Lens for eyes of wearer

Abstract

The invention relates to a lens for an eye of a wearer, in which one surface of the lens has at least one three-dimensional structure distributed along a circular or annular path about a geometric central axis of the lens, the three-dimensional structure being provided or configured to provide or reshape a cornea, the lens has a non-uniform spatial distribution of refractive power along a circular or annular path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens for a wearer's eye, the lens having at least one three-dimensional structure that provides or reshapes the cornea to form a non-uniform refractive power spatial distribution along a circular or annular path. Background Art

[0002] Myopia is associated with diseases that can cause severe visual impairment, usually due to the eye axis length exceeding the optical focal length of the eyeball.

[0003] The prevalence of myopia is relatively high in many regions of the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), myopia is the leading cause of visual impairment, and it is estimated that by 2025, nearly half of the world's population will be myopic. Of particular concern is the potential development into high myopia, that is, the myopia degree exceeds -6.0 diopters (D) or the eye axis length exceeds 26 mm. In the absence of optical aids, high myopia can seriously affect daily life and increase the risk of developing retinal diseases, cataracts, and glaucoma, and severe visual complications may lead to blindness.

[0004] Optical tools can make the image on the retina plane clearer by changing the focus of the eye. However, conventional optical correction tools such as ophthalmic or general contact lenses cannot prevent the growth of the eye axis, and the myopia rate is still increasing because they may only be pseudo or symptomatic. Recently, various designs of contact lenses have emerged for delaying the growth of children's eyeballs.

[0005] Orthokeratology lens (night contact lens): The orthokeratology lens, abbreviated as OK lens, is a specially designed and customized contact lens that can improve vision by temporarily changing the shape of the cornea. The OK lens is worn at night and can reshape the front surface of the eyeball during sleep.

[0006] Early rigid gas-permeable lenses were a two-arc segment design lens with a posterior surface optical zone radius of curvature (BOZR) and a peripheral arc segment. The orthokeratology lens (OK lens) uses a specially designed gas-permeable lens to temporarily reshape the cornea, thereby improving vision. The basic standard OK lens is an inverse geometry design lens, which is divided into three arc zones from the center to the periphery: BOZR (base arc zone), reverse curve zone (the radius of curvature is less than BOZR and the corneal surface), and peripheral arc zone. The reverse curve zone can assist corneal shaping. To improve the central positioning of the lens, the lens is further improved to a multi-arc segment design, and a fitting arc zone is introduced between the reverse curve zone and the peripheral arc zone. The fitting arc zone (AC) can also be divided into two arc zones (AC1 and AC2), jointly forming a five-zone lens.

[0007] This combination of different arc regions can control the sagittal height of the lens, thereby producing a shaping effect. In the closed-eye state, the pre-lens tear layer exerts hydrodynamic positive and negative pressures on the cornea, thus changing the therapeutic effect. The positive pressure flattens the central cornea, while the negative pressure mainly acts on the mid-peripheral cornea. Under the action of these two forces, epithelial cells migrate from the central cornea to the mid-peripheral cornea, and the epithelial redistribution can form a negative lens, thereby reducing the myopia degree. The reverse curve zone is a buffer zone for cell redistribution, and the epithelial cell redistribution forms an optical correction zone and a mid-peripheral positive refractive power ring (PPR). The optical zone is related to the central area for correcting refractive errors, and the PPR formed around it is caused by the curvature change (smaller than the original corneal curvature radius). Therefore, the curvature positive (plus) value of the mid-peripheral cornea increases, forming peripheral myopic defocus. Major later discoveries in the scientific community have shown that the test group with a significant myopia control effect has a greater amplitude of change in the refractive power ring within 360 degrees [5]. In fact, research has shown that an asymmetric refractive power ring will produce a physiological effect of inhibiting the growth of the eyeball on the eyeball, thereby slowing down the progression of myopia.

[0008] Stoyan (U.S. Patent No. US4952045) first proposed the concept of a three-zone corneal lens. This lens includes a base curve (also known as the central curve or posterior surface curve), which is the side in contact with the eye and is the posterior surface of the lens; a reverse curve for accumulating tears; and a peripheral curve. According to this concept, the radius of curvature of the base curve in the central region is greater than the radius of curvature of the corneal apex of myopic patients. In addition, the reverse curve is an arc with a radius of curvature smaller than that of the base curve and the corresponding corneal region. The reverse curve and the anterior surface of the underlying cornea together form an annular cavity or space called the tear reservoir, where tears accumulate and accommodate the thickening of the mid-peripheral corneal epithelial cell layer. The peripheral curve zone is an arc or multi-arc curve extending to the edge of the lens, connected to the reverse curve zone and lifted outward. In the initial three-arc design, the peripheral curve zone forms a linear contact with the anterior surface of the cornea. A major drawback of this design is that the lens is prone to sliding and the central positioning is not ideal.

[0009] To enhance the central positioning effect of the orthokeratology lens, Reim (U.S. Patent No. US5963297) proposed a four-arc design, namely the Base Curve Zone, the Reverse Curve Zone, the Alignment Curve Zone, and the Surrounding Curve Zone. The reverse curve zone is connected to an arc segment in close contact with the corneal epithelial cell layer. The contact of this arc segment with the corneal epithelial cell layer changes from linear contact in the three-arc design to surface contact, thereby enhancing the central positioning of the orthokeratology lens. Based on this idea and to improve central positioning, Mao Xinjie et al. introduced an orthokeratology lens with a four-quadrant asymmetric design in CN114740635A, which has an asymmetric peripheral or fitting curve to enhance stability.

