Ophthalmic lenses and methods for controlling myopia progression

Abstract

The present invention provides an ophthalmic lens (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 610, 700, 710, 800, 810, 900, 910, 1000) for controlling the progression of myopia. The lens comprises a far vision lens portion (101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 611, 701, 711, 801, 811, 901, 911, 1001) for correcting myopia and at least one electrically addressable lens portion (102, 202A, 202B, 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D, 402A, 402B, 502A, 502B, 602, 612, 702A, 702B, 712A, 712B, 802A, 802B, 812A, 812B, 902A, 902B, 902C, 902D, 912A, 912B, 912C, 912D, 1002) addressable to focus light in front of the retina of the wearer. A system (3000) and method (4000) for controlling myopia progression are also provided.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmic lens for controlling myopia progression, a system for controlling myopia progression, glasses for controlling myopia progression, and a method for controlling myopia progression. Background Art

[0002] Many people, including children and adults, require ophthalmic lenses to correct myopia (nearsightedness). Such lenses can also be configured to produce myopic defocus in order to control myopia progression. In this regard, an inner distance correction zone provides myopia correction and provides one or more concentric outer defocus regions with a relatively more positive optical power. The defocus regions focus light in front of the retina. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that focusing some light in front of the retina may help inhibit the elongation of the eyeball, which can cause myopia to worsen. Some glasses for controlling myopia progression include small lenses for providing defocus regions. Also, some glasses have been described that include light scattering elements to scatter light and reduce contrast rather than defocus light. Such ophthalmic lenses typically have a central zone with a refractive power for correcting myopia, and a contact lens product has such a central zone (where a relatively small central zone provides a relatively large additional refractive power), and then one or more defocus zones or light scattering zones. All of these ophthalmic lenses are characterized by a fixed refractive power for correcting the distant vision of myopic individuals and non-changeable defocus or light scattering zones. Although some myopia control ophthalmic lenses, such as MISIGHT (CooperVision), have shown a significant reduction in myopia progression in children, there is still a need to improve ophthalmic lenses, such as by improving visual quality, improving the reduction of myopia progression, or improving the wearing experience.

[0003] The present invention attempts to provide an improved visual experience and / or provide a more adaptable lens for controlling myopia progression. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ophthalmic lens for controlling myopia progression. The lens includes a distant vision lens portion for focusing light to a first position thereby correcting the distant vision of myopia, and at least one electrically addressable lens portion addressable to focus light to a second position, the second position being closer to the lens than the first position. In use, the at least one electrically addressable lens portion is addressable to focus light in front of the wearer's retina.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for controlling myopia progression, which includes an ophthalmic lens for controlling myopia progression. The system further includes a user control module for controlling the operation of the ophthalmic lens.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided glasses including at least one ophthalmic lens for controlling myopia progression.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling myopia progression.

[0008] Of course, it will be understood that features described in relation to one aspect of the present disclosure may be incorporated into other aspects of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1A is a schematic plan view of an example of an ophthalmic lens (in this case, a soft contact lens) according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 1B taken across AA Figure 1A schematic cross-sectional view of the contact lens;

[0011] Figure 1C is Figure 1A and Figure 1B schematic plan view of the contact lens, showing the arrangement of the directors of the liquid crystal when the liquid crystal is in the non-switching state;

[0012] Figure 1D is Figure 1A and Figure 1B schematic plan view of the contact lens, showing the arrangement of the directors of the liquid crystal when the liquid crystal is in the switched state;

[0013] Figure 1E is Figure 1A , 1B , 1C and 1D in the lens schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal cell used, showing the arrangement of the liquid crystal cell when the liquid crystal is in the non-switching state;

[0014] Figure 1F is Figure 1A , 1B , 1C and 1D in the lens schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal cell used, showing the arrangement of the liquid crystal cell when the liquid crystal is in the switched state;

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of another example of an ophthalmic lens (in this case, a soft contact lens) according to an embodiment of the present invention, the ophthalmic lens having two semi-circular electrically addressable light focusing lens portions;

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of an example of an ophthalmic lens (in this case, a soft contact lens) according to an embodiment of the present invention, the ophthalmic lens having four quarter-circular electrically addressable light focusing lens portions;

[0017] Figure 4AIs a schematic plan view of another ophthalmic lens (in this case, a contact lens) according to an embodiment of the present invention, the ophthalmic lens having two annular electrically addressable light focusing lens portions;

[0018] Figure 4B Is taken across BB Figure 4A Schematic cross-sectional view of the contact lens;

[0019] Figure 5A Is a schematic plan view of another ophthalmic lens (in this case, a contact lens) according to an embodiment of the present invention, the ophthalmic lens having two annular electrically addressable light focusing lens portions.

[0020] Figure 5B Is taken across CC Figure 5A Schematic cross-sectional view of the contact lens;

[0021] Figure 6 Is a schematic plan view of an example of a pair of glasses including two ophthalmic lenses according to an embodiment of the present invention, each lens including an annular electrically addressable light focusing lens portion;

[0022] Figure 7 Is a schematic plan view of an example of a pair of glasses including two ophthalmic lenses according to an embodiment of the present invention, each lens including two semi-annular electrically addressable light focusing lens portions;

[0023] Figure 8 Is a schematic plan view of another example of a pair of glasses including two ophthalmic lenses according to an embodiment of the present invention, each lens including two semi-annular electrically addressable light focusing lens portions;

[0024] Figure 9 Is a schematic plan view of another example of a pair of glasses including two ophthalmic lenses according to an embodiment of the present invention, each lens including four quarter-annular electrically addressable light focusing lens portions;

[0025] Figure 10 Is a schematic plan view of another example of an ophthalmic lens (in this case, a contact lens) according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 11 Is a schematic illustration of an example of a system for controlling myopia progression according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 12 Is a schematic illustration of an example of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 13A Is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ophthalmic contact lens when the electrically switchable lens portion is in a non-switching state according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0029] Figure 13B It is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ophthalmic contact lens when the electro-switchable lens portion is in the switched state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed embodiments

[0030] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ophthalmic lens for controlling myopia progression, the ophthalmic lens comprising a distance vision lens portion for correcting myopia by focusing light onto a first position and at least one electro-addressable lens portion addressable to focus light onto a second position, the second position being closer to the lens than the first position.

[0031] In use, the second position is optionally located in front of the wearer's retina.

[0032] For the avoidance of doubt, "electro-addressable" indicates that the optical power of the electro-addressable lens portion can be changed by applying an appropriate electrical signal. The optical power or refractive ability of the electro-addressable lens portion generally depends on the shape of the electro-addressable lens portion and the refractive index of the electro-addressable lens portion relative to any surrounding material. For example, applying an appropriate electrical signal can cause a change in the shape of the electro-addressable lens portion. Alternatively or additionally, applying an appropriate electrical signal can cause a change in the refractive index of the electro-addressable lens portion. The nature of the appropriate electrical signal will depend on the nature of the electro-addressable lens portion. The ophthalmic lens of the first aspect of the present invention provides a lens portion for correcting the myopia of the wearer while providing an electro-addressable lens portion that can focus light in front of the retina. Focusing light in front of the retina is believed to slow down the eye elongation that causes an increase in myopia. In addition, the ophthalmic lens of the first aspect of the present invention can be used to provide different optical powers that different wearers may need, and thus the ophthalmic lens is more adaptable than conventional lenses. In other words, the ophthalmic lens can be adjustable or tunable such that the ophthalmic lens can provide different optical powers. In addition, the degree to which light is focused in front of the retina can be controlled.

[0033] For the avoidance of doubt, "ophthalmic lens" is sometimes referred to as "lens" hereinafter. Similarly, "electro-addressable lens portion" is sometimes referred to as "addressable lens portion" or "electro-addressable portion" hereinafter.

[0034] The distance vision lens portion is optionally the inner lens portion. At least one electrically addressable lens portion is optionally the outer lens portion. Optionally, if there is more than one electrically addressable lens portion, then more than one electrically addressable lens portion can be the outer lens portion. This arrangement can effectively provide corrected vision for the wearer and can also provide treatment for slowing the progression of myopia. Two electrically addressable lens portions can be positioned opposite each other, on either side of the center of the ophthalmic lens. The electrically addressable lens portion need not be the outer lens portion. For example, at least one electrically addressable lens portion can be located inside the distance vision lens portion. For example, at least one electrically addressable lens portion can be located inside an annular distance vision lens portion. The distance vision lens portion can be the central lens portion. At least one electrically addressable lens portion can be arranged concentrically with the distance vision lens portion. This can be a particularly convenient arrangement.

[0035] At least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electrically addressable lens portion can be annular. This arrangement facilitates modulation of light around a more central region.

[0036] The cross-section of at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electrically addressable lens portion can be biconcave, biconvex, or convex-concave.

[0037] The ophthalmic lens can include a plurality of electrically addressable lens portions, at least one of which can be addressed to focus light to a second position closer to the lens than a first position. More than one and optionally each of the plurality of electrically addressable lens portions can be addressed to focus light to a second position closer to the lens than a first position. For example, the ophthalmic lens can include a plurality of concentric, optionally annular, addressable lens portions. This arrangement with a plurality of electrically addressable lens portions can facilitate better control of the optical properties. If the ophthalmic lens includes a plurality of electrically addressable lens portions that can be addressed to focus light to a second position closer to the lens than a first position, then the second position need not be the same for each electrically addressable portion.

[0038] For a contact lens, the radial dimension of at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electrically addressable lens portion is optionally at least 0.5 mm, optionally at least 1 mm, optionally at least 1.5 mm, optionally at least 2 mm, optionally at least 2.5 mm, optionally at least 3 mm, and optionally at least 3.5 mm. The radial dimension can be a chord dimension.

[0039] For a contact lens, the radial dimension of at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electrically addressable lens portion is optionally not more than 6 mm, optionally not more than 5.5 mm, optionally not more than 5 mm, optionally not more than 4.5 mm, optionally not more than 4 mm, optionally not more than 3.5 mm, and optionally not more than 3 mm. The radial dimension can be a chord dimension.

