Myopia control device for first correction

By designing a myopia control device that combines correction and mitigation of refractive errors, and utilizing refractive or diffractive optical functions to generate defocus signals, the problem of myopia progression caused by single-vision lenses is solved, and the effect of myopia control is achieved.

CN120858309APending Publication Date: 2025-10-28ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202580001156.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-02-28
Filing Date
2025-02-28
Publication Date
2025-10-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing single-vision lenses are not effective in controlling myopia as first-time prescription devices, leading to significant myopia progression and axial elongation, necessitating optimization of refractive error control.

Method used

Design a myopia control device that combines optical functions to correct and mitigate refractive errors, including a holder and multiple optical elements superimposed on the holder, partially or completely non-contiguous, covering the lens surface, generating defocus signals to mitigate focal points in front of and behind the retina, and using refractive or diffractive optical functions.

Benefits of technology

It effectively slows down the progression of myopia and eyeball elongation, maintains visual acuity and visual comfort, reduces choroidal thinning, and optimizes the control of refractive errors.

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Abstract

A myopia control device comprising a first optical function to correct refractive abnormalities of a wearer's eye and a second optical function to slow down the progression of refractive abnormalities of the wearer's eye, characterized in that the myopia control device is used as a first prescription device to slow down the progression of refractive abnormalities of the eye.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to myopia control devices, and more specifically to myopia control devices used as first prescription devices. This disclosure further relates to a method for slowing the development of refractive errors in the eye. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increase in the development of solutions aimed at controlling the progression of refractive errors in the eye, such as myopia. One of the most promising solutions proposes generating defocus in front of the retina, which produces a myopia cessation signal that controls eye elongation and slows the progression of myopia. These novel myopia control devices typically consist of lenses that include microlenses that refract a portion of the light in front of and / or behind the retina of the wearer's eye.

[0003] However, despite the availability of myopia control solutions, eye care practitioners still frequently prescribe single-vision spectacle lenses as the first-line device when a child is first diagnosed with refractive errors.

[0004] Sun and her team (Sun, Yun-Yun, et al., “Effect of uncorrection versus full correction on myopia progression in 12-year-old children,” Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology, Vol. 255 (2017): pp. 189-195) investigated the effects of uncorrection versus full correction on myopia progression in children over a two-year period. Their results showed that uncorrected children experienced slower myopia progression and less axial elongation compared to fully corrected children.

[0005] Recent tests conducted by the inventors also showed that the initial prescription affects myopia progression and axial elongation in myopic children who wear single-vision lenses. Over a 6-month period, after multivariate adjustment, children who received a single-vision lens as their first prescription showed significantly greater myopia progression and greater axial elongation compared to children already wearing single-vision lenses. These results persisted over a longer period of up to 2 years.

[0006] Therefore, it appears that prescribing single-vision lenses as the first-time prescription device has a negative impact on myopia control.

[0007] Conversely, the inventors observed that for myopic children wearing myopia control devices, the first prescription had no significant effect on myopia progression or axial elongation, whether in the short term (6 months) or the long term (2 years).

[0008] Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the control of the development of refractive errors in wearers' eyes. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, this disclosure proposes a myopia control device, including a first optical function to correct refractive errors in the wearer's eye and a second optical function to slow the progression of refractive errors in the wearer's eye.

[0010] The invention is characterized by using the myopia control device as a first prescription device to slow the development of refractive errors in the eye.

[0011] Advantageously, using a myopia control device as a first prescription device allows for improved efficacy in mitigating refractive errors in the wearer's eyes.

[0012] According to other embodiments that can be considered individually or in combination:

[0013] - Use the aforementioned myopia control device as a first prescription device to slow the progression of refractive errors in the eye; and / or

[0014] - The myopia control device includes a holder that carries the first optical function and a plurality of optical elements that carry the second optical function; and / or

[0015] - The optical element is superimposed on the holder; and / or

[0016] -The plurality of optical elements are small lenses; and / or

[0017] -The optical elements are arranged along multiple concentric rings; and / or

[0018] - The myopia control device includes a central region with a diameter greater than or equal to 4 mm and less than or equal to 22 mm. The central region includes a frame reference point facing the wearer's pupil when looking straight ahead under standard wearing conditions. The central region has no optical elements; and / or

[0019] - The plurality of optical elements cover the entire surface of the lens element; and / or

[0020] - At least a portion, for example more than 50%, preferably all of the optical elements are non-contiguous; and / or

[0021] --At least a portion, for example more than 50%, preferably all of the optical elements are adjacent; and / or

[0022] - The second optical function that slows the development of refractive errors in the wearer's eye is a refractive optical function; and / or

[0023] - The second refractive optical function is a spherical optical function that focuses light in front of and / or behind the retina of the wearer's eye when the myopia control device is worn under standard wearing conditions; and / or

[0024] - The second refractive optical function is a non-spherical optical function without a single focal point; and / or

[0025] - The second optical function that slows the development of refractive errors in the wearer's eye is a diffractive optical function; and / or

[0026] - The myopia control device is an optical lens, ophthalmic lens, spectacle lens, contact lens, intraocular lens, or a film, patch, or clip suitable for positioning on an ophthalmic lens; and / or

[0027] - The plurality of optical elements are encapsulated between at least two substrates forming the holder of the lens element.

