Progressive spectacle lenses

Abstract

The invention relates to a progressive spectacle lens. A spectacle lens is provided comprising: a central viewing zone providing a first power for distance vision; a lower viewing zone providing a second power for near vision, wherein the lower viewing zone is connected to the central viewing zone by a first progressive power zone having a power varying from the power of the central viewing zone to a greater power of the lower viewing zone; and a peripheral viewing zone, each peripheral viewing zone providing a third power at a prescribed field angle, wherein each peripheral viewing zone is connected to the central viewing zone by a second progressive power zone having a power varying from the power of the central viewing zone to a greater power of each peripheral viewing zone; and an upper viewing zone having a greater power than the central viewing zone providing a fourth power for intermediate vision.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with the application date of 29 April 2022, the application number 202280032002.1, the international application number PCT / EP2022 / 061453, and the invention title “Progressive spectacle lens”. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a progressive spectacle lens, to a method for producing a progressive spectacle lens, and to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method for producing a progressive spectacle lens. BACKGROUND

[0003] As detailed in Holden, B. A.; Fricke, T. R.; Wilson, D. A.; Jong, M.; Naidoo, K. S.; Sankaridurg, P.; Wong, T. Y.; Naduvilath, T. J.; Resnikoff, S., Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050, Ophthalmology, 2016, 123, pp. 1036-1042, doi:10.1016 / j.ophtha.2016.01.006; Morgan, I. G.; He, M.; French, A. N.; Rose, K. A., A New Epidemic of High Myopia and Pathologic Myopia?, Cataract Refract. Surg. Today Eur., June 2016, pp. 70-73; Williams, K. M.; Bertelsen, G.; Cumberland, P.; Wolfram, C; Verhoeven, V. J.; Anastasopoulos, E.; Buitendijk, G. H., Increasing Prevalence of Myopia in Europe and the Impact of Education, Ophthalmology, 2015, 122, pp. 1489-1497; and Vitale, S.; Sperduto, R. D.; Ferris, F. L., Increased prevalence of myopia in the United States between 1971-1972 and 1999-2004, Arch. Ophthalmol., 2009, 127, pp. 1632-1639, the increasing prevalence of myopia is documented from epidemiological surveys from different regions of the world.Myopia not only makes distance vision blurry, but also increases the risk of developing macular degeneration, retinal detachment and glaucoma later in life due to pathological changes in the retina and choroid associated with extensive elongation of the eye; see for example Saw, S.-M.; Gazzard, G.; Shih-Yen, E. C; Chua, W. H. Myopia and associated pathological complications, Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2005, 25, 381-391; Chiang, P. P.-C; Fenwick, E.; Cheung, C. M. G.; Lamoureux, E., Public Health Impact of Pathologic Myopia, In: Spaide RF, Ohno-Matsui K, Yannuzzi LA, Eds. Pathologic Myopia. New York, NY: Springer, 2014, pp 75-81. Therefore, it is desirable to improve the preventive treatment of myopia during the childhood period when myopia progression and axial elongation are most rapid.

[0004] Experimental results have shown that hyperopic retinal defocus lengthens the axial length of the eye, leading to myopia progression, while images that are sharply focused on or in front of the retina would act as a stop signal for lengthening, based on these experimental results, it has been proposed to use progressive spectacle lenses that both reduce accommodative lag and reduce hyperopic defocus on the peripheral retina in order to generate a delay in myopia progression, see for example Wolffsohn JS., Flitcroft D. I., Gifford K. L. et al. IMI - Myopia control reports overview and introduction, Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2019, 60, M1-M19; and Wildsoet C. F., Chia A., Cho P. et al. IMI - Interventions for Controlling Myopia Onset and Progression Report, Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2019, 60, M106-M131.

[0005] US 4,786,160 A discloses a multifocal spectacle lens having two power progression zones that are spatially separated from each other and can provide smooth power transitions between three different viewing distance zones. The power progression surfaces are calculated according to a spline analysis technique and are twice continuously differentiable. In a particular embodiment, the power progression lens has a central viewing zone for distance vision, a lower viewing zone for near vision with a lower addition of +1.75 D, and an upper viewing zone for intermediate vision with a lower addition of +1.00 D.

[0006] US 6,343,861 B1 discloses a power progression ophthalmic lens element including a lens surface having an upper viewing zone having a surface power for achieving a power corresponding to distance vision, a lower viewing zone having a greater surface power than the upper viewing zone for achieving a power corresponding to near vision, and an intermediate zone extending over the lens element having a surface power varying from the surface power of the upper viewing zone to the surface power of the lower viewing zone and including a corridor of relatively low surface astigmatism, the power progression ophthalmic lens element including power progression design elements selected to reduce myopia progression.

[0007] US 7,862,171 B2 discloses an ophthalmic lens element for correcting myopia of an eye of a wearer. The lens element includes a central viewing zone and a peripheral zone. The central viewing zone provides a first optical correction for substantially correcting myopia associated with a foveal region of the eye of the wearer. The peripheral zone surrounds the central viewing zone and provides a second optical correction for substantially correcting myopia or hyperopia associated with a peripheral region of the retina of the eye of the wearer. Also disclosed is a system and method of dispensing or designing an ophthalmic lens element for correcting myopia of an eye of a wearer.

[0008] US 8,540,365 B2 discloses an ophthalmic lens element including an anterior surface and a posterior surface, wherein at least one surface includes a horizontal meridian and a vertical meridian. A central viewing zone of the lens element includes a foveal viewing zone that provides a first power to provide clear foveal vision for a wearer. A peripheral region having a positive power relative to the first power is also included. The peripheral region includes a dual power progression zone located on both sides of the vertical meridian and extending radially outward from the central viewing zone. The lens element provides a surface astigmatism profile that provides relatively low surface astigmatism in the central viewing zone and the power progression zone on the horizontal meridian.