[0040] For a contact lens, the radial position of at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion from the center of the contact lens can be at least 1 mm, optionally at least 1.5 mm, optionally at least 2 mm, and optionally at least 2.5 mm from the center of the contact lens. The radial position of the corresponding electro-addressable lens portion can be measured (radially) from the center of the contact lens to the center of the corresponding electro-addressable lens portion. The radial position can be a chord position.

[0041] For a contact lens, the radial position of at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion from the center of the lens can be no more than 5 mm, optionally no more than 4.5 mm, optionally no more than 4 mm, optionally no more than 3.5 mm, optionally no more than 3 mm, optionally no more than 2.5 mm, and no more than 2 mm from the center of the contact lens. The radial position of the corresponding electro-addressable lens portion can be measured (radially) from the center of the contact lens to the center of the corresponding electro-addressable lens portion. The radial position can be a chord position.

[0042] For a contact lens, the radial dimension of the distance vision lens portion can optionally be at least 0.5 mm, optionally at least 1 mm, optionally at least 1.5 mm, optionally at least 2 mm, optionally at least 2.5 mm, optionally at least 3 mm, and optionally at least 3.5 mm.

[0043] For a contact lens, the radial dimension of the distance vision lens portion can optionally be no more than 8 mm, optionally no more than 7 mm, optionally no more than 6.5 mm, optionally no more than 6 mm, optionally no more than 5.5 mm, optionally no more than 5 mm, optionally no more than 4.5 mm, optionally no more than 4 mm, optionally no more than 3.5 mm, and optionally no more than 3 mm.

[0044] For an eyeglass lens, the radial dimension of at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion is optionally at least 2 mm, optionally at least 3 mm, optionally at least 5 mm, optionally at least 7 mm, optionally at least 9 mm, optionally at least 10 mm, and optionally at least 20 mm. The radial dimension can be a chord dimension.

[0045] For an eyeglass lens, the radial dimension of at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion optionally is no more than 30 mm, optionally no more than 25 mm, optionally no more than 20 mm, optionally no more than 15 mm, optionally no more than 12 mm, optionally no more than 10 mm, and optionally no more than 8 mm. The radial dimension can be a chord dimension.

[0046] For an ophthalmic lens, the radial position of at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each individually addressable lens portion from the center of the ophthalmic lens can be at least 3 mm, optionally at least 5 mm, optionally at least 10 mm, and optionally at least 15 mm from the center of the lens. The radial position of the corresponding individually addressable lens portion can be measured (radially) from the center of the lens to the center of the corresponding individually addressable lens portion. The radial position can be a chord position.

[0047] For an ophthalmic lens, the radial position of at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each individually addressable lens portion from the center of the lens can be no more than 50 mm, optionally no more than 45 mm, optionally no more than 40 mm, optionally no more than 35 mm, optionally no more than 30 mm, optionally no more than 25 mm, optionally no more than 20 mm, and optionally no more than 15 mm from the center of the lens. The radial position of the corresponding individually addressable lens portion can be measured (radially) from the center of the ophthalmic lens to the center of the corresponding individually addressable lens portion. The radial position can be a chord position.

[0048] For an ophthalmic lens, the radial dimension of the distance vision lens portion can optionally be at least 5 mm, optionally at least 10 mm, optionally at least 15 mm, optionally at least 20 mm, optionally at least 25 mm, and optionally at least 30 mm.

[0049] For an ophthalmic lens, the radial dimension of the distance vision lens portion can optionally be no more than 50 mm, optionally no more than 45 mm, optionally no more than 40 mm, optionally no more than 35 mm, optionally no more than 30 mm, optionally no more than 25 mm, and optionally no more than 20 mm.

[0050] An ophthalmic lens may include a first electrically addressable lens portion and a second electrically addressable lens portion. The first electrically addressable lens portion and the second electrically addressable lens portion may be individually electrically addressable. The first electrically addressable lens portion and the second electrically addressable lens portion may together form an annulus. Each of the first electrically addressable lens portion and the second electrically addressable lens portion may be semi-annular. The first electrically addressable lens portion may be configured to be opposite the second electrically addressable lens portion. For example, the first electrically addressable lens portion may be configured as an upper (superior) lens portion in use, and the second electrically addressable lens portion may be configured as a lower (inferior) lens portion in use. Alternatively, the first electrically addressable lens portion may be configured as a nasal lens portion in use, and the second electrically addressable lens portion may be configured as a temporal lens portion in use. Using two such electrically addressable lens portions facilitates better control of the treatment of the wearer, such as in cases where the wearer has a condition that can be improved by asymmetric light focusing. In this regard, if the lens is a contact lens, the lens may be configured to assume the desired orientation on the wearer's eye. For example, the contact lens may include a stabilization zone, such as a ballast. Optionally, a portion of the contact lens is heavier, for example due to a thicker lens material. During use, the heavier portion of the contact lens will cause the lens to rotate such that the heavier portion is in the bottom position.

[0051] As described above, an ophthalmic lens may include a plurality of electrically addressable lens portions. For example, each electrically addressable lens portion may include an annular sector.

[0052] The lens may include a first electrically addressable lens portion, a second electrically addressable lens portion, a third electrically addressable lens portion, and a fourth electrically addressable lens portion. Each of the first annular portion, the second annular portion, the third annular portion, and the fourth annular portion may include an annular sector, which optionally forms an annulus. The annular portions may or may not have the same size. The first electrically addressable lens portion may be configured as the upper nasal portion in use. The second electrically addressable lens portion may be configured as the lower nasal portion in use. The third electrically addressable lens portion may be configured as the lower temporal portion in use. The fourth electrically addressable lens portion may be configured as the upper temporal portion in use. Using four such electrically addressable lens portions facilitates better control of the treatment of the wearer, such as in cases where the wearer has a condition that can be improved by asymmetric light focusing. In this regard, if the ophthalmic lens is a contact lens, the contact lens may be configured to assume the desired orientation on the wearer's eye, as described above.

[0053] The ophthalmic lens may include a first annular electrically addressable lens portion and a second annular electrically addressable lens portion. The first electrically addressable lens portion and the second electrically addressable lens portion may be concentric with each other and concentric with the distance vision lens portion. The first electrically addressable lens portion and the second electrically addressable lens portion may optionally be individually electrically addressable.

[0054] At least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electrically addressable lens portion may be operable to provide an optical power change of at least ±0.5 diopters (D), optionally at least ±1.0 D, optionally at least ±1.5 D, optionally at least ±2.0 D, optionally at least ±2.5 D, and optionally at least ±3.0 D, optionally at least ±5.0 D, optionally at least ±7.0 D, optionally at least ±8.0 D, and optionally at least ±10.0 D. At least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electrically addressable lens portion may be operable to provide an optical power change of up to ±2.0 D, optionally up to ±3.0 D, optionally up to ±5.0 D, optionally up to ±7.0 D, optionally up to ±8.0 D, and optionally up to ±10.0 D. The optical power changes achievable by each of the plurality of electrically addressable lens portions may be the same or different.

[0055] As described above, at least one electrically addressable lens portion may be addressed to focus light to a second position closer to the lens than a first position, the second position being in front of the wearer's retina in use. It is believed that focusing light in front of the retina reduces the rate of elongation of the retina and thus reduces the associated development of myopia. At least one electrically addressable lens portion, optionally more than one electrically addressable lens portion, and optionally each electrically addressable lens portion may be addressed to focus light to the first position, thereby providing corrected distance vision (i.e., having the negative power required to correct the wearer's myopic vision). This corrected distance vision state may be obtained in the absence of an electrical signal to the electrically addressable lens portion (i.e., in a zero-power configuration). The benefit of this arrangement is that in the event of a power failure, the ophthalmic lens defaults to a state that provides enhanced distance vision for the wearer. Alternatively, the ophthalmic lens may be configured such that in a zero-power configuration (in the absence of an electrical signal to the electrically addressable lens portion), at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electrically addressable lens portion is configured to focus light to a second position closer to the lens than the first position. Alternatively, the ophthalmic lens may be configured such that in the event of a power failure, at least one of the electrically addressable lens portions is configured to focus light to the first position and thus provide enhanced distance vision, and at least one of the electrically addressable lens portions is configured to focus light to a second position closer to the lens than the first position.

[0056] Accordingly, at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion can operate between a first distance vision operating state and a second myopia control operating state. In the first distance vision operating state, the corresponding electro-addressable lens portion is configured to focus light to a first location, such as onto the retina of the wearer. In the first distance vision operating state, the corresponding electro-addressable lens portion can have a first optical power. In the second myopia control operating state, the corresponding electro-addressable lens portion is configured to focus light to a second location closer to the lens than the first location, typically in front of the retina of the wearer in use. In the second myopia control operating state, the corresponding electro-addressable lens portion can have a second optical power. The first optical power of one electro-addressable lens portion can be the same as or different from the first optical power of another electro-addressable lens portion. Similarly, the second optical power of one electro-addressable lens portion can be the same as or different from the second optical power of another electro-addressable lens portion. If the lens includes a plurality of electro-addressable lens portions, the first optical power of each of the electro-addressable lens portions can be the same or different. If the lens includes a plurality of electro-addressable lens portions, the second optical power of each of the electro-addressable lens portions can be the same or different.

[0057] Optionally, at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion can be addressed to focus light into one of a plurality of different locations closer to the lens than the first location.

[0058] Optionally, at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion can be addressed to focus light to a third location, which is optionally further from the lens than the first and second locations. In use, the third location can be behind the retina.

[0059] Optionally, at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion can be user-controllable. For example, optionally at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion can be configured to be user-controllable. For example, optionally at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion can be user-controllable to focus light to a second location closer to the lens than the first location (e.g., in front of the retina in use) and / or to focus light to the first location (e.g., onto the retina in use) and / or to focus light to the third location (e.g., behind the retina in use). For example, under certain environmental conditions (such as in low light), it may be desirable for at least one of the addressable lens portions to focus light to the first location, and it may be desirable for the user to be able to control this.

