Ophthalmic lenses and methods relating thereto

Abstract

An ophthalmic lens (101), a method of manufacturing such a lens (101), and a method of designing such a lens (101) are described. The lens (101) includes an optical zone (103) centered on an optical axis (102) and a peripheral zone (105) surrounding the optical zone (103). Within the optical zone (103), along a first meridian (107a), the lens (101) has a first radial power profile that varies continuously in a first radial direction from the optical axis (102) to the peripheral zone (105). Along a second, different meridian (107b), the lens has a second, different radial curvature power profile that varies continuously in a second radial direction from the optical axis (102) to the peripheral zone.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates, inter alia, but not exclusively, to ophthalmic lenses for slowing myopia progression and for presbyopic use, the lenses having different amounts of power change curves. The present disclosure also relates to methods of manufacturing such lenses and methods of designing such lenses. BACKGROUND

[0002] Many people, including children and adults, require ophthalmic lenses to correct myopia (nearsightedness) and many adults can require lenses to correct presbyopia (age-related inability to accommodate and thus to focus on near objects). Ophthalmic lenses can also be required to correct hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, or keratoconus (a condition whereby the cornea gradually protrudes to form a cone shape).

[0003] Without optical correction, a myopic eye focuses incoming light from a distant object to a location in front of the retina. Thus, light converges toward a plane in front of the retina, beyond which the light then diverges and is out of focus by the time it reaches the retina. Conventional lenses for correcting myopia, such as eyeglass lenses and contact lenses, reduce the convergence (for contact lenses), or cause incoming light from a distant object to diverge before it reaches the eye (for eyeglass lenses), so that the focal point is shifted onto the retina.

[0004] In presbyopia, the lens does not effectively change shape to accommodate near objects, and thus a person with presbyopia cannot focus on near objects. Conventional lenses for correcting presbyopia, such as eyeglass lenses and contact lenses, include bifocal lenses or progressive lenses, which include regions optimized for near vision and regions optimized for distance vision. Presbyopia can also be treated using bifocal or multifocal lenses or single vision lenses, in which a different prescription is provided for each eye, one eye being provided with a distance vision lens and one eye being provided with a near vision lens.

[0005] It was suggested decades ago that myopia progression in children or young adults could be slowed or prevented by undercorrection, i.e. shifting the focal point toward but not completely onto the retina. However, this approach necessarily results in degraded distance vision compared to the vision obtained using a lens that fully corrects myopia. Furthermore, it is now believed that undercorrection is effective in controlling myopia development is doubtful. A more recent approach is to provide lenses having both regions that provide full correction for distance vision and regions that undercorrect or deliberately induce myopic defocus. Lenses can also be provided that increase scattering of light in certain regions compared to light that travels through fully corrected regions of the lens. It has been suggested that these approaches can prevent or slow the development or progression of myopia in children or young adults while providing good distance vision.

[0006] In the case of lenses having a region that provides a defocus, the region that provides full correction for distance vision is often referred to as the base power region and the region that provides undercorrection or intentionally induces myopic defocus is often referred to as the myopic defocus region or add power region (because the power is more positive or less negative than the power of the distance region). The surface (usually the front surface) of the add power region has a smaller radius of curvature than the radius of curvature of the distance power region and thus provides a more positive or less negative power to the eye. The add power region is designed to focus incoming parallel light (i.e., light from a distance) in front of the retina (i.e., closer to the lens) within the eye, while the distance power region is designed to focus light and form an image at the retina (i.e., farther from the lens). When the lens wearer is viewing a target near and uses accommodation to focus light traveling through the distance power region, the add power region focuses the light in front of the retina.

[0007] One known type of contact lens that reduces myopia progression is the bifocal contact lens available under the name MISIGHT (CooperVision, Inc.). This bifocal lens is different from bifocal or multifocal contact lenses configured to improve the vision of presbyopic wearers, where the bifocal lens is configured to have a specific optical dimension to enable an accommodative person to use distance correction (i.e., base power) to view both distance and near objects. The treatment zone of the bifocal lens with add power also provides myopic defocus images at distance and near viewing distances.

[0008] While these lenses have been found to be beneficial in preventing or slowing the progression or deepening of myopia, the annular add power region can produce unwanted visual side effects. Light focused in front of the retina by the annular add power region diverges from the focal point to form a defocus ring at the retina. Thus, especially for small bright objects such as streetlights and car headlights, the wearer of these lenses can see a ring or 'halo' around the image formed on the retina. Also, instead of using the natural accommodation of the eye (i.e., the natural ability of the eye to change focus) to focus near objects, in theory, the wearer can use the additional annular add power region to focus near objects; in other words, the wearer can inadvertently use the lens in the same way as a presbyopic corrective lens, which is undesirable for young subjects.

[0009] Additional lenses have been developed that can be used to treat myopia. In these lenses, the annular region is configured so that there is no single on-axis image formed in front of the retina, thereby preventing this image from being used to focus near targets and avoiding the need for eye accommodation. More specifically, a distance point source is imaged by the annular region to an annular focal line at a near add power focal surface, resulting in a small spot size of light on the retina at the distance focal surface without a surrounding 'halo' effect.

[0010] For treating myopia, it is recognized that it can be beneficial to provide a lens that introduces additional myopic defocus. For treating presbyopia, it can be beneficial to provide a lens that creates an extended depth of focus. The present disclosure seeks to provide such a lens. Such a lens can also be beneficial in correcting or improving vision associated with hyperopia, astigmatism, keratoconus, or other refractive abnormalities. SUMMARY

[0011] According to a first aspect, the disclosure provides an ophthalmic lens according to technical solution 1.

[0012] According to a second aspect, the disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a lens according to technical solution 23.

[0013] According to a third aspect, the disclosure provides a method of designing a lens according to technical solution 24.

[0014] It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present disclosure can be incorporated into other aspects of the present disclosure. For example, the methods of the present disclosure can incorporate features described with reference to the apparatus of the present disclosure and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Embodiments of the application will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which:

[0016] Figure 1 is a diagram showing how the direction of meridians is defined in relation to a lens;

[0017] Figure 2A is a schematic top view of a lens according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2B is a chart showing the radial power along two different meridians of a lens according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2A

[0019] Figure 3A is a schematic top view of a lens according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 3B is a chart showing the radial power along two different meridians of a lens according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3A

[0021] Figure 4A is a schematic top view of a lens according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4B is a chart showing the radial power along two different meridians of a lens according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4A

[0023] Figure 5A ​​​is a schematic top view of a lens according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0024] Figure 5B is a graph showing the radial curvature diopter along two different meridians of a lens according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Figure 5A

[0025] Figure 6A is a schematic top view of a lens according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0026] Figure 6B is a graph showing the radial curvature diopter along two different meridians of a lens according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Figure 6A

[0027] Figure 7A is a schematic top view of a lens according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0028] Figure 7B is a graph showing the radial curvature diopter along two different meridians of a lens according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Figure 7A

[0029] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a lens according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0030] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing a method of designing a lens according to an embodiment of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] According to a first aspect, the disclosure provides an ophthalmic lens. The lens comprises an optical zone centered on an optical axis and a peripheral zone surrounding the optical zone. Within the optical zone, along a first meridian, the lens has a first radial curvature diopter profile that varies continuously in a first radial direction from the optical axis to the peripheral zone. Along a second meridian, the lens has a second different radial curvature diopter profile that varies continuously in a second radial direction from the optical axis to the peripheral zone.

