Selective wavelength transmittance contact lens and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

This invention provides a method for manufacturing contact lenses that can reduce the effects of blue light on the eyes. [Solution] The method for manufacturing the contact lens includes injecting a liquid lens material into a spin-casting mold, rotating the spin-casting mold, and curing the liquid lens material. The liquid lens material is a light-shielding agent having the property of blocking at least 50 percent of light with wavelengths of 400 nanometers to 500 nanometers from passing through the cured liquid lens material. The light-shielding agent may contain at least one of triphenylphosphine and a triphenylphosphine derivative.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of ophthalmic lenses, and more particularly to ophthalmic lenses having surface structures for controlling friction.

Background Art

[0002] Emmetropia is a state of vision in which a person can clearly see objects both near and far. The cornea and the lens jointly focus the light incident on the eye onto the central region of the retina. Emmetropia is achieved when the combined refractive power of the cornea and the lens accurately focuses light onto the central region of the retina.

[0003] Myopia is a state of vision in which objects near the person can be clearly seen, but objects farther away from the person gradually blur. Myopia is sometimes also called nearsightedness. Myopia can be caused by various reasons. A major factor in many cases of myopia is the elongation of the axial length of the eye. Myopia occurs when the focus of the focused light is formed in front of the retina. In other words, the focus of the light rays incident on the eye converges before reaching the retina.

[0004] Another condition affected by the axial length of the eye is hyperopia. In this condition, a person can clearly see distant objects, and the objects gradually blur as they approach the person. This condition can also occur for several reasons, but a person becomes hyperopic when the focus of the light focused by the eye is formed behind the retina.

[0005] The axial length of the eye grows with the age of the child. When a young person reaches adolescence, the eye generally stops growing, and the axial length becomes more invariant. Therefore, if the growth of the axial length can be controlled while the child is young, myopia or hyperopia in adulthood can be reduced or even eliminated. Therefore, devices, systems, and methods for controlling the growth of the axial length at any age when the axial length can grow may be desirable.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Multiple representative examples are provided to illustrate the various features, characteristics, and benefits of the disclosed subject matter for users. It should be understood that the features, characteristics, and benefits described in one example can be used individually or in various combinations and partial combinations with other features described in other examples.

[0007] In one example, a contact lens includes a body, a filter property that blocks at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers from passing through the body, and a transmission property that allows at least some light with wavelengths greater than 500 nanometers to pass through the body.

[0008] Blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 and 500 nanometers may include blocking 100 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 and 500 nanometers.

[0009] Blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers may include blocking at least 90 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers.

[0010] Blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers may include blocking at least 80 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers.

[0011] Blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers may include blocking at least 70 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers.

[0012] Blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers may include blocking at least 50 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers.

[0013] Blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers includes blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 450 nanometers and transmitting at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 450 nanometers and 500 nanometers.

[0014] Blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 450 nanometers includes blocking 100 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 450 nanometers.

[0015] Blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 450 nanometers includes blocking at least 90 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 450 nanometers.

[0016] Blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 450 nanometers includes blocking at least 80 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 450 nanometers.

[0017] Blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 450 nanometers includes blocking at least 70 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 450 nanometers.

[0018] Blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 450 nanometers includes blocking at least 50 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 450 nanometers.

[0019] The main body can be made of polymer, at least in part.

[0020] Contact lenses may contain a light-shielding agent incorporated into the polymer, which provides filter properties.

[0021] The light-blocking agent may contain at least triphenylphosphine.

[0022] The sunscreen may include at least 2-[3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]ethyl methacrylate.

[0023] The sunscreen may account for at least 1.0 weight percent of the contact lens.

[0024] The sunscreen may account for at least 5.0 weight percent of the contact lens.

[0025] The sunscreen may account for at least 10.0 weight percent of the contact lens.

[0026] The sunscreen may account for at least 15.0 weight percent of the contact lens.

[0027] The sunscreen may account for at least 25.0 weight percent of the contact lens.

[0028] The contact lens may include an optical zone of the body, and the sunscreen is within the optical zone.

[0029] The contact lens may include a peripheral zone of the body, and the sunscreen is within the peripheral zone.

[0030] The polymer may include a silicone material.

[0031] The polymer may include a hydrogel material.

[0032] The contact lens may include a second transmission characteristic that allows the body to transmit at least a portion of light having a wavelength of less than 400 nanometers.

[0033] The second transmission characteristic may include transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 400 nanometers.

