Prismatic microlens on PAL for correcting contributions

Abstract

A lens element suitable for a wearer and intended to be worn in front of the eyes of the wearer under standard viewing conditions, the lens element comprising:-a dioptric region comprising-a long-distance viewing region having a first refractive power,-a short-distance viewing region having a second refractive power,-a middle-distance viewing region,-a first lens element having a first refractive power,-a second lens element having a second refractive power,-a second lens element having a second refractive power,-a second lens element having a second refractive power; a middle-distance viewing region extending from the long-distance viewing region to the short-distance viewing region and having a refractive power continuously changing from a first refractive power to a second refractive power; -at least a first set of optical elements having at least a third refractive power, the optical elements being superimposed on at least one of the long-distance viewing region, the middle-distance viewing region, the short-distance viewing region of the refractive region, characterized in that the optical elements have a second refractive power; the combination of the first set of optical elements and the dioptric region on which the optical elements are superimposed provides an optical function for a wearer such that an image of an object is focused under central vision on the retina of the wearer when the wearer gazes the object through at least one first set of optical elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to lens elements and, more particularly, to multifocal lenses including optical elements with reduced peripheral aberrations. Background Art

[0002] Multifocal refractive lenses, such as progressive multifocal lenses, have been used for many years to correct a wearer's refractive error in a manner suitable for both distance and near vision. To this end, the dioptric power value of the lens is variable between the distance vision zone and the near vision zone.

[0003] Typically, the dioptric power values of these two vision zones are determined according to a prescription prepared for the wearer. However, it is known that such multifocal refractive lenses exhibit unexpected astigmatism in a manner inherent to their principle, thereby generating peripheral aberrations known as the "swimming effect". When the difference between the refractive power prescribed for distance vision and the refractive power prescribed for near vision is large, the peripheral aberrations are more significant, which may make it difficult for the wearer to adapt to the new lens.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a multifocal refractive lens that allows for a high dioptric power difference between the distance vision zone and the near vision zone without all of the drawbacks typically associated therewith. In other words, the present invention aims to provide a lens with reduced peripheral aberrations.

[0005] Over the years, the design of multifocal refractive lenses has become increasingly complex. This increase in design complexity has made the process of manufacturing such lenses more difficult. In addition, the complexity of the lens design makes the peripheral thickness of the lens thicker and the aesthetics worse.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above problems of the multifocal refractive lenses of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To this end, the present disclosure provides a lens element adapted for a wearer and intended to be worn in front of the wearer's eyes under standard viewing conditions, the lens element comprising:

[0008] - A refractive region, the refractive region comprising:

[0009] - A distance vision zone having a first refractive power P1,

[0010] - A near vision zone having a second refractive power P2,

[0011] - An intermediate vision zone extending from the distance vision zone to the near vision zone and having a refractive power Pi that varies continuously from the first refractive power to the second refractive power,

[0012] - At least a first set of optical elements having at least a third dioptric power, said optical elements being superimposed on at least one of a distance vision zone, an intermediate vision zone, and a near vision zone of a refractive zone,

[0013] characterized in that,

[0014] the combination of the first set of optical elements and the refractive zone on which the optical elements are superimposed provides an optical function suitable for the wearer such that when the wearer looks at an object through the first set of optical elements, the image of the object is focused on the retina of said wearer under central vision.

[0015] Advantageously, the combination of the optical elements and the refractive zone allows reduction of peripheral aberrations while providing good visual acuity for the wearer. In addition, the combination of the optical elements and the refractive zone allows for providing a lens element with reduced thickness (especially peripheral thickness).

[0016] According to further embodiments that can be considered individually or in combination:

[0017] - These optical elements are superimposed on the distance vision zone, and the combination of the first dioptric power P1 of the distance vision zone and the third dioptric power of these optical elements provides an optical function that focuses the image of an object located at a distance greater than or equal to 2 m from the wearer's eye on the retina under central vision; and / or

[0018] - These optical elements are superimposed on the near vision zone, and the combination of the second dioptric power P2 of the near vision zone and the third dioptric power of these optical elements provides an optical function that focuses the image of an object located at a distance less than or equal to 50 cm from the wearer's eye on the retina under central vision; and / or

[0019] - These optical elements are superimposed on the intermediate vision zone, and the combination of the dioptric power Pi of the intermediate vision zone and the third dioptric power of these optical elements provides an optical function that focuses the image of an object located at a distance less than 2.0 m and greater than 50 cm from the wearer's eye on the retina under central vision; and / or

[0020] - The absolute value of the difference between the first dioptric power P1 and the second dioptric power P2 is greater than or equal to 0.5 D, for example greater than or equal to 0.75 D, and less than or equal to 2.5 D, for example less than or equal to 1.5 D; and / or

[0021] - The dioptric power Pi of the intermediate vision zone increases from the first dioptric power P1 to the second dioptric power P2; and / or

[0022] - The dioptric power Pi of the intermediate vision zone decreases from the first dioptric power P1 to the second dioptric power P2; and / or