[0032] The ophthalmic lens can be an eyeglass lens. The ophthalmic lens can be a contact lens.

[0033] The eyeglass lens can comprise PMMA, CR-39, polycarbonate, Trivex, or crown glass.

[0034] As used herein, the term contact lens refers to a lens that can be placed on the anterior surface of an eye. It will be appreciated that such a contact lens will provide clinically acceptable movement on the eye and not be bonded to the person's (two) eyes. The ophthalmic lens can be a corneal lens (e.g., a contact lens that rests on the cornea of an eye). The ophthalmic lens can be a soft contact lens, such as a hydrogel contact lens or a silicone hydrogel contact lens. The ophthalmic lens can be a rigid contact lens.​​​

[0035] The ophthalmic lens can be a lens for preventing or slowing the progression or deepening of myopia. The lens can be a lens for providing an extended depth of focus for presbyopia.

[0036] An ophthalmic lens according to the present disclosure comprises an optical zone. The optical zone encompasses the portion of the lens that has optical functionality. The optical zone is configured to be positioned over the pupil of the eye in use. For an ophthalmic lens according to the present disclosure, the optical zone comprises a small central region, and an annular region surrounding the central region.

[0037] An ophthalmic lens according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a peripheral zone surrounding the optical zone. The peripheral zone is not part of the optical zone, but surrounds and is external to the optical zone. For embodiments of the present disclosure in which the ophthalmic lens is a contact lens, the peripheral zone is positioned over the iris when the lens is worn, and it provides a mechanical function, for example, increasing the size of the lens, thereby making the lens easier to handle, providing stabilization to prevent lens rotation, and / or providing a shaping region that improves the comfort of the lens wearer. The peripheral zone can extend to the edge of the contact lens. The peripheral zone can have a substantially circular outer periphery. In embodiments of the present disclosure in which the ophthalmic lens is a spectacle lens, the peripheral zone surrounds and is external to the optical zone. The peripheral zone can have a substantially circular outer periphery. The peripheral zone can have a substantially elliptical, oval, or rectangular outer periphery. The peripheral zone can extend to the edge of the spectacle lens. The peripheral zone can be surrounded by another zone that is not optically active.

[0038] For embodiments of the present disclosure in which the ophthalmic lens is a contact lens, the peripheral zone can include a stabilizer to orient the lens when positioned on the eye of a wearer. Embodiments of the present disclosure that incorporate a stabilizer into a contact lens will rotate to a predetermined resting angle under the action of the wearer's eyelids when placed on the eye of a wearer; for example, the stabilizer can be a wedge and the rotation can result from the action of the eyelids on the wedge. Stabilizing contact lenses to orient the lenses is well known in the art; for example, stabilizing toric contact lenses to orient the lenses so that the orthogonal cylindrical correction provided by the lens is properly aligned for the wearer's eye astigmatism.

[0039] For embodiments of the present disclosure in which the ophthalmic lens is a spectacle lens, the shape of the lens can be substantially circular. The shape of the lens can be elliptical. The shape of the lens can be oval. The shape of the lens can be rectangular. The shape of the lens can be square. The front surface of the lens can have an area between 1200 mm 2 and 3000 mm 2 .

[0040] In embodiments of the present disclosure in which the ophthalmic lens is a contact lens, the shape of the lens can be substantially circular, and can have a diameter from about 4 mm to about 20 mm.

[0041] The shape of the optical zone of the ophthalmic lens can be substantially circular and can have a diameter from about 2 mm to about 10 mm.

[0042] For embodiments of the disclosure in which the ophthalmic lens is a contact lens, the contact lens can have a diameter from 13 mm to 15 mm, and the optical zone can have a diameter from 7 mm to 9 mm.

[0043] The far point of the reference light defines the optical axis of the lens. Light from a far point source on the optical axis of the lens, which can be referred to hereinafter as an on-axis far point source, will be focused onto the optical axis of the lens. The optical axis can be positioned along the centerline of the lens. For example, when the lens is a contact lens, the optical axis is typically positioned along the centerline of the lens. However, the optical axis can of course not be along the centerline of the lens; this can be the case for spectacle lenses, the position of the optical axis of the lens will be determined by the inter-pupillary distance of the wearer, which can not coincide with the centerline of the lens, depending on the geometry of the lens.

[0044] The refractive power of the lens within the optical zone can be defined as the radial curvature power, the circumferential curvature power, the radial sagittal power, and the circumferential sagittal power.

[0045] In ophthalmology, the word "sagittal" is used in two different ways to describe astigmatism and to describe an optical surface.

[0046] In general optics, the word "sagittal" is used when describing astigmatism. Astigmatism occurs when a light ray from an off-axis position is tilted through a lens. Astigmatism is primarily due to the cosine compression that occurs in the meridian along which the light ray originates, e.g., if the light ray originates in the horizontal peripheral field, then the surface (and hence the radius of curvature) will appear to be compressed cosinusoidally horizontally, resulting in an increase in the refractive power (and hence astigmatism) in that meridian. The refractive power in that meridian is labeled the "tangential" power, and the refractive power in the perpendicular meridian is labeled the "sagittal" power. Astigmatism results in an object point being imaged to two spatially separated and orthogonal line foci - the sagittal focal line and the tangential focal line.

[0047] The second usage of the word "sagittal" originates from the description of an optical surface, e.g., in ophthalmology, where it is the center of clinical measurements of the anterior ocular surface (i.e., in a corneal topography). The sagittal optical power is determined by the slope of the optical surface along a given direction; it is also known as the slope-based power. The terms including "sagittal power," "slope power," and "axial power" are synonymous and used interchangeably. The curvature power is determined by the local curvature of the optical surface along a given direction.

[0048] In the present disclosure, the terms sagittal and curvature power can be used in the context of an optical surface to describe the power of an ophthalmic lens surface.

[0049] Both sagittal and curvature powers are defined along a given direction. For ophthalmic lenses according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the radial sagittal and radial curvature powers are along a direction extending radially outward from the optical axis of the lens. The circumferential sagittal and circumferential curvature powers are along a direction perpendicular to the radial direction.

[0050] For lenses with on-axis optics, under the paraxial approximation, the values of the sagittal and curvature powers can be similar or identical. However, for some recently developed myopia control lenses employing non-on-axis optics, the values of the slope and curvature powers can be very different from each other. These lenses have surface regions that focus light from an on-axis light source onto regions that are off the optical axis, so that the distance from the local beam of light from the source to the focal point can be very different from the distance it travels through the optical axis. For these types of lenses, the distinction between the sagittal and curvature powers becomes important. For non-on-axis optics, the description of the curvature power does not provide a complete description of the optics. Adjacent regions of the lens can have the same curvature power, but different sagittal powers (because the light rays from each region pass through the axis at different distances from the local focal point and from each other). For example, for a lens containing non-on-axis lenslets, the resulting sagittal and curvature power values are significantly different. The curvature power map of this lens shows a constant additional power for each lenslet, but the sagittal power map shows that the sagittal power decreases as the radial distance increases.

