Instrumented contact lens and associated device, optionally embedded in the lens, for treating emmetropisation and / or slowing retinal ageing
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024717677
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-04-07
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-11
AI Technical Summary
Current solutions for treating emmetropization and retinal aging, such as contact lenses, do not effectively preserve central vision during treatment and lack reliable control over illumination intensity and duration, posing challenges in mobility and safety for individuals undergoing myopia treatment.
A scleral contact lens with an embedded LED illumination source emitting red light at 670nm, designed to uniformly illuminate the perifoveal area of the retina without obstructing the fovea, along with an electronic circuit for controlled illumination and energy management, allowing for ambulatory use and preserving near-normal vision.
The solution provides effective treatment for myopia and slows down retinal aging by stimulating mitochondria with controlled red light exposure, ensuring preserved central vision and improved mobility, while maintaining safety and comfort by avoiding visual obstacles.
Smart Images

Figure EP2024059371_10102024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Description
[0002] Title: Instrumented contact lens and associated device, embedded in the lens or not, for the treatment of emmetropization and / or slowing down retinal aging.
[0003] Technical field
[0004] The present invention relates to an instrumented contact lens, and more particularly to a scleral lens.
[0005] The lens according to the invention can be a completely autonomous system and installed on at least one eye of an individual.
[0006] The invention aims to provide a reliable and secure solution for the treatment of slowing down emmetropization, or myopia, and in particular it aims to delay retinal aging, while making it possible to partially preserve central (foveal) vision for the duration of the treatment and therefore to leave the pupil of the treated individual free.
[0007] Prior art
[0008] There has recently been a real boom in emmetropization, or myopia: approximately one third of the world's population is estimated to be facing myopia problems by the end of this decade: [1].
[0009] It is recalled here that the process of emmetropization is a phenomenon that allows the child's eye to develop in a proportionate manner in relation to the optics in order to obtain good refraction. In other words, when the eye is emmetropic, the image is very clear on the retina in the absence of accommodation. The opposite case is when the elongation of the eye is not proportionate to the optics and gives rise to poor refraction: an ametropic state is one in which the image does not converge well on the retina. It is observed that blurred vision in a growing eye increases the axial length. Optical correction would stop this process, and is therefore necessary for myopes.
[0010] In addition, there will be an increase in age-related visual impairments: due to global demographic aging, approximately 2 billion people will be over 65 years old in 2050: [2], a high proportion of whom will be affected by visual impairments. In view of these phenomena, it now appears imperative that as many people as possible have access to simple and inexpensive technology to combat vision decline and in particular to slow down the aging of the retina.
[0011] Researchers at the University College London (UCL) Eye Institute observed an improvement in visual performance, particularly in the sensitivity of cones to chromatic contrast, in volunteers aged 37 to 70 years who were asked to focus on a hand-held torch light, the illumination source of which was a 670 nm red-emitting LED, for 3 minutes per day for two weeks in a row: [3]. This improvement resulted in an increase after treatment of approximately 17% in the discrimination of light contrasts in the blue part of the color spectrum (perceived by S-type cones and more vulnerable during aging). The researchers in this publication [3] hypothesize that the effects caused by red (near infrared) light would be the result of mitochondrial stimulation.These small structures produce the energy needed for the chemical reactions of metabolism. This process also protects cells from the dangers of oxidation. Cones and rods are photoreceptor cells in the retina that are rich in mitochondria. This means they produce a lot of energy to function. However, the mitochondria in these cells lose nearly 70% of their function after aging, reducing the amount of energy they can produce. This is due to direct exposure to UV radiation, which the retina is subjected to. With the decline in mitochondria, retinal cells deteriorate with age, promoting the development of various pathologies such as AMD, accompanied by a decline in visual function.
[0012] In other words, it is known that the functioning of mitochondria is stimulated by light emitting at wavelengths between 650 and 1000 nm. Thus, such stimulation could both allow cells to have more energy and be less exposed to oxidative stress, two mechanisms that protect cells.