[0028] This disclosure further relates to a method for slowing the development of refractive errors in a wearer's eye, the method comprising:

[0029] - Provide the myopia control device according to this disclosure as a first prescription device.

[0030] Advantageously, using a myopia control device as a first prescription device allows for improved efficacy in mitigating refractive errors in the wearer's eyes. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] - Figure 1 A schematic front view of a myopia control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0033] - Figures 2A to 2B The illustration shows a schematic external view of a myopia control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0034] - Figure 3 A schematic front view of a myopia control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] The elements in the figures are illustrated 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 embodiments of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In the remainder of this instruction manual, terms such as “upper,” “bottom,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “front,” “back,” or other words indicating relative position may be used. These terms should be understood in the context of wearing the optical lenses.

[0037] This disclosure relates to a myopia control device intended to be worn in front of the wearer's eyes under specific wearing conditions (e.g., under standard viewing conditions).

[0038] In the context of this disclosure, the term "myopia control device" can refer to a contact lens or optical lens, or an eyeglass optical lens edged to fit a particular eyeglass frame, or an ophthalmic lens or progressive multifocal lens, an AR, VR, MR, or XR smart eyewear component that overlays or combines electronic display information with a myopia control device, or an optical device suitable for positioning on an ophthalmic lens. The optical device can be positioned on the front or rear surface of the ophthalmic lens. The optical device can be an optical patch or an optical film. The optical device can be adapted to be removably positioned on the ophthalmic lens, for example, as a clip configured to clip onto an eyeglass frame including the ophthalmic lens.

[0039] Wearing conditions should be understood as the position of the optical lens relative to the wearer's eye, defined by factors such as the tilt angle, the angle of containment, the distance from the cornea to the lens, and ultimately, the distance from the pupil to the cornea, the distance from the center of rotation of the eye (CRE) to the pupil, and the distance from the CRE to the lens.

[0040] The cornea-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 first eye position (which is usually considered to be horizontal); for example, it is between 8 mm and 16 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 14 mm, and more preferably equal to 12 mm.

[0041] The pupil-to-corneal distance is the distance between the pupil and the cornea along the visual axis of the eye; it is usually between 1 mm and 4 mm, for example, equal to 2 mm.

[0042] The distance from the CRE to the pupil is the distance along the visual axis of the eye between its center of rotation (CRE) and the cornea; for example, it is between 10 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 11 mm and 12 mm, and more preferably equal to 11.5 mm.

[0043] The distance from CRE to lens Q'O is the distance between the CRE of the eye and the posterior surface of the lens along the visual axis of the eye in the first eye position (which is usually considered to be horizontal), for example, between 20 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 22.5 mm and 28 mm, and more preferably equal to 25.5 mm.

[0044] The tilt angle is the angle in a vertical plane between the intersection of the posterior surface of the lens and the visual axis of the eye in the first eye position (which is usually considered to be horizontal), and between the normal of the posterior surface of the lens and the visual axis of the eye in the first eye position; for example, it is between -25° and +5°, preferably between -12° and 0°, more preferably between -10° and -6°, for example equal to -8°, preferably equal to 0°.

[0045] The wrap angle is the angle in the horizontal plane between the intersection of the posterior surface of the lens and the visual axis of the eye in the first eye position (which is usually considered to be horizontal), between the normal of the posterior surface of the lens and the visual axis of the eye in the first eye position, for example, between -10° and +25°, preferably between 0° and 10°, more preferably between 0° and +5°, for example equal to 0°.

[0046] Examples of standard wearing conditions can be defined by an anterior tilt angle of -8°, a corneal-to-lens distance of 12mm, a pupil-to-corneal distance of 2mm, a CRE-to-pupil distance of 11.5mm, a CRE-to-lens distance of 25.5mm, and a wrap angle of 0°.

[0047] Another example of standard wearing conditions more suitable for younger wearers can be defined by a 0° anterior tilt angle, a 12mm corneal-to-lens distance, a 2mm pupil-to-corneal distance, an 11.5mm CRE-to-pupil distance, a 25.5mm CRE-to-lens distance, and a 0° wrap angle.