[0051] The sagittal power is directly related to the position of the light rays at the image plane (the retinal plane in the eye), and thus directly related to the image quality. When implementing non-on-axis optics, the curvature power is not necessarily so.

[0052] The sagittal and curvature powers of an ophthalmic lens can be determined by measuring the wavefront of light passing through the lens. When describing the wavefront of light passing through a lens, the radial sagittal power of the lens at a given point is related to the first derivative of the wavefront, as it is calculated as the slope of the wavefront divided by the radial distance (r) from the optical axis of the lens (usually the center of the lens). The radial (local) curvature power of the point is calculated as the second derivative of the wavefront.

[0053] In practice, an example method of measuring the wavefront of light passing through an ophthalmic lens is to use an aberrometer, such as a Shack-Hartmann aberrometer with a (monochromatic, i.e. narrowband) 540 nm light source, such as the Hartmann Shack Wavefront Sensor (HWS) from Imagine Eyes, Orsay, France. (available from www.lumetrics.com). Shack-Hartmann aberrometers comprise a planar regular array of lenslets. In use, the wavefront to be measured is sampled by a two-dimensional array of lenslets (lenslets) each focusing a different part of the wavefront to a different focal point. If the wavefront is planar, the spatial arrangement of the resulting point spread function will reflect the arrangement of the lenslets, so the lenslets focus the wavefront to a corresponding regular array of focal spots.

[0054] Optical wavefront measurements derived by aberrometers are typically quantified relative to a standard reference case. For example, when using a Shack-Hartmann aberrometer, the standard reference is typically a planar wavefront passing through the two-dimensional array of lenslets (lenslets), as described previously.

[0055] The effect of a given lens on the wavefront is measured by inserting the lens into the measurement path at a position optically conjugate to the lenslet array. The planar wavefront then passes through the two-dimensional array of lenslets and through the lens.

[0056] For a simple lens, the resulting wavefront will be a diverging or converging wavefront, which would produce an array of spots displaced relative to their positions when the lens is not present. In practice, the magnitude and direction of the spot displacement can also be caused by additional aberrations of the lens. A wavefront error map is determined by measuring the displacement of the displaced spots from the regular array of focal spots, and the wavefront error map can be used to calculate the sagittal and curvature power of the lens.

[0057] The wavefront error map can be measured at intervals across the lens, for example on the optical zone of a contact lens; for example, a Shack-Hartmann aberrometer can be used to measure the wavefront error map once every 104μm within a 10mm aperture.

[0058] For the lenses described herein and in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the radial sagittal power at a given location (i.e. the slope power or axial power) is the first derivative of the wavefront error (i.e. the wavefront error slope, which can be obtained from the wavefront error map) with respect to r divided by r, where r is the radial distance of the location from the optical axis of the lens; thus, the radial sagittal power is defined as

[0059]

[0060] For the lenses described herein and in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the radial curvature power at a given location is the second derivative of the wavefront error (which can be obtained from the wavefront error map) with respect to r, where r is the radial distance of the location from the optical axis of the lens; thus the radial curvature power is defined as:

[0061]

[0062] The term meridian is used herein to describe a line within the optical zone that extends radially outward from the optical axis to a point on the boundary between the optical zone and the peripheral zone. The direction of a meridian around the optical zone can be defined by an angle Θ, where Θ varies between 0° and 360°. This is illustrated in Figure 1 . Figure 1 A lens 1 is shown having an optical zone 3 centered on an optical axis 2. A peripheral zone 5 surrounds the optical zone 3. A first example meridian 7a is positioned along the line Θ = 0 / 360° and extends from the optical axis 2 to the boundary 9 of the optical zone 3 and the peripheral zone 5. A second example meridian 7b is positioned along the line Θ = 90° and extends from the optical axis 2 to the boundary 9 of the optical zone 3 and the peripheral zone 5. A third example meridian 7c is positioned along the line Θ = 180° and extends from the optical axis 2 to the boundary 9 of the optical zone 3 and the peripheral zone 5. A fourth example meridian 7d is positioned along the line Θ = 270° and extends from the optical axis 2 to the boundary 9 of the optical zone 3 and the peripheral zone 5. Although only four orthogonal meridians are shown in Figure 1 , meridians are positioned along lines of Θ, i.e., 0° <= Θ < 360°. Additionally, the degrees of each meridian refer to the accompanying figures. It can be appreciated that in the field of contact lenses, for example, the 90 degree meridian shown in Figure 1 can be practically understood as a 0 / 360 degree meridian, and Figure 1 the 0 / 360 degree meridian shown in can be understood as a 90 degree meridian, such that the degrees of each meridian increase in a counterclockwise direction.

[0063] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the radial curvature power of the optical zone varies continuously (i.e., the values have a smooth and continuous change) in a radial direction along the first meridian (i.e., in a radial direction extending outward from the optical axis of the lens to a point in the boundary between the optical zone and the peripheral zone), resulting in a first radial curvature power profile. A first average radial curvature power can be defined as the average radial curvature power value measured along the meridian having the first radial curvature power profile.

[0064] At or towards the optical axis, the first radial curvature power profile can provide a distance power. At the optical axis, the first radial curvature power profile can provide a power between +0.5 diopters (D) and -25.0 D. The first radial curvature power profile can provide a power between -0.25 D and -15.0 D. Alternatively, the first radial curvature power profile can provide a near power. At the optical axis, the first radial curvature power profile can provide a power between +0.5 diopters (D) and +25.0 D. At the optical axis, the first radial curvature power profile can provide a power between +0.5 diopters (D) and +10.0 D.

[0065] In embodiments of the disclosure, the radial curvature power also varies continuously (i.e., the values have a smooth and continuous change) along at least one second different meridian within the optical zone (i.e., a second radial direction extending outward from the optical axis of the lens to a point on the boundary between the optical zone and the peripheral zone), but exhibits a different radial curvature power variation than the first radial curvature power variation, thereby producing a second different radial curvature power variation curve. A second average radial curvature power can be defined as the average radial curvature power values taken along the meridians having the second radial curvature power variation curve. The second average radial curvature power can be different than the first average radial curvature power. The second average radial curvature power can be the same as the first average radial curvature power.

[0066] Advantageously, lenses according to embodiments of the disclosure having different curvature power variation curves along different meridians can allow the eye muscles to relax. This is particularly useful in lenses for improving vision at daily working distances and can produce an anti-fatigue effect.

[0067] At or towards the optical axis, the second radial curvature power variation curve can provide a distance power. At the optical axis, the second radial curvature power variation curve can provide a power between +0.5 diopters (D) and -25.0 D. The second radial curvature power variation curve can provide a power between -0.25 D and -15.0 D. Alternatively, the second radial curvature power variation curve can provide a near power. At the optical axis, the second radial curvature power variation curve can provide a power between +0.5 diopters D and +25.0 D. At the optical axis, the second radial curvature power variation curve can provide a power between +0.5 diopters (D) and +10.0 D.