[0023] - The variation of the refractive power Pi between the first refractive power P1 and the second refractive power P2 is monotonic; and / or

[0024] - At least some of the optical elements in a set of optical elements are contiguous; and / or

[0025] - At least some of the optical elements in a set of optical elements are non - contiguous; and / or

[0026] - The lens element further includes multiple sets of optical elements organized in horizontal bands; and / or

[0027] - The optical elements in a set of optical elements have a common focus, and the prism angle of each optical element in the set of optical elements varies according to the distance between the optical element and the common focus of the set of optical elements; and / or

[0028] - Along a vertical axis passing through the geometric center of the lens element, the refractive power of the optical elements in each set of optical elements increases from the geometric center towards the lower part of the lens element; and / or

[0029] - At least some of these optical elements, such as all of them, are spherical lenticules; and / or

[0030] - At least some of these optical elements, such as all of them, are lenticules that are not spherical; and / or

[0031] - At least some of these optical elements, such as all of them, are toric lenticules; and / or

[0032] - At least some of these optical elements, such as all of them, are aspherical lenticules; and / or

[0033] - The area of the refractive region other than the far - vision region, the intermediate - vision region, and the near - vision region does not contain any optical elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0035] - Figure 1 A schematic front view of a lens element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0036] - Figure 2 A schematic contour diagram of a lens element / eye system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0037] - Figure 3 A schematic view of a lens element / eye system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0038] - Figure 4 Shows a front view of a lens element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] - Figure 5 Shows a front view of a lens element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] - Figure 6 Shows a front view of a lens element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] The elements in the figures are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures may be enlarged relative to other elements to help improve the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0042] In the remainder of this specification, terms such as "upper", "lower", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "front", "rear", etc., or other words indicating relative positions may be used. These terms should be understood in the context of the wearing conditions of the optical lens.

[0043] The present disclosure relates to a lens element that is suitable for a wearer and is intended to be worn in front of the wearer's eyes under standard viewing conditions.

[0044] In the context of the present invention, the term "lens element" may refer to a contact lens, an optical lens, an ophthalmic optical lens that has been edged to fit a specific spectacle frame, an ophthalmic lens, a progressive multifocal lens, or an optical device adapted to be positioned on an ophthalmic lens. The optical device may be positioned on the front surface or the rear surface of the ophthalmic lens. The optical device may be an optical patch or an optical film. The optical device may be adapted to be removably positioned on the ophthalmic lens, such as a clip that is configured to clip onto a spectacle frame including the ophthalmic lens.

[0045] As Figure 1 represented, the lens element 10 includes at least a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. For example, the first surface may include an object-side surface F1 formed as a convex curved surface facing the object side, and the second surface may include an eye-side surface F2 formed as a concave surface having a curvature different from that of the object-side surface. The lens element 10 may be made of an organic material (such as polycarbonate) or a mineral material such as glass.

[0046] At least a part, preferably all, of the surface of the lens element 10 may be covered by at least one coating element. The at least one coating element may include features selected from the group consisting of scratch resistance, anti-reflection, anti-fouling, dust protection, UV30 filtering, blue light filtering, and anti-wear features.

[0047] The lens element 10 is adapted to the wearer according to a prescription in order to restore the ability of a presbyopic person to see clearly at all distances, and also to optimally respect all physiological visual functions (such as foveal vision, extrafoveal vision, binocular vision) and to minimize unwanted astigmatism.

[0048] The term "prescription" should be understood to mean a set of optical characteristics of refractive power, astigmatism, prism deviation, which are determined by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist in order to correct, for example, a visual defect of the eye by means of a lens positioned in front of the wearer's eye. For example, the prescription for a myopic eye includes a refractive power value and an astigmatism value with an axis position for distance vision. The prescription may include an indication that the wearer's eye has no defect and that no refractive power will be provided to the wearer.

[0049] Traditionally, the optical quantities (i.e., refractive power, astigmatism, and prism angle) are defined for a given lens element in its wearing conditions. Figure 2 and Figure 3 A figure showing the lens element / eye optical system seen from the side is presented, and a definition of an example based on the lens element used in the remainder of the present disclosure is shown.

[0050] As Figure 2 shown, the axis Q'F' or the main viewing direction represented by the solid line is the horizontal axis passing through the center of rotation Q' of the eye and extending in front of the wearer when looking straight ahead at an object placed at infinity. The point where this axis intersects the front face of the lens is called the fitting cross CM. Traditionally, the fitting cross is marked on the lens with a permanent mark (engraving) or a non-permanent mark (ink) in order to allow the optician to position the lens. The fitting cross is generally located 4 mm above the geometric center of the front face of the lens.

[0051] As Figure 3 shown, a given viewing direction (represented by the solid line in the figure) corresponds to the position Q' around which the eye rotates and to the point J on the vertex sphere, which is defined as the sphere tangent to the rear face of the lens at the point O, which corresponds to the intersection of the rear face of the lens element with the axis Q'F'.