[0009] US 8,833,936 B1 discloses a progressive ophthalmic lens having an upper viewing zone, a lower viewing zone, a corridor zone, and a peripheral region disposed on each side of the lower viewing zone. The upper viewing zone includes a distance reference point (DRP) and a fitting cross (FC) and provides a first power for distance vision. The lower viewing zone for near vision provides a lower addition relative to the first power. The corridor zone connects the upper and lower zones and provides a power that varies from the power of the upper viewing zone to the power of the lower viewing zone. Each peripheral region includes a positive power zone relative to the lower addition, wherein the power relative to the lower viewing zone provides a positive power. The relative positive power zone is disposed immediately adjacent to the lower viewing zone such that the lower viewing zone is interposed between the relative positive power zone.

[0010] EP 2069854 B1 discloses an ophthalmic lens element comprising a central viewing zone of low surface astigmatism, and a peripheral region. The central viewing zone comprises an upper viewing zone for providing a first power suitable for distance vision tasks of a wearer. The peripheral region has a positive power relative to the first power and surrounds the central viewing zone. The peripheral region provides an optical correction for slowing down or preventing myopia of the wearer and comprises one or more relatively higher surface astigmatism regions, a lower surface astigmatism lower viewing zone or near viewing zone, and a lower surface astigmatism corridor zone having a surface power that varies from the surface power of the upper viewing zone to the surface power of the lower viewing zone. The lower viewing zone is for near vision tasks of the wearer.

[0011] In the following document, Hasebe S., Jun J., Varnas S.R., Myopia control with positively aspherized progressive addition lenses: a 2-year, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial [Myopia control with positively aspherized progressive addition lenses: a 2-year, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial], Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci., 2014, vol. 55, pp. 7177-7188, DOI: 10.1167 / iovs.12-11462, the influence of a newly designed progressive spectacle lens on the progression of early-onset myopia was evaluated, which reduces both the accommodative lag and the hyperopic defocus on the peripheral retina. The progressive spectacle lens has a relatively positive power in the peripheral zone of the lens compared to the central viewing zone, wherein the distribution of power and surface astigmatism provides clear distance vision in the central viewing zone and clear near vision in the lower part of the peripheral zone. In addition, the peripheral zone provides a positive average add in the upper part of the lens, intended as a stop signal for near vision progression. The area in the peripheral zone that provides low astigmatism includes a near viewing zone, which is connected to the central viewing zone via a corridor band that approximates the umbilical cord. Further, the progressive spectacle lens has a very short power progression corridor band, which is suitable for children or teenagers, reaching full nominal add 14 mm below the fitting point. However, the positive aspherization of the distance zone of the progressive spectacle lens with astigmatic surface extension does not result in a higher efficacy in controlling myopia progression compared to conventional progressive spectacle lenses without such positive aspherization.

[0012] WO 2013 / 134825 A1 discloses an ophthalmic lens element comprising a distance upper viewing zone and a near lower viewing zone. The distance upper viewing zone comprises a central area having a first refractive power for clear distance vision and a peripheral area having a relatively positive power compared to the first refractive power. The near lower viewing zone has a central area having a relatively positive power compared to the first refractive power to account for accommodative lag. The power of the peripheral area of the near lower viewing zone is one of: i) equal to the power of the central area of the near lower viewing zone, ii) relatively positive compared to the power of the central area of the near lower viewing zone.

[0013] Further background of the invention is disclosed in CN 110068938 A, US2004 / 008320 A1 and US 6,390,623 B1.

[0014] Although the above-mentioned progressive spectacle lenses have advantages, there is still room for further improvement in terms of reinforcing the preventive treatment of myopia in children, in particular in the contemporary environment characterized by intensive use of computer devices. SUMMARY

[0015] In particular with regard to the disclosure of any one of WO 2013 / 134825 A1, EP 2069854 B1 and Hasebe S. et al. (see above), it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a progressive spectacle lens, a method for producing a progressive spectacle lens and a computer program comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method for producing a progressive spectacle lens, which at least partially overcome the above-mentioned problems in the prior art.

[0016] It is in particular an object of the present invention to correct the relative peripheral hyperopic drift of the eye of the wearer of the progressive spectacle lens during a distance vision task when looking straight ahead and at the same time to reduce accommodative lag during both a near vision task, such as reading, and the viewing of objects at intermediate viewing distances, such as the screen of a computer monitor.

[0017] This problem is solved by a progressive spectacle lens, a method for producing a progressive spectacle lens and a computer program comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method for producing a progressive spectacle lens having the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments, which can be realized in isolation or in any combination, are listed in the dependent claims and throughout the description.

[0018] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a progressive spectacle lens, wherein the progressive spectacle lens has a front surface and a back surface, wherein the front surface or the back surface is a progressive surface comprising:

[0019] a central viewing zone having a surface power providing a first refractive power for distance vision;

[0020] a lower viewing zone having a greater surface power than the central viewing zone providing a second refractive power corresponding to near vision, wherein the lower viewing zone is connected to the central viewing zone by a first progressive power zone having a surface power varying from the surface power of the central viewing zone to the greater surface power of the lower viewing zone and having a corridor of low surface astigmatism;

[0021] two peripheral viewing zones extending from either side of the vertical meridian of the progressive surface, each peripheral viewing zone having a greater surface power than the central viewing zone, providing a third refractive power at the prescribed field of view angle to correct for peripheral hyperopic drift of the static eye looking straight ahead, wherein each peripheral viewing zone is connected to the central viewing zone by a second progressive power zone having a surface power varying from the surface power of the central viewing zone to the greater surface power of each peripheral viewing zone and having a corridor of low surface astigmatism; and

[0022] an upper viewing zone having a greater surface power than the central viewing zone, providing a fourth refractive power corresponding to the intermediate vision, wherein the upper viewing zone is connected to the central viewing zone by a third progressive power zone having a surface power varying from the surface power of the central viewing zone to the surface power of the upper viewing zone and having a corridor of low surface astigmatism.

[0023] Based on section 3.5.2 of standard ISO 13666:2019 (Ophthalmic optics - Ophthalmic lenses - Vocabulary, also referred to herein as "standard"), the term "ophthalmic lens" refers to an optical lens used to determine and / or correct at least one ocular aberration of an eye of a wearer, wherein the ophthalmic lens is carried in front of the eye of the wearer. Different terms than the term "wearer" can also apply, such as "subject", "person", "test person" or "user". Further, section 3.7.8 of the standard defines the term "progressive ophthalmic lens" as a particular kind of ophthalmic lens having a progressive surface comprising at least two power reference points, which is generally designed to provide correction of presbyopia and clear vision from far to near. In particular, the progressive ophthalmic lens has a primary reference point, also referred to as "DRP", and a secondary reference point, also referred to as "near reference point" or "NRP".