[0068] At the optical axis, the second radial curvature power variation curve can have the same radial curvature power as the first radial curvature power variation curve. Alternatively, the first radial curvature power variation curve and the second radial curvature power variation curve can approach two different radial curvature power values. Towards the optical axis, the first curvature power variation curve or the second curvature power variation curve can provide a distance power, and the other of the first curvature power variation curve and the second curvature power variation curve can provide a near power. Thus, advantageously, the lens can provide both a central near power and a central distance power.

[0069] The first and second radial curvature diopter profiles can have the same or similar radial curvature diopter values at or toward the optical axis, but can have different radial curvature diopter values at or toward the boundary between the optical zone and the peripheral zone. Alternatively, the first and second radial curvature diopter profiles can have the same or similar radial curvature diopter values at or toward the boundary between the optical zone and the peripheral zone.

[0070] Along the first radial curvature diopter profile, the radial curvature diopter can vary as an oscillating profile. Along the first radial curvature diopter profile, the radial curvature diopter can continuously increase, or continuously decrease. The first radial curvature diopter profile can have a monotonically decreasing radial curvature diopter as the radial distance from the optical axis increases, or a monotonically increasing radial curvature diopter as the radial distance from the optical axis increases. The gradient of the first radial curvature diopter profile can be constant, or can change as the radial distance from the optical axis increases. Along the first radial curvature diopter profile, the radial curvature diopter can vary in a pseudo-random manner.

[0071] Along the second radial curvature diopter profile, the radial curvature diopter can vary as an oscillating profile. Along the second radial curvature diopter profile, the radial curvature diopter can continuously increase, or continuously decrease. The second radial curvature diopter profile can exhibit a monotonically decreasing radial curvature diopter as the radial distance from the optical axis increases, or a monotonically increasing radial curvature diopter as the radial distance from the optical axis increases. The gradient of the second radial curvature diopter profile can be constant, or can change as the radial distance from the optical axis increases. Along the second radial curvature diopter profile, the radial curvature diopter can vary in a pseudo-random manner.

[0072] The first radial curvature diopter profile can be selected to produce a desired first average radial curvature diopter value along the first meridian. The second radial curvature diopter profile can be selected to produce a second average radial curvature diopter along the second meridian.

[0073] The first radial curvature diopter profile can have substantially the same shape as the second radial curvature diopter profile, but the first average radial curvature diopter can be different from the second average radial curvature diopter. Alternatively, the first curvature diopter profile can have a first average radial curvature diopter value measured along the first meridian, and the second radial curvature diopter profile can also have a first average radial curvature diopter value measured along the second meridian, and the first radial curvature diopter profile can have a different shape than the second radial curvature diopter profile.

[0074] The first radial curvature diopter profile can have an opposite shape to the second radial curvature diopter profile. For example, one of the first and second curvature diopter profiles can include at least one peak at the first radial distance from the optical axis of the lens, and the other of the first and second curvature diopter profiles can include at least one valley at the first radial distance from the optical axis of the lens. The first radial curvature diopter profile can include a series of peaks at a series of radial positions along the meridian, and the second radial curvature diopter profile can include a series of valleys at the same radial positions along the meridian. In this case, the first average radial curvature diopter can be the same as the second average radial curvature diopter, or it can be different from the second average radial curvature diopter. In this document, the term peak is used to describe the maximum radial (i.e. most positive or least negative) curvature diopter value along the radial curvature diopter profile. The peak can be a global peak (i.e. the absolute maximum radial curvature diopter value along the radial curvature diopter profile), or a local peak (i.e. the maximum radial curvature diopter value compared to the radial curvature diopter on either side of the peak). The term valley is used to describe the minimum (i.e. least positive or most negative) radial curvature diopter value along the radial curvature diopter profile. The valley can be a global valley (i.e. the absolute minimum radial curvature diopter value along the radial curvature diopter profile), or a local peak (i.e. the minimum radial curvature diopter value compared to the radial curvature diopter on either side of the valley).

[0075] One of the first and second radial curvature diopter profiles can have a higher curvature diopter value (i.e. more positive or less negative) towards the optical axis than towards the boundary between the peripheral region and the optical zone, and the other of the first and second radial curvature diopter profiles can have a lower curvature diopter value (i.e. less positive or more negative) towards the optical axis than towards the boundary between the peripheral region and the optical zone. One of the first and second radial curvature diopter profiles can monotonically increase as the distance from the optical axis increases. The other of the first and second radial curvature diopter profiles can monotonically decrease as the distance from the optical axis increases.

[0076] The first radial curvature diopter profile can comprise at least one peak in radial curvature diopter. The first radial curvature diopter profile can comprise at least one valley in radial curvature diopter. The first radial curvature diopter profile can comprise a plurality of peaks and / or valleys in radial curvature diopter at different radial distances from the optical axis of the lens. Different peaks and / or valleys in the first radial curvature diopter profile can be global or local peaks and / or valleys, i.e. they can have different radial curvature diopter values. The second radial curvature diopter profile can comprise at least one peak in radial curvature diopter. The second radial curvature diopter profile can comprise at least one valley in radial curvature diopter. The second radial curvature diopter profile can comprise a plurality of peaks and / or valleys in radial curvature diopter at different radial distances from the optical axis of the lens. Different peaks and / or valleys in the second radial curvature diopter profile can be global or local peaks and / or valleys, i.e. they can have different radial curvature diopter values.

[0077] At least one peak and / or valley in the first radial curvature diopter profile can be at the same radial distance from the optical axis of the lens as at least one peak and / or valley in the second radial curvature diopter profile. Each peak and / or valley in the first radial curvature diopter profile can be at the same radial distance from the optical axis of the lens as each peak and / or valley in the second radial curvature diopter profile. Each peak in the first radial curvature diopter profile can be at the same radial distance from the optical axis of the lens as a valley in the second radial curvature diopter profile, or vice versa.

[0078] The first radial curvature diopter profile can span a diopter range of at least 2.0D, preferably at least 5.0D. The second radial curvature diopter profile can span a diopter range of at least 2.0D, preferably at least 5.0D. The first radial curvature diopter profile and the second radial curvature diopter profile can span diopter ranges having the same magnitude, e.g. both the first radial curvature diopter profile and the second radial curvature diopter profile can span a 5.0D diopter range. The first radial curvature diopter profile and the second radial curvature diopter profile can span different absolute diopter values. The range of diopter values spanned by the first radial curvature diopter profile can overlap the range of diopter values spanned by the second radial curvature diopter profile.

[0079] The first radial curvature diopter profile and the second radial curvature diopter profile can have substantially the same shape but can span different diopter values, which can be overlapping diopter ranges or can be non-overlapping diopter values.

