Toric contact lens stabilization design based on thickness gradients orthogonal to eyelid margin

Abstract

To improve the consistency of performance of a contact lens between wearers.SOLUTION: An ophthalmic lens may include a first surface. The exemplary ophthalmic lens may include a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and defining a volume of lens material between the first surface and the second surface. A thickness profile of the volume of lens material may be derived from the one or more eyelid profiles such that a thickness gradient of the volume of lens material is oriented substantially orthogonal to the target eyelid margin shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Background Art

[0001] A wearer can wear contact lenses on the eyes to improve vision. The performance of typical contact lenses may vary among wearers. This type of contact lens may move more within the eye of a first wearer during use and less within the eye of a second wearer during use. Depending on the type of contact lens, there may be no consistency in the fixed position among wearers. Therefore, there is a need to improve the performance of contact lenses and the consistency of contact lens performance among wearers.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0002] An ophthalmic lens is described herein. An exemplary ophthalmic lens can include a first surface. An exemplary ophthalmic lens can include a second surface that is disposed on the opposite side of the first surface and defines a volume of lens material therebetween. The thickness profile of the volume of lens material may be derived from one or more eyelid profiles, such that the thickness gradient of the volume of lens material is oriented substantially orthogonal to the target eyelid margin shape.

[0003] A method is described herein. An exemplary method can include determining one or more eyelid profiles associated with one or more eyelids. An exemplary method can include determining a target eyelid margin shape based on the one or more eyelid profiles. An exemplary method can include designing an ophthalmic lens that includes a first surface and a second surface that is disposed on the opposite side of the first surface and defines a volume of lens material therebetween, based at least on the target eyelid margin shape. The thickness profile of the volume of lens material may be derived from one or more eyelid profiles, such that the thickness gradient of the volume of lens material is oriented substantially orthogonal to the target eyelid margin shape.

[0004] A method is described herein. An exemplary method can include determining one or more eyelid profiles associated with one or more eyelids. An exemplary method can include determining a target eyelid margin shape based on the one or more eyelid profiles. An exemplary method can include forming an ophthalmic lens including a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and defining a volume of lens material therebetween, based at least on the target eyelid margin shape. The thickness profile of the volume of lens material may be derived from the one or more eyelid profiles, such that the thickness gradient of the volume of lens material is oriented substantially orthogonal to the target eyelid margin shape.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] The following drawings generally show, by way of example and not limitation, various examples discussed in this disclosure. The drawings are as follows.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This specification describes a system and method for manufacturing contact lenses. A population can be selected. The population can include one or more of ethnicity, age range, gender, etc., and / or any combination of the foregoing. In relation to the population, a plurality of left or right eye images can be retrieved. The plurality of images may be arranged such that the center of the cornea of the eye in each image is in the same vertical and horizontal position relative to the center of the cornea in other images. Additionally or alternatively, each image may be aligned relative to the center of the contact lens placed on the eye (either measured lens decentration or predicted lens decentration). For example, when using images over a plurality of gaze angles, the lens is likely to move, i.e., its center may change slightly when the eye looks in different directions, so it may be better to set the alignment reference as the center of the lens rather than the center of the cornea. A plurality of images can be used to extract eye shape data for the population. The extracted eye shape data can be used to design contact lenses for the population such that the contact lenses include a stabilization region. The stabilization region can include a gradient of a thickness profile that includes a right angle to a predicted eyelid margin shape, where the predicted eyelid margin shape is based on the extracted shape data.

[0007] Ophthalmic lenses are described herein. Exemplary ophthalmic lenses can include a first surface. The first surface can include a circular shape. The first surface can include a non-circular shape.

[0008] Exemplary ophthalmic lenses can include a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and defining a volume of lens material therebetween. The second surface can include a circular shape. The second surface can include a non-circular shape.

[0009] The thickness profile of the lens material volume may be derived from one or more eyelid profiles, such that the thickness gradient of the lens material volume is oriented to be substantially orthogonal to the target eyelid margin shape. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to one or more positions or shapes of the upper or lower eyelid margins of a population of eyes. The population may include one or more of ethnicity, age range, and gender. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to a population of eyes at a target gaze position. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to a population of eyes at multiple gaze positions.