[0052] In the so-called Fick system, the viewing direction can also be identified in spherical coordinates by two angles α and β. As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the angle α is the angle between the axis Q'F' and the projection of the line Q'J onto the vertical plane containing the axis Q'F'. The angle β is the angle between the axis Q'F' and the projection of the line Q'J onto the horizontal plane containing the axis Q'F'. Thus, a given viewing direction corresponds to the point J on the vertex sphere or the coordinate pair (α,β).

[0053] In a given viewing direction, the image of a point M in object space located at a given object distance is formed between two points S and T, which correspond to the minimum distance JS and the maximum distance JT (in the case of a rotating surface and the point M being at infinity, these minimum and maximum distances will be the sagittal focal length and the meridional focal length). In Figure 2 In the example of the present disclosure represented, the image of a point at infinity in object space is formed at a point F' on the Q'F' axis. The points S and T coincide, which is equivalent to stating that the lens is locally spherical in the main viewing direction. The distance D is the posterior crown of the lens.

[0054] A fixed reference frame {x, y, z} and a reference frame {x m , y m , z m} are associated with the eye in order to clearly show the rotation of the eye. The reference frame {x, y, z} has the point Q' as its origin, and the x-axis is the Q'F' axis - the point F' and passes through the point O. This axis points from the lens towards the eye and is in line with the measurement direction of the astigmatic axis position. The {y, z} plane is the vertical plane. The y-axis is vertical and points upwards. The z-axis is horizontal, and the reference frame is a direct orthogonal coordinate system. The reference frame {x m , y m , z m} is centered at the point Q'. The x m -axis is defined by the viewing direction JQ', and in the case of the main viewing direction, it coincides with the {x, y, z} reference frame. Listing's law gives the relationship between the {x, y, z} coordinate system and the {x m , y m , z m} coordinate system for each viewing direction (see Le Grand's "Optique Physiologique [Physiological Optics]", Volume 1, published by Revue d'Optique in Paris in 1965).

[0055] The profile of the lens can be drawn in the (O, x, y) plane. The angle by which the tangent to this curve at the point O is inclined with respect to the (O, y) axis is called the front tilt angle. The profile of the lens can also be drawn in the (O, x, z) plane. The angle by which the tangent to this curve at the point O is inclined with respect to the (O, z) axis is called the wrap angle.

[0056] Using these elements, the dioptric power and astigmatism of the wearer under normal wearing conditions can be defined for each viewing direction.

[0057] For a fixation direction (α, β), consider an object point M at an object distance given by the Eikonal function.

[0058] The Eikonal function is a function that associates the usual distance of an object point with each direction of gaze. Typically, in distance vision following the main direction of gaze, the object point is at infinity. In near vision following a direction of gaze that is basically corresponding to an angle α of about 36.6° in the nasal direction and an angle β of about 6°, the object distance is about 30 cm. For more details regarding possible definitions involving the Eikonal function, reference can be made to U.S. Patent US-A-6,318,859. This document describes the Eikonal function, its definition, and its method of modeling.

[0059] The object proximity ProxO for a point M on a corresponding ray in object space is defined as the reciprocal of the distance MJ between the point M and the point J of the vertex sphere:

[0060]

[0061] This enables the approximate calculation of the object proximity for all points of the vertex sphere by means of a thin lens element for determining the Eikonal function. For a real lens element, the object proximity can be regarded as the reciprocal of the distance between the object point and the front surface of the lens on the corresponding ray.

[0062] For the same direction of gaze (α,β), the image of a point M with a given object proximity is formed between two points S and T, which correspond respectively to the minimum focal length and the maximum focal length (which will be the sagittal focal length and the meridional focal length). The quantity ProxI is called the image proximity of the point M:

[0063]

[0064] By analogy with the case of a thin lens, thus for a given direction of gaze and a given object proximity, i.e., for a point in object space on the corresponding ray, the refractive power Pui can be defined as the sum of the image proximity and the object proximity, i.e.,

[0065] Pui = ProxO + ProxI

[0066] Using the same notation, the astigmatism Ast is defined for each direction of gaze and a given object proximity as:

[0067]

[0068] This definition corresponds to the astigmatism of the light beam produced by the lens element.

[0069] Under standard wearing conditions, the possible definitions of the optical power and astigmatism of a lens can thus be calculated as explained in the paper by B. Bourdoncle et al., entitled "Ray tracing through progressive ophthalmic lenses" (1990 International Lens Design Conference, edited by D. T. Moore, Proceedings of the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)).

[0070] In addition to the power prescription, a prescription in the ophthalmic field can include an astigmatism prescription. Such a prescription consists of an axis value (in degrees) and a modulus value (in diopters). The modulus value represents the difference between the maximum and minimum optical powers in a given direction, which allows the correction of the wearer's visual defect. According to this convention, the axis represents the orientation of one of the two optical powers relative to a reference axis and following a given direction of rotation. The TABO convention can be used. In this convention, the reference axis is horizontal, and the direction of rotation is counterclockwise when looking at the wearer. The 45° axis corresponds to the axis that connects the upper right quadrant and the lower left quadrant in an inclined orientation when looking at the wearer. Such an astigmatism prescription is measured for the wearer at far vision. The term "astigmatism" is used to refer to a pair (modulus, axis). This term is sometimes used to specify only the modulus. It is easy for a person skilled in the art to understand what is meant according to the context. A person skilled in the art also realizes that the wearer's power / astigmatism prescription is usually described in terms of spherical, cylindrical, and axis.