[0024] Further, the term "ocular aberration" refers to the difference between the surface of the ideal optical wavefront determined for the wearer's eye and the surface of the actual optical wavefront. Herein, the term "optical wavefront" refers to the surface perpendicular to the light rays along which the light propagates. In particular, within a typical human population, the ocular aberration generally includes at least one second order spherical cylindrical focusing error, also referred to as "refractive error". Various approaches can be employed to describe a spherical cylindrical lens designed to correct for spherical cylindrical focusing error. As defined in standard section 3.6.6, the term "spherical cylindrical lens" refers to an ophthalmic lens having one spherical surface and one cylindrical surface. Further, according to section 3.13.1, a spherical cylindrical lens is defined as an ophthalmic lens that combines parallel paraxial beams on two separate mutually perpendicular focal lines, whereby the ophthalmic lens has refractive power in only two meridians. As commonly used, the term "refractive power" refers to a measure of the degree to which an ophthalmic lens converges or diverges incident light. Further, according to section 3.10.7, the term "vertex power" is defined as the inverse value of the width of the paraxial section. As further defined in sections 3.2.12 and 3.13.2, the term "meridian" refers to one of the two perpendicular planes of an ophthalmic lens having a dioptric action parallel to the two focal lines. Further, the term "dioptric action" or "cylindrical power" corresponds to "cylindrical disparity", which is defined in section 3.13.6 as the difference between the vertex power in the horizontal meridian and the refractive power in the vertical meridian. As further commonly used, the term "surface astigmatism" refers to a measure of the degree to which the curvature of an ophthalmic lens varies between intersecting planes that are perpendicular to the surface of the ophthalmic lens at a point on the surface of the ophthalmic lens. Further, according to section 3.13.7, "cylindrical degree" refers to the algebraic difference between the refractive values of the meridians, with the refractive value of the particular meridian taken as reference being subtracted from the refractive value of the other meridian, while according to section 3.13.8, "cylindrical axis" refers to the direction of the principal meridian of an ophthalmic lens whose vertex power is taken as reference. As further defined in section 3.10.4, the term "surface power" refers to the local ability of a finished surface to change the convergence of light beams incident to the surface, wherein the surface power is determined from at least one radius of the surface and the refractive index of the optical material used for progressive ophthalmic lenses.

[0025] Progressive spectacle lenses have a lens body comprising a front surface and a back surface, wherein the back surface faces the eye of the wearer while the front surface is first hit by incident light beams that are incident on the progressive spectacle lens. Generally, there are two types of progressive lenses, namely a first type having a progressive surface on the front surface of the optical lens and a prescribed surface on the back surface selected from a spherical surface or a toric surface, and a second type having a spherical front surface while the back surface combines a progressive surface and a prescribed surface. The first type is usually cast as a semi-finished progressive surface, after which a prescribed surface is applied on the back surface. The second type is usually cast as a spherical disc having a spherical front surface, after which the back surface is treated with a free-form generator and a polisher in order to obtain a complex surface combining a progressive surface and a toric surface.

[0026] The progressive spectacle lens can be formulated from any suitable material, in particular a polymeric material. Herein, the polymeric material can be of any suitable type, in particular a thermoplastic or a thermoset material. In particular, a material of the di-allyl glycol carbonate type can be used, such as CR-39 (PPG Industries). Herein, the polymeric article can be formed from a cross-linkable polymeric casting composition. Further, at least one of the front surface and the back surface can comprise at least one additive used in the casting composition, such as an inhibitor, a dye (including a thermochromic dye and a photochromic dye), a polarizer, a UV stabilizer or a material capable of modifying the refractive index. Further, the progressive spectacle lens can comprise an additional coating on at least one of the front surface or the back surface, in particular an electrochromic coating. Further, the front surface can comprise at least one of an anti-reflective (AR) coating or a scratch-resistant coating. For further details, reference can be made to EP 2069854 B1.

[0027] According to the present application, the progressive surface has a central viewing zone. As generally used, the term "viewing zone" refers to a portion of the progressive surface designated to provide an optical power for a particular selected category of vision. As generally used, the terms "central viewing zone" and "distance viewing zone" both refer to a portion of the progressive surface located around the center of the progressive surface and designated to provide an optical power for distance vision, in particular to provide a central foveal vision for an on-axis viewing of the wearer of the progressive spectacle lens. The optical power provided by the central viewing zone can typically be a prescribed power corresponding to the optical correction of the wearer for distance vision. For the purpose of correcting myopia, the central viewing zone exhibits a negative power in order to bring the image from an uncorrected position in front of the retina to the retina of the wearer of the progressive spectacle lens. In particular, the central viewing zone can cover an area of the progressive surface corresponding to the typical eye rotation of the wearer.

[0028] Further in accordance with the application, the progressive surface comprises four distinct stabilized add regions which are located in a peripheral portion of the progressive surface of the progressive spectacle lens around the central viewing zone in a manner that surrounds the central viewing zone. As commonly used, the term "peripheral" refers to the portion of the progressive surface outside the central viewing zone. According to the application, the peripheral portion provides an add of the first refractive power relative to the central viewing zone throughout the peripheral portion. As commonly used, the term "add" refers to a partial refractive power provided in addition to the refractive power provided by the central viewing zone.

[0029] The lower viewing zone is located along a lower portion of the vertical meridian of the progressive surface and provides a second refractive power corresponding to near vision. Thus, the lower viewing zone can also be called "near viewing zone". Herein, the second refractive power provides a first add of +1.00 D to +4.00 D, preferably +1.50 D to +2.50 D, of the first refractive power of the central viewing zone, thereby providing a greater surface power than the central viewing zone. As commonly used herein, the term "greater" means that the surface power of the corresponding viewing zone exceeds the surface power of the central viewing zone. In particular, the lower viewing zone can reduce the need for the wearer to tilt the head during near vision tasks such as reading, and thus can make lens wearing more comfortable. Further, the lower viewing zone can reduce the accommodative requirement imposed on the wearer's eye for near vision tasks such as reading. In particular, the lower viewing zone can help young wearers to reduce their accommodative requirement during near viewing tasks, which has been proven to have a non-negligible effect on delaying myopia progression.