[0010] The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to a population of eyes at one or more stages of blinking. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to one or more positions or shapes of the upper or lower eyelid margins of at least one eye. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to at least one eye at a target gaze position. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to at least one eye at multiple gaze positions.

[0011] An exemplary ophthalmic lens may include a stabilization zone defined within or on the volume of material. The thickness profile may be related to the stabilization zone.

[0012] The target eyelid margin shape may be determined relative to the center of the cornea of at least one eye. The thickness profile may be based on multiple images. The thickness profile may be at least partially defined by a polynomial. The polynomial may be a quadratic polynomial. The thickness profile may be symmetric with respect to a central vertical axis and / or a central horizontal axis.

[0013] Contact lens manufacturers can receive multiple images. Each of the multiple images may include the left eye of an Asian female aged from 24 to 54 years old. The multiple images may be arranged such that the center of the cornea of the eye in each image is in the same vertical and horizontal position relative to the center of the cornea in other images. Using the multiple images, eye shape data of an Asian female aged from 24 to 54 years old, such as eyelid margin data, can be extracted. Contact lens manufacturers can use the extracted eye shape data to design contact lenses for the left eyes of Asian females aged from 24 to 54 years old. The designed contact lenses may include a stabilization region. The stabilization region can include a gradient of a thickness profile that includes a right angle to the expected eyelid margin shape, where the expected eyelid margin shape is based on the extracted shape data.

[0014] Methods are described herein. An exemplary method can include determining one or more eyelid profiles related to one or more eyelids. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to one or more positions or shapes of the upper eyelid margin or the lower eyelid margin of a population of eyes. The population may include one or more of ethnicity, age range, and gender. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to a population of eyes at a target fixation position. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to a population of eyes at multiple fixation positions.

[0015] The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to a population of eyes at one or more stages of blinking. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to one or more positions or shapes of the upper eyelid margin or the lower eyelid margin of at least one eye. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to at least one eye at a target fixation position. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to at least one eye at multiple fixation positions.

[0016] An exemplary method can include determining a target eyelid margin shape based on one or more eyelid profiles. The target eyelid margin shape may be determined relative to the center of the cornea of at least one eye.

[0017] An exemplary method can include designing an ophthalmic lens that includes a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and defining a volume of lens material therebetween, based at least on the target eyelid margin shape. The ophthalmic lens may include a stabilization zone defined within or on the volume of material. One or more of the first surface and the second surface may include a circle. One or more of the first surface and the second surface may include a non-circular shape.

[0018] The thickness profile of the volume of lens material may be derived from one or more eyelid profiles such that the thickness gradient of the volume of lens material is oriented to be substantially orthogonal to the target eyelid margin shape. The thickness profile may be associated with the stabilization zone. The thickness profile may be based on a plurality of images. The thickness profile may be at least partially defined by a polynomial. The polynomial may be a quadratic polynomial. The thickness profile may be symmetric with respect to a central vertical axis and / or a central horizontal axis.

[0019] A contact lens manufacturer can receive a plurality of images. Each of the plurality of images may include the right eye of an Asian female aged from 24 to 54 years old. The plurality of images may be arranged such that the center of the cornea of the eye in each image is in the same vertical and horizontal position relative to the center of the cornea in other images. Using the plurality of images, eye shape data of an Asian female aged from 24 to 54 years old, such as eyelid margin data, can be extracted. The contact lens manufacturer can use the extracted eye shape data to design a contact lens for the right eye of an Asian female aged from 24 to 54 years old. The designed contact lens may include a stabilization region. The stabilization region can include a gradient of a thickness profile including a right angle to a predicted eyelid margin shape, where the predicted eyelid margin shape is based on the extracted shape data.

[0020] A method is described herein. An exemplary method can include determining one or more eyelid profiles associated with one or more eyelids. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to one or more positions or shapes of the upper eyelid margin or the lower eyelid margin of a population of eyes. The population can include one or more of ethnicity, age range, and gender. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to a population of eyes at a target fixation position. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to a population of eyes at a plurality of fixation positions.