[0080] In the optical zone, the first set of meridians can have a first power profile of curvature and the second set of meridians can have a second power profile of curvature. The first power profile of curvature can have a first average radial power of curvature and, as a result, the first set of meridians can have a first average radial power of curvature. The second power profile of curvature can have a second average radial power of curvature value and, as a result, the second set of meridians can have a second average radial power of curvature.

[0081] The first set of meridians can be distributed around the optical zone at regular intervals (i.e., at regular intervals of theta values). The angular spacing between each meridian in the first set of meridians can be about 90°, about 45°, about 30°, about 20°, or about 10°. The angular spacing between each meridian in the first set of meridians can be less than 5°, less than 2°, less than 1°, or less than 0.5°. The second set of meridians can be distributed around the optical zone at regular intervals (i.e., at regular intervals of theta values). The angular spacing between each meridian in the set of meridians can be about 90°, about 45°, about 30°, about 20°, or about 10°. The angular spacing between each meridian in the first set of meridians can be less than 5°, less than 2°, less than 1°, or less than 0.5°. The first set of meridians and the second set of meridians can be interleaved and they can form an alternating pattern around the optical zone. The angular spacing between a meridian in the first set of meridians and its adjacent meridian from the second set of meridians can be less than 5°, less than 2°, less than 1°, or less than 0.5°. The angular spacing between a meridian from the first set of meridians and an adjacent meridian from the second set of meridians can be small enough so that the eye of the lens wearer cannot distinguish between the two meridians.

[0082] The average radial power of curvature of the meridians in the first direction can be different from the average radial power of curvature of the meridians in the second orthogonal direction, resulting in a toric average power profile. For example, the second set of meridians can be orthogonal to the first set of meridians (i.e., each meridian in the first set of meridians having a first average radial power of curvature can be orthogonal to a meridian in the second set of meridians having a second average radial power of curvature). As a result, the optical zone of the lens can have a toric power profile.

[0083] The first set of meridians distributed at regular intervals around the optical zone can have a first average radial power of curvature, and the second set of meridians distributed at regular intervals around the optical zone can have a second average power of curvature profile. Alternatively, the second set of meridians having the second average radial power of curvature can form an alternating pattern with the first set of meridians having the second average radial power of curvature. Thus, the first and second sets of meridians can result in a star-shaped power of curvature profile, in which the periodic variation of the radial power of curvature moves in the circumferential direction around the optical zone. The angular separation between a meridian from the first set of meridians having the first average radial power of curvature and an adjacent meridian from the second set of meridians having the second average radial power of curvature can be less than 1°.

[0084] Along at least one further meridian in the optical zone, the radial power of curvature can vary with a third radial power of curvature profile that is different from the second power of curvature profile and the first power of curvature profile.

[0085] The radial power of curvature profile along a meridian within the optical zone can vary continuously with the angle Θ. Each meridian around the optical zone can have a peak in the radial power of curvature at a different radial distance of each meridian from the optical axis. Thus, the location of the peak or valley along each meridian, i.e., the radial distance of the peak or valley from the optical axis of the lens, can vary with the angle Θ. The location of the peak or valley around the circumference of the optical zone can define a portion of a spiral, i.e., the radial distance of the peak or valley from the optical axis can increase with increasing angle Θ or can decrease with increasing angle Θ.

[0086] The radial power of curvature of the optical zone can be derived from the curvature of the front surface of the lens. The radial power of curvature of the optical zone can be derived from the curvature of the back surface of the lens. The radial power of curvature of the optical zone can be derived from a combination of the curvature of the front and back surfaces of the lens.

[0087] For embodiments of the disclosure in which the ophthalmic lens is a contact lens, the lens can include an elastomeric material, a silicone elastomeric material, a hydrogel material, or a silicone hydrogel material, or a combination thereof. As is understood in the field of contact lenses, a hydrogel is a material that maintains water in a state of equilibrium and is free of silicone-containing chemicals. A silicone hydrogel is a hydrogel that includes silicone-containing chemicals. As described in the context of the present disclosure, a hydrogel material and a silicone hydrogel material have an equilibrium water content (EWC) of at least 10% to about 90% (wt / wt). In some embodiments, a hydrogel material or a silicone hydrogel material has an EWC of from about 30% to about 70% (wt / wt). In contrast, as described in the context of the present disclosure, a silicone elastomeric material has a water content of from about 0% to less than 10% (wt / wt). Typically, a silicone elastomeric material used with the present methods or devices has a water content of from 0.1% to 3% (wt / wt). Examples of suitable lens formulations include lens formulations having the following United States Adopted Names (USAN): methafilcon A, ocufilcon A, ocufilcon B, ocufilcon C, ocufilcon D, omafilcon A, omafilcon B, comfilcon A, enfilcon A, stenfilcon A, fanfilcon A, etafilcon A, senofilcon A, senofilcon B, senofilcon C, narafilcon A, narafilcon B, balafilcon A, samfilcon A, lotrafilcon A, lotrafilcon B, somofilcon A, riorilcon A, delefilcon A, verofilcon A, kalifilcon A, and the like.

[0088] Alternatively, the lens can include, consist essentially of, or consist of a silicone elastomeric material. For example, the lens can include, consist essentially of, or consist of a silicone elastomeric material having a Shore A hardness of from 3 to 50. The Shore A hardness can be determined using conventional methods as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art (e.g., using method DIN 53505). For example, other silicone elastomeric materials can be obtained from NuSil Technology or Dow Chemical Company.

[0089] According to a second aspect, the disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a lens. The lens can include any of the features set forth above with respect to the first aspect of the invention. The method can include forming the lens.

[0090] For embodiments of the disclosure in which the ophthalmic lens is a contact lens, the method of manufacturing can include forming a female mold component having a concave lens forming surface and a male mold component having a convex lens forming surface. The method can include filling a gap between the female and male mold components with a bulk lens material. The method can further include curing the bulk lens material to form the lens.

[0091] For embodiments of the disclosure in which the ophthalmic lens is a contact lens, the lens can be formed using a turning process. The lens can be formed by a cast molding process, a spin cast molding process, or a turning process, or a combination thereof. As understood by one of skill in the art, cast molding refers to molding a lens by placing a lens forming material between a female mold component having a concave lens component forming surface and a male mold component having a convex lens component forming surface.

[0092] According to a third aspect, the disclosure provides a method of designing a lens. The lens can include any of the features set forth above. The method includes selecting a first average radial power value, and selecting a second, different average radial power value. The method includes designing a first power profile that yields the first average radial power value, and designing a second power profile that yields the first average radial power value. The method includes designing an optical zone of the lens, wherein the optical zone includes meridians having the first power profile and meridians having the second power profile.