[0071] The prescription far vision mean power value (PFV) is defined as the prescription power plus half of the prescription astigmatism modulus.

[0072] The induced astigmatism is defined as the difference between the prescription astigmatism and the astigmatism generated by the working lens in the reference frame associated with the eye for each line of sight direction. The induced astigmatism can also be referred to as residual astigmatism.

[0073] The wearing conditions should be understood as the position of the lens element relative to the wearer's eye, defined, for example, by any one of the tilt angle, wrap angle, corneal-to-lens distance, and finally pupil-to-cornea distance, eye rotation center (CRE)-to-pupil distance, and CRE-to-lens distance.

[0074] The corneal-to-lens distance is the distance between the cornea and the posterior surface of the lens along the visual axis of the eye in the primary position (usually considered to be horizontal); for example, between 8 mm and 16 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 14 mm, and more preferably equal to 12 mm.

[0075] The pupil-to-cornea distance is the distance between the pupil and the cornea of the eye along the visual axis; usually between 1 mm and 4 mm, for example equal to 2 mm.

[0076] The CRE to pupil distance is the distance along the visual axis of the eye between its center of rotation (CRE) and the cornea; for example, between 10 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 11 mm and 12 mm, more preferably equal to 11.5 mm.

[0077] The CRE to lens Q'O distance is the distance along the visual axis of the eye in the primary position (usually considered to be horizontal) between the CRE of the eye and the posterior surface of the lens, for example, between 20 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 22.5 mm and 28 mm, more preferably equal to 25.5 mm.

[0078] The tilt angle is the angle in the vertical plane between the normal to the posterior surface of the lens and the visual axis of the eye in the primary position (usually considered to be horizontal) at the intersection between the posterior surface of the lens and the visual axis of the eye in the primary position; for example, between -25° and +5°, preferably between -12° and 0°, more preferably between -10° and -6°, for example equal to -8°, preferably equal to 0°.

[0079] The wrap angle is the angle in the horizontal plane between the normal to the posterior surface of the lens and the visual axis of the eye in the primary position (usually considered to be horizontal) at the intersection between the posterior surface of the lens and the visual axis of the eye in the primary position, for example, between -10° and +25°, preferably between 0° and 10°, more preferably between 0° and +5°, for example equal to 0°.

[0080] An example of standard fitting conditions can be defined by a tilt angle of -8°, a corneal to lens distance of 12 mm, a pupil to corneal distance of 2 mm, a CRE to pupil distance of 11.5 mm, a CRE to lens distance of 25.5 mm, and a wrap angle of 0°.

[0081] Another example of standard fitting conditions more suitable for younger wearers can be defined by a tilt angle of 0°, a corneal to lens distance of 12 mm, a pupil to corneal distance of 2 mm, a CRE to pupil distance of 11.5 mm, a CRE to lens distance of 25.5 mm, and a wrap angle of 0°.

[0082] As Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 6 shown, the lens element 10 includes a refractive region 12. The refractive region includes a far vision zone FZ, a near vision zone NZ, and an intermediate vision zone IZ.

[0083] The far vision zone FZ is the zone of the lens element that surrounds the far vision point FV, and within this zone, the optical properties of the lens element, such as the dioptric power, astigmatism, and prism, are substantially identical to those at the far vision point. When the wearer wears the lens element under standard wearing conditions and views through the far vision zone FZ, the image of an object located at infinity will form a clear image on the retina of the wearer. Typically, the far vision zone is located in the upper part of the lens element. The far vision zone corresponds to the intersection line of the lens and the far vision cone. The far vision cone is a straight circular cone. The axis of the far vision cone passes through the center of rotation of the eye and the far vision point of the lens. The aperture W1 of the far vision cone is greater than or equal to + / -10°, preferably horizontally + / -30° and vertically 20°.

[0084] The far vision point is the reference point on the lens surface through which the line of sight of the wearer passes when the wearer looks at an object located at infinity, and at this reference point, the optical function corresponds to the far vision of the wearer. For example, the far vision point can correspond to the fitting cross CM of the lens element, or to a viewing elevation angle of 4° or 8° above the fitting cross.

[0085] The refractive zone 12 has, for example, a first refractive power P1 in the far vision zone FZ based on the far vision of the wearer. For example, the first refractive power P1 can be adapted to focus the image of an object located at a distance greater than 2 m from the lens element on the eye of the wearer.