[0010] There have been many published studies on the impact of orthokeratology lenses (abbreviated as OK lenses) or special contact lenses on myopia development. These studies have shown that OK lenses can slow down the development of myopia in children. Recently, OK lenses have been considered the most effective optical treatment method for controlling myopia. Although it cannot completely prevent the development of myopia, compared with single-focus glasses and ordinary contact lenses, OK lenses can delay the axial length growth by 32-63% in two years, while the effectiveness of special contact lenses specifically designed for myopia control is between 32% and 55%. It is not yet clear how long the treatment should last to maximize the benefits for patients, but it is known that the peak efficacy occurs in the first six months, and the effect seems to weaken afterwards, which may be due to visual adaptation [1]. The mechanism of action of orthokeratology lenses on myopia development has not been fully elucidated, and there are still many speculations about its potential mechanism. The current mainstream hypothesis is that orthokeratology lenses or special contact lenses can slow down myopia development mainly based on the "peripheral defocus theory". This theory states that orthokeratology lenses or myopia control contact lenses can reduce peripheral hyperopic defocus and increase peripheral myopic defocus, thus reducing the stimulating factors that induce axial length growth [2].

[0011] The mechanism of changing retinal imaging and inducing myopic defocus is based on the changes in the optical correction area and the mid-peripheral refractive power ring. The previous reports of the present inventor showed that the optical shape of orthokeratology lenses can be adjusted through their design, such as reducing the diameter of the optical zone [3]. Surprisingly, the present inventor found that adjusting specific areas in the design of orthokeratology lenses can shape different corneal shapes, thus achieving excellent treatment effects. However, it should be noted that the significant improvement in the myopia control effect of orthokeratology lenses with a smaller optical zone diameter (BOZD) is mainly reflected in the first six months (possibly due to the adaptation of the retina to optical treatment), and the difference in axial length changes between different lens design groups becomes insignificant after six months [4].

[0012] Daily-use ophthalmic contact lenses: Contact lenses, or simply referred to as "contacts", are directly placed on the eye surface to correct vision and are used in the daytime when the eyes are open, providing clear vision for the user. Their corrective effect is on the front surface, that is, the side that does not directly contact the wearer's cornea. The inner surface, that is, the surface that contacts the first surface of the eye (cornea), matches the contour of the eyeball to ensure comfortable wearing, and the series of arcs on the inner surface do not have refractive or vision correction effects.

[0013] Currently, there have emerged various optical designs of daily-use contact lenses to control axial length growth, that is, the deepening of myopia degree. The following are some existing technical references:

[0014] - Collins et al. proposed in US Patent US6045578 to add positive spherical aberration in the foveal plane to provide a stimulus to control the progression rate of myopia, but the actual added amount failed to effectively control myopia.

[0015] - Smith et al. proposed in US Patent US7025460 to use glasses to shift the peripheral imaging layer in front of the peripheral retina. Several subsequent patents also adopted this method. For example, Phillips proposed the synchronous vision method in US7997725 and WO2008111856A1, that is, a part of the lens can correct the original myopia, while the other part can simultaneously generate a myopic defocus signal. This design with two concentric positive defocus zones showed acceptable efficacy, but the efficacy decreased after one year of treatment, and a subgroup that did not respond to the treatment appeared.

[0016] - Menezes proposed in US Patent US8690319 to use a constant distance-vision refractive optical zone at the center of the optical zone, and the surrounding area provides positive longitudinal spherical aberration, but the subsequent clinical results were also not ideal.

[0017] - Holden et al. proposed a method for treating myopia in US Patent US8931897, that is, on the basis of the basic correction degree, additional diopters are added to the inner optical zone and the outer optical zone. Clinical results showed that due to the too low additional diopter, the myopia control effect was not good.

[0018] - Tse et al. proposed a method for delaying the progression of myopia using a concentric annular multi-zone refractive lens in US Patent US8950860.

[0019] - Bakaraju et al. proposed a lens design in WO2021056059A1, in which the optical zone is for single-focus refractive correction, and the eccentric second zone is an astigmatic, toric or asymmetric refractive zone, which can reduce the contrast of the image formed by the light passing through the central area. The non-optical peripheral zone is configured with a thickness profile to further promote the rotation of the lens on the eye surface to generate a delay signal that changes with time and space, thereby slowing down the progression of myopia. This design is likely to cause poor vision and visual disturbances such as glare or halos, making it difficult for wearers to use.

[0020] -W Xin et al. proposed a lens with an asymmetric axial refractive design in EP2762953A1. The axial refractive power gradually increases from the center of the lens to the edge of the optical zone to induce an asymmetric positive aberration, while following the direction dominance of the visual scene to achieve appropriate foveal vision correction. This design reaches the maximum positive refractive power at the 90-degree axis and the minimum positive refractive power at the 0-degree axis to avoid visual quality problems. As described in many other previous designs, since the vertical area of the lens is covered by the eyelids and there is insufficient positive refractive power in the horizontal peripheral area, the effect of this lens is not ideal.