[0093] Figure 2A A schematic top view of a lens 101 according to an embodiment of the disclosure is shown. The lens 101 includes an optical zone 103 centered on an optical axis 102 and a peripheral zone 105 surrounding the optical zone 103. A first meridian 107a (only a single meridian 107a is labeled, other meridians within the set are indicated using dotted lines) forming a portion of a set of first meridians 107a extends from the optical axis 102 to a boundary 109 of the optical zone 103 and the peripheral zone 105. Along the first meridian 107a, the radial power varies smoothly and continuously and has a first radial power profile 111a, as shown by the solid line, which is a straight line. Figure 2Bis shown in FIG. 1. The first meridional line 107a forms part of a set of first meridional lines 107a (only a single meridional line 107a is labeled, other meridional lines within the set are indicated using dashed lines) that extend from the optical axis 102 to the boundary 109 of the optical zone 103 and the peripheral zone 105. Along the first meridional line 107a, the radial curvature power varies smoothly and continuously and has a first radial curvature power profile 111a, as shown in FIG. 1. The first radial curvature power profile 111a oscillates between a peak 113a and a valley 115a. The two peaks 113a have the same radial curvature power value, and the two valleys 115a have the same radial curvature power value. A second meridional line 107b extends from the optical axis 102 to the boundary 109 of the optical zone 103 and the peripheral zone 105. The second meridional line 107b forms part of a set of second meridional lines 107b (only a single meridional line 107b is labeled, other meridional lines within the set are indicated using dashed lines), and also has a radial curvature power that varies smoothly and continuously with a second radial curvature power profile 111b, as shown in FIG. 1. Figure 2B is shown in FIG. 1. The second radial curvature power profile 111b also oscillates between a peak 113b and a valley 115b, but has an opposite variation to the first radial curvature power profile 111a, such that the valley 115b of the second radial curvature power profile 111b is at the same radial distance from the optical axis 102 as the peak 113a of the first radial curvature power profile 111a, and vice versa. The first radial curvature power profile 111a and the second radial curvature power profile 111b have the same average radial curvature power, indicated by the dashed line 117.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 1, the first meridional line 107a and the second meridional line 107b have the same average radial curvature power, indicated by the dashed line 117. Figure 2A is shown in FIG. 1, around the optical zone 103, there is an alternating and periodic pattern of meridional lines 107a from the first set having the first radial curvature power profile 111a (see Figure 2B ) and meridional lines 107b from the second set having the second radial curvature power profile 111b (see Figure 2B ). The angular separation between each of the meridional lines 107a in the first set is approximately 45°, and the angular separation between each of the meridional lines 107b in the second set is approximately 45°, such that the angular separation between a meridional line 107a from the first set and its adjacent meridional line from the second set is approximately 22.5°.

[0095] Figure 3A A schematic top view of a lens 201 according to another embodiment of the disclosure is shown. The lens 201 includes an optical zone 203 centered on an optical axis 202 and a peripheral zone 205 surrounding the optical zone 203. A first meridional line 207a (only a single meridional line 207a is labeled, other meridional lines within the set are indicated using dotted lines) forming part of a set of first meridional lines 207a extends from the optical axis 202 to a boundary 209 of the optical zone 203 and the peripheral zone 205. Along the first meridional line 207a, the radial curvature power varies smoothly and continuously and has a first radial curvature power profile 211a, as shown in FIG. 2. Figure 3B is shown in FIG. 2. In Figure 3BThe image shows a first radial curvature refractive power variation curve 211a along this first meridian 207a. The first radial curvature refractive power variation curve 211a has a radial curvature refractive power value that decreases with increasing distance from the optical axis 202. The gradient of the radial curvature refractive power variation curve 211a varies with distance from the optical axis 202.

[0096] The second meridian 207b extends from the optical axis 202 to the boundary 209 between the optical region 203 and the peripheral region 205. Along the portion of the second meridian 207b that forms a set of second meridians 207b (only a single meridian 207b is labeled; other meridians within the set are indicated by dashed lines), the radial curvature refractive power also changes smoothly and continuously, and has a second radial curvature refractive power variation curve 211b, as shown... Figure 3B The second radial curvature refractive power variation curve 211b shows a radial curvature refractive power value that increases with increasing radial distance from the optical axis 202. The gradient of the radial curvature refractive power variation curve 211b varies with distance from the optical axis 202. The second radial curvature refractive power variation curve 211b shows a change opposite to that of the first radial curvature refractive power variation curve 211a. The first radial curvature refractive power variation curve 211a and the second radial curvature refractive power variation curve 211b have the same average radial curvature refractive power, indicated by the dashed line 217.

[0097] like Figure 3A As shown in the figure, around the optical region 203, there exists a refractive index variation curve 211a with a first radial curvature (see Figure 211a). Figure 3B The first group of meridians 207a and the refractive index variation curve 211b with the second radial curvature (see...) Figure 3B The second group of meridians 207b has an alternating and periodic pattern. The angular spacing between each of the meridians 207a in the first group is approximately 10°, and the angular spacing between each of the meridians 207b in the second group is approximately 10°, such that the angular spacing between the meridians 207a from the first group and their adjacent meridians 207b from the second group is approximately 5°.

[0098] Figure 4A A schematic top view of a lens 301 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The lens 301 includes an optical region 303 centered on an optical axis 302 and a peripheral region 305 surrounding the optical region 303. A first meridian 307a (only a single meridian is labeled; the other meridians 307a within the group are indicated by dotted lines) forming a portion of a set of first meridians 307a extends from the optical axis 302 to the boundary 309 between the optical region 303 and the peripheral region 305. Along the first meridian 307a, the radial curvature refractive power changes smoothly and continuously and has a first radial curvature refractive power variation curve 311a, such as... Figure 4Balong this first meridian 307a has a radial power value that decreases as the distance from the optical axis 302 increases. The gradient of the first radial power profile 311a varies as a function of the distance from the optical axis 302. A second meridian 307b extends from the optical axis 302 to the boundary 309 between the optical zone 303 and the peripheral zone 305. Along the second meridian 307b forming part of the set of second meridians 307b (only a single meridian is labelled, the other meridians 307b within the set are indicated using dotted lines), the radial power also varies smoothly and continuously and has a second radial power profile 311b, as shown in Figure 4B along this second meridian 307b also has a radial power value that decreases as the distance from the optical axis 302 increases.

[0099] At the optical axis 302 (indicated by the point marked ‘X’ in Figure 4B , the first radial power profile 311a has a higher radial power value than the second radial power profile 311b. At the boundary between the optical zone 302 and the peripheral zone 305 (indicated by the point ‘Y’ in Figure 4B , the first radial power profile 311a has the same radial power value as the second radial power profile. The first radial power profile 311a has a higher average radial power (indicated by the dashed line 317a) than the average radial power of the second radial power profile 311b (indicated by the dashed line 317b).

[0100] As shown in Figure 4A around the optical zone 303, there is an alternating and periodic pattern of meridians 307a from the first set having the first radial power profile 311a (see Figure 4B ) and meridians 307b from the second set having the second radial power profile 311b (see Figure 4B ). The angular separation between each of the meridians 307a in the first set is approximately less than 2°, and the angular separation between each of the meridians 307b in the second set is approximately 2°, such that the angular separation between a meridian 307a from the first set and its adjacent meridian 307b from the second set is less than 1°. When the lens 301 is worn by a lens wearer, the lens wearer’s eye will not be able to resolve the two different radial power profiles.