[0021] The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to a population of eyes at one or more stages of blinking. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to one or more positions or shapes of the upper eyelid margin or the lower eyelid margin of at least one eye. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to at least one eye at a target fixation position. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to at least one eye at a plurality of fixation positions.

[0022] An exemplary method can include determining a target eyelid margin shape based on one or more eyelid profiles. The target eyelid margin shape may be determined relative to the center of the cornea of at least one eye.

[0023] An exemplary method can include forming an ophthalmic lens that includes a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and defining a volume of lens material therebetween, based at least on the target eyelid margin shape. The ophthalmic lens can include a stabilization zone defined within or on the volume of material. One or more of the first surface and the second surface can include a circle. One or more of the first surface and the second surface can include a non-circular shape.

[0024] The thickness profile of the volume of lens material may be derived from one or more eyelid profiles, such that the thickness gradient of the volume of lens material is oriented to be substantially orthogonal to the target eyelid margin shape. The thickness profile may be associated with the stabilization zone. The thickness profile may be based on a plurality of images. The thickness profile may be at least partially defined by a polynomial. The polynomial may be a quadratic polynomial. The thickness profile may be symmetric with respect to a central vertical axis and / or a central horizontal axis.

[0025] A contact lens manufacturer can receive an image of an eye. The image can be used to extract eye shape data of the eye, such as eyelid margin data. The contact lens manufacturer can use the extracted eye shape data to design an ophthalmic contact lens. The designed contact lens can include a stabilization region. The stabilization region can include a gradient of a thickness profile that includes a right angle to a predicted eyelid margin shape, where the predicted eyelid margin shape is based on the extracted shape data.

[0026] Disclosed herein is a toric lens stabilization design where a thickness map is derived from eyelid positions from a population of eyes, such that the lens thickness gradient is oriented to be orthogonal to the "average" eyelid margin shape.

[0027] This specification discloses a system and / or method for improving the rotational performance of a toric lens (improvement of stability over time and consistency of fixed positions for different eyes).

[0028] A novel method for designing or optimizing the design of a contact lens aimed at rotationally stabilizing it with respect to the eye is described below.

[0029] This method can be used for circular or non-circular contact lenses.

[0030] The design process can include obtaining biometric data regarding the position and shape of the upper and lower eyelid margins of a population of eyes. The position and shape of the upper and lower eyelid margins are analyzed with the eyes in a natural fixation position (i.e., the primary position, looking straight ahead, without squinting or widening the eyelids significantly). The shape and position of the eyelid margins are determined in relation to either the position of the cornea or the position of a contact lens worn on the eye. By using image analysis software and selecting several points along the eyelid margins, the upper and lower eyelid margins are traced. Next, the selected points can be fitted to a polynomial or a similar function to mathematically describe the shape and position of the eyelid margins relative to a predefined landmark (e.g., the center of the cornea). FIG. 1 shows an example of an eye in which the upper and lower eyelid margins are traced manually and fitted with a second-degree polynomial (dashed line). The polynomial is defined with respect to the centroid of an ellipse defined by the solid line, and this ellipse fits the points selected along the edge of the cornea.

[0031] In addition to collecting this data with the eyes in primary fixation (i.e., looking straight ahead), eyelid margin biometric data can also be collected with the eyes in different degrees of peripheral fixation. For example, the position and shape of the eyelids (with respect to either the cornea or a contact lens worn on the eye) can be collected with the eyes rotated in a particular horizontal, vertical, or diagonal direction while maintaining a natural eyelid posture (i.e., not squinting or "opening wide"). FIG. 2 shows a series of such images collected for an eye, with a 10° change in the fixation angle between adjacent images.

[0032] Such images can be collected for a single eye or for a population of eyes. Such a population of eyes can include a representative population of a particular region or a representative population of a particular ethnicity, age range, gender, or combination thereof.

[0033] In addition to collecting images over multiple fixation directions, multiple images can also be collected at different stages of a natural blink (e.g., using high-speed video recording).