[0086] The near vision zone NZ is the zone of the lens element that surrounds the near vision point NV, and within this zone, the optical properties of the lens element, such as the dioptric power, astigmatism, and prism, are substantially identical to those at the near vision point. When the wearer wears the lens element under standard wearing conditions and views through the near vision zone NZ, the image of an object located near the wearer, at the reading distance, will form a clear image on the retina of the wearer. Typically, the near vision zone is located in the lower part of the lens element. The near vision zone corresponds to the intersection line of the lens and the near vision cone. The near vision cone is a straight circular cone. The axis of the near vision cone passes through the center of rotation of the eye and the near vision point of the lens. The aperture W2 of the near vision cone is greater than or equal to 5°, preferably 10°.

[0087] The near vision point is the reference point on the surface of the lens element through which the line of sight of the wearer passes when the wearer looks at an object located nearby, less than 50 cm away, and at this reference point, the optical function corresponds to the near vision prescription of the wearer. For example, the near vision point can correspond to a viewing direction that is lowered by 36.6° below the fitting cross CM. The near vision point NV can have coordinates (αN = 6°; βN = 36.6°) in a predefined spherical coordinate system.

[0088] The refractive zone 12 has a second refractive power P2 in the near vision zone NZ, for example, based on the near vision prescription of the wearer. For example, the second refractive power P2 may be adapted to focus an image of an object located at a distance less than or equal to 0.5 m from the wearer's eye onto the wearer's retina.

[0089] The intermediate vision zone IZ is the zone of the lens element that surrounds the near vision point IV, and within this zone, the optical properties of the lens element, such as dioptric power, astigmatism, and prism, are substantially identical to those at the midpoint of vision. When the wearer wears the lens element under standard wearing conditions and views through the intermediate vision zone IZ, an image of an object located between infinity and the ready distance from the wearer will form a clear image on the wearer's retina. The intermediate vision zone IZ extends from the far vision zone FZ and the near vision zone NZ. The intermediate vision zone corresponds to the intersection line of the lens and the mid-vision cone. The mid-vision cone is a straight circular cone. The axis of the mid-vision cone passes through the center of rotation of the eye and the midpoint of vision of the lens. The aperture W3 of the mid-vision cone is horizontally greater than or equal to + / -1°, preferably 5°.

[0090] The midpoint of vision is the reference point on the surface of the lens element through which the line of sight of the wearer passes when the wearer looks at an object located at a distance greater than 50 cm and less than 2 m, and at this reference point, the optical function corresponds to the mid-vision prescription of the wearer.

[0091] The refractive zone 12 has a refractive power Pi that varies continuously between the first refractive power P1 and the second refractive power P2. Preferably, the variation of the refractive power Pi is monotonic. For example, the refractive power Pi may be adapted to focus an image of an object located at a distance greater than 0.5 m and less than 2 m from the wearer's eye onto the wearer's retina.

[0092] The dioptric power Pi of the intermediate vision zone IZ may increase gradually, for example, from the first refractive power P1 to the second refractive power P2. Alternatively, the dioptric power Pi of the intermediate vision zone IZ may increase gradually, for example, from the first refractive power P1 to the second refractive power P2. The variation of the dioptric power Pi between the first refractive power P1 and the second refractive power P2 may be strictly monotonic.

[0093] The absolute value of the difference between the first dioptric power P1 and the second dioptric power P2 is greater than or equal to 0.5 D, preferably greater than or equal to 0.75 D, for example, greater than or equal to 1.0 D, and less than or equal to 3.0 D, preferably less than or equal to 2.5 D, for example, less than or equal to 1.5 D.

[0094] As Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 6 shown, the lens element 10 includes at least a first set of optical elements 14.

[0095] This set of optical elements 14 is superimposed on at least one of the far vision zone FZ and / or the intermediate vision zone IZ and / or the near vision zone NZ. For example, this set of optical elements is superimposed in intermediate vision and near vision. In the sense of the present disclosure, the expression "superimposed" should be understood as being located on the front surface F1 of the lens element and / or on the rear surface F2 of the lens element and / or between the front surface and the rear surface of the lens element.

[0096] Preferably, the regions of the refractive region other than the far vision zone FV, the intermediate vision zone IV, and the near vision zone NZ do not include optical elements.

[0097] The optical elements 14 have at least a third refractive power. For example, all the optical elements in the first set of optical elements have the same refractive power. Alternatively, the set of optical elements can be formed by optical elements having different optical powers.

[0098] The optical elements in a set of optical elements can all have a common focus. In other words, the light emitted from a point object in space that passes through each optical element in the same set of optical elements will form a common image point. In the sense of the present invention, the expression "common focus" should be understood as a 3D spherical volume whose geometric center corresponds to the average focus of the optical element and has a radius between 0.01 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0099] The optical elements in a set of optical elements can all have a common prism. Alternatively, the prism angle value and orientation of each optical element in a set of optical elements vary according to the distance between the optical element and the common focus in the set of optical elements and the relative position with respect to the common focus. The prism angle of the optical element allows the light to be deflected towards the common focus and thus allows compensation for the changes caused by the shape of the periphery of the lens element.

[0100] Similarly, the optical elements in a set of optical elements can all have a common size and / or a common shape. Alternatively, the size and / or shape of each optical element in a set of optical elements vary according to the distance between the optical element and the common focus in the set of optical elements and the relative position with respect to the common focus.