[0060] At least one electro-addressable lens portion, optionally more than one electro-addressable lens portion, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion may include a liquid crystal, such as a nematic liquid crystal.

[0061] At least one electro-addressable lens portion, optionally more than one electro-addressable lens portion, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion may be provided by a liquid crystal cell, such as a nematic liquid crystal cell. The liquid crystal cell may be embedded in a lens material, for example, in the case of a soft contact lens, in a silicone hydrogel material. The cross-section of at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each liquid crystal cell may be biconcave, biconvex, or plano-convex.

[0062] The liquid crystal cell may have a first state in which the electro-addressable lens portion including the liquid crystal cell is configured to focus light to a second position closer to the lens than a first position. The liquid crystal cell may change between the first state and the second state. For example, in the second state, the electro-addressable lens portion including the liquid crystal cell may be configured to focus light to the first position. In the first state and the second state, the effective refractive index of the liquid crystal cell will be different and may be selected such that in the first state and the second state, the optical power of the liquid crystal cell is different.

[0063] If at least one addressable lens portion includes a nematic liquid crystal, then the nematic liquid crystal may optionally be doped. For example, the nematic liquid crystal may optionally be doped to increase the birefringence and / or be doped with a chiral dopant to introduce chirality into the liquid crystal phase. Optionally, the nematic liquid crystal does not have a chiral dopant. Optionally, the liquid crystal is a non-chiral nematic liquid crystal. The liquid crystal may have a positive or negative dielectric anisotropy.

[0064] The liquid crystal can be disposed between two surfaces, at least one of the two surfaces being provided by an alignment layer for aligning the liquid crystal. The liquid crystal can be disposed between two alignment layers for aligning the liquid crystal. The alignment layer can include a polymer. The polymer can optionally be an oriented polymer. For example, the polymer may have been oriented by applying a force to the surface of the polymer (e.g., by contacting the polymer with a roller or a brush). At least one alignment layer can be configured to align the liquid crystal in a particular direction. At least one alignment layer can be configured to align the liquid crystal substantially parallel to the alignment layer. In this regard, it may not be desirable to align the liquid crystal completely parallel to the alignment layer. Therefore, it may be desirable to have a pretilt angle, for example, from 0.5 degrees to 10 degrees, optionally from 1 degree to 5 degrees. Crystal rotation methods are commonly used to measure the pretilt, as is well known to those skilled in the art of liquid crystals. At least one alignment layer can be configured to align the liquid crystal in a vertical alignment configuration (i.e., substantially normal to the alignment surface). At least one alignment layer can be configured to align the liquid crystal in a vertical alignment configuration when the liquid crystal is in one of a switched state and a non-switched state, and in a preferred planar configuration when the liquid crystal is in the other of the switched state and the non-switched state. For example, one alignment layer can be configured to align the liquid crystal in a vertical alignment state when the liquid crystal is in a non-switched state, and the other alignment layer is configured to align the liquid crystal in a planar state in a preferred direction when the liquid crystal is in a switched state. When the liquid crystal is in a planar state, this causes the liquid crystal to align in a particular direction within the plane.

[0065] At the operating temperature of the lens, the magnitude of the birefringence of the liquid crystal is optionally at least 0.10, optionally at least 0.15, optionally at least 0.175, and optionally at least 0.20. For example, the operating temperature of the lens at which the birefringence can be determined can be 20 °C to 25 °C for an ophthalmic lens and 30 °C to 35 °C for a contact lens. The birefringence Δn = n e -n o Evaluation is typically carried out using a He-Ne laser at 632.8 nm. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the lens remains effective outside of these operating temperatures, but these operating temperatures are merely noted as typical operating temperatures at which the birefringence can be determined.

[0066] The average thickness of the liquid crystal is optionally at least 5 μm, optionally at least 10 μm, optionally at least 15 μm, optionally at least 20 μm, optionally at least 25 μm, and optionally at least 30 μm. The average thickness of the liquid crystal optionally does not exceed 50 μm, optionally does not exceed 45 μm, optionally does not exceed 40 μm, optionally does not exceed 35 μm, optionally does not exceed 30 μm, optionally does not exceed 25 μm, and optionally does not exceed 20 μm.

[0067] At least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion may include a space for receiving a fluid and a fluid located within the space. Optionally, the refractive effect of the electro-addressable lens portion depends on the shape of the fluid through which light passes and the refractive index of the fluid relative to the surrounding medium. In this regard, the shape of the fluid within the space and the refractive index of the fluid relative to the surrounding medium may determine the refractive properties of the electro-addressable lens portion. The lens may be operable to introduce fluid into and / or remove fluid from the space. The introduction and / or removal of the fluid may increase or decrease the thickness of the fluid within the space, and / or may change the shape of the electro-addressable lens portion. The introduction and / or removal of the fluid may change the shape of the interface between the fluid and the surrounding medium. The change in the interface shape may change the optical power of the electro-addressable lens portion. For example, the surrounding medium may include a contact lens material, such as a polymer used to make contact lenses, such as a silicone hydrogel. For example, introducing fluid into the space may provide a more curved interface between the fluid and the surrounding medium. Alternatively or additionally, at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion may be electro-addressable between a first state and a second state, in which the corresponding electro-addressable lens portion has a first refractive shape in the first state and a second refractive shape different from the first refractive shape in the second state, and the movement of fluid into and / or out of the space provides operation between the first state and the second state. A pump may be provided for introducing a refractive medium into and removing a refractive medium from the space.

[0068] At least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion may include a refractive element configured to have a shape depending on an electrical signal applied to the corresponding electro-addressable lens portion. At least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each refractive element may include a first liquid, the shape of the first liquid depending on an electrical signal applied to the corresponding electro-addressable lens portion. At least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion may include a second liquid immiscible with the first liquid. The first liquid may have an interface with the second liquid, the shape of the interface between the first liquid and the second liquid depending on an electrical signal applied to the corresponding electro-addressable lens portion. At least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion may include an electro-wetting lens, for example, as disclosed at www.corning.com / worldwide / en / products / advanced-optics / product-materials / corning-varioptic-lenses / varioptic-technology.html.

[0069] The distance vision lens portion may have a negative optical power optionally from -0.25 D to -15 D and optionally from -0.25 D to -10 D. When the lens is on the wearer's eye, the distance vision lens portion optionally has a fixed optical power. Optionally, the optical power of the distance vision lens portion may vary. For example, the distance vision lens portion may operate between a first configuration in which the distance vision lens portion is configured to correct myopia and a second different configuration. The distance vision lens portion may be electrically addressable between the first configuration and the second configuration. For example, the distance vision lens portion may include a liquid crystal cell that may operate between a first configuration for myopia correction and a second different configuration and is optionally electrically addressable.

[0070] The ophthalmic lens may be a contact lens, such as a rigid contact lens or a soft contact lens. The soft contact lens may include any suitable material, such as a silicone hydrogel material (commonly referred to as SiHy). At least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electrically addressable lens portion may be embedded in the lens material.

[0071] The contact lens may be configured to adopt a desired orientation on the wearer's eye. For example, the contact lens may be weighted. Optionally, a portion of the contact lens is heavier, for example due to a thicker lens material. During use, the heavier portion of the contact lens will cause the lens to rotate such that the heavier portion is in the bottom position.

[0072] The ophthalmic lens may be a lens for glasses.

[0073] The ophthalmic lens may include a lens control module for controlling the operation of at least one electrically addressable lens portion. The ophthalmic lens may include a receiver for receiving an instruction signal from a remote transmitter. The receiver may communicate with the lens control module. The ophthalmic lens may be equipped with a power source for powering the operation of the electrically addressable lens portion. If the ophthalmic lens is a spectacle lens and the spectacle lens is incorporated into a pair of glasses, then the pair of glasses may have the power source. The pair of glasses may have a receiver for receiving instructions from a remote transmitter.

[0074] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a system for controlling myopia progression can be provided, which includes an ophthalmic lens according to the first aspect of the present invention and a user control module for controlling the operation of the ophthalmic lens. The user control module can include a user interface for displaying information about the operation of the lens and for controlling the operation of the ophthalmic lens. The user control module can be provided on an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or other computing device. The user control module can be incorporated into a device such as a mobile phone. The user control module can be configured to communicate with a transmitter for transmitting signals to a receiver associated with the ophthalmic lens and optionally control the transmitter. Alternatively, the user control module can be a component of a spectacle frame. In one example, the user control module can be contained within the temple of the spectacle frame and include a switch for providing a signal from the transmitter to the receiver. The user control module can include a user-actuable switch for controlling the operation of the ophthalmic lens. For example, the spectacle frame can include such a switch. The contact lens can be provided with such a switch. The switch can operate in response to a physiological movement such as a blink, a predefined movement of the eye, a frown, or a contraction of the eyebrows.

[0075] According to a third aspect of the present invention, spectacles are provided that include at least one and optionally two ophthalmic lenses according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0076] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling myopia progression is provided, the method including providing an ophthalmic lens to a wearer suffering from myopia or at risk of developing myopia, the ophthalmic lens including at least one electrically addressable lens portion that can be addressed to focus light to a second position.

[0077] In use, the second position can be located in front of the wearer's retina. The reference to the "second position" corresponds to the second position mentioned above with respect to the lens of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0078] Addressing one or more of the electrically addressable lens portions can include applying an electrical signal to one or more of the electrically addressable lens portions, typically by applying a voltage or an electric field across a liquid crystal in one or more of the electrically addressable lens portions, so as to change the optical properties (such as the optical power) of one or more of the electrically addressable lens portions.