[0048] Myopia control devices include the primary optical function of correcting refractive errors in the wearer's eyes.

[0049] For example, the first optical function is configured to focus incident light onto the wearer's retina, such as onto the fovea of ​​the wearer's eye. In other words, when a wearer of the myopia control device under standard wearing conditions looks directly at an object at infinity, at least a portion of the incident light emitted by said object that passes through the myopia control device will be focused onto the wearer's retina, such as onto the fovea.

[0050] The wearer's refractive error can be any of myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or presbyopia.

[0051] The primary optical function can be based on a prescription suitable for the wearer. The term "prescription" should be understood as a set of optical characteristics, including power, astigmatism, and prism deviation, determined by an ophthalmologist or optometrist to correct visual defects, for example, by means of a lens positioned in front of the wearer's eye. For example, a prescription for myopia includes a power value and an astigmatism value with an axis for distance vision. A prescription may include an indication that the wearer's eye is free of defects and will not provide the wearer with refractive power.

[0052] Advantageously, the primary optical function allows for the provision of good visual acuity and visual comfort to the wearer by correcting for defects in the wearer's eyes.

[0053] Myopia control devices further include a second optical function that slows the development of refractive errors in the wearer's eyes.

[0054] For example, a second optical function can be configured not to focus an image of an object onto the wearer's retina. "Not focusing an image onto the wearer's retina" should be understood as not producing a sharp image. In other words, a second optical function that does not focus on the retina can provide a disturbed image, such as an image of reduced quality. When a wearer wears the myopia control device, for example, under standard wearing conditions, at least a portion of the incident light rays passing through the myopia control device elements will not focus on the wearer's retina. For example, the second optical function of the myopia control device can direct the incident light rays passing through it toward a focal point located in front of and / or behind the retina of the eye, or create a defocused volume outside the retina of the eye.

[0055] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a second optical function of the myopia control device can be configured to generate a focused or defocused light volume at a constant distance from the retina of the wearer's eye. For example, the myopia control device can be configured to generate caustics in front of the retina of the wearer's eye, such that each cross-sectional plane of the light flux concentration (if any) is located in front of and at a constant distance from the retina.

[0056] Advantageously, the second optical function allows for the suppression, reduction, or at least slowing of the development and progression of refractive abnormalities in the eyes of people wearing myopia control devices.

[0057] Having both a primary optical function to correct refractive errors in the wearer's eyes and a secondary optical function to slow the progression of refractive errors allows for the limitation of the development of refractive errors while also correcting them, thereby providing the wearer with good visual acuity and visual comfort.

[0058] The first and second optical functions of the myopia control device should be considered in relation to the wearer, for example, wearing the myopia control device under standard wearing conditions and looking directly at a target object preferably located at infinity with central vision. When the wearer is looking at an object at infinity, the wearer's eye is preferably considered to be in a non-accommodative state. However, those skilled in the art will be able to use known accommodative response models to change the accommodative state of the wearer's eye according to the distance between the wearer's eye and the object he or she is looking at.

[0059] Preferably, a myopia control device is used as the first prescription device to slow the development of refractive errors in the eye. In the sense of this disclosure, the term "development" encompasses the onset of refractive errors in the eye and their progression over time.

[0060] "First prescription device" should be understood as the wearer wearing another prescription device, such as a single-vision lens, for no more than eight hours a day, preferably four hours, and more preferably one hour, within a period of one month, preferably two weeks, and more preferably one week.

[0061] In fact, the inventors have observed a reduction in choroidal thinning (particularly noticeable in children using myopia control devices as their first prescription device) in children using single-vision lenses as their first prescription device. In other words, using myopia control devices as the first prescription device allows for the maintenance of choroidal thickness, which reduces eyeball elongation and thus slows the development of refractive errors in the eye.

[0062] Specifically, the inventors demonstrated that, over a six-month period, the mean (± standard error) change in choroidal thickness (-16.85±3.94 μm) in children using single-vision lenses as their first prescription device (-2.31±3.38 μm; P=0.007) was significantly greater than that in children using single-vision lenses as their second prescription device (-2.31±3.38 μm; P=0.007). Conversely, the inventors showed that the mean (± standard error) change in choroidal thickness (-0.89±4.25 μm) in children using the first myopia control device as their first prescription device (-0.89±4.25 μm) was not significantly different from that in children using the first myopia control device as their second prescription device (8.21±2.97 μm, p=0.07). Similar results were observed with different second myopia control devices. The mean change in choroidal thickness (-1.94 ± 3.94 μm) in children using the second myopia control device as their first prescription device was not significantly different from that in children using the second myopia control device as their second prescription device (-4.89 ± 3.23 μm, p = 0.56).