[0013] An effect on the function of rods, which are more sensitive to photoaging and useful for low-light vision, has also been observed, but to a lesser extent compared to cones:[4]. In China, it has been established that the prevalence of myopia is 77% in middle school students and 87% in high school students:[5]. A series of studies carried out in this country has demonstrated the effectiveness of red light therapy (650 nm) in controlling myopia in children aged 8 to 13 years. More specifically, in a multicenter clinical trial, approximately 260 myopic children were treated with 3-minute sessions, twice a day, 5 days a week. The results showed a significant decrease in axial elongation of the eye after a period of 12 months of treatment:[6].
[0014] Although no retinal phototoxicity has been reported for illumination at red wavelengths so far, studies are not yet comprehensive. Furthermore, exposure of the cornea and lens in front of the retina can be problematic.
[0015] In any case, an individual, whether a practitioner or under the care of an ophthalmology professional, should not attempt to expose their eyes to red light at home alone, and the level and duration of exposure to the latter must be carefully controlled.
[0016] A major disadvantage of the devices used in the above-mentioned studies is that they do not allow central (foveal) vision to be partially preserved for the duration of treatment and therefore leave the pupil free.
[0017] Patents US11275259B2 and US11480813B2 propose devices for stimulating peripheral areas of the retina for the treatment of myopia in humans, in particular by means of a contact lens which allows distributed illumination by icon projection. The method implemented aims to reverse the axial elongation process associated with the progression of myopia by regularly exposing the eye to a peripheral myopic defocusing stimulus. The disclosed contact lenses are complex to produce and do not guarantee that central (foveal) vision is preserved during stimulation.
[0018] There is therefore a need to further improve existing solutions for treating emmetropization, or myopia, and slowing down retinal aging, in particular to allow an individual wearing the equipment necessary for treatment not to be restricted in their ocular mobility and movement, and preferably in possible ambulatory use. Another need is to propose a solution that meets the previous need, which is simple and reliable, in particular in guaranteeing the quality and control of the illumination of the eye to be treated.
[0019] The aim of the invention is to meet at least partially this(these) need(s).
[0020] Statement of the invention
[0021] To this end, the invention relates to a contact lens for the treatment of emmetropization and / or slowing down the visual aging of an individual, comprising:
[0022] - a membrane adapted to at least partially cover the individual's eye;
[0023] - at least one illumination source encapsulated in the membrane, the illumination source, preferably consisting of an LED, being adapted to emit a cone or light beam, of a determined wavelength in the red, preferably at a wavelength substantially equal to 670nm, intended to illuminate directly or indirectly, and uniformly at least part of the retina for a determined duration.
[0024] The lens is advantageously a scleral lens whose membrane is adapted to cover at least the pupil, the iris and at least partially the sclera of the eye.
[0025] By "scleral lens" is meant here and within the scope of the invention the usual meaning, namely a large diameter contact lens which, in the configuration worn by the eye, passes in a bridge over the cornea without touching it, resting on the sclera of the eye.
[0026] The scleral lens according to the invention can be rigid or hybrid (semi-rigid).
[0027] According to an advantageous variant, the illumination source(s) is / are arranged so that when the membrane covers the eye, it / they are opposite the pupillary periphery and oriented so that the cone or light beam illuminates the interior of the retina.
[0028] Advantageously, according to this variant, the cone or light beam illuminates only the perifoveal part (PF) of the retina.
[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, the lens comprises a guide for the light emitted by the source(s), encapsulated in the membrane, and arranged so that when the membrane covers the eye, it is opposite the pupillary periphery to project the beam in the form of a ring around the fovea (F). According to another advantageous embodiment variant, the source(s) or a beam shaping optic comprises a diffusing or holographic element, encapsulated in the membrane, to inject a uniform beam onto the retina.
[0030] According to another advantageous embodiment, the lens comprises an electronic circuit encapsulated in the membrane and adapted to electronically control the illumination source(s).