[0034] The second transmission characteristic may include transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 370 nanometers.

[0035] The second transmission characteristic may include transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 380 nanometers.

[0036] The second transmission characteristic may include transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 370 nanometers to 380 nanometers.

[0037] The second transmission characteristic may include transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 380 nanometers to 390 nanometers.

[0038] The second transmission characteristic may include transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 390 nanometers to 400 nanometers.

[0039] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing 100 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers to pass through the material.

[0040] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 90 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers to pass through the body.

[0041] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 80 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers to pass through the material.

[0042] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 70 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers to pass through the body.

[0043] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 50 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers to pass through the body.

[0044] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing 100 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 380 nanometers to pass through the material.

[0045] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 90 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 380 nanometers to pass through the material.

[0046] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 80 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 380 nanometers to pass through the material.

[0047] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 70 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 380 nanometers to pass through the body.

[0048] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 50 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 380 nanometers to pass through the material.

[0049] The contact lens may further include a third transmission property that enhances light with wavelengths of 360 to 400 nanometers through absorption and fluorescence emission within the lens body.

[0050] A third transmission characteristic may include absorbing at least a portion of light in the wavelength ranges less than 360 nanometers and greater than 400 nanometers, and emitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 400 nanometers.

[0051] Contact lenses can be corneal corrective lenses.

[0052] Contact lenses can be gas-permeable hard lenses.

[0053] The contact lenses could be soft contact lenses.

[0054] In one example, a method for controlling the progression / onset of myopia includes providing contact lenses and instructing the user to wear the contact lenses. The contact lenses may include a filtering property that blocks at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers from passing through the lens, a transmitting property that allows at least some light with wavelengths greater than 500 nanometers to pass through the lens, and a second transmitting property that allows at least some light with wavelengths less than 400 nanometers to pass through the lens.

[0055] The second transmission characteristic may include transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 400 nanometers.

[0056] The second transmission characteristic may include transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 370 nanometers.

[0057] The second transmission characteristic may include transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 380 nanometers.

[0058] The second transmission characteristic may include transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 370 nanometers to 380 nanometers.

[0059] The second transmission characteristic may include transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 380 nanometers to 390 nanometers.

[0060] The second transmission characteristic may include transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 390 nanometers to 400 nanometers.

[0061] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 90 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers to pass through the body.

[0062] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 70 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers to pass through the body.

[0063] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 50 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers to pass through the body.

[0064] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 90 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 380 nanometers to pass through the contact lens.

[0065] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing at least 70 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 380 nanometers to pass through the contact lens.

[0066] The second transmission characteristic may include allowing the contact lens to transmit at least 50 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 380 nanometers.

[0067] The contact lens may further include a third transmission property that enhances light with wavelengths of 360 to 400 nanometers through absorption and fluorescence emission within the lens body.

[0068] A third transmission characteristic may include absorbing at least a portion of light in the wavelength ranges less than 360 nanometers and greater than 400 nanometers, and emitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 400 nanometers.

[0069] The method may include informing the user that, if the user has been diagnosed with myopia, wearing contact lenses in the early stages may slow the progression of myopia.

[0070] The method may include informing the user that, if the user has not been diagnosed with myopia, wearing contact lenses initially may prevent the onset of myopia.

[0071] The method may include informing the user that, if they have not been diagnosed with myopia, wearing contact lenses in the early stages may delay the onset of myopia.

[0072] The user may be under 5 years old.

[0073] The user may be between 3 and 12 years old.

[0074] Blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers may include blocking at least 90 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers.

[0075] Blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers may include blocking at least 70 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers.

[0076] Blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers may include blocking at least 50 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers.

[0077] The main body can be made of polymer, at least in part.

[0078] The main body may contain a light-shielding agent incorporated within the polymer, and the light-shielding agent provides filter properties.

[0079] The light-blocking agent may contain at least triphenylphosphine.

[0080] The light-shielding agent may contain at least 2-[3-(2H-benzotriazole-2-y1)-4-hydroxyphenyl]ethyl methacrylate.

[0081] The light-blocking agent may constitute at least 1.0 weight percent of the contact lens.

[0082] Light-blocking agents may make up at least 5.0 weight percent of the contact lens.

[0083] The light-blocking agent may make up at least 10.0 weight percent of the contact lens.

[0084] The contact lens may include an optical zone within the main body, and the light-blocking agent is located within the optical zone.