[0063] like Figure 1 As illustrated in Figure 2, the myopia control device 10, designed to be worn in front of the wearer's eyes, may include a retainer 12.

[0064] Preferably, the holder carries the primary optical function of the myopia control device in correcting the refractive error of the wearer's eye. In other words, when the wearer wears the myopia control device, for example under standard wearing conditions, and looks directly at an object located at infinity, incident light emitted from that object and passing through the holder will be focused onto the wearer's retina.

[0065] As illustrated in Figure 2a, the holder 12 may include an object-side surface F1, which is formed as a convex curved surface facing the object side. The holder may also include an eye-side surface F2, which is formed as a concave surface facing the wearer's eye and opposite to the object-side surface F1. Alternatively, the object-side surface F1 and / or the eye-side surface F2 may be any of a flat surface, a convex surface, or a concave surface.

[0066] The retainer 12 can be formed from a plurality of lens components placed in close contact with each other. In the example illustrated in FIG2b, the retainer includes a first lens component 12a, which includes an object-side surface F1 and a complementary surface opposite to the object-side surface, the object-side surface being formed as a convex curved surface facing the object side. The retainer further includes a second lens component 12b, which includes an eye-side surface F2 and a complementary surface opposite to the eye-side surface, the eye-side surface being formed as a concave surface facing the wearer's eye. The two complementary surfaces of the first lens component 12a and the second lens component 12b are designed to precisely fit into the other to ensure a tight and secure fit when the two lens components are placed together.

[0067] At least a portion, for example, all, of the object-side surface F1 and / or eye-side surface F2 of the holder may be covered by at least one coating element layer. The at least one coating element layer may include features selected from the group consisting of scratch-resistant, anti-reflective, anti-fouling, dust-resistant, UV30 filtering, blue light filtering, and abrasion-resistant features. Any known technique may be used to provide the coating element layer. For example, a dip-coating process may be used to provide the coating layer, in which the myopia control device simultaneously receives the coating layer on each surface.

[0068] The holder can be made of any suitable material, such as mineral materials (like glass) or organic materials (like plastics, resins). The refractive index of the material used for the holder can be appropriately selected to obtain the target optical properties of the myopia control device. Preferably, the refractive index n of the holder is between 1.3 and 1.7 when measured for a wavelength of 550 nm. For example, the refractive index n can be less than or equal to the following values, or between any two of the following values: 1.9; 1.8; 1.75; 1.73; 1.71; 1.69; 1.67; 1.65; 1.63; 1.61; 1.59; 1.57; 1.55; 1.54; 1.53; 1.52; 1.51; 1.50; 1.49; 1.48; 1.47; 1.46; 1.45; or lower, and / or greater than or equal to the following values, or between any two of the following values: 1.1; 1.2; 1.25; 1.3; 1.31; 1.33; 1.35; 1.37; 1.39; 1.41; 1.43; 1.45; or higher. When the retainer comprises multiple lens components, the refractive index of the lens component materials can be different. Alternatively, the refractive index of the materials used for the lens components can be the same.

[0069] The object-side surface F1 and / or eye-side surface F2 of the retainer can have any suitable shape, such as a spherical shape or a non-spherical shape. The term "spherical shape" refers to the curvature of the lens surface that closely follows the shape of a perfect or near-perfect sphere. A spherical surface has a substantially uniform curvature across the entire surface of the myopia control device, which remains substantially the same along all meridians. A "non-spherical surface" should be understood as non-uniform across the entire surface of the myopia control device, exhibiting different curvatures along different meridians.

[0070] The object-side surface F1 and / or eye-side surface F2 of the holder can have a toric shape. A toric surface has two principal meridians perpendicular to each other, often referred to as a “steep” meridian and a “flat” meridian. The curvature of the surface is different along these meridians.

[0071] The object-side surface F1 and / or eye-side surface F2 of the retainer may have an aspherical shape. The curvature of the aspherical surface varies gradually across the surface of the myopia control device. The curvature along different meridians changes from the geometric center of the myopia control device toward the periphery; for example, the curvature of the surface increases or decreases toward the peripheral portion of the surface. The shape of the aspherical surface is typically described using mathematical equations (such as conic section equations or polynomial equations).

[0072] The object-side surface F1 and / or eye-side surface F2 of the holder may have a progressive multifocal lens profile. In the sense of this disclosure, a "progressive multifocal lens profile surface" should be understood as a surface comprising two regions with different spherical surfaces and a third region connecting the two first regions, the curvature value of which changes from the first curvature value of the corresponding two regions to a second curvature value along the third region.

[0073] Alternatively, the object-side surface F1 and / or eye-side surface F2 of the retainer may have a plano shape. Plano surfaces have no curvature across the entire surface of the lens element.