[0034] When images are collected over multiple fixation directions, an averaging process can be applied to the eyelid shape data so that an "average" eyelid margin shape (i.e., an average eyelid margin shape over multiple fixation directions) is obtained. This averaging can include averaging polynomial coefficients over all images or some other mathematical averaging technique. This averaging may include weighting each of the images differently, for example, using a weighting function, such that images in which the eyes are closer to primary fixation are weighted more heavily in the averaging function than images in which the eyes are in extreme peripheral fixation. Such a weighting function can be obtained from data indicating the distribution of time spent by the eyes looking in different fixation directions.

[0035] Similarly, when data is collected for a population of eyes, the eyelid margin shape data may be averaged across multiple eyes. This can be done by averaging the polynomial coefficients or some other mathematical averaging technique. The averaging of the shape data across multiple eyes can be done before or after averaging the data across multiple fixation directions, as described above.

[0036] Next, the stabilization design of the contact lens can be derived from the eyelid margin shape data. This can be done by defining the thickness profile of the stabilization region of the lens such that the gradient of the thickness is perpendicular (i.e., orthogonal) to the averaged eyelid margin.

[0037] In other words, the thickness profile of the lens (when placed in its nominal orientation with respect to the eye) is defined in relation to the position and shape of the eyelid margin such that the gradient of the thickness profile (the direction of maximum slope) is perpendicular to the averaged eyelid margin shape.

[0038] Instead of, or in combination with, averaging the eyelid shape data, mathematical interpolation can be used to create a continuous lens thickness profile across a series of eyelid margin shapes.

[0039] Certain regions of the lens, including the central optical zone and the peripheral lens edge, are excluded from the stabilization region. This design is blended with these regions using a blend zone.

[0040] Alternatively, a unique stabilization lens design can be created for each eye (or for each fixation angle of a single eye), and the thicknesses of these designs can be averaged to create a final single stabilization design. A weighting function can be used during this averaging process, for example, giving a greater weight to designs created from images where the eye is closer to primary fixation.

[0041] Instead of averaging data across multiple eyes, a unique lens stabilization profile can be created for each individual eye, whereby the shape of the stabilization region can be customized to the shape and position of the eyelid across one or more fixation directions of that eye.

[0042] Averaging can also be applied such that the final lens stabilization design has mirror symmetry about the central vertical or horizontal axis, or has both vertical and horizontal symmetry. In these cases, the design can be determined by averaging the thickness profiles at all symmetric points.

[0043] The following is an example of one method of processing and averaging data across multiple eyes for a primary fixation to obtain a "population averaging" design. For example, FIG. 3 shows eyelid shape data, where each line is a second-degree polynomial fit to a series of points traced along a photograph of the eyelid edge with the eye in the primary fixation state. A photograph with a millimeter scale is also taken so that the scaling of the image (millimeters per pixel) is known, and the position and shape of the eyelid are represented in millimeters. The origin (0,0) is referenced to the center of the cornea. All eyes used in the collection of this data were right eyes (i.e., the left eyes were not included in this particular data set, but the design process is generalizable to the collection of left eye data).

[0044] Eyelid edge tracing and polynomial fitting were performed using custom-made image analysis software in MATLAB. The camera used to collect the eyelid shape information is selected such that the generated image is a true representation of the eyelid shape in space. Correction of image distortion or correction of lens aberration or geometric distortion (e.g., pincushion or barrel distortion) can be applied.

[0045] By taking the median of all polynomials at each millimeter interval along the X-axis, the average eyelid margin shape was obtained separately for the upper and lower eyelids. Figure 4 shows the separate plots for the upper and lower eyelids, indicating that the average eyelid margin shape was obtained by taking the median of all polynomials at each millimeter interval along the X-axis. At each millimeter interval on the x-axis, the y-value was determined by taking the median of all y-values of the upper eyelid polynomials shown in Figure 3. The same process was performed for the lower eyelid.

[0046] To make the final lens design symmetric about the y-axis, the data was "flipped" left and right about the y-axis. Next, the "flipped" data and the non-flipped data were averaged together by taking the average of the flipped y-values and the non-flipped y-values at each position. Thus, the resulting "averaged" data is symmetric about the y-axis.