[0030] Both peripheral viewing zones extend from the vertical meridian of the progressive surface to both sides. The term "both sides" means that both peripheral viewing zones are located along the horizontal meridian of the progressive surface in a manner that is symmetrical relative to the center of the progressive surface along the horizontal meridian of the progressive surface, in particular the first peripheral viewing zone being in the nasal direction of the progressive surface and the second peripheral viewing zone being in the temporal direction of the progressive surface. Both peripheral viewing zones are designed to provide a third refractive power at the prescribed field of view angle, which is designed to correct the peripheral hyperopic drift of the static eye looking straight ahead. Herein, the third refractive power provides a second add of +1.00 D to +3.50 D, preferably +1.50 D to +2.00 D, of the first refractive power of the central viewing zone. As a result, the first add can exceed the second add by +0.50 D or less, in particular the first add can be equal to the second add.

[0031] In particular according to the application, the upper viewing zone is positioned along an upper portion of the vertical meridian of the progressive surface, thereby pointing towards the top of the progressive surface. Herein, the upper viewing zone is designated for providing a fourth refractive power corresponding to the intermediate vision. As a result, the upper viewing zone can improve the viewing of objects at intermediate viewing distances, such as the screen of a computer monitor. Herein, the fourth refractive power provides a third add power of +0.50D to +2.00D, preferably +0.75D to +1.50D, relative to the first refractive power of the central viewing zone. As a result, both the first add power and the second add power can exceed the third add power.

[0032] Further, the progressive surface comprises a set of progressive power zones. As used herein, the term "progressive power zone" refers to a zone having a positive gradient of surface power, which zone is located on the progressive surface and is formed as a "corridor band" by connecting each of the central viewing zone and the lower viewing zone, the two peripheral viewing zones and the upper viewing zone. As commonly used, the term "corridor band" refers to a portion of the progressive surface designated for connecting at least two separate viewing zones located on different portions of the progressive surface. According to the application, the add power of each progressive power zone increases with increasing distance from the center of the progressive surface, wherein the add power increases until the respective add power of the corresponding progressive power zone is fully reached. As described in more detail below, each corridor band forming a progressive power zone on a portion of the progressive surface exhibits simultaneously a low surface astigmatism, wherein the term "low surface astigmatism" refers to a low degree of astigmatic power at the respective portion of the progressive surface, amounting to less than +0.25. In contrast thereto, a higher surface astigmatism can exhibit an astigmatic power of up to +2.00D.

[0033] A conventional progressive lens for presbyopic wearers can comprise an intermediate viewing zone located in the progressive zone between the distance viewing zone and the near viewing zone. In the progressive surface comprised by the progressive spectacle lens according to the application, the distance from the fitting cross (FC) in the central viewing zone to the near reference point (NRP) in the lower viewing zone is rather short. As a result, the remaining space is too small to fit an intermediate viewing zone between the fitting cross and the near reference point. Therefore, the intermediate viewing zone is now constituted by the upper viewing zone located in the area above the distance viewing zone, thereby the distance from the fitting cross to the upper viewing zone is shorter than the distance from the fitting cross to the near viewing zone. Herein, the viewing of a monitor can be further improved by adjusting the height of the monitor, in particular slightly upwards, and / or by applying a slight tilt of the head downwards when viewing the monitor in front of the wearer.

[0034] More specifically, both the first and second lower add can be fully reached at a first distance from the center of the progression surface, wherein the first distance can be 12 mm to 20 mm, preferably 15 mm to 17 mm, in particular 16 ± 0.1 mm. Similarly, the third lower add of the upper viewing zone can be fully reached at a second distance from the center of the progression surface, wherein the first distance can preferably exceed the second distance, wherein the second distance can be 7 mm to 10 mm, preferably 8 mm to 9 mm, in particular 8.5 ± 0.1 mm. However, other values are feasible as well.

[0035] Further, the progression surface can comprise a set of blending zones. As commonly used, the term "blending zone" refers to a region of the progression surface having a non-prescription surface mean power providing only minimal visual utility. As used herein, the term "blending zone" can in particular refer to a region located between two adjacent progression power zones.

[0036] Further, the progression spectacle lens comprises a specific distribution of surface astigmatism over the progression surface. Herein, a low surface astigmatism having an astigmatism power less than +0.25 D is present in the central viewing zone, is subject to the limitations imposed by the international standard on the power at the DRP, and extends from the central viewing zone to each of the lower viewing zone, the two peripheral viewing zones and the upper viewing zone by each of the progression power zones connecting the central viewing zone with the corresponding lower viewing zone, the two peripheral viewing zones and the upper viewing zone. In contrast thereto, a higher surface astigmatism, such as having an astigmatism power up to +2.00 D, can be present in a blending zone located between two adjacent progression power zones.

[0037] In another aspect, the present application relates to a series of progression spectacle lenses, wherein a later progression spectacle lens of the series has a certain range of lower adds, wherein at least one of these lower adds is higher than the corresponding lower add of an earlier progression spectacle lens of the series, while the other lower adds are equal to or higher than the corresponding lower adds of the earlier spectacle lens of the series. In particular, the lower add for the lower viewing zone for near vision can vary, such as in a regular progression lens series with an increment of +0.25 D, while the other lower adds of the series can remain at the same level or increase by +0.25 D, depending in particular on the peripheral refractive needs and the intermediate vision needs, respectively. As a particular advantage of the increment of the progression spectacle lenses of the series, the earlier progression spectacle lens of the series can in particular be used in an early stage of myopia control treatment, while the later progression spectacle lens of the series can in particular be used in a later stage of myopia control treatment, in particular in order to introduce an enhancement of the positive power, which can advantageously maintain the efficacy of the myopia control treatment during the later stage of the treatment.