[0031] According to another advantageous embodiment, the lens comprises an antenna encapsulated in the membrane, adapted to carry out electrical recharging of each illumination source.
[0032] According to an advantageous configuration, the lens comprises:
[0033] - an interface, encapsulated in the membrane, for collecting and supplying electrical energy from the illumination source, from outside the lens,
[0034] - at least one electronic circuit, encapsulated in the membrane, adapted to control the illumination source(s) from the interface.
[0035] The lens may include a battery encapsulated in the membrane and connected to the interface, the battery being adapted to be recharged from the interface and to electrically power the illumination source(s) and / or the optoelectronic functions associated with the illumination sources, the electronic circuit being adapted to drive the source(s) from the battery.
[0036] According to another advantageous configuration, the antenna is further an antenna for transmitting information by wireless communication, preferably in near field communication (NFC), the lens further comprising an electronic chip, encapsulated in the membrane and connected to the electronic circuit for exchanging data bidirectionally with a control unit external to the lens.
[0037] The illumination source can be controlled in a continuous or alternating (stroboscopic) operating mode, with a duty cycle adapted to limit the constriction reflex of the eye's pupil.
[0038] The invention also relates to a device for the treatment of emmetropization and / or the prevention of the effects of visual aging of an individual, comprising: - at least one contact lens as described previously;
[0039] - a support, intended to be positioned in a fixed manner relative to the individual's face, and which incorporates at least one antenna adapted to directly or indirectly control and electrically recharge the lens's illumination source(s).
[0040] The device may advantageously comprise an interface with a cognitive assistant embedded on a smartphone-type terminal, adapted to control the illumination source(s) of the lens via the antenna of the support.
[0041] Advantageously, the support is a frame, intended to be worn on the individual's face, such as a spectacle frame or a self-adhesive dermal patch, in particular to be arranged around an eye, or a sleep mask.
[0042] Thus, the invention essentially consists of a contact lens whose membrane integrates / encapsulates at least one illumination source, which sends at least one beam of wavelength in the red, preferably substantially equal to 670nm towards the retina of an eye, preferably in the perifoveal part around the fovea and without impacting the latter.
[0043] The illumination source is preferably a 670 nm visible LED emitting directly or via an optic towards the inside of the eye. The illumination according to the invention can thus be controlled in intensity and duration of illumination and carried out uniformly on the surface of the retina with the exception of the fovea.
[0044] In an advantageous embodiment, the pupil is left free of any visual obstacle. Indeed, it is preferable to leave no electronic function or any element obstructing the visual field, otherwise there would be a significant impact on comfort and safety, which could reduce attentional vigilance for example.
[0045] Different configurations can be used to provide satisfactory illumination of the targeted area of the retina by means of either several LEDs, four in number for example, arranged in a ring on the periphery of the pupil, or with a single LED powering a light guide reflecting the light in a coronagraphic form projecting a uniform ring onto the inside of the retina.
[0046] A solution with a single LED has the advantage of being simple to implement with a minimum of optoelectronic components embedded in the lens. Thanks to the lens according to the invention, by illuminating the retina, in particular the perifoveal part, with a wavelength of 670nm in a controlled and uniform manner, mitochondria are stimulated. And thus, an effective treatment of myopia and / or a slowing down of retinal aging is obtained.
[0047] The scleral lens according to the invention advantageously integrates energy resources, e.g. battery(ies) or recharging means, allowing the on-board functions to operate.
[0048] The advantages of a contact lens according to the invention are numerous compared to the solutions for treating myopia and / or slowing down retinal aging according to the state of the art, among which we can cite:
[0049] - preservation of near-normal vision for the duration of an individual's treatment;
[0050] - better control of the level of light power illuminating the retina (intensity and duration of exposure), making it possible in particular to reduce the level of light power required for treatment;
[0051] - better control of the uniformity of retinal illumination;
[0052] - illumination and therefore stimulation of the retinal area, independent of voluntary or involuntary movements of the eye;
[0053] - the possibility of treatment even with closed eyelids, particularly during a phase of sleep of the treated individual;
[0054] - the possibility of preserving foveal perception so as not to render the individual wearing a lens totally blind, for the duration of the treatment.