[0085] The contact lens may include a peripheral zone around the main body, and the light-blocking agent is located within the peripheral zone.

[0086] The polymer may contain silicone material.

[0087] The polymer may contain hydrogel materials.

[0088] In one example, a method for manufacturing a contact lens may include injecting a liquid lens material into a spin-casting mold and rotating the spin-casting mold. The liquid material includes a light-shielding agent having properties that block at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers from passing through the liquid lens material.

[0089] The method may include curing a liquid lens material at least partially to form a contact lens.

[0090] Contact lenses may have properties that block at least some of the light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers from passing through the contact lens.

[0091] In one example, a method for manufacturing a contact lens may include pouring a first liquid lens material into a spin-casting mold, rotating the spin-casting mold, and pouring a second material onto the first liquid lens material, wherein the second material includes a light-shielding agent having the property of blocking at least some light with wavelengths of 400 nanometers to 500 nanometers from passing through the liquid lens material.

[0092] The second material could be a second liquid lens material.

[0093] Injecting the second material onto the first liquid lens material may include injecting the second material into a spin-casting mold.

[0094] Injecting the second material onto the first liquid lens material may include spraying the second material into the first liquid lens material.

[0095] Injecting the second material onto the first liquid lens material may involve permeating the first liquid lens material at atmospheric pressure.

[0096] Injecting a second material onto a first liquid lens material may involve absorbing the second material into the first liquid lens material.

[0097] The first liquid lens material may be made free of light-shielding agents.

[0098] The method may include curing the first liquid lens material and the second material together.

[0099] The method may include injecting an additional liquid lens material of the second material onto the first liquid lens material or the second material.

[0100] The method may include a second material between the first liquid lens material and an additional liquid lens material.

[0101] The method may include curing an additional liquid lens material.

[0102] The method may include curing an additional liquid lens material to crosslink the additional liquid lens material to the first liquid lens material.

[0103] The method may include curing an additional liquid lens material to crosslink the additional liquid lens material to the second material.

[0104] The method may include at least partially curing the first liquid lens material, which includes exposing the first liquid lens material to chemical rays.

[0105] In one example, the contact lens includes a casting. The casting includes a filtering property that blocks at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers from passing through the body, a transmitting property that allows at least some light with wavelengths greater than 500 nanometers to pass through the body, and a second transmitting property that allows at least some light with wavelengths less than 400 nanometers to pass through the body.

[0106] Contact lenses may contain light-blocking agents that produce filtering properties.

[0107] The light-shielding agent may be triphenylphosphine or at least one other light-shielding agent.

[0108] The contact lens may include an optical zone in the casting, and the light-shielding agent is located within the optical zone.

[0109] The contact lens may include a peripheral zone of the casting, and the light-shielding agent is located within the peripheral zone.

[0110] The casting may contain silicone material.

[0111] The casting may contain a hydrogel material.

[0112] The casting may include a second filtering property that blocks at least some light with wavelengths less than 360 nanometers from passing through the body.

[0113] Light with wavelengths less than 360 nanometers may include ultraviolet A rays.

[0114] Light with wavelengths less than 360 nanometers may include ultraviolet B rays.

[0115] Contact lenses may contain a second light-blocking agent that produces a second filtering property.

[0116] The second light-blocking agent may include titanium dioxide, oxybenzone, octyl salicylate, octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate, other light-blocking agents, or combinations thereof.

[0117] The contact lens may further include a third transmission property that enhances light with wavelengths of 360 to 400 nanometers through absorption and fluorescence emission within the lens body.

[0118] The third transmission characteristic includes absorbing at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of less than 360 nanometers and greater than 400 nanometers, and emitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 400 nanometers.

[0119] The accompanying drawings illustrate various examples of the principles described herein and are part of the specification. The examples in the figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0120] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of a contact lens that guides light into the eye. [Figure 2] This is a cross-section of a contact lens. [Figure 3] This is a cross-section of a contact lens. [Figure 4] This is a cross-section of a contact lens. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of a mold for an ophthalmic lens. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid lens material and the mold shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the mold, showing the liquid lens material spread across the entire contour of the mold by centrifugal force. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of a spinning structure used to form and harden molds for manufacturing ophthalmic lenses. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of a mold for an ophthalmic lens. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid lens material and the mold shown in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the mold, showing the liquid lens material spread across the entire contour of the mold by centrifugal force. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing the exploded view of a contact lens. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram of the chemical formula of a light-blocking agent. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram of the chemical formula of a light-blocking agent. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram of the chemical formula of a light-blocking agent. [Figure 16] This is a block diagram of methods for preventing the onset of myopia and / or slowing its progression. [Figure 17] This is a block diagram of a contact lens manufacturing method. [Figure 18] This is a block diagram of a contact lens manufacturing method. [Figure 19] This is a block diagram of a contact lens manufacturing method. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0121] Throughout the drawings, similar and identical reference numbers indicate elements that are similar but not necessarily identical.