[0038] In another aspect, the present application relates to a method for producing a progressive spectacle lens as disclosed elsewhere herein. The method according to the present application comprises the following steps a) and b) which can preferably be performed in a given order starting with step a) and continuing with step b), wherein these two steps can also be performed at least partially in a simultaneous manner depending on the chosen production method. Additionally, further steps disclosed or not disclosed herein can be additionally performed.

[0039] The steps of the method for producing a progressive spectacle lens according to the present application are as follows:

[0040] (a) determining for a wearer of a progressive spectacle lens a first value of a first refractive power for distance vision, a second value of a second refractive power corresponding to near vision, a third value of a third refractive power for correcting the peripheral hyperopic drift of the static eye looking straight ahead, and a fourth value of a fourth refractive power corresponding to intermediate vision; and

[0041] (b) producing the progressive spectacle lens by machining at least one lens blank using the first, second, third and fourth values of optical corrections, wherein the progressive spectacle lens has a front surface and a back surface, wherein the front surface or the back surface is a progressive surface as described elsewhere herein.

[0042] According to step (a), the respective values of the corresponding refractive powers are determined, in particular by using the knowledge of the person skilled in the art. Based on the first, second, third and fourth values of optical corrections, the progressive spectacle lens is then produced according to step (b) by machining at least one lens blank as is well known to the person skilled in the art.

[0043] Generally, the method according to the present application can be performed in such a way that a lens blank can be provided, which is then ground, for example by using a grinding device, in order to produce the desired progressive spectacle lens by using the first, second, third and fourth values of optical corrections for compensating at least one ocular aberration in the eye of the wearer.

[0044] However, in a preferred embodiment, the method according to the application can be a computer- implemented method. As generally used, the term "computer-implemented method" refers to a method involving a programmable device, in particular a computer, a computer network or a readable medium carrying a computer program, whereby at least one method step, preferably all method steps, are performed by using at least one computer program. For this purpose, the computer program code can be provided on a data storage medium or a separate device, such as an optical storage medium, e.g. on a CD, directly on a computer or data processing unit, in particular a mobile communication device, specifically a smartphone or a tablet, or via a network, such as an intranet or the internet. Thus, the inventive method can be performed on a programmable unit configured for this purpose, such as by providing a specific computer program.

[0045] Thus, in another aspect, the present application relates to a computer program which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the steps of the method for producing a progressive ophthalmic lens according to the present application. For this purpose, the computer program can comprise instructions provided by means of computer program code which, when implemented on a computer or data processing unit, are able to perform any or all steps of the method as described elsewhere herein and thus produce an ophthalmic lens for the eye of a wearer. Herein, the computer program code can be provided on a data storage medium or a separate device, such as an optical storage medium, e.g. on a CD, directly on a computer or data processing unit, in particular a mobile communication device, specifically a smartphone or a tablet, or via a network, such as an intranet or the internet.

[0046] Further details regarding the method for producing a progressive ophthalmic lens and the related computer program can be referred to the progressive ophthalmic lens as disclosed elsewhere herein.

[0047] The progressive ophthalmic lens, the method for producing a progressive ophthalmic lens and the related computer program exhibit various advantages over the prior art. In particular, the progressive ophthalmic lens can be particularly used to suppress myogenic stimuli during both distance vision and near vision. This use of the progressive ophthalmic lens according to the present application particularly contrasts with the progressive ophthalmic lens described by Hasebe S. et al. (see above) which attempts to positively asphericalize the distance vision zone of the progressive ophthalmic lens with an extension of the astigmatic surface, which does not show a higher efficacy in controlling myopia progression compared to a conventional progressive ophthalmic lens without such positive asphericalization.

[0048] In contrast to the lens design concept described in WO 2013 / 134825 A1, the spectacle lens according to the present application does not comprise a lower peripheral zone with an average power equal to or higher than the near zone power. On the contrary, the spectacle lens of the present application has a much lower average power in these zones than the near zone power. Further, the spectacle lens of WO 2013 / 134825 A1 exhibits a region from the far point to the near point as a single low astigmatism channel with a progressive power, wherein an insertion of discontinuity in the peripheral zone or a blending of these high positive power zones by a blending zone with high astigmatism is proposed. In contrast, the spectacle lens of the present application has 4 low astigmatism channels with a smooth transition from one power to another until it reaches the stable power zone. Further, WO 2013 / 134825 A1 does not disclose an upper viewing zone for intermediate vision.

[0049] Even if considering other documents US 8,540,365 B2, US 8,833,936 B2 or US 6,390,623 B1, the skilled person would not consider it as a normal design procedure to implement low surface astigmatism profiles in order to connect the different viewing zones of D1. All the mentioned documents implement low surface astigmatism profiles along one axis (vertical axis or horizontal axis). In contrast, our invention implements these channels simultaneously along two axes which are almost perpendicular to each other. Only this implementation allows to solve the problem in ophthalmic lens design, i.e. to provide positive powers with low astigmatism in 4 different directions to meet the different requirements of a young progressive myopic wearer both for foveal and peripheral vision.

[0050] As used herein, the terms "have", "comprise" or "include" or any arbitrary grammatical variations thereof will be understood to be used in a non-exclusive way. Thus, these terms can both refer to a situation in which, besides the feature introduced by these terms, no further features are present in the entity described in this context and to a situation in which one or more further features are present. As an example, the expressions "A has B", "A comprises B" and "A includes B" can mean that, besides B, no further elements are present in A (i.e. the entity A solely consists of B) but can also mean that, besides B, one or more further elements are present in the entity A such as for example element C, elements C and D or even further elements.

[0051] As further used herein, the terms “preferredly,” “more preferably,” “particularly,” “even more particularly,” or similar terms are used in combination with optional features without limiting the possibility of substitution. Therefore, features described by these terms are optional features and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the invention can be practiced by using alternative features. Similarly, features described by “in embodiments of the invention” or similar expressions are intended to be optional features and are not subject to any limitation on alternative embodiments of the invention, any limitation on the scope of the invention, or any limitation on the possibility of combining features described in this way with other features of the invention.