[0079] The method may include causing at least one electro-addressable lens portion (and optionally more than one electro-addressable lens portion and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion) to change its focus or optical power. The method may include causing at least one electro-addressable lens portion (and optionally more than one electro-addressable lens portion and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion) to focus light to a second location. In use, this may be in front of the wearer's retina. The method may include causing at least one electro-addressable lens portion (and optionally more than one electro-addressable lens portion and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion) to focus light to a first location, the second location being closer to the lens than the first location. In use, the first location may be on the wearer's retina. The method may include causing at least one electro-addressable lens portion (and optionally more than one electro-addressable lens portion and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion) to focus light to a third location further from the lens than both the first and second locations. In use, the third location may be behind the wearer's retina.

[0080] Optionally, the method may include causing at least one electro-addressable lens portion (and optionally more than one electro-addressable lens portion) to focus light to a second location closer to the lens than the first location and causing at least one electro-addressable lens portion (and optionally more than one electro-addressable lens portion) to focus light to the first location.

[0081] The method may include providing an ophthalmic lens according to the first aspect of the present invention. The ophthalmic lens may have one or more of the features of the lens of the first aspect of the present invention. For example, the ophthalmic lens may include a distance vision lens portion for correcting myopia. The distance vision lens portion may have an optical power of from -0.25 D to -10 D.

[0082] The method may include placing the ophthalmic lens on the wearer's eye, optionally placing a first ophthalmic lens on the wearer's first eye and a second ophthalmic lens on the wearer's second eye. The method may include placing the ophthalmic lens in a spaced relationship with the wearer's eye. The method may include placing a first ophthalmic lens in a spaced relationship with the wearer's first eye and a second ophthalmic lens in a spaced relationship with the wearer's second eye.

[0083] In a first operating state, optionally a zero-power operating state, at least one of the electro-addressable lens portions can focus light to a first position. In a second operating state, optionally an electrically powered operating state, at least one of the electro-addressable lens portions can focus light to a second position closer to the lens than the first position. At least one of the electro-addressable lens portions can operate between the first operating state and the second operating state. Alternatively, in a first operating state, optionally a zero-power operating state, at least one of the electro-addressable lens portions can focus light to a second position closer to the lens than the first position. In a second operating state, optionally an electrically powered operating state, at least one of the electro-addressable lens portions can focus light to the first position.

[0084] The method can include changing between the first operating state and the second operating state in response to a wearer input. For example, the wearer can decide that at least one electro-addressable lens portion is desired to focus light onto the retina to provide enhanced distance vision. The method can include changing between the first operating state and the second operating state in response to one or more environmental inputs. For example, the environmental input can be a light level (such as ambient light level) or the time of day. For example, if the ambient light level drops below a predetermined level, the addressable lens portion can change from the second operating state to the first operating state.

[0085] The method can include performing a treatment regimen in the form of a set of instructions, thereby addressing one or more of the electro-addressable lens portions. The treatment regimen can be determined by an eye care practitioner. The treatment regimen can be determined with or without reference to one or more eye characteristics of the wearer (such as the wearer's peripheral refractive error). Optionally, the treatment regimen can be reviewed periodically, for example on a regular basis. For example, the treatment regimen can be reviewed after at least one month of treatment, optionally after at least six months of treatment, or optionally after at least twelve months of treatment.

[0086] The treatment regimen can be determined by reference to at least one environmental factor such as, for example, the light level and the primary intended use location (such as indoor or outdoor). For example, in the event that it is indicated that the wearer will wear the lenses primarily outdoors, the amount of time that one or more of the electro-addressable lens portions are configured to focus light to a second position closer to the lens than the first position (optionally in front of the retina) can be less than the amount of time in the case where it is indicated that the wearer will wear the lenses primarily indoors.

[0087] The method may include causing at least one (and optionally more than one and optionally each) electro-addressable lens portion to focus light to a second position closer to the lens than a first position for at least 1 hour per day, optionally at least 2 hours per day, optionally at least 3 hours per day, optionally at least 4 hours per day, and optionally at least 5 hours per day. The method may include causing at least one (and optionally more than one and optionally each) electro-addressable lens portion to focus light to a second position closer to the lens than a first position for no more than 16 hours per day, optionally no more than 12 hours per day, optionally no more than 10 hours per day, optionally no more than 8 hours per day, and optionally no more than 6 hours per day.

[0088] This daily treatment may optionally be divided into one or more cycles (optionally referred to as "treatment cycles") in which one or more (and optionally more than one and optionally each) of the electro-addressable lens portions focus light to a second position closer to the lens than a first position, and one or more cycles (optionally referred to as "rest cycles") in which one or more (and optionally more than one and optionally each) of the electro-addressable lens portions focus light to the first position. Optionally, a treatment cycle is immediately followed by a rest cycle. Optionally, a rest cycle may be immediately followed by a treatment cycle.

[0089] At least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each treatment cycle may optionally be at least 15 minutes, optionally at least 30 minutes, optionally at least 45 minutes, optionally at least 60 minutes, optionally at least 90 minutes, optionally at least 120 minutes, optionally at least 240 minutes, optionally at least 300 minutes. At least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each treatment cycle may be no more than 720 minutes, optionally no more than 600 minutes, optionally no more than 480 minutes, optionally no more than 360 minutes, and optionally no more than 240 minutes. At least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each treatment cycle may be from 15 minutes to 600 minutes, optionally from 30 minutes to 480 minutes, optionally from 45 minutes to 360 minutes, optionally from 60 minutes to 240 minutes, and optionally from 120 minutes to 240 minutes. The treatment cycles may be the same as each other. The treatment cycles may be different from each other.

[0090] At least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each rest period may optionally be at least 15 minutes, optionally at least 30 minutes, optionally at least 45 minutes, optionally at least 60 minutes, optionally at least 90 minutes, optionally at least 120 minutes, optionally at least 240 minutes, optionally at least 300 minutes. At least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each rest period may not exceed 720 minutes, optionally not exceed 600 minutes, optionally not exceed 480 minutes, optionally not exceed 360 minutes, and optionally not exceed 240 minutes. At least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each rest period may be from 15 minutes to 600 minutes, optionally from 30 minutes to 480 minutes, optionally from 45 minutes to 360 minutes, optionally from 60 minutes to 240 minutes, and optionally from 120 minutes to 240 minutes. The rest times may be the same as each other. The rest times may be different from each other.

[0091] The method may include causing at least one (and optionally more than one and optionally each) electro-addressable lens portion to focus light to a second position closer to the lens than a first position for a first period, the first period optionally being at least 15 minutes, optionally at least 30 minutes, optionally at least 45 minutes, optionally at least 60 minutes, optionally at least 90 minutes, optionally at least 120 minutes, optionally at least 240 minutes, optionally at least 300 minutes. The first period may not exceed 720 minutes, optionally not exceed 600 minutes, optionally not exceed 480 minutes, optionally not exceed 360 minutes, and optionally not exceed 240 minutes. The first period may be from 15 minutes to 600 minutes, optionally from 30 minutes to 480 minutes, optionally from 45 minutes to 360 minutes, optionally from 60 minutes to 240 minutes, and optionally from 120 minutes to 240 minutes.

[0092] The method may include causing at least one (and optionally more than one and optionally each) electro-addressable lens portion to focus light to the first position for a second period, the second period optionally being at least 15 minutes, optionally at least 30 minutes, optionally at least 45 minutes, optionally at least 60 minutes, optionally at least 90 minutes, optionally at least 120 minutes, optionally at least 240 minutes, optionally at least 300 minutes. The second period may not exceed 720 minutes, optionally not exceed 600 minutes, optionally not exceed 480 minutes, optionally not exceed 360 minutes, and optionally not exceed 240 minutes. The second period may be from 15 minutes to 600 minutes, optionally from 30 minutes to 480 minutes, optionally from 45 minutes to 360 minutes, optionally from 60 minutes to 240 minutes, and optionally from 120 minutes to 240 minutes.

[0093] The method may include, after a second period, causing at least one (and optionally more than one and optionally each) electro-addressable lens portion to focus light to a second position closer to the lens than a first position for a third period. The third period may have the characteristics described above with respect to the first period. For the avoidance of doubt, the third period need not be the same as the first period.

[0094] The method may include, after a third period, causing at least one (and optionally more than one and optionally each) electro-addressable lens portion to focus light to the first position for a fourth period. The fourth period may have the characteristics described above with respect to the second period. For the avoidance of doubt, the fourth period need not be the same as the second period.

[0095] The method may include periodically detecting whether at least one of the electro-addressable lens portions is in a second operating state, and if not, addressing at least one electro-addressable lens portion to put it in the second operating state. For example, the method may include detecting whether at least one of the electro-addressable lens portions is in the second operating state every one to three hours, and if not, addressing at least one electro-addressable lens portion to put it in the second operating state. Alternatively, the method may include detecting whether at least one of the electro-addressable lens portions is in the second operating state at a particular time and / or date (for example, at a particular time of each day), and if not, addressing at least one electro-addressable lens portion to put it in the second operating state.

[0096] At least one of the electro-addressable lens portions may be provided by a liquid crystal cell. The orientation of the liquid crystal molecules may be changed between a first operating state and a second operating state. The ophthalmic lens may include a plurality of electro-addressable lens portions. Optionally, more than one and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion is independently operable.

[0097] The present invention will now be described by way of example only. Figure 1A 、 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F illustrate an ophthalmic lens for controlling myopia progression, which is generally denoted by reference numeral 100. The lens 100 is a soft contact lens made of a high refractive index acrylamide polymer material as disclosed in WO2003 / 10267, having a refractive index of about 1.50, but the contact lens can be made of other materials. The lens 100 includes a distance vision lens portion 101 for correcting myopia. The distance vision lens portion 101 focuses light to a first position. The distance vision lens portion 101 is located at the center of the lens 100 and is formed of a high refractive index acrylamide polymer material. The distance vision lens portion 101 can have an optical power ranging from -0.25D to -10D. The lens 100 includes an electrically addressable lens portion 102 that can be addressed to focus light to a second position closer to the lens 100 than the first position. The second position is generally in front of the wearer's retina.