[0021] -Brenan described a lens in US Patent US9625739B2, which has a peripheral zone around the center with a gradually increasing refractive power and reaches a first peak in this peripheral zone, and the positive refractive power of this peak is higher than that of the center; in addition, there is a second peripheral zone surrounding the first peripheral zone, and the positive refractive power of its second peak is higher than that of the center. This design is very close to the patent of Phillips cited in WO2008111856A1.

[0022] In summary, contact lens designs for delaying myopia progression include concentric ring defocus lenses or positive spherical aberration design lenses (also known as peripheral positive addition lenses), as well as peripheral addition lenses that are additionally adjusted to include central and peripheral positive addition refractive zones, lenses composed of a series of specific high-order aberrations, or lenses with different refractive powers in the local optical zone. All these lenses can provide stable and constant defocus or aberration signals, but their long-term efficacy is limited and may cause visual optical distortion, affecting the visual quality and comfort of the wearer.

[0023] References:

[0024] [1]Hiraoka, Takahiro M.D. Myopia Control with Orthokeratology: A Review. Eye & Contact Lens: Science & Clinical Practice 48(3): p 100 - 104, March 2022.

[0025] [2]Lv, Huibin M.D.; Liu, Ziyuan M.D.; Li, Jiaxi M.D.; Wang, Yuexin M.D.; Tseng, Yulin M.D.; Li, Xuemin M.D.. Long-Term Efficacy of Orthokeratology to Control Myopia Progression. Eye & Contact Lens: Science & Clinical Practice 49(9): p399-403, September 2023。

[0026] [3]Pauné J, Fonts S, Rodríguez L, Queirós A. The Role of Back Optic Zone Diameter in Myopia Control with Orthokeratology Lenses. J Clin Med. 2021 Jan 18;10(2):336。

[0027] [4]Guo B, Cheung SW, Kojima R, Cho P. Variation of Orthokeratology Lens Treatment Zone (VOLTZ) Study: A 2-year randomized clinical trial. Ophthalmic Physiol. Opt. 2023 Aug 6。

[0028] [5]Wang J, Yang D, Bi H, Du B, Lin W, Gu T, Zhang B, Wei R. A New Method to Analyze the Relative Corneal Refractive Power and Its Association to Myopic Progression Control With Orthokeratology. Transl. Vis Sci Technol. 2018 Nov 30;7(6):17。

[0029] [6]Swarbrick HA. Orthokeratology review and update. Clin Exp Optom. 2006;89(3):124–143。

[0030] [7]Chamberlain P,et al.Long-term Effect of Dual-focus Contact Lenseson Myopia Progression in Children:A 6-year Multicenter Clinical Trial.OptomVis Sci.2022Mar 1;99(3):204-212。 Summary of the Invention

[0031] To this end, the present invention relates to a lens for a wearer's eye. Different from the existing lens technology, the surface of the lens has at least one three-dimensional structure, which is distributed along at least one circular or annular path around the geometric central axis of the lens, wherein the three-dimensional structure provides or is configured to provide a non-uniform spatial distribution of refractive power along the at least one circular or annular path.

[0032] Taking orthokeratology lenses as an example, the above surface is the back surface, posterior surface or inner surface of the lens, that is, the surface that acts on the wearer's ocular surface and is in direct contact with the eye. At least one three-dimensional structure is configured or used as an optical element for reshaping the corneal surface with a non-uniform spatial refractive power distribution.

[0033] In one implementation of this embodiment, the at least one three-dimensional structure is configured to form a three-dimensional structure optical element composed of epithelial cells on the mid-peripheral cornea of the wearer's eye during use. The element has a negative refractive power lens in the center for correcting myopia and a relatively non-uniform positive refractive power ring in the periphery for reducing myopia.

[0034] In another embodiment, the lens can be used as an ophthalmic contact lens or a daily-wear contact lens. The above surface is the front surface that does not face the wearer's eye, and the optical element defined by at least one three-dimensional structure provides a non-uniform spatial distribution of refractive power in the form of non-uniform spatial refractive power.

[0035] According to this solution, when used as a daily-wear contact lens, the lens is designed such that the axial diopter gradually changes from the center to the edge of the optical zone, or from the boundary of the central region embedded in the center of the optical zone to the so-called edge of the optical zone, and the refractive mode is different on different meridians. One, but not the only manifestation, of the present invention can be regarded as a circular region, whose refractive power changes in a sine or cosine mode along a 360° circle. In order to maximize the efficacy of delaying myopia progression, the refractive power difference between any two points on the so-called positive refractive power ring and the refractive power correction difference at different positions on the edge of the optical zone are preferably between -8D and 20D.

[0036] The first embodiment is that the positive relative addition diopter increases differently from the geometric center or is divided into two parts. In this case, in some embodiments, the edge diameter of the central part of the double optical zone can reach 0 to 4 mm, with a spherical curvature or an aspherical curvature with a very low asphericity, and the eccentricity spans between -0.5 and 0.9 units. The total diameter of the central optical zone consists of one or more diopter increasing parts, with a maximum diameter of 10 mm. The eccentricity of the optical zone or the second outer peripheral part is between -3 and +3, or has a polynomial shape. If it is an ophthalmic daily-use lens, the radius of curvature of the continuous curve will gradually decrease. If it is an orthokeratology lens, the radius of curvature will gradually increase. Similarly, the positive refractive power at the end of the optical zone will increase and can act directly on the lens or the wearer's cornea. In some embodiments, the increase in the axial refractive power is preferably different along different axes. When measured along the circumference, it preferably shows a sine or cosine fluctuation. In some embodiments, this fluctuation will stabilize between 5 and 60 degrees, at which time the rated refractive power reaches the maximum and minimum values. This refractive power change can be applied to continuous circular rings, and the final refractive power will continuously increase and decrease until the end of the concentric rings. Preferably, the number of concentric rings is 1-6, and the preferred width is 0.1 to 1.5 mm.