[0052] Preferably, other optional features and embodiments of the invention are disclosed in more detail in the following description of the preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the dependent claims. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the various optional features of the dependent claims can be implemented in isolation and in any feasible combination. It is emphasized here that the scope of the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0053] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0054] Figure 1 illustrates the surface average focal length of a preferred embodiment of a graduated eyeglass lens according to the present invention. FIG. 1A ) and surface astigmatism ( FIG. 1B (contour map);

[0055] Figure 2 illustrates the optical average focal length of a preferred embodiment of the graduated eyeglass lens depicted in Figure 1. FIG. 2A ) and optical astigmatism ( FIG. 2B (contour map);

[0056] Figure 3 illustrates the surface average focal length of another preferred embodiment of the gradient eyeglass lens according to the present invention. FIG. 3A ) and surface astigmatism ( FIG. 3B (contour map);

[0057] Figure 4 illustrates the average optical power of another preferred embodiment of the graduated spectacle lens depicted in Figure 3. FIG. 4A ) and optical astigmatism ( FIG. 4B The contour map of ) and

[0058] FIG. 5 A preferred embodiment of the method for producing gradient eyeglass lenses according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0059] FIG. 1Acontrolling, in particular children myopia controlling. The progressive spectacle lens 114 has a lens body which can be transparent or at least partially transparent to an incident light beam so as to be able to correct at least one ocular aberration of the eye of the wearer. The lens body of the progressive spectacle lens 114 has a front surface and a back surface, wherein the back surface faces the eye of the wearer while the front surface is first hit by the incident light beam impinging on the progressive spectacle lens 114. Herein, the front surface or the back surface, preferably the back surface, of the progressive spectacle lens 114 can incorporate a progressive surface 116 described in more details hereafter, as well as a prescribed surface which can include a toric component to correct the astigmatism of the eye of the wearer, while the other surface (not depicted here) can be a spherical surface designated to provide distance vision within a certain distance. As FIG. 1A Further shown, the progressive surface 116 can typically present a circular or slightly elliptical form, having a center 118 where a vertical meridian 120 and a horizontal meridian 122 intersect each other. Herein, a fitting cross (FC) can be located at the center 118. As FIGS. 1A-4B As displayed, each contour map 110 shows the distribution of the corresponding variable over a diameter of 50 mm which corresponds in an approximate manner to the size of a typical children or teenager frame.

[0060] As FIG. 1A Schematically depicted, the progressive surface 116 has a central viewing zone 124 located around the center 118 of the progressive spectacle lens 114. The central viewing zone 124 is designated to provide a first refractive power, in particular over an area corresponding to the typical eye rotation of the wearer, wherein the first refractive power can preferably be adjusted to suit the distance vision task of the wearer. Further, the progressive surface 116 has peripheral portions 126 which surround the central viewing zone 124 and are adjusted to provide, in the whole peripheral portions 126, an add relative to the first refractive power provided by the central viewing zone 124.

[0061] First, a lower viewing zone 128 is located within the peripheral portions 126 of the progressive surface 116 along a lower portion 130 of the vertical meridian 120. The lower viewing zone 128 is designated to provide a first lower add suitable for the near vision task of the wearer, such as reading or looking at a computer keyboard. In the exemplary embodiment of the progressive surface 116, as shown in figure 1, the first lower add provided by the first stable lower add zone 128 presents a value of about +1.50 D relative to the first refractive power provided by the central viewing zone 124.

[0062] Further, two peripheral viewing zones 132, 134 extend from the horizontal meridian 122 to either side within the peripheral portion 126 of the progressive surface 116, one in the temporal direction of the progressive surface 116 and the other in the nasal direction of the progressive surface. Herein, both peripheral viewing zones 132, 134 are designated to provide a second add power at the prescribed field of view angle, which is designed to correct for peripheral hyperopic drift of the stationary eye looking straight ahead. In the exemplary embodiment of the progressive surface 116 shown in FIG. 1, the add power of the two peripheral viewing zones 132, 134 assumes a value of about +1.50 D, which is similar to the value of the first stable add power region 128. FIG. 1A

[0063] According to the present application, an upper viewing zone 136 is located within the peripheral portion 126 of the progressive surface 116 along an upper portion 138 of the vertical meridian 120, thus pointing to the top 140 of the progressive surface 116. Herein, the upper viewing zone 136 is designated to provide a third add power, which is designed to reduce accommodative lag during intermediate viewing. As a result, the upper viewing zone 136 can improve viewing of objects at intermediate viewing distances, such as the screen of a computer monitor. In the exemplary embodiment of the progressive surface 116 shown in FIG. 1, the third add power of the upper viewing zone 136 assumes a value of about +0.75 D relative to the first refractive power provided by the central viewing zone 124. This value is much smaller compared to both the first add power of about 1.50 D provided by the lower viewing zone 128 and the second add power of also about 1.50 D provided by the peripheral viewing zones 132, 134. FIG. 1A

[0064] As further schematically depicted in FIG. 1, the surface power 112 reaches a value of about +1.50 D in the lower viewing zone 128 and also in the peripheral viewing zones 132, 134 at a first distance of 16 ± 0.1 mm from the center 118 of the progressive surface 116. In this exemplary embodiment, the third add power of about +0.75 D in the upper viewing zone 136 has already reached a value of about +0.75 D at a second distance of 8.5 ± 0.1 mm from the center 118 of the progressive surface 116. FIG. 1A

[0065] ​​​As a result of this exemplary arrangement, the progression length of the first progression power region 142 connecting the central viewing zone 124 and the lower viewing zone 128, the second progression power region 144 connecting the central viewing zone 124 and the peripheral viewing zone 132, and the third progression power region 146 connecting the central viewing zone 124 and the other peripheral viewing zone 134 greatly exceeds the progression length of the fourth progression power region 148 connecting the central viewing zone 124 and the upper viewing zone 136. In particular, the progression length of the first progression power region 142 and the fourth progression power region 148 arranged in this manner can be beneficial to increase the compliance of the use of the lower viewing zone 128 for near vision and the upper viewing zone 136 for intermediate vision.