[0074] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 The illustrated myopia control device 10, designed to be worn in front of the wearer's eyes, may include a plurality of optical elements 14.

[0075] Preferably, the optical element carries a secondary optical function of the myopia control device to slow the development of refractive errors in the wearer's eye. In other words, when the wearer wears the myopia control device, for example under standard wearing conditions, and looks directly at an object located at infinity, the incident light emitted by that object that passes through the optical element will produce a defocus signal in front of and / or behind the wearer's retina.

[0076] As illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b, multiple optical elements 14 can be stacked on the holder 12. In the sense of this disclosure, the term "stacked" should be understood as located on the object-side surface F1 (front surface) of the lens element and / or on the eye-side surface F2 (rear surface) of the lens element and / or between the object-side surface F1 and the eye-side surface F2 (front and rear surfaces) of the myopia control device.

[0077] When the retainer is formed of multiple lens components, multiple optical elements can be encapsulated within the myopia control device. In the context of this invention, "encapsulated" should be understood as being surrounded, enclosed, protected within the lens element, or isolated from the outside of the lens element, as if in a capsule. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG2b, the optical elements are disposed on the complementary surface of lens component 12b opposite to the eye-side surface F2. However, it should be understood that multiple optical elements can be disposed on any of the complementary surfaces of lens components 12a and 12b opposite to the object-side surface F1 and / or the eye-side surface F2.

[0078] Advantageously, encapsulating optical elements within a myopia control device allows for the protection of these elements. Furthermore, encapsulating the optical elements facilitates lens surface treatments, particularly the addition of coatings such as abrasion-resistant coatings or UV-filtering coatings, without compromising the optical function of the elements.

[0079] Multiple optical elements can be formed on a myopia control device using any well-known manufacturing technique available in the art. For example, multiple optical elements can be directly engraved, embossed, etched, or embossed on the surface of the myopia control device.

[0080] Multiple optical elements can be made of the same material as the holders on which they are stacked. Alternatively, the optical elements and the holders can be made of different materials. For example, when multiple optical elements are encapsulated between two lens components, the optical elements can be made of the same first material as the lens components to which they are disposed, and a different second material from the second lens component encapsulating the optical elements.

[0081] Optical elements can be transparent. In the sense of this disclosure, the term "transparent" should be understood as not acting as an opaque filter that obstructs the light path. Optical elements can have concave, convex, or more complex shapes, such as Fresnel rings or grating structures.

[0082] The maximum height of each optical element (e.g., measured in a direction orthogonal to the surface on which the optical element is positioned) can be less than or equal to 1.0 millimeter (mm), for example less than or equal to, or between any two of the following values: 0.9 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.1 mm, and greater than or equal to 1 micrometer (μm), for example greater than or equal to, or between any two of the following values: 5 μm, 10 μm, 20 μm, 30 μm, 40 μm, 50 μm, 60 μm, 70 μm, 80 μm, 90 μm, 100 μm. Typically, the average height of the optical element is between 1 μm and 200 μm, preferably between 1 μm and 100 μm, and more preferably between 1 μm and 50 μm.

[0083] The diameter or spacing of each optical element can be less than or equal to 2.0 mm, for example, less than or equal to the following values, or between any two of the following values: 5.0 mm, 2.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.1 mm, 80 μm, 60 μm, 40 μm, 20 μm, or smaller. For example, the diameter of the optical element is between 0.1 mm and 5.0 mm, preferably between 0.25 mm and 4 mm, and more preferably between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm.

[0084] The optical element can be a microlens. The microlens has a profile shape circumscribed by a circle with a diameter less than or equal to 3.0 mm, for example less than or equal to 2.5 mm, preferably less than or equal to 2.0 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 1.5 mm, for example less than or equal to 1.0 mm. The microlens may be further characterized in that the diameter of its largest inscribed circle is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to 0.4 mm, and even more preferably greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, for example greater than or equal to 0.6 mm.

[0085] like Figure 1 It is indicated that at least a portion, for example more than 50%, preferably all of the optical elements 14 may be non-contiguous.

[0086] like Figure 3 This means that at least a portion, for example more than 50%, preferably all of the optical elements 14 may be adjacent.

[0087] In the sense of this disclosure, if there exists a path that supports and connects two optical elements located on the surface of the myopia control device, and if the base surface of the myopia control device with superimposed small lenses cannot be reached along the path, then the two optical elements are adjacent.

[0088] When the surface on which at least two optical elements are stacked is spherical, the base surface corresponds to the spherical surface. In other words, if there exists a path that is supported by and connects two optical elements stacked on the spherical surface, and if the spherical surface may not be accessible along the path, then the two optical elements are adjacent.