[0055] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description of examples of implementation of the invention given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the following figures.
[0056] Brief description of the drawings
[0057] [Eig 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a scleral lens according to the state of the art, in the general form of a spherical cap.
[0058] [Eig 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a scleral lens according to the invention placed on an eye, for illuminating the perifoveal part for the purpose of treating myopia and / or slowing down retinal aging. [Fig 3] Figure 3 is a schematic view showing a first variant of a lens according to the invention according to which its illumination source is oriented towards the inside of the illuminating eye via its shaping optics, directly towards the inside of the eye.
[0059] [Fig 4] Figure 4 is a schematic view showing a second variant of a lens according to the invention according to which its illumination source is oriented towards the outside of the illuminating eye by means of its shaping optics, constituted by a light guide towards the inside of the eye.
[0060] [Fig 5] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a scleral lens according to a variant of the invention, placed on an eye.
[0061] [Fig 6] Figure 6 is a schematic front view of a device for treating myopia and / or slowing down retinal aging, with a support according to a first variant in the form of a self-adhesive dermal patch arranged around the eye to be treated.
[0062] [Fig 7] Figure 7 is a synoptic view showing the operation of an electromagnetic induction recharging device making it possible to recharge the deformable battery encapsulated in a scleral lens according to the invention from a support according to a second variant in the form of an eyeglass frame.
[0063] [Fig 8] Figure 8 is a schematic front view of a support according to a third variant in the form of a sleep mask.
[0064] [Fig 9A], [Fig 9B] Figures 9A and 9B are views showing successive production steps of a scleral lens according to the invention.
[0065] Detailed description
[0066] Throughout the present application, the terms "internal" and "external" are to be understood by reference to a scleral lens in the configuration worn by an eye. Thus, the internal face designates the face of the lens in contact with the surface of the eye while the external face designates the face in contact with the exterior.
[0067] Likewise, the terms "above", "below", "top", "bottom" are to be understood by reference to a scleral lens according to the configuration worn by an eye whose optical axis is substantially horizontal. By "optical axis of the eye", is meant here and in the context of the invention, an axis identified in clinical practice as the direction connecting a light source point, and the center of the light reflections of the four refractive surfaces of the eye (anterior and posterior faces of the cornea, anterior and posterior faces of the crystalline lens).
[0068] It is specified that the various elements according to the invention are represented solely for the sake of clarity and that they are not necessarily to scale.
[0069] As illustrated in Figure 1, a scleral lens 1 has an inner face 11, in particular the support zone with the sclera, adapted for optimal position and stabilization on the eye, and an outer face 12 of a membrane 10 which define a general shape of a spherical cap. This scleral lens 1 is not in contact with the cornea, with a space E typically of a few hundred microns between the surface of the cornea and the inner face 11 of the lens 1, and the peripheral portion 13 of the lens 1 rests regularly on the sclera, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. These two characteristics make it a very comfortable and very stable lens on the eye.
[0070] The scleral lens 1 according to the invention, illustrated in Figure 2, is configured to be applied to an eye O of an individual having an optical axis X.
[0071] The eye O has an iris I pierced in its center by a circular opening called the pupil P through which light is transmitted. The iris I dilates or contracts depending on the light intensity. The eye O also has a lens CR formed by a fibrous, transparent and flexible disc to focus the incident light received through the pupil P.
[0072] As seen in Figures 2 and 3, the pupil P and the lens CR are substantially centered on the optical axis X.
[0073] The scleral lens 1 supports by encapsulation in its membrane 10, an illumination source 14 emitting a wavelength in the red, preferably at 670nm. The central axis of the membrane 10 is substantially coincident with the optical axis X.