[0047] Figure 5 shows both the left and right "flipped" data and "non-flipped" data plotted on the same axis.

[0048] Figure 6 shows the average of the flipped data and the non-flipped data, where the average of each y-axis value was taken at each millimeter interval. For example, to ensure that the final design is symmetric about the x-axis, the data was flipped again about the x-axis. Figure 7 shows both the upper and lower "flipped" data and "non-flipped" data plotted on the same axis.

[0049] Next, the lens thickness design was generated as follows. - Points at millimeter intervals (from -8 mm to +8 mm on the x-axis, i.e., -8 mm, -7 mm, -6 mm, etc.) were selected along the lines shown in the above figures. - A z-coordinate value of 1 was assigned to these points with respect to the straight line representing the average upper eyelid margin shape (both mirrored and non-mirrored).

[0050] For example, the point coordinate values of the upper eyelid margin shape are as follows. - Point 1 (x, y, z) = (-8, [y-value at x = -8], 1) - Point 2 (x, y, z) = (-7, [y value at x = -7], 1) - Point 3 (x, y, z) = (-6, [y value at x = -6], 1) - and so on

[0051] For the lines representing the average lower eyelid margin shape (both mirrored and non - mirrored), z - coordinate value 0 was given to these points. For example, the point coordinate values of the lower eyelid margin shape are as follows. - Point 1 (x, y, z) = (-8, [y value at x = -8], 0) - Point 2 (x, y, z) = (-7, [y value at x = -7], 0) - Point 3 (x, y, z) = (-6, [y value at x = -6], 0) - and so on

[0052] The result was a three - dimensional array of data points, as shown in Figure 8. Next, using the MATLAB curve - fitting tool, the data points were fitted to a degree - 2 "best - fit" polynomial surface defined by the following function. z = a + b * x^2 + x * y^2

[0053] Figure 9 shows the "best - fit" polynomial function for these data points using an equation of this form. The polynomial surface shape is fitted to the data points using the least - squares algorithm. Thus, the combined values of the coefficients a, b, and c are determined.

[0054] Instead of using a second - degree polynomial as described herein, higher - degree polynomials or some other mathematical functions defining surface shapes can be used. Next, this polynomial can be used to represent the thickness profile of the stabilization region of the contact lens, where the maximum value of the polynomial (the central high point at (x, y) = [0, 0]) represents the thickest part of the lens.

[0055] Figure 10 shows another plot of this polynomial, where the shading represents the height (z-value) of the surface shape. Next, this "thickness map" can be used as a basis for creating a lens thickness profile within the stabilized region of the design. Similar to the peripheral lens edge where the lens thickness decreases to zero, the central optical zone of the lens is excluded. The stabilized region of the lens is blended with these features in the "blend zone" region to enable the design to be a continuous 3D surface.

[0056] Figure 11 shows a thickness profile in which the regions of the optical zone and the lens edge are roughly cut out. The optical zone was "cut out" by deleting data from the central 8 mm circle. The lens edge and beyond were roughly "cut out" by deleting data outside an ellipse with a diameter of 15.5 mm horizontally and 14.0 mm vertically.

[0057] An exemplary ophthalmic lens can include a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and defining a volume of lens material therebetween. The thickness profile of the volume of lens material may be derived from one or more eyelid profiles such that the thickness gradient of at least a portion of the volume of lens material is oriented orthogonal to a target eyelid margin shape. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to one or more positions or shapes of the upper eyelid margin or the lower eyelid margin of a population of eyes. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to a population of eyes at a target gaze position. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to a population of eyes at a plurality of gaze positions. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to a population of eyes at one or more stages of a blink. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to one or more positions or shapes of the upper eyelid margin or the lower eyelid margin of at least one eye. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to at least one eye at a target gaze position. The one or more eyelid profiles may include biometric data related to at least one eye at a plurality of gaze positions. The thickness profile may be related to a stabilization zone. A portion of the volume of lens material may include an annular volume disposed between an edge of the ophthalmic lens and an optical zone radius. The optical zone radius may be between 3 and 5 mm from the center of the ophthalmic lens. A portion of the volume of lens material may include an annular volume including a radial region excluding a region between a terminal edge of the ophthalmic lens and a radius between 1 and 300 microns from the terminal edge of the ophthalmic lens.