[0037] In another embodiment, the lens can form a frame lens, and the above surface is the front surface that does not face the wearer's eyes, and at least one optical element defined by a three-dimensional structure provides a non-uniform spatial distribution of refractive power in the form of non-uniform spatial refractive power.

[0038] In another embodiment, the lens can form an intraocular lens, and the above surface is the front surface that faces the wearer's cornea, and at least one optical element defined by a three-dimensional structure provides a non-uniform spatial distribution of refractive power in the form of non-uniform spatial refractive power.

[0039] According to one embodiment, at least one three-dimensional structure includes a circular central region distributed along an annular path, and different cross-sections of the circular central region intercepted along each radial plane, including the geometric central axis of the contact lens, have different arcs.

[0040] For one implementation manner in this embodiment, the circular central region is an annular wavy central region, including radial peaks and radial valleys located on the circumferences of each concentric ring around the geometric central axis of the lens, and the transitional radial regions between the peaks and valleys.

[0041] Therefore, this embodiment starts from the same starting point, that is, the geometric central axis of the lens. The cross-section of this circular central region includes a peak arc with the largest radius of curvature, a peak-valley arc with the smallest radius of curvature, and a transitional radial region with a radius of curvature value between the maximum and the minimum.

[0042] For a variant of this embodiment, the end points of these cross-sections are at the same height (i.e., the points are on the same imaginary plane perpendicular to the geometric central axis of the lens), so the different arcs are only due to the different radii of curvature of the radial peaks, radial valleys, and transitional radial regions in the circular central area of the lens.

[0043] For another variant of this embodiment, the end points of these cross-sections of the circular central area of the lens are not at the same height (i.e., the points are on parallel imaginary planes perpendicular to the geometric central axis of the lens), so the different arcs are due not only to the different radii of curvature of the radial peaks, radial valleys, and transitional radial regions, but also to the different heights of the end points of the cross-sections of the circular central area of the lens.

[0044] For an embodiment where the lens forms an orthokeratology lens, at least one three-dimensional structure includes at least one annular reverse zone that extends radially from the circular central area of the lens and is distributed along an annular path according to an annular reverse arc profile, where different cross-sections of the annular reverse zone intercepted along each radial plane including the geometric center of the contact lens have different arcs and lengths.

[0045] For an implementation manner of this embodiment, the annular reverse zone is an annular wavy area, including radial peaks and valleys located on the circumferences of concentric rings around the geometric central axis of the lens, and transitional radial regions between the peaks and valleys.

[0046] In this implementation manner, the cross-section of the annular reverse zone includes a peak arc with the largest radius of curvature, a peak-valley arc with the smallest radius of curvature, and a transitional radial region with a radius of curvature value between the largest and the smallest.

[0047] For a variant of this implementation manner, all cross-sections of the annular reverse zone start from radial starting points with the same radius of curvature and the same height from the geometric central axis of the lens (i.e., points on the imaginary plane perpendicular to the geometric central axis of the lens). For this variant, the different arcs are only caused by the different radii of curvature of the radial peaks, radial valleys, and transitional radial regions in the annular reverse zone.

[0048] For another variant of this implementation manner, not all cross-sections of the annular reverse zone start from radial starting points with the same radius of curvature and the same height from the geometric central axis of the lens. For this variant, the different arcs are due not only to the different radii of curvature of the radial peaks, radial valleys, and transitional radial regions, but also to the different radii of curvature and / or heights of the radial starting points of the cross-sections of the annular reverse zone.

[0049] For an embodiment where the lens forms an orthokeratology lens, at least one three-dimensional structure further includes an annular extension region that radially extends from an annular reverse zone or from another annular interconnecting region and is distributed along an annular path according to an annular extension arc profile, wherein different cross-sections of the annular extension region taken along each radial plane including the geometric central axis of the contact lens have different arc shapes and lengths.

[0050] For an implementation manner of this embodiment, the annular extension region is an annular wave region, including radial peaks and radial valleys located on each concentric geometric circumference around the geometric central axis of the lens, and transitional radial regions between the peaks and valleys.

[0051] In this implementation manner, the cross-section of the annular extension region includes a peak arc with the largest radius of curvature, a peak-valley arc with the smallest radius of curvature, and a transitional radial region with a radius of curvature value between the maximum and the minimum.

[0052] For a variant of this implementation manner, all cross-sections of the annular extension region start from respective radial starting points that have the same radius of curvature and height from the geometric central axis of the lens (i.e., at points on an imaginary plane perpendicular to the geometric central axis of the lens). For this variant, the different arc shapes are only due to different radii of curvature of the radial peaks, radial valleys, and the transitional radial region of the annular extension region.