[0098] The lens 100 includes a liquid crystal cell 110 (see, for example, Figure 1E ), which provides the electrically addressable lens portion 102. The liquid crystal cell 110 and the electrically addressable lens portion 102 are substantially annular in shape. The liquid crystal cell 110 includes conductive and optically transparent substrates 120, 121. Each of the substrates 120, 121 includes an optically transparent plastic support (not shown) on which a layer of optically transparent conductive material (not shown) is deposited, which in this case is indium tin oxide (commonly referred to as ITO). Other optically transparent conductive materials can be used. Alignment layers 130, 131 for alignment of the liquid crystal 140 are provided on each of the substrates 120, 121. The alignment layer 130 (SE-1211 polymer, Nissan Chemical Industries Ltd., Japan) promotes the vertical alignment of the liquid crystal in the non-switching state. In the vertical alignment, the director of the liquid crystal is normal or approximately normal to the plane of the substrates 120, 121. The alignment layer 131 includes a 1:10 mixture having a polymer (SE-1211) that promotes vertical alignment in the non-switching state and a polymer (SE-3510, Nissan Chemical Industries Ltd.) that promotes alignment in the planar state. The alignment layer 131 is formed by depositing a mixture of SE-1211 and SE-3510 onto the substrate 121, heating the substrate, and then rubbing the alignment layer 131. This rubbing of the alignment layer imparts a preferred orientation to the liquid crystal when the liquid crystal is in the planar state (director parallel to the substrates 120, 121) as shown in Figure 1F . The liquid crystal 140 is disposed between the alignment layers 130, 131. The thickness of the liquid crystal 140 is about 30 μm. The liquid crystal is MLC-2081 (Merck). Although in Figure 1B , 1EIn the cross-section in 1F, the liquid crystal cells are shown as straight, but the shape of the liquid crystal cells is biconcave.

[0099] When the electro-addressable lens section 102 is in the non-switching state, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal cell 110 are aligned vertically, as Figure 1E shown. In this alignment, the effective refractive index of the liquid crystal 140 and the electro-addressable lens section is n o , which is about 1.50 in this case. This matches the refractive index of the surrounding lens material. In this configuration, the electro-addressable lens section 102 is used to focus the light passing through the electro-addressable lens section to a second position in front of the wearer's retina and closer to the lens than the first position. When a sufficiently high voltage is applied to the liquid crystal cell 110, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is changed. In this regard, when a sufficiently high voltage is applied to the liquid crystal cell 110, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules changes from the vertical alignment orientation (as Figure 1E shown) to the planar orientation (as Figure 1F shown). It should be noted that the MLC-2081 has a negative dielectric anisotropy and thus will switch from the vertical alignment orientation to the planar orientation when a sufficiently high voltage is applied. When the liquid crystal has been switched to the planar orientation, the director of the liquid crystal is shown in Figure 1D and 1F . When the liquid crystal is in the switched planar state, the alignment layer 131 has been rubbed in the radial direction to impart a preferred alignment on the liquid crystal 140. Assuming that for the MLC-2081, n e is about 1.72, when the liquid crystal 140 is in the planar alignment configuration, the effective refractive index of the liquid crystal 140 is greater than n o , and thus greater than the refractive index of the surrounding lens material. In this case, due to the refractive index of the liquid crystal cell being greater than the refractive index of the surrounding lens material and due to the biconcave geometry of the liquid crystal cell, the liquid crystal cell will provide a more negative optical power than when the liquid crystal is in the non-switching state. This causes the light passing through the liquid crystal 140 to be focused to the first position on the retina. Studies have shown that focusing light in front of the retina is an effective method for slowing the progression of myopia.

[0100] The arrangement of the director D of the liquid crystal 140 in the switched state is shown in Figure 1D and is polarization-independent as long as this arrangement is effective for all polarizations of light.

[0101] The change from the non-switch state to the switched state can be performed automatically. For example, the lens 100 can be configured to switch from the non-switch state to the switched state after a predetermined wear period (e.g., one hour). Alternatively or additionally, the lens 100 can be configured to change from the switched state to the non-switch state periodically (e.g., within a fixed duration (e.g., 5 minutes) of each allocated time period (e.g., every hour)). Alternatively or additionally, the lens 100 can be configured to change from the switched state to the non-switch state at a specific time of day or in response to specific environmental conditions. For example, the lens 100 can be configured to change from the non-switch state to the switched state in an event where the ambient light level is low (where it is more desirable for the electrically addressable lens portion 102 to focus light onto the wearer's retina to improve distance vision). Conversely, the lens 100 can be configured to change from the switched state to the non-switch state in response to specific environmental conditions. For example, the lens 100 can be configured such that it changes from the switched state to the non-switch state in an event where the ambient light level rises above a predetermined level. In this regard, distance vision can be easier at higher light levels and more difficult at lower light levels; it can be beneficial to have the electrically addressable lens portion focus light onto the wearer's retina under lower ambient light conditions.

[0102] Reference will now be made to Figure 11 describe the operation of the lens 100, Figure 11 illustrating an example of a system for controlling myopia according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system is generally denoted by reference numeral 3000 and includes the lens 100 as described above and a lens control module 3002. The lens 100 can operate automatically. In this regard, the lens 100 includes a control module 150 for controlling the operation of the electrically addressable portion 102 (not shown). A power module 160 is provided for supplying power to the control module 150. The control module 150 is provided with instructions for controlling the operation of the electrically addressable portion 102, and the lens 100 can operate automatically without additional input from the wearer.

[0103] Additionally or alternatively, the lens 100 can be operated based on wearer input. In this regard, the lens 100 includes an antenna 170 for receiving control instructions from the wearer for the operation of the electrically addressable portion 102. The antenna 170 can be any suitable receiving antenna, such as a wi-fi antenna or Antenna. The wearer may be provided with a lens control module 3002 provided by a suitably programmed mobile phone 3001. The lens control module 3002 may include a display module 3004 for indicating the status of the lens 100, and a user input module 3003 for making inputs to control the lens 100. The wearer may use the lens control module 3002 to control the lens 100. For example, the wearer may decide that he wants to improve his distance vision by focusing the light from the electrically addressable lens portion 102. The wearer may determine the status of the lens 100 via the display module 3004. For example, if the electrically addressable lens portion 102 is configured to focus the light in front of the retina (i.e., focus to a second position), then the status of the lens 100 may be displayed as "treatment mode", or if the electrically addressable lens portion 102 is configured to focus on the retina (i.e., focus to a first position), then the status of the lens may be displayed as "distance vision mode".

[0104] If the lens 100 is in the non-switching state as shown in Figure 1D and 1F then the wearer will make an input via the user input module 3003. The signal will be processed by the lens control module 3002 and sent from the mobile phone 3001 to the lens 100 and received by the antenna 170. Then, the lens 100 will switch from the non-switching state to the switched state.

[0105] As regarding Figure 1A 、 1B, the contact lens 100 described in 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F can be fabricated as follows. Provide a two-component inert insert (not shown). The insert includes a front portion and a rear portion, both made of acrylamide elastomer (although other materials can be used). When the front component and the rear component of the insert are placed together, there is a cavity between the front component and the rear component for accommodating the liquid crystal cell. This cavity is formed by providing a recess in one or both of the front component and the rear component of the insert; in this regard, a recess can be formed in the rear portion of the front component, and / or a recess can be formed in the front portion of the rear component. The recess is typically formed by molding. Conductive and optically transparent substrates 120, 121 are formed on each of the front component and the rear component, for example, by deposition of indium tin oxide. Then, alignment layers 130, 131 can be deposited on the substrates 120, 121. In this case, the alignment layer 130 (SE-1211 polymer, Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd., Japan) promotes the vertical alignment of the liquid crystal in the non-switching state. The alignment layer 131 includes a 1:10 mixture having a polymer (SE-1211) that promotes vertical alignment in the non-switching state and a polymer (SE-3510, Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.) that promotes alignment in the planar state. The alignment layer 131 is formed by depositing a mixture of SE-1211 and SE-3510 on the substrate 121, heating the substrate, and then rubbing the alignment layer 131. When the liquid crystal is in the planar state (the director is parallel to the substrates 120, 121) as shown in Figure 1F , this rubbing of the alignment layer imparts a preferred orientation to the liquid crystal. The liquid crystal 140 is disposed between the alignment layers 130, 131. Then, the liquid crystal 140 is deposited between the alignment layers 130, 131. Then, the front component and the rear component of the insert are joined together, for example, using plasma bonding. Electrical contacts are provided outside the insert from the substrates 120, 121 for connection to a power source. Then, the insert is incorporated into a soft contact lens. Separate cavities can be provided for the receiver antenna, the power source, and any associated signal and power processing electronics. A conductive material, typically in the form of a thin layer, is provided to electrically connect the liquid crystal cell to the power source and the processing electronics.

[0106] Now, reference will be made to Figure 2 describe another example of an ophthalmic lens according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2Disclosed is an ophthalmic lens for controlling myopia progression, which is generally denoted by reference numeral 200. The lens 200 is a soft contact lens made of a high refractive index acrylamide, but the contact lens can be made of other materials. The lens 200 includes a distance vision lens portion 201 for correcting myopia. The distance vision lens portion 201 is located at the center of the lens 200 and is formed of a high refractive index acrylamide. The distance vision lens portion 201 can have an optical power ranging from -0.25D to -10D and focuses light to a first position (generally focused on the retina of the wearer). The lens 200 includes two electrically addressable lens portions 202A, 202B, which can be addressed to focus light to a second position generally in front of the retina of the wearer. Each electrically addressable lens portion 202A, 202B is semi-circular and can be controlled independently of each other. For the two electrically addressable lens portions 202A, 202B, the second position to which the light is focused does not need to be the same, but can be the same. The lens 200 is weighted because the thickness of the lens 200 in region B is greater than the thickness of the rest of the lens. This region B can be understood as a ballast. This ensures that the lens 200 always has the same orientation on the eye of the wearer, with region B of the lens 200 in the lowest position or the lower position. The electrically addressable lens portions 202A, 202B are the nasal portion and the temporal portion, and are formed of liquid crystal cells substantially as described for the lens 100 of Figure 1A , 1B , 1C, 1D, 1E and 1F. The electrically addressable portion can operate substantially as described for the lens 100 of Figure 1A , 1B , 1C, 1D, 1E and 1F. An advantage of the lens 200 is that the electrically addressable lens portions 202A, 202B can operate independently of each other and can be independently operated to account for any asymmetries in the vision or eye anatomy of the wearer. The optical powers of the electrically addressable lens portions 202A, 202B in the switched state can be different from each other, and the optical powers in the non-switched state can be different from each other. For example, this can be achieved by using different liquid crystal materials and / or using liquid crystals of different thicknesses.

