface element 26 can correspond to the center of the circle in which each surface element is inscribed accordingly.

[0339] The first molding surface 24 further includes a plurality of second surface elements 28. Each second surface element 28 has a spherical surface with a second curvature, the second curvature being different from the first curvature, for example, the second curvature being greater than the first curvature.

[0340] The plurality of second surface elements 28 of the first molding element 21 can correspond to the optical elements 14 placed on the surface of the lens element 10.

[0341] Although the first molding surface 24, the first and second surface elements are described in detail as being spherical, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and any of the surfaces described, for example, all of the surfaces can be aspherical surfaces.

[0342] In the sense of the present disclosure, the aspherical surface element has a continuous evolution of its height on its surface.

[0343] Along a section of the second surface element 28, i.e., a section passing through the axis of symmetry (Di) of the second surface element, the curvature of the second surface element increases from the intersection between the axis of symmetry and the surface of the second surface element to a first point, and decreases from the first point to the periphery of the second surface element.

[0344] At least one, preferably 50%, more preferably more than 80% of the plurality of second surface elements 28 may have toric surfaces. A toric surface is a surface of revolution that can be generated by rotating a circle or an arc about an axis of rotation (eventually located at infinity) that does not pass through its center of curvature. A toric surface element has two different radial profiles that are perpendicular to each other. A toric surface element can be a pure cylindrical lens, meaning that the minimum meridian is zero and the maximum meridian is strictly positive.

[0345] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least two surface elements of the plurality of second surface elements 28 are discontinuous. In the sense of the present disclosure, two second surface elements are discontinuous if, for all paths connecting the two surface elements, the first curvature of the first surface 24 of the first molding element 21 can be measured at least along a part of each path.

[0346] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least two of the plurality of second surface elements 28 are continuous. In the sense of the present disclosure, two surface elements are continuous if, for at least one path connecting the two surface elements, the first curvature of the first surface 24 of the first molding element 21 cannot be measured along the at least one path.

[0347] For example, at least a part, such as all, of the plurality of first surface elements 26 and / or second surface elements 28 may be positioned on a structured web.

[0348] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the arrangement of at least a part, such as all, of the plurality of first surface elements 26 and / or second surface elements 28 on the first surface 24 of the first molding element 21 exhibits rotational symmetry about an axis, for example, centered on the geometric center of the first surface 24 of the first molding element 21. In other words, at least a part of the plurality of first surface elements 26 and / or second surface elements 28 may be regularly distributed along at least one circle centered on the geometric center of the first surface 24 of the first molding element 21.

[0349] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a part, such as all, of the plurality of first surface elements 26 and / or second surface elements 28 are placed in at least one ring on the first surface 24 of the first molding element 21.

[0350] The plurality of first surface elements 26 and / or second surface elements 28 may be further organized in concentric rings on the first surface of the first molding element. For example, the plurality of first surface elements 26 and / or second surface elements 28 are positioned on the entire first surface 24 of the first molding element 21 along a set of 11 concentric rings. The concentric rings of surface elements may be centered on the geometric center of the first surface 24 of the first molding element 21.

[0351] The average curvature of the plurality of second surface elements 28 may be the same for all second surface elements of the same concentric ring. In particular, the average curvature of the central region of the second surface elements 28 of the same concentric ring is the same.

[0352] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of first surface elements 26 and / or second surface elements 28 may be organized into different patterns, such as a hexagonal pattern, a triangular pattern, a square pattern, a Voronoi pattern.

[0353] The plurality of second surface elements 28 may be configured such that along at least one section of the first molding element 21, the average curvature of the plurality of second surface elements increases from a point in the section towards the peripheral portion of the section.

[0354] The plurality of second surface elements 28 may be configured such that along at least one section of the first molding element 21 that passes through the geometric center of the first surface 24 of the first molding element, the average curvature of the plurality of second surface elements 28 increases from the geometric center towards the peripheral portion of the section.

[0355] The plurality of second surface elements 28 may be configured such that along at least one section of the first molding element 21, such as a section passing through the geometric center of the first surface of the first molding element, the average curvature of the plurality of second surface elements 28 increases from a first point of the section towards the peripheral portion of the section and decreases from a second point of the section towards the peripheral portion of the section, the second point being closer to the peripheral portion of the section than the first point.

[0356] For each circular region of the first surface 24 of the first molding element 21 having a radius between 4 mm and 8 mm, including a distance greater than or equal to the radius + 5 mm from the geometric center, the ratio of the sum of the areas of the plurality of surface elements located within the circular region to the area of the circular region is between 20% and 70%.

[0357] Preferably, the first surface elements 26 are respectively independent island-like elements.

[0358] Preferably, the second surface elements 28 have an annular shape. More preferably, each second surface element 28 surrounds the first surface element 26.