[0053] For another variant of this implementation manner, not all cross-sections of the annular extension region start from radial starting points with the same radius of curvature and the same height from the geometric central axis of the lens. For this variant, the different arc shapes are due not only to different radii of curvature of the radial peaks, radial valleys, and the transitional radial region, but also to different radii of curvature and / or heights of the radial starting points of the cross-sections of the annular extension region.

[0054] For the first orthokeratology lens construction example of the present invention, its design includes an aspherical or spherical-aspherical optical zone. Depending on the different radial axes, the radii of curvature of the edges of the optical zones in different meridians are different, resulting in different heights of the ends of the optical zones in different meridians. Once an annular measurement is performed, this change in height will be manifested as a sine or cosine pattern. The annular reverse zone needs to be adjusted to meet the highest standard lenses in the conventional sense, that is, the final sagittal height must be consistent with each individual calculated value. In some embodiments, the diameter of the optical zone is between 3.50 mm and 8 mm.

[0055] The second orthokeratology lens construction example of the present invention includes a spherical, aspherical, or spherical-aspherical optical zone, and the axial distances of this optical zone along each meridian are different, fluctuating between 4 - 7 mm from the optical center, forming a full 360° wave pattern.

[0056] The third example of the orthokeratology lens construction of the present invention starts from a circular optical zone, a spherical / aspherical / spherical-aspherical optical zone, and adjacent to this optical zone is the start of an annular reverse / reversal zone. The end points of this annular reverse / reversal zone are located at different distances and are distributed in an annular wavy shape, with a width between 0.3 and 1.5 mm.

[0057] After these three disclosed embodiments of the annular central zone and annular reverse zone structures, in some embodiments, there will also be a series of at least a pair of two additional annular zones. In each pair of additional annular zones, the radius of curvature of the cross-sectional arc of the first additional annular zone is greater than that of the annular reverse zone cross-section, and the radius of curvature of the cross-sectional arc of the second additional annular zone is less than that of the first additional annular zone cross-section, thereby forming an annular cavity, groove or slit. The paired additional annular regions are repeated two to three times until the end peripheral annular region or the edge annular region.

[0058] It should be noted that the present invention can be used in different contact lenses made of any material. Specifically, the lenses of the present invention can be used in any contact lenses described herein, including daily-use soft contact lenses, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses, astigmatic contact lenses and hybrid contact lenses. In addition, it should be noted that the present invention can also be used in refractive power frame glasses and intraocular lenses. In the specific case of daily-use contact lenses, the exposed annular part will be applied to the front surface, or the part that does not contact the eyeball.

[0059] Regarding the above different arcs, according to different specific embodiments, they are different from each other in that they at least include an arc segment with a different radius of curvature, and / or have unequal aspherical arcs, continuous arcs, spline curves or polynomial shapes.

[0060] Regarding the above uneven refractive power spatial distribution, in one embodiment, it is also an asymmetric refractive power spatial distribution along at least one circular or annular path.

[0061] In one embodiment, the uneven refractive power spatial distribution follows a sine or cosine pattern along 360° of at least one circular or annular path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention. According to the usual practice, the components in the figures are drawn to emphasize specific features but are not drawn to the correct scale.

[0063] FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the lens of the present invention, and the lens is an orthokeratology lens. Figure 1A By Figure 1BSide view of the lens intercepted by the cutting plane represented by the 150°-angle cutting plane line A-A' shown in Figure 1B Bottom view of the lens; Figure 1C Graph of the sagittal distance from the anterior surface of the eye to the posterior surface of the lens or to the lens tear zone.

[0064] Figure 2 schematically shows another embodiment of the lens of the present invention, which is also an orthokeratology lens. Figure 2A Through Figure 2B Side view of the lens intercepted by the cutting plane represented by the 150°-angle cutting line B-B' shown in Figure 2B Bottom view of the lens; Figure 2C Graph of the lens tear zone.

[0065] Figure 3 schematically shows another embodiment of the lens of the present invention, which is also an orthokeratology lens. Figure 3A Through Figure 3B Side sectional view of the lens intercepted by the cutting plane represented by the 150°-angle cutting plane line C-C' shown in Figure 3B Bottom view of the lens; Figure 3C Graph of the lens curvature radius.

[0066] Figure 4 Schematically shows another embodiment of the lens of the present invention, which is also an orthokeratology lens. The side sectional view of the lens is represented by a 150°-angle cutting plane line similar to the cutting plane line A-A' of Figure 1B , but the lens has more annular regions.

[0067] Figure 5 Schematically shows another embodiment of the lens of the present invention, which is an ophthalmic contact lens. The side sectional view of the lens is intercepted by a cutting plane represented by a 150°-angle cutting plane line (not shown).

[0068] Figure 6 Graph of the radial power variation of an ophthalmic contact lens (dashed line) according to an embodiment of the present invention and an ophthalmic contact lens according to the prior art level (black continuous line) on two axes.

[0069] Figure 7 Graph showing: for an embodiment of the orthokeratology lens of the present invention, the height at the end of the optical zone varies along the 360° circumference; for an embodiment of the ophthalmic contact lens of the present invention, the refractive power oscillates along the same meridian. Detailed Description

[0070] In this section, different embodiments of the lens of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1 to Figure 4 And Figure 7the orthokeratology lens, and Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 the ophthalmic contact lenses.