[0107] Now, another example of an ophthalmic lens according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 3 . Figure 3Disclosed is an ophthalmic lens for controlling myopia progression, which is generally denoted by reference numeral 300. The lens 300 is a soft contact lens made of a high refractive index acrylamide material, although the contact lens can be made of other materials. The lens 300 includes a distance vision lens portion 301 for correcting myopia. The distance vision lens portion 301 is located at the center of the lens 300 and is formed of a high refractive index acrylamide material. The distance vision lens portion 301 can have an optical power ranging from -0.25D to -10D and focuses light to a first position (generally focused onto the retina of the wearer). The lens 300 includes four electrically addressable lens portions 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D, which can be addressed to focus light to a second position generally in front of the retina of the wearer. For the four electrically addressable lens portions 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D, the second position to which the light is focused does not need to be the same, but can be the same. Each electrically addressable lens portion 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D is quarter - annular and can be controlled independently of one another. The lens 300 is weighted because the thickness of the lens 300 in region B is greater than the thickness of the rest of the lens. Region B can be understood as a ballast. This ensures that the lens 300 always has the same orientation on the eye of the wearer, with region B of the lens 300 in the lowest position. Then, the electrically addressable lens portions 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D are the upper or lower portions and the nasal or temporal portions, and are formed of liquid crystal cells substantially as described for the lens 100 with respect to Figure 1A , 1B , 1C, 1D, 1E and 1F. The electrically addressable portions can operate substantially as described for the lens 100 with respect to Figure 1A , 1B , 1C, 1D, 1E and 1F. An advantage of the lens 300 is that the electrically addressable lens portions 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D can operate independently of one another and can be independently operated to account for any asymmetries in the vision or eye anatomy of the wearer. The optical powers of the electrically addressable lens portions 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D in the switched state can be different from one another, and the optical powers in the non - switched state can be different from one another. For example, this can be achieved by using different liquid crystal materials and / or using liquid crystals of different thicknesses.

[0108] Now reference will be made to Figure 4A and Figure 4B to describe another example of an ophthalmic lens according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4A and Figure 4BDisclosed is an ophthalmic lens for controlling myopia progression, which is generally denoted by reference numeral 400. The lens 400 is a soft contact lens made of a high refractive index acrylamide material, although the contact lens can be made of other materials. The lens 400 includes a distance vision lens portion 401 for correcting myopia and focuses light to a first position (generally focused on the wearer's retina). The distance vision lens portion 401 is located at the center of the lens 400 and is formed of a high refractive index acrylamide material. The distance vision lens portion 401 can have an optical power ranging from -0.25D to -10D. The lens 400 includes two electro-addressable lens portions 402A, 402B that can be addressed to focus light to a second position generally in front of the wearer's retina. For the two electro-addressable lens portions 402A, 402B, the second position to which the light is focused does not need to be the same, but can be the same. Each electro-addressable lens portion 402A, 402B is annular and can be controlled independently of each other. The electro-addressable lens portions 402A, 402B are formed of liquid crystal cells substantially as described for the lens 100 of Figure 1A , 1B , 1C, 1D, 1E and 1F. The electro-addressable portion can operate substantially as described for the lens 100 of Figure 1A , 1B , 1C, 1D, 1E and 1F. The electro-addressable lens portions 402A, 402B can have the same optical power or different optical powers. The advantage of the lens 400 is that the electro-addressable lens portions 402A, 402B can operate independently of each other, thereby providing greater adaptability with respect to the amount of light that can be focused on the wearer's retina and the amount of light that can be focused in front of the wearer's retina. This arrangement also provides greater adaptability with respect to treatment options that can be provided to wearers susceptible to myopia progression. The optical powers of the electro-addressable lens portions 402A, 402B in the switched state can be different from each other, and the optical powers in the non-switched state can be different from each other. For example, this can be achieved by using different liquid crystal materials and / or using liquid crystals of different thicknesses.

[0109] Now reference will be made to Figure 5A and Figure 5B to describe another example of an ophthalmic lens according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5A and Figure 5BDisclosed is an ophthalmic lens for controlling myopia progression, which is generally denoted by reference numeral 500. The lens 500 is a soft contact lens made of a high refractive index acrylamide material, although the contact lens can be made of other materials. The lens 500 includes a distance vision lens portion 501 for correcting myopia and focuses light to a first position (generally onto the wearer's retina). The distance vision lens portion 501 is located at the center of the lens 500 and is formed of a high refractive index acrylamide material. The distance vision lens portion 501 can have an optical power ranging from -0.25D to -10D. The lens 500 includes two electrically addressable lens portions 502A, 502B, which can be addressed to focus light to a second position generally in front of the wearer's retina. For the two electrically addressable lens portions 502A, 502B, the second position to which the light is focused does not need to be the same, but can be the same. Each electrically addressable lens portion 502A, 502B is annular and can be controlled independently of each other. The electrically addressable lens portion 502B has an optical power different from that of the electrically addressable lens portion 502A, and the electro-optical response of the electrically addressable lens portion 502B is different from that of the electrically addressable lens portion 502A. The electrically addressable lens portions 502A, 502B are formed of liquid crystal cells substantially as described for the lens 100 with respect to Figure 1A , 1B , 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F. The electrically addressable portions can operate substantially as described for the lens 100 with respect to Figure 1A , 1B , 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F. An advantage of the lens 500 is that the electrically addressable lens portions 502A, 502B can operate independently of each other, thereby providing greater adaptability with respect to the amount of light that can be focused onto the wearer's retina and the amount of light that can be focused in front of the wearer's retina. This arrangement also provides greater adaptability with respect to treatment options that can be offered to wearers susceptible to myopia progression. The optical powers of the electrically addressable lens portions 502A, 502B in the switched state can be different from each other, and the optical powers in the non-switched state can be different from each other. For example, this can be achieved by using different liquid crystal materials and / or using liquid crystals of different thicknesses.

[0110] Figure 2 , 3 , 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B of the contact lens can be made using the process described for the contact lens with respect to Figure 1A , 1B , 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F, provided that the alignment layers are appropriately selected to ensure that the liquid crystal has the correct orientation.

[0111] Now reference will be made to Figure 1A , 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F describe by way of example only another example of an ophthalmic lens according to an embodiment of the present invention. As described above with respect to Figure 1A , 1B , 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F, the cross-section of the liquid crystal cell is biconcave. The alignment layer is provided by rubbed polyimide, which promotes planar alignment of the liquid crystal in the non-switching state. The liquid crystal is a positive dielectric anisotropy liquid crystal, which is E7 (Merck) in this case. In the non-switching state, the refractive index of the liquid crystal is about 1.7 and is very high compared to the refractive index of the surrounding lens material (silicone hydrogel), which has a refractive index of about 1.42. This causes the liquid crystal cell to provide a relatively high negative optical power, which focuses light on the wearer's retina. In the switched state, the refractive index of the liquid crystal is much lower (about 1.50). The refractive index difference between the liquid crystal cell and the silicone hydrogel is lower than the refractive index difference in the non-switching state, and thus the optical power of the liquid crystal cell in the switched state has a smaller negative value than the optical power in the non-switching state. This smaller negative value of the optical power in the switched state causes light to be focused at a second position that is typically in front of the wearer's retina.

[0112] Now reference will be made to Figure 6 to describe another example of an ophthalmic lens according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 A pair of glasses 650 is shown, which includes a frame 660 in which a left ophthalmic lens 610 and a right ophthalmic lens 600 for controlling myopia progression are mounted (left and right are with respect to when a person wears the glasses, not the positions shown in the figure). The lenses 600, 610 are typically made of a suitable refractive plastic material well known to those skilled in the art. Each lens 600, 610 includes a distance vision lens portion 601, 611 for correcting myopia, which focuses light to a first position (typically onto the wearer's retina). Each distance vision lens portion 601, 611 is located at the center of the corresponding lens 600, 610 and is formed of a suitable refractive plastic material. The distance vision lens portions 601, 611 may have an optical power ranging from -0.25 D to -10 D. Each lens 600, 610 includes an electronically addressable lens portion 602, 612, which can be addressed to focus light to a second position that is typically in front of the wearer's retina. Each electronically addressable lens portion 602, 612 is annular and its cross-section is biconcave. The electronically addressable lens portions 602, 612 are formed by a liquid crystal cell substantially as described above with respect to Figure 1A , 1B , 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F for the lens 100. The electronically addressable portion can be substantially as described above with respect to Figure 1A , 1B、1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F and operates as described for the lens 100. For the two electro-addressable lens portions 602, 612, the second position to which the light is focused need not be the same, but may be the same. The optical powers of the electro-addressable lens portions 602, 612 in the switched state may be different from each other, and the optical powers in the non-switched state may be different from each other. For example, this can be achieved by using different liquid crystal materials and / or using liquid crystals of different thicknesses.