[0058] To visualize the shape of this design in relation to the original eyelid margin data, FIG. 12 shows a plot of the final design image overlaid with the original eyelid shape polynomial.

[0059] As described above, this is an example of a method of creating a lens design using eyelid shape data. Through discussion with those having advanced expertise in mathematics, topology, data analysis, and 3D modeling, better techniques can be developed.

[0060] Instead of the examples described, more optimal design methods can include one or more of the following. - A higher order polynomial function, or other mathematical function that fits the eyelid shape data. - Base the eyelid shape function on the center of the contact lens worn on the eye rather than the center of the cornea (i.e., such that the origin of the axis is at the center of the contact lens). - They can be combined by different techniques for combining eyelid shape data from different images, such as taking the average or median of the function coefficients, taking the average of the function values over a specific region, or averaging the "slope / gradient" function of the surface shape generated from the eyelid shape data.

[0061] Using the above techniques, it is also possible to create a customized stabilization design for an individual eye rather than a design that is "averaged" across multiple eyes.

[0062] As an example, an ophthalmic lens can include a first surface and a second surface disposed on the opposite side of the first surface and defining a volume of lens material therebetween. The thickness profile of the volume of lens material is derived from one or more eyelid profiles such that, as shown in FIG. 13, the thickness gradient of the volume of lens material is oriented to be substantially orthogonal to the target eyelid margin shape. Substantially orthogonal can include the orthogonal angle and angles that are + / −20 degrees from the orthogonal.

[0063] As a further example, a method for creating a toric lens stabilization design can include determining the eyelid margin shape of a population of right eyes (OD). The shapes of the upper and lower eyelid margins can be plotted using a two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. For each eyelid, the “average” (median) eyelid margin position at each plotted X position can be determined. The eyelid shapes may be mirrored about the y-axis (i.e., reversed left to right) to make them symmetric about the left and right, such that the data represents the average of the right (OD) and left (OS) eyes. The mirrored and non-mirrored data can be plotted together. For each eyelid, the average (mean or median) of the non-mirrored and mirrored data can be determined. The updated data may be centered about the origin and then mirrored about the X-axis (i.e., flipped up and down so that the final design is “bidirectional”), and both data sets may be plotted together. A thickness map function can be generated by treating these lines as isopach contour lines. The gradient of the function at any point along the contour line is perpendicular to that line. The lens thickness at the data points along each line may be adjusted to have the same Z-value (height) in a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, such that they are effectively treated as points along the contour line. Data points can be added at (x,y)=(0,0), and the height (Z-value) is greater than the Z-value assigned to the contour line. Next, a best-fit quadratic polynomial in x and y can be determined. All data within a central diameter of 8 mm (the area of the contact lens optical zone), and outside an ellipse with a horizontal diameter of 15.5 mm and a vertical diameter of 14 mm (outside the “edge” of an elliptical lens having these horizontal and vertical diameters) can be excluded. To show the design in relation to the original data, an image can be plotted with transparency overlaid on the original eyelid shape.

[0064] [[Embodiment]] (1) An ophthalmic lens, a first surface, a second surface disposed on the opposite side of the first surface and defining a volume of lens material therebetween, The thickness profile of the volume of the lens material is derived from one or more eyelid profiles, whereby the thickness gradient of at least a part of the volume of the lens material is oriented so as to be orthogonal to the target eyelid margin shape. An ophthalmic lens. (2) The ophthalmic lens according to Embodiment 1, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to one or more positions or shapes of the upper eyelid margin or the lower eyelid margin of a population of eyes. (3) The ophthalmic lens according to Embodiment 1, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to a population of eyes at a target fixation position. (4) The ophthalmic lens according to Embodiment 1, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to a population of eyes at a plurality of fixation positions. (5) The ophthalmic lens according to Embodiment 1, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to a population of eyes at one or more stages of blinking.