[0071] In embodiments related to orthokeratology lenses, the back surface Lb of the lens faces the wearer's eye and has at least one three-dimensional structure configured and arranged to create an uneven refractive power spatial distribution along a circular or annular path on the cornea of the wearer's eye during use. In the case of myopia, an optical element is created on the mid-peripheral cornea of the wearer's eye, a central negative refractive power lens composed of an epithelial lens, and accompanied by a mid-peripheral unequal positive refractive power ring, thereby reducing the myopia degree in the center and inducing myopic defocus in the mid-periphery.

[0072] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3, the orthokeratology lens L is based on a basic orthokeratology lens or a reverse geometry lens and has the above three arc regions, from the center to the periphery: BOZR 1 (base curve region), the annular reverse curve region 2 or the reverse curve portion 2, and the annular peripheral region 5 or the peripheral correction curve portion 5.

[0073] Specifically, for Figure 1A , 1B and the embodiments shown in 1C, as Figure 1B shown, the three-dimensional structure includes: BOZR (base curve region), an annular wavy central region 1 that includes radial peaks and radial valleys located on concentric geometric circumferences around the geometric central axis of the lens L; the reverse curve portion, an annular reverse curve region 2 that extends radially from the annular wavy central region 1 and is distributed along an annular path according to the annular reverse curve profile.

[0074] As Figure 1B shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the radial peaks and valleys of the circular wavy central region 1 alternate every 30° along 360°, but for non-illustrated embodiments, angles between 10° and 90° other than 30° can also be used.

[0075] Figure 1A Shows a cross-section that includes a left cross-section portion passing through one of the radial valleys and a right cross-section portion passing through one of the radial peaks, with an angle of 150° between the cross-sections.

[0076] The left cross-section portion includes a cross-section 1a of the circular wavy central region 1, whose radial dimension is shorter than the cross-section 1b, i.e., X1 < X2.

[0077] Furthermore, since X1 + X3 = X2 + X4, the radial dimension of the cross-section 2a of the annular reverse curve region 2 is greater than the radial dimension of the cross-section 2b, i.e., X3 > X4.

[0078] These radial dimensions result in:

[0079] - The arc curvature radius of cross-section 1a is the smallest, the arc curvature radius of cross-section 1b is the largest, and the curvature radius value of the cross-section in the transitional radial region is between the minimum and the maximum; and

[0080] - The arc curvature radius of cross-section 2a is the smallest, the arc curvature radius of cross-section 2b is the largest, and the curvature radius value of the cross-section in the transitional radial region is between the minimum and the maximum.

[0081] Figure 1C The above content is represented by a graph which shows Figure 1A and Figure 1B the profile of the tear zone of the lens L shown, in particular the distance from the lens to the corneal plane (when placed on the wearer's eye) and the distance to the vertex of the lens.

[0082] As Figure 1A and 1C shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the end points of cross-sections 1a, 1b and the starting points of cross-sections 2a, 2b are at the same height (i.e., points on the same imaginary plane perpendicular to the geometric central axis of the lens L) but at different axial distances. The end points of cross-sections 2a, 2b are also at the same height and the same axial distance, so the different arcs are only due to the different curvature radii of the radial valleys, radial peaks and transitional radial regions of the circular central region 1.

[0083] In Figure 2A , 2B and the embodiment shown in 2C, as Figure 2B shown, the three-dimensional structure includes a circular (non-wavy) central region 1 and an annular wavy reverse region 2 extending radially from the circular central region 1. The annular wavy reverse region 2 is distributed along an annular path according to an annular reverse arc profile, and the annular reverse arc profile includes radial peaks and radial valleys located on concentric geometric circumferences around the geometric central axis of the lens L.

[0084] As Figure 2B shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the radial peaks and valleys of the annular wavy reverse region 2 alternate every 30° along 360°, but for embodiments not shown, angles other than 30° can also be used.

[0085] Figure 2A Shows a cross-section which includes a left cross-section part passing through one of the radial valleys and a right cross-section part passing through one of the radial peaks, and the angle between the cross-sections is 150°.

[0086] The left cross-section part includes cross-section 1a of the circular central region 1, and its radial dimension is the same as that of cross-section 1b, i.e., X5 = X6.

[0087] In this case, the radial dimension of the cross-section 2a of the annular wavy inversion region 2 is shorter than the radial dimension of the cross-section 2b, i.e., X7 < X8.

[0088] These radial dimensions result in:

[0089] - The arcs of the cross-sections 1a and 1b are equal; and

[0090] - The cross-section 2a has the smallest arc curvature radius, the cross-section 2b has the largest arc curvature radius, and the curvature radius values of the cross-sections in the transitional radial region are between the minimum and maximum values.

[0091] Figure 2C The above is represented by a graph showing Figure 2A and Figure 2B the profile of the tear film region of the lens L shown, in particular the distance from the lens to the corneal plane (when placed on the wearer's eye) and the distance to the vertex of the lens.

[0092] As Figure 2A and 2C shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the end points of the cross-sections 1a, 1b and the starting points of the cross-sections 2a, 2b (and the cross-section 2c of the transitional radial region) are at the same height (i.e., points on the same imaginary plane perpendicular to the geometric central axis of the lens L) and at the same axial distance. The end points of the cross-sections 2a, 2b are also at the same height but at different axial distances. Therefore, the different arcs of 2a, 2b, 2c are only due to the different curvature radii of the radial valleys, radial peaks and transitional radial regions of the annular wavy inversion region 2.