[0113] Another example of an ophthalmic lens according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 7 FIG. Figure 7 A pair of glasses 750 is shown, which includes a frame 760 in which a left ophthalmic lens 710 and a right ophthalmic lens 700 for controlling myopia progression are mounted. The lenses 700, 710 are typically made of a suitable refractive plastic material well known to those skilled in the art. Each lens 700, 710 includes a distance vision lens portion 701, 711 for correcting myopia, which focuses light to a first position (usually onto the wearer's retina). Each distance vision lens portion 701, 711 is located at the center of the corresponding lens 700, 710 and is formed of a suitable refractive plastic material. The distance vision lens portions 701, 711 may have an optical power ranging from -0.25 D to -10 D. Each lens 700, 710 includes two electro-addressable lens portions 702A, 702B, 712A, 712B, which are addressable to focus light to a second position that is typically in front of the wearer's retina. For the four electro-addressable lens portions 702A, 702B, 712A, 712B, the second position to which the light is focused need not be the same, but may be the same. Each electro-addressable lens portion 702A, 702B, 712A, 702B is semi-circular and has a double-concave cross-section. The electro-addressable lens portions 702A, 712A are the nasal portions, and the electro-addressable lens portions 702B, 712B are the temporal portions. The electro-addressable lens portions 702A, 702B, 712A, 712B are formed of liquid crystal cells substantially as described for the lens 100 of Figure 1A 、 1B 、1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F. The electro-addressable portions may be substantially as described for Figure 1A 、 1B、1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F as described for the lens 100. The advantage of the lenses 700, 710 is that the electro-addressable lens portions 702A, 702B, 712A, 712B can be operated independently of each other and can be independently operated to account for any asymmetries in the wearer's vision or eye anatomy. The electro-addressable lens portions 702A, 702B, 712A, 712B can have different optical powers in the switched states and can have different optical powers in the non-switched states. For example, this can be achieved by using different liquid crystal materials and / or using liquid crystals of different thicknesses.

[0114] Now reference will be made to Figure 8 describe another example of an ophthalmic lens according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 Shown is a pair of glasses 850, the pair of glasses including a frame 860 in which a left ophthalmic lens 810 and a right ophthalmic lens 800 for controlling myopia progression are mounted. The lenses 800, 810 are typically made of a suitable refractive plastic material well known to those skilled in the art. Each lens 800, 810 includes a distance vision lens portion 801, 811 for correcting myopia that focuses light to a first position (typically onto the retina of the wearer). Each distance vision lens portion 801, 811 is located at the center of the respective lens 800, 810 and is formed of a suitable refractive plastic material. The distance vision lens portions 801, 811 can have an optical power ranging from -0.25D to -10D. Each lens 800, 810 includes two electro-addressable lens portions 802A, 802B, 812A, 812B that can be addressed to focus light to a first position typically in front of the retina of the wearer. For the four electro-addressable lens portions 802A, 802B, 812A, 812B, the second position to which the light is focused need not be the same, but can be the same. Each electro-addressable lens portion 802A, 802B, 812A, 802B is semi-circular. The electro-addressable lens portions 802A, 812A are upper portions, and the electro-addressable lens portions 802B, 812B are lower portions. The electro-addressable lens portions 802A, 802B, 812A, 812B are formed of liquid crystal cells substantially as described above for the lens 100 of Figure 1A , 1B , 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F. The electro-addressable portions can be substantially as described above for Figure 1A , 1B、operates as described for the lenses 100 of 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F. The advantage of the lenses 800, 810 is that the electro-addressable lens portions 802A, 802B, 812A, 812B can operate independently of each other and can be operated independently to account for any asymmetries in the wearer's vision or eye anatomy. The electro-addressable lens portions 802A, 802B, 812A, 812B can have different optical powers in the switched states and can have different optical powers in the non-switched states. For example, this can be achieved by using different liquid crystal materials and / or using liquid crystals of different thicknesses.

[0115] Now reference will be made to Figure 9 describe another example of an ophthalmic lens according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 Shown is a pair of glasses 950, the pair of glasses including a frame 960 in which a left ophthalmic lens 910 and a right ophthalmic lens 900 for controlling myopia progression are mounted. The lenses 900, 910 are typically made of a suitable refractive plastic material well known to those skilled in the art. Each lens 900, 910 includes a distance vision lens portion 901, 911 for correcting myopia that focuses light to a first position (typically onto the retina of the wearer). Each distance vision lens portion 901, 911 is located at the center of the respective lens 900, 910 and is formed of a suitable refractive plastic material. The distance vision lens portions 901, 911 can have an optical power ranging from -0.25 D to -10 D. Each lens 900, 910 includes four electro-addressable lens portions 902A, 902B, 902C, 902D, 912A, 912B, 912C, 912D that can be addressed to focus light to a second position that is typically in front of the retina of the wearer. For the eight electro-addressable lens portions 902A, 902B, 902C, 902D, 912A, 912B, 912C, 912D, the second position to which the light is focused need not be the same, but can be the same. Each electro-addressable lens portion 902A, 902B, 902C, 902D, 912A, 912B, 912C, 912D is quarter-circular. The electro-addressable lens portions 902A, 902B, 912A, 912B are nasal portions, and the electro-addressable lens portions 902C, 902D, 912C, 912D are temporal portions. The electro-addressable lens portions 902A, 902D, 912A, 912D are upper portions, and the electro-addressable lens portions 902B, 902C, 912B, 912C are lower portions. The electro-addressable lens portions 902A, 902B, 902C, 902D, 912A, 912B, 912C, 912D are made of substantially the same as described above with respect to Figure 1A 、 1B, formed by the liquid crystal cells described for the lenses 100 of 1C, 1D, 1E and 1F. The electrically addressable portion may operate substantially as described above with respect to Figure 1A , 1B , the lenses 100 of 1C, 1D, 1E and 1F. The advantage of the lenses 900, 910 is that the electrically addressable lens portions 902A, 902B, 902C, 902D, 912A, 912B, 912C, 912D can operate independently of each other and can be independently operated to account for any asymmetry in the wearer's vision or eye anatomy. The optically effective powers of the electrically addressable lens portions 902A, 902B, 902C, 902D, 912A, 912B, 912C, 912D in the switched state can be different from each other, and the optically effective powers in the non-switched state can be different from each other. For example, this can be achieved by using different liquid crystal materials and / or using liquid crystals of different thicknesses.

[0116] Now another example of an ophthalmic lens according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 10 . Figure 10 An ophthalmic lens for controlling myopia progression is shown, which is generally designated by reference numeral 1000. The lens 1000 is a soft contact lens made of a silicone hydrogel material (SiHy), but the contact lens can be made of other materials. The lens 1000 includes a distance vision lens portion 1001 for correcting myopia, which focuses light to a first position, typically onto the retina of the wearer. The distance vision lens portion 1001 is located at the center of the lens 1000 and is formed of a silicone hydrogel material. The distance vision lens portion 1001 can have an optical power ranging from -0.25D to -10D. The lens 1000 includes an electrically addressable lens portion 1002, which can be addressed to focus light to a second position, typically in front of the retina of the wearer. The electrically addressable lens portion 1002 is annular. The electrically addressable lens portion 1002 is formed by liquid crystal cells substantially as described above with respect to Figure 1A , 1B , the lenses 100 of 1C, 1D, 1E and 1F, with the following adjustment. When the liquid crystal is in the switched planar state, instead of rubbing the alignment layer 131 in the radial direction to impart a preferred alignment on the liquid crystal 140, the alignment layer 131 is rubbed circumferentially in the direction shown by the arrow in Figure 10 . This circumferential rubbing means that in the switched state, the arrangement of the director D of the liquid crystal is shown by the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 10 . This arrangement provides a polarization-independent optical response, provided that this arrangement is effective for all polarizations of light. The electrically addressable portion 1002 can operate substantially as described above with respect to Figure 1A , 1B、operates as described for the lens 100 of 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F.

[0117] Reference will now be made to Figure 1A 、 1B 、1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, and 12 describe, by way of example only, examples of methods for controlling myopia progression according to embodiments of the present invention. The method is generally designated by reference numeral 4000 and includes providing 4001 an ophthalmic lens 100 to a wearer suffering from myopia or at risk of developing myopia, the ophthalmic lens including at least one electro-addressable lens portion 102 that can be addressed to focus light to a second location (e.g., in front of the wearer's retina). In this case, the contact lens 100 is placed on the wearer's eye. The lens 100 is substantially as described above with respect to Figure 1A 、 1B 、1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F.

[0118] Method 4000 includes causing 4002 the electro-addressable lens portion 102 to change its focus and / or optical power. In this method, the lens 100 is initially in a first operating state in which the electro-addressable lens portion 102 focuses light to a second location (e.g., in front of the wearer's retina). At a predetermined time, the electro-addressable lens portion 102 switches from the first operating state to a second operating state. In the second operating state, the liquid crystal 140 of the liquid crystal cell 110 switches from a vertical alignment to a planar alignment, as discussed above with respect to Figure 1A 、 1B 、1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F. In the second operating state, the electro-addressable lens portion 102 focuses light to a first location (e.g., onto the retina). The lens 100 remains in the second operating state for a predetermined time period, in this case 10 minutes, as long as the wearer does not provide an override.

[0119] However, in method 4000, the wearer decides that they desire the electro-addressable lens portion 102 to focus light to a second location (in this case, in front of the retina). Thus, method 4000 includes changing 4003 the electro-addressable lens portion 102 from the second operating state to the first operating state by removing the switching voltage from the liquid crystal cell. The liquid crystal will then revert to the Figure 1C and 1E vertically aligned state shown in.

[0120] Another example of a method for controlling myopia progression according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only. The method is generally designated by reference numeral 4000 and includes providing 4001 an ophthalmic lens 100 to a wearer suffering from myopia or at risk of developing myopia, the ophthalmic lens including at least one electro-addressable lens portion 102 that is addressable to focus light to a second location, optionally in front of the wearer's retina. In this case, a contact lens is placed on the wearer's eye or the wearer may wear a pair of glasses.