[0101] The optical elements in a set of optical elements can all have a common refractive power. Alternatively, the refractive power of a set of optical elements can vary between the optical elements. For example, the refractive power of the optical element can decrease as the distance from the common focus of the set of optical elements increases.

[0102] The combination of the refractive power of the optical elements in at least the first set of optical elements and the refractive power of at least one zone of the lens element on which the optical elements are superimposed provides an optical function suitable for the wearer such that when the wearer looks at an object through the first set of optical elements, the image of the object is focused on the retina of the wearer under central vision. When the lens element is worn under standard wearing conditions, the optical function of focusing light on the retina of the wearer is considered. For example, an eye model (such as the non-accommodating Atchison eye model) can be used to define the optical function.

[0103] Advantageously, the use of optical elements in combination with refractive zones allows reducing the peripheral aberrations and the associated "swimming effect" of multifocal lenses. In addition, the combination of microlenses and refractive zones allows providing a specific optical function with a reduced thickness of the lens element.

[0104] The optical element 14 can be superimposed on the distance vision zone FZ. In this case, the combination of the first optical power P1 of the distance vision zone and the third optical power of the optical element provides an optical function that focuses the image of an object located at a distance greater than or equal to 2 m from the wearer's eye on the retina of the wearer under central vision when the wearer looks at the object through the optical element.

[0105] The optical element 14 can be superimposed on the near vision zone NZ. In this case, the combination of the first optical power P2 of the near vision zone and the third optical power of the optical element provides an optical function that focuses the image of an object located at a distance less than or equal to 0.5 m from the wearer's eye on the retina of the wearer under central vision when the wearer looks at the object through the optical element.

[0106] The optical element 14 can be superimposed on the intermediate vision zone IZ. In this case, the combination of the optical power Pi of the intermediate vision zone and the third optical power of the optical element provides an optical function that focuses the image of an object located at a distance greater than 0.5 m and less than 2.0 m from the wearer's eye on the retina of the wearer under central vision when the wearer looks at the object through the optical element.

[0107] Although the following examples of lens elements are described to illustrate different embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the following examples. In particular, a person skilled in the art, such as an optician or a lens designer, reading this specification will be able to consider many other embodiments of the present disclosure that cover all possible combinations of features.

[0108] Example 1: The lens element 10 includes a single set of optical elements 14, all of which have the same third refractive power of 1.0 D. The first refractive power P1 of the far vision zone FZ is equal to 0.75 D, and the second refractive power P2 of the near vision zone NZ is equal to 1.5 D. This set of optical elements 14 is only superimposed on the near vision zone. When a wearer wearing the lens element under standard wearing conditions views through the optical elements in the near vision zone NZ, the combination of the second refractive power P2 and the third refractive power of the optical elements provides an optical function of 2.5 D.

[0109] Example 2: The lens element 10 includes a single set of optical elements 14, all of which have the same third refractive power of 1.0 D. The first refractive power P1 of the far vision zone FZ is equal to 0.0 D, and the second refractive power P2 of the near vision zone NZ is equal to 1.0 D. This set of optical elements 14 is superimposed on the near vision zone NZ and the intermediate vision zone IZ. When a wearer wearing the lens element under standard wearing conditions views through the optical elements in the intermediate vision zone IZ, the combination of the refractive power Pi and the refractive power of the optical elements provides an optical function that varies between 1.0 D and 2.0 D. The combination of the second refractive power P2 and the third refractive power of the optical elements provides an optical function of 2.0 D in the near vision zone NZ.

[0110] Example 3: The lens element 10 includes a single set of optical elements 14, all of which have the same refractive power of 1.0 D. The first refractive power P1 of the far vision zone FZ is equal to 0.25 D, and the second refractive power P2 of the near vision zone NZ is equal to 0.75 D. This set of optical elements 14 is superimposed on the near vision zone NZ, the intermediate vision zone IZ, and the far vision zone FZ. When a wearer wearing the lens element under standard wearing conditions views through the optical elements in the far vision zone FZ, the combination of the first refractive power P1 and the third refractive power of the optical elements provides an optical function of 1.25 D. The combination of the refractive power Pi and the refractive power of the optical elements provides an optical function that varies between 1.0 D and 1.75 D for the intermediate vision zone IZ. The combination of the second refractive power P2 and the third refractive power of the optical elements provides an optical function of 1.75 D in the near vision zone NZ.

[0111] Example 4: The lens element 10 includes three sets of optical elements 14. The first set of optical elements has a refractive power of 0.5 D, the second set of optical elements has a refractive power of 1.0 D, and the third set of optical elements has a refractive power of 1.5 D. The first refractive power P1 of the far vision zone FZ is equal to 0.5 D, and the second refractive power P2 of the near vision zone NZ is equal to 1.5 D. The first set of optical elements 14 is superimposed on the far vision zone FZ. The second set of optical elements is superimposed on the intermediate vision zone IZ. The third set of optical elements is superimposed on the far vision zone FZ. When a wearer wearing the lens element under standard wearing conditions views through the optical elements in the far vision zone FZ, the combination of the first refractive power P1 and the refractive power of the first set of optical elements provides an optical function of 1 D. The combination of the refractive power Pi and the refractive power of the second set of optical elements provides an optical function that varies between 1.5 D and 3 D for the intermediate vision zone IZ. The combination of the second refractive power P2 and the refractive power of the third set of optical elements provides an optical function of 3 D in the near vision zone NZ.