[0066] FIG. 1B The isopach map 110 of the surface astigmatism 150 is shown for the same exemplary embodiment of the progression surface 116 of the progressive spectacle lens 114 depicted in FIG. 1A Herein, each progression power region 142, 144, 146, 148 as defined above is schematically depicted with a low surface astigmatism, wherein the astigmatism power of the low surface astigmatism can be less than +0.25 D, preferably close to zero.

[0067] As further depicted in FIG. 1B As further depicted in FIG. 1B In the exemplary embodiment of the progression surface 116 shown, the astigmatism power of each blending region 152, 154, 156, 158 is between +0.75 D and +1.25 D. In this exemplary embodiment, the astigmatism power of the other blending regions 152, 154 adjacent to the lower viewing zone 128 can exhibit a higher astigmatism power of about +1.00 D to +1.25 D, in particular compared to the astigmatism power of about +0.75 D to +1.00 D of the blending regions 156, 158 adjacent to the upper viewing zone 136.

[0068] FIG. 2AA contour plot 110 illustrating the optical average power 160 distributed on the gradient surface 116 of a preferred exemplary embodiment of the graduated spectacle lens 114 schematically depicted in Figure 1 is shown. Herein, the value of the optical average power 160 is obtained by ray tracing. For this purpose, the analysis of the optical average power 160 distributed on the gradient surface 116 is performed by simulating the process of measuring the graduated spectacle lens 114 on the gradient surface 116 using an ophthalmic instrument, particularly an ophthalmoscope or focimeter, especially a diopter or focal meter, specifically a Humphrey Lens Analyzer. For this purpose, the graduated spectacle lens 114 is positioned with a measurement point on the optical axis of the ophthalmic instrument, wherein the gradient surface 116 is placed flush with the measuring aperture. Parallel light on the side of the graduated spectacle lens 114 opposite to the measuring aperture is refracted through the graduated spectacle lens 114, thereby determining the final convergence of the light rays that pass directly through the measuring aperture to obtain the corresponding value of the optical average power 160. Therefore, a configuration in which the light rays are parallel to the optical axis of the ophthalmic instrument has been used.

[0069] FIG. 2B A contour plot 110 illustrates the optical astigmatism 162 distributed on the gradient surface 116 of a preferred exemplary embodiment of the gradient spectacle lens 114 schematically depicted in FIG1. ​​Hereinafter, the value of the average optical astigmatism 162 is obtained by ray tracing to... FIG. 2A The optical average focal length of 160 was obtained in a similar manner.

[0070] FIG. 3A A contour plot 110 shows a surface average power 112 of the gradient surface 116 of the gradient spectacle lens 114 according to another preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3B Showing with FIG. 3A The contour plot 110 of the surface astigmatism 150 of the gradient surface 116 of the gradient spectacle lens 114 depicted is another exemplary embodiment of the same.

[0071] FIG. 4A Contour plot 110 shows an optical average focal length of 160. FIG. 4B A contour plot 110 shows the optical astigmatism 162, which, along with the optical mean power, is distributed on the gradient surface 116 of a preferred exemplary embodiment of the gradient spectacle lens 114 schematically depicted in FIG. 3. Further details regarding the determination of the optical mean power 160 and the optical astigmatism 162 can be found in the description of FIG. 2 above.

[0072] exist FIG. 3A In another preferred exemplary embodiment, with FIG. 1A Compared to the preferred exemplary embodiment of the depicted gradient surface 116, the gradient surface 116 has a higher downlighting intensity. FIG. 3AIn this exemplary embodiment, the first downlight in the lower viewing area 128 along the vertical axis 120 presents a value of approximately +2.50D, the second downlight in the peripheral viewing areas 132, 134 along the horizontal axis 122 presents a value of approximately +2.00D, and the third downlight in the upper viewing area 136 presents a value of approximately +1.25D. Each downlight is added to the first refractive power provided by the central viewing area 124 of the gradient surface 116.

[0073] Therefore, relative to the gradient eyeglass lens 114 depicted in Figures 1 and 2, the gradient surface 116 depicted in Figures 3 and 4 can be regarded as another gradient eyeglass lens in a series of gradient eyeglass lenses 114.

[0074] As a result of this particularly preferred arrangement, the progressive lens 114 depicted in Figures 1 and 2 is particularly suitable for use in the early stages of myopia control treatment, while the progressive lens 114 schematically depicted in Figures 3 and 4 is particularly suitable for use in the later stages of myopia control treatment, specifically to introduce an enhancement of orthofocus, which may advantageously maintain the effectiveness of myopia control treatment during the later stages of myopia control treatment.

[0075] FIG. 5 A preferred embodiment of the method 170 for producing gradient spectacle lenses 114 according to the present invention is shown.

[0076] In step 172, based on step a),

[0077] Determined: The first value of the first refractive power used for distance vision is 174;

[0078] The second value of the second refractive power corresponding to near vision is 175;

[0079] The third value of the third refractive power, 176, is used to correct peripheral hyperopic drift in a stationary eye looking straight ahead; and

[0080] The fourth value of the fourth refractive power corresponding to the visual field is 177.

[0081] In a production step 178 according to step b), a progressive ophthalmic lens 114 as described elsewhere herein is produced by machining at least one lens blank using the first value 174, the second value 175, the third value 176 and the fourth value 177 of optical correction. As a result, the progressive ophthalmic lens 114 produced according to the production step 178 has a progressive surface 116 able to perform the desired optical correction to the eye of the wearer of the progressive ophthalmic lens 114. Preferably, a set of ophthalmic lenses is produced, the set of ophthalmic lenses being able to perform the desired optical correction to both eyes of the wearer simultaneously. In particular, the progressive ophthalmic lens 114 is able to correct the relative peripheral hyperopic drift of the eye of the wearer during a distance vision task when looking straight ahead, and at the same time, to reduce accommodative lag during both a near vision task, such as reading, and the viewing of objects at an intermediate viewing distance, such as the screen of a computer monitor.

[0082] It is to be understood that the above description is that of example embodiments of the application, and that various changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the application as defined in the appended claims.