[0089] When the surface on which at least two optical elements are superimposed is not spherical, the base surface corresponds to a locally spherical surface that best fits the non-spherical surface. In other words, if there exists a path that supports and connects two optical elements superimposed on the non-spherical surface, and if the spherical surface that best fits the non-spherical surface cannot be reached along the path, then the two optical elements are adjacent.

[0090] At least some, or even all, of the optical elements can be independent. In the sense of this disclosure, two optical elements are considered independent if they produce independent images. Specifically, when illuminated by a parallel beam of light “under central vision,” each “independent adjacent optical element” forms a spot associated with it on a plane in the image space. In other words, when one optical element is hidden, the spot disappears even if that optical element is adjacent to the other.

[0091] The density of optical elements in a myopia control device can be between 20% and 100%. For example, for each circular region with a radius between 2 mm and 4 mm (the distance between its geometric center and the optical center of the lens element is greater than or equal to the radius + 5 mm), the ratio between the sum of the areas of the portions of the optical microstructures located within the circular region and the area of ​​the circular region is between 20% and 100%, preferably between 20% and 80%, more preferably between 30% and 70%, for example between 40% and 60%.

[0092] like Figure 3 As illustrated, optical elements 14 can be arranged across the entire surface of the myopia control device 10. In other words, the ratio between the sum of the projected areas of the optical elements and the area of ​​the myopia control device is essentially equal to 1.

[0093] like Figure 1 As illustrated, the myopia control device 10 may include a central region 16 without optical elements 14, the diameter of which is greater than or equal to 2.0 mm, preferably 3.0 mm, more preferably 4.0 mm and less than or equal to 40 mm, preferably 30 mm, more preferably 22 mm. The central region includes a frame reference point facing the wearer's pupil when looking straight ahead under standard wearing conditions.

[0094] Optical elements can be positioned on a structured mesh, such as a square mesh, a hexagonal mesh, a triangular mesh, or an octagonal mesh.

[0095] like Figure 1 As illustrated, optical elements 14 can be arranged in multiple concentric rings centered on the optical center and / or geometric center of the myopia control device 10 to which these optical elements are superimposed. The radial distance between successive concentric rings of the optical elements can be the same. Alternatively, the radial distance between successive concentric rings of the optical microstructure can vary. Preferably, the distance between two successive concentric rings of the optical microstructure is greater than or equal to 1.00 mm, preferably 2.0 mm, and more preferably 4.0 mm. The optical microstructures can be arranged along radial lines (such as spokes of a wheel), or arranged in a triangular, cubic, hexagonal, or other geometrically mixed tiling cluster form.

[0096] A second optical function that can slow the development of refractive errors in the wearer's eye can be a refractive optical function. In other words, the myopia control device is designed to manipulate at least a portion of the incident light rays passing through the myopia control device and bend them in different directions. For example, at least a portion, such as more than 50%, preferably all of the optical elements are refractive optical elements.

[0097] The refractive optical function can be a spherical optical function that modifies the direction of the incident light beam to focus it into a single focal point, preferably located in front of and / or behind the wearer's retina. For example, at least a portion, such as more than 50%, preferably all of the optical elements are spherical optical elements.

[0098] Alternatively, the refractive optical function may be a non-spherical optical function that modifies the direction of the incident light beam toward different focal points, thereby preferably producing a blurred or unfocused volume of light in front of and / or behind the wearer's retina. In the sense of this disclosure, the term "non-spherical" should be understood as not having a single focal point. For example, at least a portion, e.g., more than 50%, preferably all of the optical elements are non-spherical. Non-spherical optical elements do not have the same curvature and refractive power on their surfaces, unlike spherical optical elements which have constant refractive power on their surfaces.

[0099] Refractive optical functions can be toric optical functions. Typically, toric optical functions are characterized by a cylindrical power and an orientation axis that specifies the orientation of that cylindrical power. For example, at least a portion, such as more than 50%, preferably all of the optical elements are toric optical elements.

[0100] Refractive optical functions can be non-polygonal optical functions. A non-polygonal optical function is characterized by variations in optical power along different meridians. For example, at least a portion, such as more than 50%, and preferably all of the optical elements are non-polygonal optical elements.

[0101] Refractive optical functions can be multifocal optical functions. In the sense of this disclosure, "multifocal optical functions" include bifocal lenses (having two focal powers), trifocal lenses (having three focal powers), and progressive multifocal lenses (having continuously varying focal powers, such as aspherical surface lenses). For example, at least a portion, such as more than 50%, preferably all of the optical elements are multifocal optical elements.