[0112] The lens element 10 may include multiple sets of optical elements 14, such as 3 sets, preferably 5 sets, more preferably 7 sets.

[0113] As Figure 6 shown, each of these sets of optical elements superimposed on the refractive region 12 of the lens element may be organized in a horizontal band.

[0114] The different horizontal bands formed by these sets of optical elements may partially overlap. In other words, two different sets of optical elements may cover the same horizontal region of the lens element.

[0115] Alternatively, the horizontal bands of the optical elements may be organized continuously such that each horizontal band is adjacent to another horizontal band of a different set of optical elements. The horizontal bands may be organized along a vertical axis and regularly spaced from each other. The vertical axis orthogonally cuts the horizontal bands of the optical elements and may pass through the geometric center of the lens element.

[0116] Following the direction of this vertical axis, the refractive power of the optical elements in each set of optical elements may increase towards the lower edge of the lens element. In other words, these sets of optical elements may be organized to form a dioptric power gradient that increases towards the lower limit of the lens element.

[0117] The ratio between the sum of the areas of the optical elements 14 in at least one set of optical elements and the area of at least one of the far vision zone, intermediate vision zone, and near vision zone on which the optical elements are superimposed is between 20% and 100%.

[0118] As Figure 5 shown, at least a portion, such as all, of the optical elements 14 in at least one set of optical elements may be non - contiguous.

[0119] As Figure 6 represented, at least a portion, preferably all, of the optical elements 14 in at least one set of optical elements can be contiguous.

[0120] In the sense of the present disclosure, two optical elements are contiguous if there is a path supported by the surface of a lens element that connects two optical elements located on the surface of the lens element, and if, along that path, the underlying surface of the lens element on which the optical elements are superimposed cannot be reached.

[0121] When the surface on which at least two optical elements are superimposed is spherical, the underlying surface corresponds to the spherical surface. In other words, two optical elements are contiguous if there is a path supported by the spherical surface that connects two optical elements superimposed on the spherical surface, and if, along that path, the spherical surface may not be reachable.

[0122] When the surface on which at least two optical elements are superimposed is non-spherical, the underlying surface corresponds to the local spherical surface that best fits the non-spherical surface. In other words, two optical elements are contiguous if there is a path supported by the non-spherical surface that connects two optical elements superimposed on the non-spherical surface, and if, along that path, the spherical surface that best fits the non-spherical surface may not be reachable.

[0123] At least a portion, such as more than 50%, preferably all, of the optical elements 14 in at least one set of optical elements can be microlenses having an outer shape that can be inscribed in a circle with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.2 mm (such as greater than or equal to 0.4 mm, such as greater than or equal to 0.6 mm, such as greater than or equal to 0.8 mm) and less than or equal to 3.0 mm (such as less than or equal to 1.0 mm).

[0124] At least a portion, such as more than 50%, preferably all, of the optical elements 14 in at least one set of optical elements can be spherical microlenses.

[0125] At least one, such as more than 50%, preferably all, of the optical elements 14 in at least one set of optical elements can be non-spherical microlenses. In the sense of the present disclosure, the term "non-spherical" should be understood as a change in curvature and refractive power on the surface. Non-spherical microlenses should be contrasted with spherical microlenses having a constant refractive power on their surface.

[0126] At least one, such as more than 50%, preferably all, of the optical elements 14 can include cylinder power. At least one, such as more than 50%, preferably all, of the optical elements 14 can be toric microlenses.

[0127] At least one, such as more than 50%, preferably all, of the optical elements may be multifocal refractive microlenses. In the sense of the present disclosure, "multifocal refractive microlenses" include bifocal lenses (with two dioptric powers), trifocal (with three dioptric powers), progressive multifocal lenses (with continuously varying dioptric powers, such as aspherical surface lenses).

[0128] At least one, such as more than 50%, preferably all, of the optical elements 14 in at least one set of optical elements may be aspherical microlenses. In the sense of the present invention, an aspherical microlens has a continuous dioptric power evolution on its surface, for example, from the geometric center or optical center of the microlens to its periphery, and the absolute value of the refractive power at the periphery is less than the absolute value of the refractive power at its center.

[0129] The absolute value of the difference between the refractive power measured at the center of the aspherical microlens and the refractive power measured at its periphery may be between 0.1 D and 5 D. The center of the microlens may be defined by a circular region centered on the geometric center of the microlens and having a diameter between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, preferably equal to 0.2 mm. The periphery of the microlens may be defined by an annular region centered on the geometric center of the microlens and having an inner diameter between 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm and an outer diameter between 0.70 mm and 0.80 mm. For example, an aspherical microlens may have a refractive power with an absolute value between 2.0 D and 7.0 D measured at its geometric center, and a dioptric power with an absolute value between 1.5 D and 6.0 D measured at its periphery.