[0122] Blue light is generally thought to have a wavelength range centered around approximately 475 nanometers. While abundant in natural light, i.e., sunlight, the amount of blue light varies throughout the day. Blue light tends to decrease as the sun sets towards the end of the daytime. The human body calibrates its circadian rhythm based on the daily variation in blue light levels. Blue light is also frequently emitted in large quantities from digital screens, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs), televisions, and mobile phones. Blue light from these devices is thought to be a contributing factor to the problem of difficulty falling asleep, especially when used immediately before bedtime. In addition, high exposure to blue light in children is considered a contributing factor to the later development of macular degeneration and other eye diseases. Generally, adults have increased amounts of compounds in the vitreous cavity of the eye that absorb blue light before it reaches the retina. However, children's eyes are still changing and reaching their full size and developmental stage, and they do not possess the same protective capacity against blue light. Therefore, children are considered more susceptible to the effects of blue light, at least partially, than adults.

[0123] High levels of ultraviolet (UV) light with wavelengths below 360 nanometers are generally considered unhealthy for the human eye. Much of the UV-C light is filtered out by atmospheric ozone, and UV-A and UV-B light generally do not reach the retina of the eye because light of these wavelengths is generally filtered out by the cornea and lens. However, exposure of the cornea and lens to large amounts of UV light can cause cataracts and other types of damage.

[0124] Violet light, with wavelengths between 360 and 400 nanometers, lies between those of UV light and blue light. Often, artificial light sources that produce large amounts of blue light, such as mobile phones, televisions, and LEDs, do not produce as much violet light. In such cases, violet light may have a positive effect on preventing the onset of myopia or slowing its progression. While we do not wish to be bound by any theory, violet light reaching the retina provides biological feedback that triggers pathways that increase the production of specific proteins related to the prevention of myopia or the slowing of its progression. This visual feedback can be used to balance the axial length of the eye with the collective light-gathering ability of the cornea and lens. The eye uses the focus of light on the retina to determine when the axial length is balanced.

[0125] In many cases, eyeglasses that block UV and blue light also block and / or remove light with wavelengths extending to UV and blue light, and as a result, also block and / or remove violet light wavelengths. Therefore, when a user uses sunglasses or other eyeglasses designed to block both UV and blue light, they risk blocking violet light as well. Over time, the blocking of violet light can result in a deficiency of violet light, which may contribute to the user's nearsightedness.

[0126] Without agreeing with or disagreeing with these theories, the contact lenses described herein can be used to slow the progression of myopia and / or prevent the onset of myopia by selectively blocking light of specific wavelengths while allowing the transmission of other desired wavelengths. In certain examples, the transmitted wavelengths lie between the wavelength ranges that are blocked and / or excluded.

[0127] Generally, a child's eyes undergo significant growth during the first three years of life compared to the rest of childhood. In many cases, an individual's eye development is complete by the time they reach 18 years of age. If users spend time in indoor environments that generate very little blue light and little violet light, such as those lit by LED lights, young children may not receive enough violet light to prevent myopia during these critical periods. Therefore, such children may be more susceptible to developing myopia due to environmental factors.

[0128] The contact lenses described herein and the methods used to control the progression and / or onset of myopia may be applied to any one or more users other than those who have experienced or are prone to childhood-onset myopia. In some parts of the world, such as many parts of Asia, childhood-onset myopia affects most children. The contact lenses described herein may be used by children diagnosed with myopia, children who have not been diagnosed with myopia but have genetic or environmental indicators that make them prone to myopia progression, and other children. The contact lenses described herein transmit a healthy amount of light within a specific wavelength range, while blocking other types of wavelengths that can prevent or halt the progression of childhood-onset myopia in the eye. Children and other users may wear the contact lenses until their 18th birthday, or until another milestone identified as coinciding with the time when the eye stops growing or when that halt is thought to be affected by violet light. While a child's eyes may grow rapidly at a young age, users may continue wearing contact lenses into later years to prevent a relapse of myopia after discontinuing contact lens use. These methods are described in particular in relation to childhood-onset myopia, but at least some of these principles may also apply to individuals who have experienced or are prone to adult-onset myopia.