[0093] For Figure 3A , 3B and the embodiment shown in 3C, as Figure 3B shown, the three-dimensional structure includes a circular (non-wavy) central region 1 and an annular (non-wavy) inversion region 2 that extends radially from the circular central region 1 and is distributed in an annular path according to the annular inversion arc profile.

[0094] Figure 3A A cross-section is shown that includes a left cross-section and a right cross-section with an angle of 150° between them.

[0095] The left cross-section part includes the cross-section 1a of the circular central region 1, and its radial dimension is the same as the radial dimension of the cross-section 1b, i.e., X9 = X10.

[0096] Furthermore, since X9 + X11 = X10 + X12, the radial dimension of the cross-section 2a is also the same as the radial dimension of the cross-section 2b, i.e., X11 = X12.

[0097] However, the heights of the cross-sections 2a and 2b of the annular reverse region 2 are different, that is, their starting points are at different heights (i.e., at different positions in an imaginary plane perpendicular to the geometric central axis of the lens L), and in particular, the height of the cross-section 2a is higher than that of the cross-section 2b, that is, V1 > V2.

[0098] These heights result in:

[0099] - The arcuate curvature radius of the cross-section 1a is the largest, while the arcuate curvature radius of the cross-section 1b is the smallest; and

[0100] - The arcuate curvature radius of the cross-section 2a is the largest, and the arcuate curvature radius of the cross-section 2b is the smallest.

[0101] Figure 3C Representing the above content with a curve graph shows the Figure 3A and 3B relationship between the curvature radius of the lens L shown and the vertex distance of the lens. The portions 1a and 1b can be a single aspheric curve, or a continuous arc segment formed by connecting multiple arcs with tangents or a polynomial shape.

[0102] As Figure 3A and 3C shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the end points of the cross-sections 1a and 1b and the starting points of the cross-sections 2a and 2b are at different heights and the same axial distance, while the end points of the cross-sections 2a and 2b are at the same height and the same axial distance. Therefore, the different arcs of 2a, 2b, and 2c are only caused by the different heights.

[0103] In Figure 4 , based on another orthokeratology lens L of the present invention, the lens is based on the above multi-arc design, and in particular, between the reverse arc portion and the peripheral arc, a fitting arc divided into multiple arc segments is incorporated.

[0104] In particular, Figure 4 the illustrated embodiment includes the same features as Figure 1A , 1B , 1C, that is, the annular wavy central region 1 and the annular (non-wavy) reverse region 2, and the first arc region of the fitting arc, which extends radially outward in an annular form from the annular reverse arc region 2, that is, extends from another annular connection region, and is distributed in an annular path according to the annular extension profile.

[0105] Along each radial plane including the geometric central axis of the contact lens L, the different cross-sections 3a and 3b of the annular extension region have different arcs.

[0106] In addition, for Figure 4In an embodiment, the lens L further includes more arc segments in the fitting arc region, which are shown as extending outward along a circular path from the annular region, that is, extending from another annular connection region, and are distributed along the circular path in accordance with the circular extension arc profile.

[0107] Along each radial plane including the geometric central axis of the contact lens L, the different cross-sections 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b of more annular regions have different arcs.

[0108] As Figure 4 shown, in the embodiment shown in the figure, the arc curvature radii of the cross-sections 3a, 3b are respectively greater than those of the cross-sections 2a, 2b, the arc curvature radii of the cross-sections 4a, 4b are respectively less than those of the cross-sections 3a, 3b, the arc curvature radii of the cross-sections 5a and 5b are respectively less than those of the cross-sections 4a and 4b, and the arc curvature radii of the cross-sections 6a and 6b are respectively less than those of the cross-sections 5a and 5b.

[0109] The different arcs of the cross-sections 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b can be designed in the same or similar way as the cross-sections 2a, 2b above (such as the wavy annular region, different starting or ending points, etc.).

[0110] The arcs of the cross-sections 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b can be designed in the same or similar way as the front surface of the daily contact lens above.

[0111] A further embodiment of the lens L of the present invention is as Figure 5 shown. The lens L is an ophthalmic contact lens. In this case, its front surface Lf does not face the wearer's eye and has at least one three-dimensional structure, and the optical elements defined by this structure provide an uneven refractive power spatial distribution in the form of uneven spatial refractive power.

[0112] Specifically, as Figure 5 shown, these optical elements are provided by different block-shaped protrusion elements P1, P2, and their cross-sections are as Figure 5 shown, and their widths are different, especially X13>X14, but their heights are the same.

[0113] In this case, the three-dimensional structure further includes a circular central region Lc distributed along a circular path, and it is defined that from the edge of the circular central region Lc to the peaks of these protrusion elements P1, P2, that is, through regions L P1 and L P2 , the refractive power changes gradually in the radial direction.

[0114] In one embodiment, the projection elements P1, P2 are part of a group of independent projections that are distributed along an annular path around the geometric central axis of the lens L, while in another embodiment, the projection elements P1, P2 are part of a common continuous annular projection.

[0115] Although in the illustrated embodiment, the differences in the optical elements providing non-uniform spatial refractive power are caused by the different widths of the cross-sections of P1, P2, for other alternative or complementary embodiments, other geometric properties (such as height or shape) of these cross-sections may also cause these differences.