[0130] At least one, such as more than 50%, preferably all, of the optical elements 14 may include an aspherical surface with or without rotational symmetry.

[0131] At least one, such as more than 50%, preferably all, of the optical elements 14 may include a toric surface. A toric surface is a surface of revolution that can be generated by rotating a circle or an arc about a rotation axis that does not pass through its center of curvature (eventually located at infinity). A toric surface lens has two different radial profiles that are perpendicular to each other, thus generating two different dioptric powers. The toric surface component and the spherical surface component of a toric lens produce an astigmatic beam rather than a single point focus.

[0132] As will be apparent from the following discussion, unless otherwise specifically specified, it should be appreciated that throughout the specification, discussions using terms such as "operation", "computation", "generation", etc. refer to the actions and / or processes of a computer or computing system or similar electronic computing device that manipulate and / or transform data represented as physical (such as electronic) quantities within the registers and / or memories of the computing system into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the memories, registers, or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices of the computing system.

[0133] Embodiments of the present invention may include a device for performing the operations herein. This device may be specially constructed for the desired purpose or it may comprise a general-purpose computer or a digital signal processor ("DSP") selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as but not limited to any type of disk, including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic or optical cards, or any other type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions and capable of being coupled to a computer system bus.

[0134] The processes and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other device. A variety of general-purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized devices to perform the desired method. The desired structure of various such systems will become apparent from the following description. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It should be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the present invention described herein.

[0135] In reference to the foregoing illustrative embodiments, many further modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, which are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, the scope of which is determined solely by the appended claims.

[0136] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that different features are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A lens element adapted for a wearer and intended to be worn in front of the wearer's eyes under standard viewing conditions, the lens element comprising: - a refractive region, the refractive region comprising: - a far vision zone (FZ) having a first refractive power P1, - a near vision zone (NZ) having a second refractive power P2, - an intermediate vision zone (IZ) extending from the far vision zone to the near vision zone and having a refractive power Pi that varies continuously from the first refractive power P1 to the second refractive power P2, - at least a first set of optical elements having at least a third refractive power, the optical elements being superimposed on at least one of the far vision zone, intermediate vision zone, and near vision zone of the refractive region, wherein, the combination of the first set of optical elements and the refractive region on which the optical elements are superimposed provides an optical function suitable for the wearer such that when the wearer views an object through the at least one first set of optical elements, the image of the object is focused on the wearer's retina under central vision.

2. The lens element according to claim 1, wherein, The optical elements are superimposed on the far vision zone (FZ), and the combination of the first refractive power P1 of the far vision zone and the third refractive power of the optical elements provides an optical function that focuses the image of an object located at a distance greater than or equal to 2 m from the wearer's eyes on the retina under central vision.

3. The lens element according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The optical elements are superimposed on the near vision zone (NZ), and the combination of the second refractive power P2 of the near vision zone and the third refractive power of the optical elements provides an optical function that focuses the image of an object located at a distance less than or equal to 50 cm from the wearer's eyes on the retina under central vision.

4. The lens element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The optical elements are superimposed on the intermediate vision zone (IZ), and the combination of the refractive power Pi of the intermediate vision zone and the third refractive power of the optical elements provides an optical function that focuses the image of an object located at a distance less than 2.0 m and greater than 50 cm from the wearer's eyes on the retina under central vision.

5. The lens element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The absolute value of the difference between the first refractive power P1 and the second refractive power P2 is greater than or equal to 0.5 D, for example greater than or equal to 0.75 D, and less than or equal to 2.5 D, for example less than or equal to 1.5 D.

6. The lens element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The refractive power Pi of the intermediate vision zone increases from the first refractive power P1 to the second refractive power P2.

7. The lens element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The refractive power Pi of the intermediate vision zone decreases from the first refractive power P1 to the second refractive power P2.

8. The lens element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least some of the optical elements 14 in a set of optical elements are contiguous.

9. The lens element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least some of the optical elements 14 in a set of optical elements are non - contiguous.

10. The lens element according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising multiple sets of optical elements 14 organized in a horizontal band.

11. The lens element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The optical element 14 in a set of optical elements has a common focus, and the prism angle of each optical element in the set of optical elements varies according to the distance between the optical element and the common focus of the set of optical elements.

12. The lens element according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein, Along a vertical axis passing through the geometric center of the lens element, the refractive power of the optical elements in each set of optical elements increases from the geometric center towards the lower part of the lens element.

13. The lens element according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein At least a part of the optical elements 14, for example all of the optical elements, are spherical lenticules.

14. The lens element according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, At least a part of the optical elements 14, for example all of the optical elements, are aspherical lenticules.

15. The lens element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Regions of the refractive region other than the far vision zone (FZ), the intermediate vision zone (IZ), and the near vision zone (NZ) do not contain any optical elements.

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