[0101] Figure 5AA schematic top view of a lens 401 according to another embodiment of the disclosure is shown. The lens 401 includes an optical zone 403 centered on an optical axis 402 and a peripheral zone 405 surrounding the optical zone 403. A first meridian 407a (only a single meridian is labeled, other meridians 407a within the group are indicated using dotted lines) forming part of a first set of meridians 407a extends from the optical axis 402 to a boundary 409 of the optical zone 403 and the peripheral zone 405. Along the first meridian 407a, the radial power varies smoothly and continuously and has a first radial power profile 411a as shown in Figure 5B . Along this first meridian 407a, the first radial power profile 411a varies in a pseudo-random manner with a peak in radial power at a first radial distance from the optical axis (indicated by a dashed line 412a). The gradient of the first radial power profile 411a varies with distance from the optical axis 402. A second meridian 407b extends from the optical axis 402 to the boundary 409 of the optical zone 403 and the peripheral zone 405. Along the second meridian 407b forming part of a second set of meridians 407b (only a single meridian is labeled, other meridians 407b within the group are indicated using dashed lines), the radial power also varies smoothly and continuously, with a second radial power profile 411b as shown in Figure 5B . Along this second meridian 407b, the second radial power profile 411b varies in a pseudo-random manner with a peak in radial power at a second, different radial distance from the optical axis (indicated by a dashed line 412b).

[0102] As shown in Figure 5A , around the optical zone 403, there is an alternating and periodic pattern of meridians 407a from the first set having the first radial power profile 411a (see Figure 5B ) and meridians 407b from the second set having the second radial power profile 411b (see Figure 5B ). The angular separation between each of the meridians 407a in the first set is approximately less than 2°, and the angular separation between each of the meridians 407b in the second set is approximately 2°, such that the angular separation between a meridian 407a from the first set and its adjacent meridian 407b from the second set is less than 1°. When the lens 401 is worn by a lens wearer, the lens wearer’s eye will not be able to resolve the two different radial power profiles.

[0103] Figure 6AA schematic top view of a lens 501 according to another embodiment of the disclosure is shown. The lens 501 includes an optical zone 503 centered on an optical axis 502 and a peripheral zone 505 surrounding the optical zone. A first meridian 507a (dotted line) extends from the optical axis 502 to a boundary 509 of the optical zone 503 and the peripheral zone 505. Along the first meridian 507a, the radial power varies smoothly and continuously and has a first radial power profile 511a, as shown in Figure 6B The first radial power profile 511a along this first meridian 507a has a peak in radial power at a first radial distance from the optical axis (indicated by a dashed line 512a). A second meridian 507b (dashed line) extends from the optical axis 502 to the boundary 509 of the optical zone 503 and the peripheral zone 505. Along the second meridian 507b, the radial power also varies smoothly and continuously, having a second radial power profile 511b, as shown in Figure 6B The second radial power profile 511b along this second meridian 507b has a peak in radial power at a second radial distance from the optical axis (indicated by a dashed line 512b). A third meridian 507c (dashed line) extends from the optical axis 502 to the boundary 509 of the optical zone 503 and the peripheral zone 505. Along the third meridian 507c, the radial power also varies smoothly and continuously, having a third radial power profile 511c, as shown in Figure 6B The third radial power profile 511c along this third meridian 507c has a peak in radial power at a third radial distance from the optical axis (indicated by a dashed line 512c). Around the optical zone 503 (i.e., with different angles Θ), each meridian has a peak in radial power at a different distance from the optical axis. Thus, the peaks define a portion of a spiral extending in a circumferential direction around the optical zone 503.

[0104] As shown in Figure 6A Around the optical zone 503, the angular separation between the meridians 507a, 507b, 507c is about 2°.

[0105] Figure 7A A schematic top view of a lens 601 according to another embodiment of the disclosure is shown. The lens 601 includes an optical zone 603 centered on an optical axis 602 and a peripheral zone 605 surrounding the optical zone 603. A first meridian 607a extends from the optical axis 602 to a boundary 609 of the optical zone 603 and the peripheral zone 605. Along the first meridian 607a, the radial power varies smoothly and continuously and has a first radial power profile 611a, as shown in Figure 7Bis shown in FIG. 6A. Along this first meridian 607a, the first radial power profile 611a varies in a pseudo-random manner with a global peak (i.e., an absolute maximum) in radial power at a first radial distance from the optical axis (indicated by the dashed line 612a). The gradient of the first radial power profile 611a varies with distance from the optical axis 602. A second meridian 607b extends from the optical axis 602 to the boundary 609 of the optical zone 603 and the peripheral zone 605. The second meridian 607b is orthogonal to the first meridian 607a, with the first meridian 607a being positioned along the line Q = 0° and the second meridian 607b being positioned along the line Q = 90°. Along the second meridian 607b, the radial power also varies smoothly and continuously, with a second radial power profile 611b, as shown in FIG. 6B. Figure 7B is shown in FIG. 6A. Along this first meridian 607a, the first radial power profile 611a varies in a pseudo-random manner with a global peak (i.e., an absolute maximum) in radial power at a first radial distance from the optical axis (indicated by the dashed line 612a). The gradient of the first radial power profile 611a varies with distance from the optical axis 602. A second meridian 607b extends from the optical axis 602 to the boundary 609 of the optical zone 603 and the peripheral zone 605. The second meridian 607b is orthogonal to the first meridian 607a, with the first meridian 607a being positioned along the line Q = 0° and the second meridian 607b being positioned along the line Q = 90°. Along the second meridian 607b, the radial power also varies smoothly and continuously, with a second radial power profile 611b, as shown in FIG. 6B. Figure 7B is shown in FIG. 6A. Along this first meridian 607a, the first radial power profile 611a varies in a pseudo-random manner with a global peak (i.e., an absolute maximum) in radial power at a first radial distance from the optical axis (indicated by the dashed line 612a). The gradient of the first radial power profile 611a varies with distance from the optical axis 602. A second meridian 607b extends from the optical axis 602 to the boundary 609 of the optical zone 603 and the peripheral zone 605. The second meridian 607b is orthogonal to the first meridian 607a, with the first meridian 607a being positioned along the line Q = 0° and the second meridian 607b being positioned along the line Q = 90°. Along the second meridian 607b, the radial power also varies smoothly and continuously, with a second radial power profile 611b, as shown in FIG. 6B. Figure 7B is shown in FIG. 6A. Along this first meridian 607a, the first radial power profile 611a varies in a pseudo-random manner with a global peak (i.e., an absolute maximum) in radial power at a first radial distance from the optical axis (indicated by the dashed line 612a). The gradient of the first radial power profile 611a varies with distance from the optical axis 602. A second meridian 607b extends from the optical axis 602 to the boundary 609 of the optical zone 603 and the peripheral zone 605. The second meridian 607b is orthogonal to the first meridian 607a, with the first meridian 607a being positioned along the line Q = 0° and the second meridian 607b being positioned along the line Q = 90°. Along the second meridian 607b, the radial power also varies smoothly and continuously, with a second radial power profile 611b, as shown in FIG. 6B.