[0129] Traditionally, contact lenses have been formed through processes involving lathes. The contact lenses described herein may be manufactured using a lathe. However, in some cases, the contact lenses described herein may be manufactured by casting (both unassembled and assembled) or by a spin-casting process that allows for accurate replication of the contact lens to be manufactured at a more cost-effective speed. The contact lenses described herein may also be manufactured by any combination of additive or subtractive manufacturing processes known in the industry or to be developed in the future.

[0130] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a contact lens 100 that allows light to enter the eye 12. In this example, the contact lens 100 is placed on the eye 12. Ambient rays 14, 16, and 18 enter the eye 12 after passing through the contact lens 100. These rays are naturally focused toward the central region 22 of the retina 24 by the cornea 20 and lens 21 of the eye. In this example, the contact lens maintains the natural focus of the light. In other words, in this example, the focus 25 of the rays 14, 16, and 18 is on the central region 22 of the retina 24, whether or not the contact lens is being worn. However, in other examples, the contact lens 100 may affect or adjust where the focus of the light lands. While these examples show light focused on the central region 22 of the retina, the light can naturally be focused or shifted to either the central or peripheral region of the retina. In some cases, the contact lens alters the focus of light directed toward the peripheral region of the eye, while in other cases, the contact lens maintains the natural peripheral focus of light.

[0131] In the example shown in the figure, the contact lens 100 is depicted as being separate from the eye 12 for illustrative purposes. The contact lens 100 may be in direct contact with the cornea 21, the sclera, other parts of the eye 12, or parts of a combination thereof. In some situations, the contact lens 100 may be in direct contact with all parts of the eye 12 adjacent to the contact lens 100. In other examples, parts of the contact lens 100 may be spaced apart from the eye 12 so that the eye 12 does not come into contact with the contact lens 100 in those specific areas, but the eye 12 comes into direct contact with other parts of the eye 12. In one of these examples, the periphery of the contact lens 100 may be in direct contact with the eye 12, while the central part of the lens 100 may not come into direct contact with the eye 12. In some situations where parts of the lens 100 do not come into direct contact with the eye 12, these parts may come into indirect contact with the eye 12 through a fluid such as tears. If a gap exists between the eye 12 and the contact lens 100, these gaps may be filled with tears produced by the lacrimal ducts.

[0132] In other examples, the pressure applied to the eye 12 by the contact lens 100 may be uniform across the entire area covered by the contact lens 100. In other examples, the pressure on the eye 12 may vary across the area covered by the contact lens 100. In one example, the highest pressure applied by the contact lens 100 is on the corneal portion of the eye 12. In another example, the highest pressure applied by the contact lens 100 is within the scleral portion of the eye 12. In yet another example, the highest pressure applied to the eye 12 is at the transition between the corneal and scleral portions of the eye 12. In the example where the highest pressure is applied to the corneal portion of the eye 12, the pressure may be applied uniformly. However, in other examples, the pressure applied to the cornea 21 may vary across the entire corneal portion of the eye 12. For example, the highest pressure on the corneal portion of the eye 12 may be in the portion corresponding to the pupil of the eye 12, while lower or negative pressure is applied to the portion of the cornea 21 corresponding to the iris of the eye 12.

[0133] Any suitable type of contact lens 100 may be used in accordance with the principles described herein. For example, the contact lens 100 may be a soft contact lens, a gas-permeable hard contact lens, an ortho-K contact lens, a composite contact lens, a colored contact lens, another type of contact lens, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the contact lens 100 is layered. In one particular example, a layer of the contact lens 100 containing a light-shielding agent may be sandwiched between two other layers of the contact lens 100. A non-limiting list of materials that may be incorporated into or included in a suitable contact lens 100 is: silicone materials, hydrogel materials, Tefilcon, Tetrafilcon A, Chlofilcon, Helfilcon A & B, Mafilcon, Polymacon, Hioxyfilcon B, Lotrafilcon A, Lotrafilcon B, Galfilcon A, Senofilcon A, Sifilcon A, Comfilcon A, Enfilcon A, Lidofilcon B, Surfilcon A, Lidofilcon A, Alphafilcon A, Omafilcon A, Basa This includes filcon A, hioxyfilcon A, hioxyfilcon D, nelfilcon A, helafilcon A, acofilcon A, bufilcon A, deltafilcon A, femfilcon A, bufilcon A, perfilcon, etafilcon A, focofilcon A, ocyufilcon B, ocyufilcon C, ocyufilcon D, ocyufilcon E, ocyufilcon F, femfilcon A, metafilcon A, metafilcon B, bilfilcon A, and other types of polymers, or combinations thereof. These materials may include various combinations of monomers, polymers, light-shielding agents, and other materials for forming the final polymer. For example, common components of these materials may include HEMA, HEMA-GMA, and others.