[0121] Method 4000 includes causing 4002 the electro-addressable lens portion 102 to change its focus and / or optical power. In this method, the lens is initially in a first operating state in which the electro-addressable lens portion focuses light to a first location (in this case, onto the wearer's retina), thereby providing corrected distance vision. At a predetermined time, the electro-addressable lens portion 102 is switched from the first operating state to a second operating state. In the second operating state, the liquid crystals of the liquid crystal cell are switched. In the second operating state, the electro-addressable lens portion focuses light to a second location closer to the lens than the first location, in this case in front of the retina. The lens 100 remains in the second operating state for a predetermined time period, in this case 10 minutes, as long as the wearer does not provide an override.

[0122] However, in method 4000, the wearer decides that they desire to have the electro-addressable lens portion focus light to the first location (i.e., onto the retina) in order to provide corrected distance vision again. Accordingly, method 4000 includes changing 4003 the electro-addressable lens portion from the second operating state to the first operating state by removing the switching voltage from the liquid crystal cell.

[0123] The above example demonstrates how a switchable liquid crystal cell can be used to change the effective refractive index of the liquid crystal cell, thereby changing the refractive index difference between the liquid crystal cell and the surrounding contact lens material, thereby changing the effective optical power of the liquid crystal cell. In the example mentioned above, the shape of the liquid crystal cell remains the same, in this case a biconcave shape. It is possible to provide an electro-switchable lens portion where the refractive index difference between the lens material and the material of the electro-switchable lens portion remains the same, but the shape of the electro-switchable lens portion changes (and thus the optical power of the electro-switchable lens portion changes). In this regard, reference will now be made to Figure 13A and 13B Another example of an ophthalmic lens according to the present invention will be described by way of example only.

[0124] The present invention will now be described by way of example only. Figure 13A and 13BDisclosed is an ophthalmic lens for controlling myopia progression, which is generally denoted by reference numeral 5000. The lens 5000 is a soft contact lens made of a silicone hydrogel having a refractive index of about 1.42, but the contact lens can be made of other materials. The lens 5000 includes a distance vision lens portion 5001 for correcting myopia, which focuses light to a first position (usually onto the retina of the wearer in use). The distance vision lens portion 5001 is located at the center of the lens 5000 and is formed of silicone hydrogel. The distance vision lens portion 101 can have an optical power ranging from -0.25D to -10D. The lens 5000 includes an annular electro-addressable lens portion 5002, which can be addressed to focus light to a second position closer to the lens than the first position (usually in front of the retina of the wearer). The cross-section of the electro-addressable lens portion 5002 has a generally biconcave shape and is filled with a fluid having a refractive index of about 1.47 in the expandable chamber 5003. In Figure 13A the non-switched state shown in, the fluid volume in the expandable chamber 5003 is relatively low and the chamber 5003 has a significant biconcave shape. Assuming that the refractive index of the fluid inside the chamber is greater than the refractive index of the surrounding silicone hydrogel, the electro-addressable lens portion 5002 has a relatively high negative optical power that focuses light onto the retina of the wearer. To achieve the switched state, more fluid is pumped from a reservoir (not shown) in fluid communication with the chamber 5003 into the chamber 5003. This results in an electro-addressable lens portion 5002 having a less significant biconcave shape, which provides an optical power with a smaller negative value than in the non-switched state, thereby focusing light in front of the retina of the wearer. The reservoir (not shown) helps to conserve the volume of the chamber-reservoir system. The reservoir is typically located in a peripheral position.

[0125] Although in the foregoing description, integers or elements having known obvious or foreseeable equivalents are mentioned, such equivalents are incorporated herein as if individually set forth. The true scope of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the claims, which should be construed to embrace any such equivalents. The reader will also understand that the integers or features of the present disclosure described as advantageous, convenient, etc. are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent technical solution. In addition, it should be understood that such optional integers or features, although they may be beneficial in some embodiments of the present disclosure, may be undesirable and thus absent in other embodiments.

[0126] The above examples demonstrate how liquid crystals can be used in an ophthalmic lens to control the focus of at least some light passing through the lens. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other arrangements can be used. For example, a refractive medium can be introduced into or removed from a space, and the thickness of the refractive medium is variable depending on how much refractive medium is introduced into the space.

[0127] The above examples demonstrate how achiral nematic liquid crystals can be used in ophthalmic lenses. Those skilled in the art will recognize that chiral nematic liquid crystals and / or nematic liquid crystals doped with chiral dopants can be used. In addition, other types of liquid crystals can be used, such as smectic or discotic liquid crystals.

[0128] The above examples demonstrate how liquid crystal cells with a biconcave cross-section can be used. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other shapes can be used, such as biconvex or convex-concave.

Claims

1. An ophthalmic lens for controlling myopia progression, the ophthalmic lens comprising a distance vision lens portion for correcting myopia by focusing light to a first position and at least one electrically addressable lens portion addressable to focus light to a second position closer to the lens than the first position.

2. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 1, wherein the distance vision lens portion is an inner lens portion, and the at least one electrically addressable lens portion is optionally one or more outer lens portions.

3. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one electrically addressable lens portion is located medial to the distance vision lens portion.

4. The ophthalmic lens according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of electrically addressable lens portions, at least one of the plurality of electrically addressable lens portions being addressable to focus light to the second position.

5. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 4, comprising a first electrically addressable lens portion and a second electrically addressable lens portion.

6. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 5, wherein the first electrically addressable lens portion and the second electrically addressable lens portion together form an annulus.

7. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 6, wherein the first electrically addressable lens portion is configured as an upper lens portion and the second electrically addressable lens portion is configured as a lower lens portion; or the first electrically addressable lens portion is configured as a nasal lens portion and the second electrically addressable lens portion is configured as a temporal lens portion.

8. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 5, wherein the first electrically addressable lens portion and the second electrically addressable lens portion are annular.

9. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 4, comprising a first electrically addressable lens portion, a second electrically addressable lens portion, a third electrically addressable lens portion, and a fourth electrically addressable lens portion, each of a first annular portion, a second annular portion, a third annular portion, and a fourth annular portion comprising an annular sector, the annular sectors together forming an annulus.

10. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 9, wherein the first electrically addressable lens portion is configured as an upper nasal portion, the second electrically addressable lens portion is configured as a lower nasal portion, the third electrically addressable lens portion is configured as a lower temporal portion, and the fourth electrically addressable lens portion is configured as an upper temporal portion.

11. The ophthalmic lens according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each of the electrically addressable lens portions is operable to provide an optical power change of at least ±0.5 D, optionally at least ±1.0 D, optionally at least ±1.5 D, and optionally at least ±2.0 D.

12. The ophthalmic lens according to any one of the preceding claims, at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electrically addressable lens portion being addressable to focus light to the first position.

13. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 12, wherein at least one electro-addressable lens portion, optionally more than one electro-addressable lens portion, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion is configured to focus light to the first position in the absence of an electrical signal to the electro-addressable lens portion.

14. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 13, wherein at least one electro-addressable lens portion, optionally more than one electro-addressable lens portion, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion is configured to focus light to the second position in the absence of an electrical signal to the electro-addressable lens portion.

15. The ophthalmic lens according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion is addressable to focus light into one of a plurality of different second positions, and / or is addressable to focus light into one of a plurality of different third positions that are further from the lens than the first position and the second position.

16. The ophthalmic lens according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion is user-controllable.

17. The ophthalmic lens according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one electro-addressable lens portion, optionally more than one electro-addressable lens portion, and optionally each electro-addressable lens portion includes a liquid crystal cell that includes a liquid crystal.

18. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 17, wherein the liquid crystal cell has a first state in which the electro-addressable lens portion including the liquid crystal cell is configured to focus light to the second position.

19. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 18, wherein the liquid crystal cell is changeable between the first state and a second state in which the electro-addressable lens portion including the liquid crystal cell is configured to focus light to the second position.

20. The ophthalmic lens according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the liquid crystal is disposed between two surfaces, each of the two surfaces being provided by an alignment layer for aligning the liquid crystal, at least one alignment layer being configured to align the liquid crystal in a vertical alignment configuration, and at least one alignment layer being configured to align the liquid crystal in a vertical alignment configuration when the liquid crystal is in one of a switched state and a non-switched state, and to align the liquid crystal in a preferably planar configuration when the liquid crystal is in the other of the switched state and the non-switched state.

21. The ophthalmic lens according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein at least one electro-addressable lens portion includes a space for receiving a fluid and a fluid in the space, the lens being operable to introduce the fluid into the space and / or remove the fluid from the space, the introduction and / or removal of the fluid causing a change in the shape of the interface between the fluid and the surrounding medium.

22. The ophthalmic lens according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ophthalmic lens is a contact lens.

23. The ophthalmic lens according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the ophthalmic lens is an eyeglass lens.

24. A system for controlling myopia progression, the system comprising an ophthalmic lens according to any one of the preceding claims and a user control module for controlling the operation of the ophthalmic lens.

25. A pair of glasses comprising at least one and optionally two ophthalmic lenses according to claim 23.

26. A method of controlling myopia progression, the method comprising providing an ophthalmic lens to a wearer having myopia or at risk of developing myopia, the ophthalmic lens comprising at least one electro-addressable lens portion that is addressable to focus light to a second location, optionally in front of the retina of the wearer.

27. The method according to claim 26, which comprises causing at least one (and optionally more than one and optionally each) electro-addressable lens portion to focus light to the second location, optionally in front of the retina of the wearer, and causing at least one (and optionally more than one and optionally each) electro-addressable lens portion to focus light to a first location, optionally on the retina of the wearer.

28. The method according to claim 26 or claim 27, which comprises causing at least one (and optionally more than one and optionally each) electro-addressable lens portion to focus light to a third location further from the lens than the first and second locations.

29. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein In a first operating state, at least one of the electro-addressable lens portions focuses light to the first location, optionally on the retina of the wearer, and in a second operating state, at least one of the electro-addressable lens portions focuses light to the second location, optionally in front of the retina of the wearer, and the method comprises changing between the first and second operating states in response to a wearer input.

30. The method according to claims 26 to 29, which comprises providing a treatment protocol that includes a set of instructions for addressing one or more of the electro-addressable lens portions and executing the set of instructions to thereby address one or more of the electro-addressable lens portions.

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