[0083] List of references

[0084] 110 contour map

[0085] 112 surface mean power

[0086] 114 progressive ophthalmic lens

[0087] 116 progressive surface

[0088] 118 center

[0089] 120 vertical meridian

[0090] 122 horizontal meridian

[0091] 124 central viewing zone

[0092] 126 peripheral portion (surrounding the central viewing zone)

[0093] 128 lower viewing zone

[0094] 130 lower portion

[0095] 132 peripheral vision zone

[0096] 134 peripheral vision zone

[0097] 136 upper viewing zone

[0098] 138 upper portion

[0099] 140 top

[0100] 142 first progressive power zone

[0101] 144 second progressive power zone

[0102] 146 second progressive power zone

[0103] 148 third progressive power zone

[0104] 150 surface astigmatism

[0105] 152 blending zone

[0106] 154 blending zone

[0107] 156 blending zone

[0108] 158 blending zone

[0109] 160 optical mean power

[0110] 162 optical astigmatism

[0111] 170 method for producing a progressive spectacle lens

[0112] 172 determining step

[0113] 174 first value

[0114] 175 second value

[0115] 176 third value

[0116] 177 fourth value

[0117] 178 producing step

Claims

1. A spectacle lens, comprising: The central viewing area provides primary focus for viewing distant objects; The lower viewing area provides a second focal power for near vision, wherein the lower viewing area is connected to the central viewing area via a first progressive focal power region having a focal power variation from the focal power of the central viewing area to the lower viewing area. as well as Peripheral viewing zones, each providing a third focal power at the prescription field of view angle, wherein each peripheral viewing zone is connected to the central viewing zone via a second progressive focal power region having a focal power variation from the focal power of the central viewing zone to a larger focal power variation in each peripheral viewing zone; and The upper viewing area, which has a greater focal length than the central viewing area, provides a fourth focal length for viewing.

2. The spectacle lens of claim 1, wherein the upper viewing area is connected to the central viewing area via a third progressive focal length region, the third progressive focal length region having a focal length that varies from the focal length of the central viewing area to the focal length of the upper viewing area.

3. The spectacle lens of claim 1, wherein the greater power provided by the fourth power is configured to reduce accommodative lag during central vision.

4. The spectacle lens of claim 1, wherein the power provided by the fourth power is +0.50D to +2.00D greater than the first power.

5. The spectacle lens of claim 1, wherein the power provided by the fourth power is +0.75D to +1.50D greater than the first power.

6. The spectacle lens of claim 1, wherein the peripheral portion surrounding the central viewing area provides a greater power throughout the peripheral portion than the first power of the central viewing area.

7. The spectacle lens of claim 6, wherein the peripheral portion surrounding the central viewing area includes the lower viewing area, the peripheral viewing area, and the upper viewing area.

8. The spectacle lens of claim 1, wherein the second power is +1.00D to +4.00D greater than the first power.

9. The spectacle lens according to claim 1, wherein the second power is +1.50D to +2.50D greater than the first power.

10. The spectacle lens of claim 1, wherein the peripheral viewing area is symmetrically positioned along the horizontal meridional plane of the surface of the spectacle lens.

11. The spectacle lens of claim 1, wherein the third power is +1.00D to +3.50D greater than the first power.

12. The spectacle lens of claim 1, wherein the third power is +1.50D to +2.00D greater than the first power.

13. The spectacle lens of claim 1, wherein the difference between the second power and the first power exceeds the difference between the third power and the first power by +0.50D or less.

14. The spectacle lens of claim 1, wherein the difference between the second power and the first power is equal to the difference between the third power and the first power.

15. The spectacle lens of claim 1, wherein the difference between the second power and the first power and the difference between the third power and the first power both exceed the difference between the fourth power and the first power.

16. The spectacle lens of claim 1, wherein the second power and the third power are fully achieved at a first distance from the center of the surface of the spectacle lens.

17. The spectacle lens of claim 16, wherein the fourth power is fully achieved at a second distance from the center of the surface, and the first distance exceeds the second distance.

18. A series of spectacle lenses according to claim 1, wherein a subsequent spectacle lens in the series includes a peripheral portion surrounding the central viewing area having a set of focal powers greater than the first focal power, wherein at least one of these focal powers is greater than the corresponding focal power of the preceding spectacle lens in the series, while other focal powers are equal to or greater than the corresponding focal power of the preceding spectacle lens in the series.

19. The series of spectacle lenses according to claim 18, wherein the difference between the second power and the first power of a subsequent spectacle lens in the series increases by +0.25D relative to the difference between the second power and the first power of a preceding spectacle lens in the series.

20. The series of spectacle lenses according to claim 18, wherein the difference between the third power and the first power of a subsequent spectacle lens in the series remains or increases by +0.25D relative to the difference between the third power and the first power of a preceding spectacle lens in the series.

21. The series of spectacle lenses according to claim 18, wherein the difference between the fourth power and the first power of a subsequent spectacle lens in the series remains or increases by +0.25D relative to the difference between the fourth power and the first power of a preceding spectacle lens in the series.

22. A method for using a computer-provided design of an eyeglass lens to manufacture the eyeglass lens using the design, the eyeglass lens comprising: The central viewing area provides primary focus for viewing distant objects; The lower viewing area provides a second focal power for near vision, wherein the lower viewing area is connected to the central viewing area via a first progressive focal power region having a focal power variation from the focal power of the central viewing area to the lower viewing area. as well as The peripheral viewing zones, each providing a third focal power at the prescription field of view angle, are connected to the central viewing zone via a second progressive focal power region having a focal power variation from the focal power of the central viewing zone to a greater focal power variation in each peripheral viewing zone. The feature is the step of providing an upper viewing area, which has a greater focal length than the central viewing area, and the upper viewing area provides a fourth focal length for viewing.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the spectacle lens is designed based on a first focal power for distance vision, a second focal power for near vision, a third focal power at the prescription field of view, and a fourth focal power for intermediate vision.

24. The method of claim 22, further comprising manufacturing the spectacle lens based on the design.

25. A computer program product comprising a program including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of claim 22.

26. A computer-readable storage medium having a program stored thereon, the program including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to claim 22.

Images