[0102] Refractive optical functions can be aspherical optical functions. In the sense of this disclosure, aspherical optical functions are characterized by a continuous evolution of focal power on the surface. For example, the refractive power can increase or decrease from the geometric center or optical center of the optical microstructure to its periphery.

[0103] For example, at least a portion, such as more than 50%, preferably all of the optical elements are aspherical optical elements. An aspherical optical element is characterized by the absolute value of the difference between the average mean optical power measured at the center of the optical element and the average mean optical power measured at the periphery of the optical element being between 0.1D and 10D, preferably between 0.1D and 3D. The center of the optical element can be defined by a circular region centered on the geometric center of the optical element and having a diameter between 0.1mm and 0.5mm, preferably equal to 0.2mm. The periphery of the optical element can be defined by an annular region centered on the geometric center of the optical element and having an inner diameter between 0.5mm and 0.7mm and an outer diameter between 0.70mm and 0.80mm. According to an embodiment of the invention, the absolute value of the optical power of the aspherical optical element at its geometric center is between 2.0D and 7.0D, and the absolute value of the optical power at its periphery is between 1.5D and 6.0D. For the optical power value measured for the optical element, it should be considered in relation to the relative downlighting of the optical power of the holder superimposed on the optical element.

[0104] Secondary optical functions (such as refractive optical functions) that slow the development of refractive errors in the wearer's eyes can be varied in myopia control devices.

[0105] For example, optical elements can be designed such that the average optical power of each optical element varies depending on its relative position on the myopia control lens.

[0106] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the optical elements are arranged such that, along at least one cross-section of the myopia control device, the average optical power of the optical elements varies towards the periphery of the myopia control device. For example, the average optical power of the optical elements along the cross-section may increase towards the periphery of the myopia control device. Alternatively, the average optical power of the optical elements along the cross-section may decrease towards the periphery of the myopia control device.

[0107] Advantageously, varying the mean optical power of the optical elements according to the radial distance allows for changes in defocus and, consequently, in the intensity of the myopia control signal, resulting in better control over the development of refractive errors in the eye.

[0108] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical elements are arranged such that along at least one cross section of the myopia control device, the average optical power of the optical elements increases from a first point to a second point of the cross section and further decreases from the second point toward the periphery of the myopia control device, the second point being closer to the periphery of the myopia control device than the first point.

[0109] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the average optical power of an optical element can vary depending on its radial distance or eccentricity from the geometric center and / or optical center of the holder or myopia control device to which it is superimposed. In other words, the average optical power of an optical element positioned closer to the geometric center or optical center of the holder can be higher than the average optical power of an optical element positioned closer to the periphery of the holder.

[0110] For example, the optical element can be designed such that the average optical power of the optical element increases radially from the center of the holder up to a threshold distance, and then decreases further radially beyond the threshold distance. For example, along a threshold distance less than or equal to 1.0 cm, preferably 2.0 cm, or for example 3.0 cm, the average optical power of the optical element increases radially, and for a threshold distance greater than 1.0 cm, preferably 2.0 cm, or for example 3.0 cm, the average optical power of the optical element decreases radially.

[0111] Optical elements can be arranged such that, along all cross-sections passing through the geometric center and / or optical center of the myopia control device, the average optical power of the optical elements increases towards the periphery of the myopia control device. Alternatively, optical elements can be arranged such that, along all cross-sections passing through the geometric center and / or optical center of the myopia control device, the average optical power of the optical elements increases from a first point of the cross-section to a second point of the cross-section and further decreases from the second point towards the periphery of the myopia control device, the second point being closer to the periphery of the myopia control device than the first point.

[0112] A second optical function that can slow the progression of refractive errors in a wearer's eye can be a diffractive optics function. Myopia control devices can be designed to control the phase and amplitude of diffracted light, thereby modifying the shape of the incident beam to a single focal point. Alternatively, diffractive optics can be used to split a single incident beam into multiple beams and redirect those beams along different paths, thereby producing a blurred or unfocused volume of light. For example, at least a portion, such as more than 50%, preferably all of the optical elements are diffractive optics elements.

[0113] Diffractive optical elements can be π-Fresnel optical elements. In the sense of this disclosure, a π-Fresnel optical element is a Fresnel microlens with a π-phase jump in the phase function ψ(r) at the nominal wavelength λ0, unlike a single-focus Fresnel lens where the phase jump is a multiple of 2π. A π-Fresnel microlens primarily diffracts light to two diffraction orders (0th and +1st), for example, associated with a refractive power P(λ0) = 0δ and a positive refractive power P(λ0) = 3δ, where λ0 = 550 nm.