[0074] The transparent membrane 10 in contact with the cornea is preferably made of a biocompatible material, for example based on silicone hydrogel or HEM A (an English acronym for "Hydroxy Ethyl Methacrylate"). It may be any other suitable biocompatible material. The source 14 may be a light-emitting diode (LED) emitting a wavelength in the red, preferably at 670nm, + / - 10nm. A shape of source 14, such as for example an elliptical diode or the installation of a shaping optic 140, 141 on this source 14 may be envisaged so that the uniform light beam Fl that it emits best illuminates the retinal zone R delimited by the perifoveal part PF, around the fovea.
[0075] Thus, according to the invention, the uniform beam Fl passes the pupil P, through the lens CR to illuminate only the perifoveal part.
[0076] According to a first variant, illustrated schematically in figure 3, the FED 14 is oriented so as to emit in the direction of the retina R and its shaping optics 140, preferably constituted by a concentrator, a hologram or an optical diffuser, is arranged just opposite the output of the beam emitted by the FED 14.
[0077] According to a second variant, as an alternative to the first, illustrated schematically in Figure 4, the FED 14 is oriented so as to emit towards the outside of the eye O and the shaping optic which can be a light guide 141 is arranged so that the beam Fl is directed towards the retina R in the form of a ring around the fovea F. According to this variant, the illumination source 14 and the light guide 141 can be advantageously arranged so that, when the membrane 10 covers the eye, they are opposite the pupillary periphery.
[0078] The duration and intensity of the light beam Fl are precisely controlled for the stimulation sought within the framework of the invention.
[0079] With such a uniform and precisely controlled light beam Fl in intensity and duration, an effective treatment of myopia and / or slowing down of retinal aging R is achieved.
[0080] Advantageously, the pupil P is left free of any visual obstacle.
[0081] An electronic circuit for controlling the illumination source 14, which may be only a rectifier or a single RFID antenna, is encapsulated in the membrane 10. This electronic circuit may be integrated in an electronic chip 16, also encapsulated in the membrane 10, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0082] The electronic chip 16 is connected to an antenna, not shown, for receiving and transmitting the control data of the illumination source by wireless communication from outside the lens. The wireless communication can be bidirectional, so that the chip sends the data specific to the illumination source 14 to the external control unit.
[0083] To control LED 14, it is also possible to do without any electronic chip and activate it by wireless communication via an antenna.
[0084] Wireless communication is preferably carried out using a near-field communication protocol, often referred to by its acronym NFC (an English acronym for "Near-Field Communication").
[0085] The operating mode of the illumination source 14 can be continuous or alternating (stroboscopic), with the choice of a duty cycle adapted to limit the constriction reflex of the pupil of the eye.
[0086] An electrical induction charging interface may be provided, encapsulated in the membrane, for collecting and supplying electrical energy to the illumination source 14 and the active components of the electronic chip 16, from outside the lens, with at least one electronic circuit, encapsulated in the membrane, adapted to activate the illumination source from the interface.
[0087] Alternatively, the scleral lens can integrate within its membrane 10 a rechargeable autonomous battery which directly powers the source and the active components of the chip 16. This battery is advantageously an accumulator as described and claimed in patent application WO2018 / 167393A1.
[0088] The electronic chip 16 can, for example, be made from a chip marketed under the name NHS3152 from the company NXP.
[0089] A device for the treatment of emmetropization and / or the prevention of the effects of visual aging of an individual, comprises at least one contact lens 1 which has just been described and advantageously a support 2, 3, 4, intended to be positioned in a fixed manner relative to the face of the individual, and which integrates at least one antenna adapted to directly or indirectly control and to electrically recharge the illumination source(s) 14 of the lens.
[0090] According to a first alternative, the support 2 is a self-adhesive dermal patch, in particular to be arranged around an eye, as illustrated in Figure 6. This patch 2 therefore integrates an antenna which controls and ensures the energy resourcing of the source 14 and the active electronic components of the lens. This antenna is itself powered by a wired connection 20 connected to an advantageously portable interface 21.