[0065] (6) The ophthalmic lens according to Embodiment 1, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to one or more positions or shapes of the upper eyelid margin or the lower eyelid margin of at least one eye. (7) The ophthalmic lens according to Embodiment 1, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to at least one eye at a target fixation position. (8) The ophthalmic lens according to Embodiment 1, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to at least one eye at a plurality of fixation positions. (9) The ophthalmic lens according to Embodiment 1, further including a stabilization zone defined within or on the volume of the material, wherein the thickness profile is related to the stabilization zone. (10) The ophthalmic lens according to Embodiment 1, wherein the part of the volume of the lens material includes an annular volume disposed between the edge of the ophthalmic lens and the optical zone radius.

[0066] (11) The ophthalmic lens according to Embodiment 10, wherein the optical zone radius is between 3 and 5 mm from the center of the ophthalmic lens. (12) The ophthalmic lens according to Embodiment 1, wherein the part of the volume of the lens material includes an annular volume excluding a radial region between the edge of the ophthalmic lens and a radius between 1 and 300 μm (1 to 300 microns) from the edge of the ophthalmic lens. (13) A method comprising: determining one or more eyelid profiles associated with one or more eyelids; determining a target eyelid margin shape based on the one or more eyelid profiles; designing an ophthalmic lens including a first surface and a second surface disposed on the opposite side of the first surface and defining a volume of lens material therebetween, based at least on the target eyelid margin shape; wherein a thickness profile of at least a part of the volume of the lens material is derived from the one or more eyelid profiles, whereby a thickness gradient of the at least a part of the volume of the lens material is oriented to be orthogonal to the target eyelid margin shape. (14) The method according to Embodiment 13, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to one or more positions or shapes of the upper eyelid margin or the lower eyelid margin of a population of eyes. (15) The method according to Embodiment 13, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to a population of eyes at a target fixation position.

[0067] (16) The method according to Embodiment 13, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to a population of eyes at a plurality of fixation positions. (17) The method according to Embodiment 13, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to a population of eyes at one or more stages of blinking. (18) The method according to Embodiment 13, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to one or more positions or shapes of the upper eyelid margin or the lower eyelid margin of at least one eye. (19) The method according to embodiment 13, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to at least one eye at a target fixation position. (20) The method according to embodiment 13, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to at least one eye at a plurality of fixation positions.

[0068] (21) The method according to embodiment 13, further comprising a stabilization zone defined within or on the volume of the material, wherein the thickness profile is related to the stabilization zone. (22) The method according to embodiment 13, wherein the portion of the volume of the lens material includes an annular volume disposed between an edge of the ophthalmic lens and an optical zone radius. (23) The method according to embodiment 22, wherein the optical zone radius is between 3 and 5 mm from the center of the ophthalmic lens. (24) The method according to embodiment 13, wherein the portion of the volume of the lens material includes an annular volume excluding a radial region between an edge of the ophthalmic lens and a radius between 1 and 300 μm (1 to 300 microns) from the edge of the ophthalmic lens. (25) A method comprising: determining one or more eyelid profiles related to one or more eyelids; determining a target eyelid margin shape based on the one or more eyelid profiles; forming an ophthalmic lens including a first surface and a second surface disposed on the opposite side of the first surface and defining a volume of lens material therebetween, based at least on the target eyelid margin shape; and wherein a thickness profile of the volume of the lens material is derived from the one or more eyelid profiles such that a thickness gradient of at least a portion of the volume of the lens material is oriented substantially orthogonal to the target eyelid margin shape.

[0069] (26) The method according to embodiment 25, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to one or more positions or shapes of the upper eyelid margin or the lower eyelid margin of a population of eyes. (27) The method according to embodiment 25, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to a population of eyes at a target fixation position. (28) The method according to embodiment 25, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to a population of eyes at a plurality of fixation positions. (29) The method according to embodiment 25, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to a population of eyes at one or more stages of a blink. (30) The method according to embodiment 25, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to one or more positions or shapes of the upper eyelid margin or the lower eyelid margin of at least one eye.