[0114] The diffraction efficiency of the two principal diffraction orders (0th and +1st orders) of each π-Fresnel optical element can vary depending on their radial distance from the geometric center and / or optical center of the holder to which they are superimposed. For example, the diffraction efficiency of the two principal diffraction orders (0th and +1st orders) of each π-Fresnel optical element can vary depending on whether the radial distance increases, decreases, or increases and then decreases further.

[0115] A second optical function that can slow the progression of refractive errors in the wearer's eye can be a diffuse optics function. In other words, the myopia control device can be designed to diverge incident light in multiple directions, thereby creating a blurred or unfocused volume. For example, at least a portion, such as more than 50%, preferably all of the optical elements are diffuse optics.

[0116] Diffusing optics can be scattering optics that disperse incident light. For example, at least a portion, such as more than 50%, preferably all of the optical elements can be scattering optics. Typically, scattering optics are designed to scatter or diffuse light passing through them, thereby controlling the direction and intensity of the light.

[0117] The second optical function that can slow the development of refractive errors in the wearer's eye can be a holographic optical function. The holographic optical function can be a transmissive holographic optical function or a reflective holographic optical function. For example, at least a portion, such as more than 50%, and preferably all of the optical elements can be holographic elements.

[0118] The second optical function that can slow the development of refractive errors in the wearer's eye can be a chromatic optical function. For example, at least a portion, such as more than 50%, preferably all of the optical elements can be chromatic optical elements.

[0119] The second optical function that slows the development of refractive errors in the wearer's eye can be an activatable optical function. For example, at least a portion, such as more than 50%, preferably all of the optical elements can be activatable optical elements.

[0120] This disclosure further relates to a method for slowing the development of refractive errors in a wearer's eye.

[0121] A method for slowing the development of refractive errors in a wearer's eye includes the following steps: providing a myopia control device according to the present disclosure as a first prescription device.

[0122] It will be apparent from the following discussion that, unless otherwise specifically stated, throughout this specification, the use of terms such as “operation,” “computation,” “generation,” etc., refers 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 (e.g., electronic) quantities in the registers and / or memory of the computing system into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the memory, registers, or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices of the computing system.

[0123] Embodiments of the present invention may include apparatus for performing the operations described herein. This apparatus may be specifically constructed for the desired purpose, or it may include 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), electronically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic cards or optical cards, or any other type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions and capable of being coupled to a computer system bus.

[0124] The processes and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other device. Various general-purpose systems can be used with the programs taught herein, or they can prove convenient for building more specialized devices to perform the desired methods. The desired architecture of various such systems will become apparent from the description below. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention are described without reference to any particular programming language. It should be understood that the teachings of the invention described herein can be implemented using various programming languages.

[0125] Many further modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when referring to the foregoing illustrative embodiments. These embodiments are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, which is defined only by the appended claims.

[0126] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" ("a" or "an") do not exclude a plural. The mere fact that different features are described in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these features cannot be used advantageously. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A myopia control device, comprising a first optical function to correct refractive errors in the wearer's eye and a second optical function to slow the progression of refractive errors in the wearer's eye. Its features are, The myopia control device is used as a first prescription device to slow the development of refractive errors in the eye.

2. The myopia control device according to claim 1, comprising a holder carrying the first optical function and a plurality of optical elements carrying the second optical function.

3. The myopia control device according to claim 2, wherein, The optical element is superimposed on the holder.

4. The myopia control device according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein, The plurality of optical elements are small lenses.

5. The myopia control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The optical elements are arranged along multiple concentric rings.

6. The myopia control device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising a central region having a diameter greater than or equal to 4 mm and less than or equal to 22 mm, the central region including a frame reference point facing the pupil of the wearer when looking straight ahead under standard wearing conditions, the central region having no optical elements.

7. The myopia control device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, The plurality of optical elements cover the entire surface of the myopia control device.

8. The myopia control device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, The optical elements are non-contiguous.

9. The myopia control device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, The optical elements are adjacent to each other.

10. The myopia control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The second optical function that slows the development of refractive errors in the wearer's eye is a refractive optical function.

11. The myopia control device according to claim 10, wherein, The second refractive optical function is a spherical optical function that focuses light in front of and / or behind the retina of the wearer's eye when the myopia control device is worn under standard wearing conditions.

12. The myopia control device according to claim 10, wherein, The second refractive optical function is a non-spherical optical function without a single focal point.

13. The myopia control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The second optical function that slows the development of refractive errors in the wearer's eye is a diffractive optical function.

14. The myopia control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The myopia control device is an optical lens, ophthalmic lens, spectacle lens, contact lens, artificial lens, or a film, patch, or clip suitable for positioning on an ophthalmic lens.

15. A method for slowing the development of refractive errors in a wearer's eye, the method comprising: - Provide a myopia control device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 as a first prescription device.