[0091] This interface 21 can integrate a cognitive assistant embedded on a smartphone-type terminal, adapted to control the illumination source(s) 14 of the lens via the antenna of the self-adhesive pad 2.
[0092] In the case where the scleral lens according to the invention incorporates a flexible battery for powering the illumination source(s) 14, a magnetic induction recharging system for this battery is advantageously provided. Thus, preferably an antenna in the form of an induction coil 17, connected to a rectifier, is encapsulated in the membrane 10 of a scleral lens 1.
[0093] An advantageous example of a recharging system is shown in Figure 7: an induction antenna 30 is integrated into an eyeglass frame 3, which constitutes a second alternative of the device. The antenna 30 transfers energy by magnetic coupling to the antenna 17 of the contact lens 1 which can be in place on the eye O of an individual during recharging by magnetic induction. Reference may be made to publication [7] for further details.
[0094] Figure 8 shows a third alternative support consisting of a sleep mask 4 whose portions facing the eyes can be advantageously hollowed out for the comfortable placement of two contact lenses 1 according to the invention. A control antenna and, if necessary, an electrical recharging antenna for the source 14 is encapsulated in the structure of the mask 4. Such a mask 4 allows treatment of myopia even with the eyelids closed, in particular during a sleep phase of the treated individual. The portion facing an eye can be open (left eye in Figure 8) or hollowed out without being open (right eye in Figure 8).
[0095] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate certain steps of a method for producing a scleral lens according to the invention.
[0096] The membrane 10 here consists of two films 100, 101 made of transparent polymer, for example a hydrogel.
[0097] Each of the two films 100, 101 is first shaped as usual. Then, all the electronics, with the possible exception of the induction energy collection antenna, are placed on the inner face of the outer film 100.
[0098] Thus, the illumination source 14 and the optical guide 141 are perfectly positioned within the film 100.
[0099] Once this positioning is carried out, the two transparent polymer films 100, 101 are sealed together, using UV glue for example.
[0100] Thus, all the electronic or optoelectronic components are perfectly positioned and encapsulated between the two films 100, 101.
[0101] The same method can be implemented to encapsulate, in addition to the illumination source 14, a diffusing optical element and / or a holographic element.
[0102] Other variations and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0103] The example described is optimal because the number of elements encapsulated in the membrane is reduced: the lens in fact only comprises an illumination source 14 with emission in the red, an antenna 17, an electronic circuit and, where appropriate, an optic 140, 141 for shaping the beam emitted by the source 14 in the perifoveal part through the crystalline lens CR.
[0104] It is also possible to envisage the arrangement of several sources 14, in particular several LEDs in a ring on the pupillary periphery, for example four in number.
[0105] A treatment of myopia and / or slowing of retinal aging can be carried out simultaneously on both eyes of an individual by means of two contact lenses 1 according to the invention, which can be controlled by two separate units or a single unit.
[0106] Liste des références citées
[0107] [1] Dolgin E (2015) The myopia boom. Nature, 519, 276-8.
[0108] [2] United Nations. World Ageing Population 2013. https: / / www.un.org / en / development / desa / population / publications / pdf / ageing / W orldPopulationAgeing2013.pdf
[0109] [3] Shinhmar H, Hogg C, Neveu M, Jeffery G (2021) "Weeklong improved colour contrasts sensitivity after single 670 nm exposures associated with enhanced mitochondrial function.” Scientific Reports,! 1, 22872.
[0110] [4] Shinhmar H, Grewal M, Sivaprasad S, Hogg C, Chong V, Neveu M, Jeffery G (2020) "Optically improved mitochondrial function redeems aged human visual decline”. Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 75(9): e49-e52.
[0111] [5] Wang, J, Ying Gs, Fu X, Zhang R, Meng J, Gu F, Ei J (2020) "Prevalence of myopia and vision impairment in school students in Eastern China”. BMC Ophthalmology, 20:2.