[0070] (31) The method according to embodiment 25, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to at least one eye at a target fixation position. (32) The method according to embodiment 25, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to at least one eye at a plurality of fixation positions. (33) The method according to embodiment 25, further comprising a stabilization zone defined within or on the volume of the material, wherein the thickness profile is related to the stabilization zone. (34) The method according to embodiment 25, wherein the portion of the volume of the lens material includes an annular volume disposed between the edge of the ophthalmic lens and the optical zone radius. (35) The method according to embodiment 34, wherein the optical zone radius is between 3 and 5 mm from the center of the ophthalmic lens.

[0071] (36) The method according to embodiment 25, wherein the portion of the volume of the lens material includes an annular volume excluding a radial region between the edge of the ophthalmic lens and a radius between 1 and 300 μm (1 to 300 microns) from the edge of the ophthalmic lens. (37) An ophthalmic lens, a first surface, and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and defining a volume of lens material therebetween, wherein a thickness profile of the volume of the lens material is derived from one or more eyelid profiles such that a thickness gradient of at least a portion of the volume of the lens material is oriented substantially orthogonal to a target eyelid margin shape. (38) The ophthalmic lens according to embodiment 37, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to one or more positions or shapes of an upper eyelid margin or a lower eyelid margin of a population of eyes. (39) The ophthalmic lens according to embodiment 37, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to a population of eyes at a target fixation position. (40) The ophthalmic lens according to embodiment 37, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to a population of eyes at a plurality of fixation positions.

[0072] (41) The ophthalmic lens according to embodiment 37, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to a population of eyes at one or more stages of a blink. (42) The ophthalmic lens according to embodiment 37, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to one or more positions or shapes of an upper eyelid margin or a lower eyelid margin of at least one eye. (43) The ophthalmic lens according to embodiment 37, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to at least one eye at a target fixation position. (44) The ophthalmic lens according to embodiment 37, wherein the one or more eyelid profiles include biometric data related to at least one eye at a plurality of fixation positions. (45) The ophthalmic lens according to embodiment 37, further comprising a stabilization zone defined within or on the volume of the material, wherein the thickness profile is related to the stabilization zone.

[0073] (46) The ophthalmic lens according to embodiment 37, wherein a part of the volume of the lens material includes an annular volume disposed between an edge of the ophthalmic lens and an optical zone radius. (47) The ophthalmic lens according to embodiment 46, wherein the optical zone radius is between 3 and 5 mm from the center of the ophthalmic lens. (48) The ophthalmic lens according to embodiment 37, wherein a part of the volume of the lens material includes an annular volume excluding a radial region between an edge of the ophthalmic lens and a radius between 1 and 300 μm (1 to 300 microns) from the edge of the ophthalmic lens. (49) Substantially orthogonal includes an orthogonal angle and an angle between orthogonal and + / −20 degrees, the ophthalmic lens according to embodiment 37.

Claims

1. 1. A method for designing a contact lens, comprising the steps of: acquiring data from a plurality of images of a plurality of eyelid profiles associated with a plurality of eyelids at a plurality of peripheral gaze positions varying in positive and negative horizontal and vertical gaze angles by a predetermined angle; determining a shape of the eyelid edge across the plurality of peripheral gaze positions by fitting a curve to the data using a predetermined best fit polynomial, and averaging the shapes of the eyelid edge across the plurality of peripheral gaze positions to determine a target upper eyelid margin shape; and designing the contact lens to include a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and defining a volume of lens material having a varying thickness between the first surface and the second surface, and a circular peripheral lens edge; The method, wherein the thickness profile of the contact lens matches the shape of the target upper eyelid margin and extends across the contact lens other than the optical zone and the circular peripheral lens edge of the contact lens, and the thickness gradient along its length of the thickness profile is oriented perpendicular to the target upper eyelid margin.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of eyelid profiles comprises biometric data associated with ocular populations during one or more stages of blinking.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising a stabilization zone defined within or on a volume of the lens material, the thickness profile being associated with the stabilization zone.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the portion of the volume of lens material comprises an annular volume disposed between an edge of the contact lens and an optical zone radius.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the optical zone radius is between 3 and 5 mm from the center of the contact lens.

6. 10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the portion of the volume of lens material comprises an annular volume that excludes a radial region between an edge of the contact lens and a radius of between 1 and 300 microns from the edge of the contact lens.

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