[0106] Figure 8is a flowchart showing a method 1001 of manufacturing a lens according to embodiments of the disclosure. The lens includes an optical zone centered on an optical axis and a peripheral zone surrounding the optical zone. Within the optical zone, along a first meridian, the lens has a first radial power profile that continuously varies in a first radial direction from the optical axis to the peripheral zone. Along a second meridian, the lens has a second different radial power profile that continuously varies in a second radial direction from the optical axis to the peripheral zone. The lens can include any of the features set forth above. In a first step 1003, the method includes forming a female mold part having a concave lens forming surface and a male mold part having a convex lens forming surface. In a second step 1005, the method includes filling a gap between the female and male mold parts with a bulk lens material. In a third step 1007, the method includes curing the bulk lens material to form the lens.

[0107] In alternative embodiments of the disclosure, the lens can be formed using a turning process, a spin-cast molding process, or a turning process or a combination thereof.

[0108] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing a method 2001 of designing a lens according to embodiments of the disclosure. The lens includes an optical zone centered on an optical axis and a peripheral zone surrounding the optical zone. Within the optical zone, along a first meridian, the lens has a first radial power profile that continuously varies in a first radial direction from the optical axis to the peripheral zone. Along a second meridian, the lens has a second different radial power profile that continuously varies in a second radial direction from the optical axis to the peripheral zone. The lens can include any of the features set forth above. In a first step 2003, the method includes selecting a first average radial power value. In a second step 2005, the method includes selecting a second different average radial power value. In a third step 2007, the method includes designing a first power profile that produces the first average radial power value. In a fourth step 2009, the method includes designing a second power profile that produces the first average radial power value. In a fifth step 2011, the method includes designing an optical zone of the lens, wherein the optical zone includes a meridian having the first power profile and a meridian having the second power profile.

[0109] It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that features of the example embodiments can be combined in other embodiments falling within the scope of the disclosure. Although the present disclosure has been described and illustrated with a certain degree of particularity, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure is susceptible to many different alterations in the detail. Just by way of example, certain possible variations will now be described.

[0110] In the example embodiments of the disclosure described above, the lens is substantially circular and has a peripheral zone having a substantially circular outer periphery that surrounds the optical zone. In embodiments of the disclosure, particularly in embodiments where the ophthalmic lens is an eyeglass lens, the peripheral zone can have a non-circular outer periphery. The outer periphery of the peripheral zone can be substantially oval, elliptical, or rectangular. The peripheral zone can be surrounded by another non-optically active zone.

[0111] When reference is made in this foregoing description to an integer or an element having a known obvious or foreseeable equivalent, such equivalent is incorporated herein as if individually stated. Reference should be made to the claims for determining true scope of the present disclosure, which should be interpreted as encompassing any such equivalents. The reader should also appreciate that integers or features described as advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that such optional integers or features, while having possible advantages in some embodiments of the present disclosure, can not be desirable and can thus be absent in other embodiments.

Claims

1. An ophthalmic lens comprising an optical zone centered on an optical axis and a peripheral zone surrounding the optical zone, wherein within the optical zone, along each meridian of a first set of meridians, the ophthalmic lens has a first radial power profile that varies continuously in a first radial direction from the optical axis to the peripheral zone, and along each meridian of a different second set of meridians, the ophthalmic lens has a second radial power profile that varies continuously in a second radial direction from the optical axis to the peripheral zone, wherein the first radial power profile has an opposite shape than the second radial power profile, wherein meridians from the first set of meridians and meridians from the second set of meridians form an alternating pattern around the ophthalmic lens, and wherein an angular separation between each meridian of the first set of meridians is less than 5 degrees.

2. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein the first radial power profile has a first average radial power value measured along each meridian of the first set of meridians, and the second radial power profile has a second, different average radial power value measured along each meridian of the second set of meridians.

3. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein the first radial power profile has a first average radial power value measured along each meridian of the first set of meridians, and the second radial power profile also has the first average radial power value measured along each meridian of the second set of meridians, and wherein the first radial power profile has a different shape than the second radial power profile.

4. The ophthalmic lens of any of claims 1-3, wherein at least one of the first radial power profile and the second radial power profile provides a distance power between +0.5 and -25.0 D at the optical axis.

5. The ophthalmic lens of any of claims 1-3, wherein at least one of the first radial power profile and the second radial power profile provides a near power between +0.5 and +25.0 D at the optical axis.

6. The ophthalmic lens of any of claims 1-3, wherein at the optical axis, the first radial power profile or the second radial power profile provides a distance power, and the other of the first radial power profile and the second radial power profile provides a near power.

7. The ophthalmic lens of any of claims 1-3, wherein at the optical axis, the first and second radial power profiles have the same value, and at a boundary between the optical zone and the peripheral zone, the first and second radial power profiles have different values.

8. The ophthalmic lens of any of claims 1-3, wherein one of the first and second radial power profiles monotonically increases in radial power as a radial distance from the optical axis increases, and the other of the first and second radial power profiles monotonically decreases in radial power as a radial distance from the optical axis increases.

9. The ophthalmic lens of any of claims 1-3, wherein one of the first and second radial power profiles includes at least one peak at a first radial distance from the optical axis of the ophthalmic lens, and the other of the first and second radial power profiles includes at least one valley at the first radial distance from the optical axis of the ophthalmic lens.

10. The ophthalmic lens of any of claims 1-3, wherein the first radial power profile has a peak in radial power at a first radial distance from the optical axis, and the second radial power profile has a peak in radial power at a second, different distance from the optical axis.

11. The ophthalmic lens of any of claims 1-3, wherein the first and / or second radial power profiles span a power range of at least 5.0 D.

12. The ophthalmic lens of any of claims 1-3, wherein the angular separation between meridians from the first set of meridians and adjacent meridians from the second set of meridians is less than 1°.

13. The ophthalmic lens of any of claims 1-3, wherein along at least one other meridian in the optical zone, the radial power varies with a third radial power profile that is different from the second radial power profile and the first radial power profile.

14. The ophthalmic lens of any of claims 1-3, wherein the radial power of the optical zone is derived from a curvature of an anterior surface of the ophthalmic lens.

15. The ophthalmic lens of any of claims 1-3, wherein the ophthalmic lens is a contact lens.

16. The ophthalmic lens of any of claims 1-3, wherein the ophthalmic lens is a spectacle lens.

17. A method of manufacturing an ophthalmic lens, wherein the method comprises forming a lens according to any one of claims 1-16.

18. A method of designing an ophthalmic lens according to any one of claims 1-16, the method comprising: selecting a first mean radial power value; selecting a second mean radial power value; designing a first radial power profile that produces the first mean radial power value; designing a second radial power profile that produces the second mean radial power value; and designing an optical zone of the ophthalmic lens, wherein the optical zone comprises a first set of meridians having the first radial power profile and a second set of meridians having the second radial power profile, wherein the first radial power profile has an opposite shape than the second radial power profile, wherein meridians from the first set of meridians and meridians from the second set of meridians form an alternating pattern around the ophthalmic lens, and wherein an angular separation between each meridian in the first set of meridians is less than 5 degrees.

Images