[0116] In Figure 6 is shown a graph of the radial variation of the refractive power of an ophthalmic contact lens L (dashed line) according to an embodiment of the present invention and an ophthalmic contact lens according to the current state of the art (solid black line) on two axes. The circular central region Lc and the regions L P1 and L P2 The distances are marked on the cross-section shown in Figure 5 shown.

[0117] Finally, Figure 7 shows graphs representing: in one embodiment of the orthokeratology lens of the present invention, the variation of the height at the end of the optical zone along a 360° circumference; in one embodiment of the ophthalmic contact lens of the present invention, the refractive power fluctuates along the same meridian.

[0118] Those skilled in the art can make changes and modifications to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lens (L) for a wearer's eye, characterized in that The surface of the lens (L) has at least one three-dimensional structure that is distributed along at least one circular or annular path around the geometric central axis of the lens (L), wherein the three-dimensional structure provides or is configured to provide a non-uniform spatial distribution of refractive power along the at least one circular or annular path.

2. The lens (L) according to claim 1, wherein when the lens forms a corneal reshaping contact lens (L), the surface of the lens is the back surface (Lb) facing or in contact with the wearer's eye, and at least one of the three-dimensional structures is configured or arranged to reshape the optical properties of the wearer's eye cornea with the non-uniform spatial distribution of refractive power.

3. The lens (L) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one three-dimensional structure is configured to form a three-dimensional structural optical element composed of epithelial cells on the mid-peripheral cornea of the wearer's eye during use, and the element has a negative refractive power lens (L) with a myopia correction effect at the center and a relatively non-uniform positive refractive power ring at the periphery for reducing myopia.

4. The lens (L) according to claim 1, wherein when the lens forms an ophthalmic contact lens (L), the surface of the lens is the front surface (Lf) not facing the wearer's eye, and the optical element is defined as the at least one three-dimensional structure that provides the non-uniform spatial distribution of refractive power in the form of non-uniform spatial refractive power.

5. The lens (L) according to claim 1, wherein when the lens forms a framed lens (L), the surface is the front surface (Lf) not facing the wearer's eye, and the optical element is defined as the at least one three-dimensional structure (P1, P2) that provides the non-uniform spatial distribution of refractive power in the form of non-uniform spatial refractive power.

6. The lens (L) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one three-dimensional structure includes a circular central region (1, Lc) distributed along a circular path, and different cross-sections (1a, 1b) of the circular central region (1) intercepted along each radial plane including the geometric central axis of the contact lens (L) have different arcs.

7. The lens (L) according to claim 6, wherein the circular central region (1, Lc) is a circular wavy central region, including radial peaks and radial valleys located on each concentric geometric circumference around the geometric central axis of the lens (L).

8. The lens (L) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the at least one three-dimensional structure in the orthokeratology contact lens (L) comprises at least one annular reverse region (2), which extends radially from the circular central region (1) of the lens (L) and is distributed along an annular path according to an annular reverse arc profile, wherein, The arcs of different cross-sections (2a, 2b) of the annular reverse curve intercepted along each radial plane including the geometric central axis of the contact lens (L) are different.

9. The lens (L) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the surface of the lens is the rear surface (Lb) facing or in contact with the wearer's eye, and wherein the at least one three-dimensional structure in the orthokeratology contact lens (L) comprises at least one annular reverse zone (2) that extends radially from the circular central zone (1) of the lens (L) and is distributed along an annular path according to an annular reverse arc profile, wherein, The arcs of different cross-sections (2a, 2b) of the annular reverse curve intercepted along each radial plane including the geometric central axis of the contact lens (L) are different.

10. The lens (L) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the at least one annular reverse region (2) is an annular wavy region, including radial peaks and radial valleys located on each concentric geometric circumference around the geometric central axis of the lens (L).

11. The lens (L) according to any one of claims 8 - 10, wherein the at least one three-dimensional structure further comprises an annular extension region radially extending from the at least one annular inversion region (2) or from another annular interconnecting region, and is distributed in an annular path according to an annular extension arc profile, wherein different cross-sections (3a, 3b) of the annular extension region have different arcs in each radial plane including the geometric central axis of the contact lens (L).

12. The lens according to claim 11, further comprising an additional annular region radially extending from the annular extension region or from another annular interconnecting region, and distributed in an annular path according to an annular extension arc profile, wherein the curvature radius of the arc of the cross-section (2a, 2b) of the annular inversion arc profile of at least one annular inversion region (2) is greater than the arc of the cross-section (3a, 3b) of the annular extension region, and the curvature radius of the arc of the cross-section (4a, 4b) of the additional annular region is less than the arc of the cross-section (3a, 3b) of the annular extension region.

13. The lens (L) according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the different arcs are different from each other because they comprise at least one arc segment with a different radius of curvature.

14. The lens (L) according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the different arcs are different from each other because they have unequal aspherical arcs, continuous arcs, spline curves or polynomial shapes.

15. The lens (L) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-uniform refractive power spatial distribution is also an asymmetric refractive power spatial distribution along the at least one circular or annular path.

16. The lens (L) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-uniform refractive power spatial distribution follows a sine or cosine pattern over 360° along at least one circular or annular path.

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