[0112] [6] Jiang Y, Zhu Z, Tan X, Kong X, Zhong H, Zhang J, Xiong R, Yuan Y, Zeng J, Morgan IG, He M (2021). "Effect of repeated low-level red-light therapy for myopia control in children: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.” Ophthalmology, 129(5):509-19.
[0113] [7] A. Khaldi, E. Daniel, L. Massin, C. Kârnfelt, F. Ferranti, C. Eahuec, F. Seguin, V. Nourrit, J-E de Bougrenet de la Tocnaye, "The cyclops contact lens: A laser emitting contact lens for eye tracking”, Scientific Report 10, 14804, doi.org / 10.1038 / s41598-020-71233-l, (2020).
Claims
Claims 1. Contact lens (1) for the treatment of emmetropization and / or slowing down the visual aging of an individual, comprising: - a membrane (10) adapted to at least partially cover the eye (O) of the individual; - at least one illumination source (14) encapsulated in the membrane, the illumination source, preferably constituted by an LED, being adapted to emit a cone or light beam (Fl), of a determined wavelength in the red, preferably at a wavelength substantially equal to 670nm, intended to illuminate directly or indirectly, and uniformly at least a part of the retina (R) for a determined duration.
2. Contact lens (1) according to claim 1, being a scleral lens whose membrane is adapted to cover at least the pupil, the iris and at least partially the sclera of the eye.
3. Contact lens (1) according to claim 1 or 2, the illumination source(s) being arranged so that when the membrane covers the eye, it(they) is(are) facing the pupillary periphery and oriented so that the cone or light beam illuminates the interior of the retina.
4. Contact lens (1) according to claim 3, the cone or light beam illuminates only the perifoveal part (PF) of the retina.
5. Contact lens (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a guide for the light emitted by the source(s), encapsulated in the membrane, and arranged so that when the membrane covers the eye, it is opposite the pupillary periphery to project the beam in the form of a ring around the fovea (F).
6. Contact lens (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the source(s) or a beam shaping optic comprising a diffusing or holographic element, encapsulated in the membrane, for injecting a uniform beam onto the retina.
7. Contact lens (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an electronic circuit encapsulated in the membrane and adapted to electronically control the illumination source(s).
8. Contact lens (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an antenna (17) encapsulated in the membrane, adapted to carry out electrical recharging of each illumination source.
9. Contact lens (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - an interface, encapsulated in the membrane, for collecting and supplying electrical energy from the illumination source, from outside the lens, - at least one electronic circuit, encapsulated in the membrane, adapted to control the illumination source(s) from the interface.
10. Contact lens (1) according to claim 9, comprising a battery encapsulated in the membrane and connected to the interface, the battery being adapted to be recharged from the interface and to electrically power the illumination source(s) and / or the optoelectronic functions associated with the illumination sources, the electronic circuit being adapted to control the source(s) from the battery.
11. Contact lens (1) according to one of claims 7 to 10, the antenna further being an antenna for transmitting information by wireless communication, preferably in near field (NFC), the lens further comprising an electronic chip (16), encapsulated in the membrane and connected to the electronic circuit for exchanging data bidirectionally with a control unit external to the lens.
12. Contact lens (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the illumination source (14) being controlled according to a continuous or alternating (stroboscopic) operating mode, with a duty cycle adapted to limit the constriction reflex of the pupil of the eye.
13. Device for the treatment of emmetropization and / or the prevention of the effects of visual aging of an individual, comprising: - at least one contact lens according to one of the preceding claims; - a support (2, 3, 4), intended to be positioned in a fixed manner relative to the face of the individual, and which integrates at least one antenna adapted to directly or indirectly control and to electrically recharge the illumination source(s) of the lens.
14. Device according to claim 13, further comprising an interface with a cognitive assistant embedded on a smartphone-type terminal, adapted to control, via the antenna of the support, the source(s) of illumination of the lens.
15. Device according to claim 13 or 14, the support being a frame, intended to be worn on the face of the individual, such as a spectacle frame or a self-adhesive dermal patch, in particular to be arranged around an eye, or a sleep mask.