[0359] The mold 20 further includes a second molding element 22 having a second surface. In Figure 10 it, the second surface 25 of the second molding element 22 is not shown because it faces the first surface 24 of the first molding element.

[0360] The mold 20 further includes a gasket 23. The gasket 23 has an annular form and includes an outer surface 23a and an inner surface 23b. The gasket 23 further includes an opening 27.

[0361] The gasket 23 seals the first molding element 21 and the second molding element 22 together to form a molding cavity 30. The molding cavity 30 is defined by the first surface 24 of the first molding element 21 including a first surface element 26 and a second surface element 28, the second surface 25 of the second molding element 22, and the inner surface 23a of the gasket 23.

[0362] The molding cavity 30 of the mold 20 for the lens element 10 is filled with a molding material through the opening 27. Although shown in the gasket 23, the opening 27 can alternatively be placed on the first molding element or the second molding element. For example, the molding material can be a casting material injected into the molding cavity through the opening 27 of the gasket 23. The casting material in the molding cavity is further polymerized into a lens material, thereby forming the lens element 10.

[0363] Alternatively, the molding material can be a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material in a first liquid state at a first temperature is injected into the molding cavity 30 through the opening 27. During cooling, the thermoplastic material changes from the first liquid state to a second solid state corresponding to the lens material of the lens element 10.

[0364] In referring to the foregoing illustrative embodiments, many further modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, which are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, the scope of which is determined only by the appended claims.

[0365] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that different features are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be used advantageously. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A lens element adapted to be worn in front of a wearer's eyes, the lens element comprising: - a refractive region having a refractive power based on a prescription of the wearer's eyes; and - a plurality of at least two optical elements having an optical function that does not focus an image on the retina of the wearer's eyes, wherein the optical element has one of an optical function of focusing an image at a position other than the retina under standard wearing conditions and an aspherical optical function under standard wearing conditions; wherein the refractive region includes a plurality of separate island regions, the refractive region being formed as a region other than the optical elements, and each refractive island region being within one of the optical elements.

2. The lens element according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the optical elements have an annular shape surrounding the refractive region.

3. The lens element according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two optical elements are continuous.

4. The lens element according to claim 1, wherein, The optical element has an outer shape that can be inscribed in a circle with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.8 mm and less than or equal to 3.0 mm.

5. The lens element according to claim 1, wherein, The optical elements are positioned on a structured mesh, the structured mesh being a square mesh or a hexagonal mesh or a triangular mesh or an octagonal mesh.

6. The lens element according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the optical elements has a cylindrical power.

7. The lens element according to claim 6, wherein, All of the optical elements have a cylindrical power.

8. The lens element according to claim 1, wherein, The optical elements are configured such that along at least one section of the lens, the average spherical power of the optical elements varies from a point of the section towards the peripheral portion of the section.

9. The lens element according to claim 1, wherein, The optical elements are configured such that along at least one section of the lens, the cylindrical power of the optical elements varies from a point of the section towards the peripheral portion of the section.

10. The lens element according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the optical elements are located on the front surface of the lens element.

11. The lens element according to claim 10, wherein, All of the optical elements are located on the front surface of the lens element.

12. The lens element according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the optical elements are located between the front surface and the rear surface of the lens element.

13. The lens element according to claim 12, wherein, All of the optical elements are located between the front surface and the rear surface of the lens element.

14. The lens element according to claim 1, wherein, The spherical power of at least a portion of the optical elements increases eccentrically within the optical element.

15. The lens element according to claim 14, wherein, The spherical power of all of the optical elements increases eccentrically within the optical element.

16. A mold for a lens element according to any one of claims 1 - 15, the lens element including a plurality of optical elements having a target optical function, the mold comprising: - a first molding element having a first surface with a first curvature and including a plurality of first surface elements having a curvature substantially the same as the first curvature and a plurality of second surface elements having at least a second curvature different from the first curvature, the first surface elements being separate island elements, - a second molding element having a second surface, - a gasket having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the first surface of the first molding element, the second surface of the second element, and the inner surface of the gasket form a molding cavity into which molding material will be filled.

17. The mold according to claim 16, wherein, Each first surface element is within one of the second surface elements.

18. A method for machining a lens element according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein, The method includes: - Provide an initial lens element, the initial lens element including at least one support surface, the at least one support surface including a plurality of at least two optical elements, the optical elements having an optical function that does not focus an image on the retina of the wearer's eye, wherein the optical elements have one of an optical function of focusing an image at a position other than the retina under standard wearing conditions and an aspherical optical function under standard wearing conditions; - Machine at least a portion of the plurality of optical elements so as to have a surface parallel to the support surface on a surface of a portion of the optical elements.

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