[0134] Figure 2 shows an example of a contact lens 200 having transmission properties. The contact lens 200 is substantially similar to any of the contact lenses described herein and may include some or all of their features. In this example, UV-A light is schematically represented by arrow 202, UV-B light by arrow 204, violet light by arrow 206, blue light by arrow 208, green light by arrow 210, and yellow light by arrow 212. In this example, the contact lens 200 includes transmission properties that allow UV-A light, UV-B light, violet light, green light, and yellow light to pass through the contact lens. In this example, the contact lens 200 also includes filtering properties that block at least a portion of blue light from passing through the contact lens. For example, the transmission properties may include transmitting all light having wavelengths greater than 500 nanometers. Furthermore, in some examples, the transmission properties may include transmitting all light having wavelengths less than 400 nanometers.

[0135] This example shows only a specific type of light that passes through the contact lens 200, but other types of light not shown may also pass through the lens 200. For example, all types of light except blue light may pass through the contact lens 200. In other examples, other types of visible light may pass through the contact lens 200, which may include red light, orange light, blue light, and / or other types of light.

[0136] In some cases, the filter characteristics may also block some portions of other types of light at wavelengths adjacent to the wavelength of blue light, such as indigo and green light. In some cases, the filter characteristics block at least some of the light with wavelengths in the range of 400 nanometers to 500 nanometers. In some cases, the filter characteristics block at least some of the light with wavelengths in the range of 400 nanometers to 450 nanometers. In some cases, the filter characteristics block at least some of the light with wavelengths less than about 360 nanometers or less than about 280 nanometers.

[0137] In some cases, blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 and 500 nanometers includes blocking 100 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 and 500 nanometers, blocking at least 90 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 and 500 nanometers, blocking at least 80 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 and 500 nanometers, blocking at least 70 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 and 500 nanometers, blocking at least 50 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 and 500 nanometers, blocking the remaining percentage of light with wavelengths between 400 and 500 nanometers, or a combination thereof. In some cases, if a light-blocking agent blocks only a certain percentage of light within the 400-500 nanometer range, the light-blocking agent blocks 100 percent of only specific wavelengths within that range. In other examples, light-blocking agents block a broader wavelength range, but only a certain percentage of the wavelengths they block.

[0138] In some cases, blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 and 450 nanometers includes blocking 100 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 and 450 nanometers, blocking at least 90 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 and 450 nanometers, blocking at least 80 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 and 450 nanometers, blocking at least 70 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 and 450 nanometers, blocking at least 50 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 and 450 nanometers, blocking the remaining percentage of light with wavelengths between 400 and 450 nanometers, or a combination thereof. In some cases, if a light-blocking agent blocks only a certain percentage of light within the 400 to 450 nanometer range, the light-blocking agent blocks 100 percent of only specific wavelengths within that range. In other examples, light-blocking agents block a broader wavelength range, but only a certain percentage of the wavelengths they block.

[0139] In some cases, blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths less than 360 nanometers includes blocking 100 percent of light with wavelengths less than 360 nanometers, blocking at least 90 percent of light with wavelengths less than 360 nanometers, blocking at least 80 percent of light with wavelengths less than 360 nanometers, blocking at least 70 percent of light with wavelengths less than 360 nanometers, blocking at least 50 percent of light with wavelengths less than 360 nanometers, blocking at least other percentages of light with wavelengths less than 360 nanometers, or a combination thereof. In some cases, if a light-blocking agent blocks only a certain percentage of light less than 360 nanometers, the light-blocking agent blocks 100 percent of only specific wavelengths within that range. In other cases, a light-blocking agent blocks a broader wavelength range, but only a certain percentage of the wavelengths it blocks.

[0140] Figure 3 shows an example of a contact lens 200 having transmission properties. The contact lens 200 is substantially similar to any of the contact lenses described herein and may include some or all of their features. In this example, UV-A light is schematically represented by arrow 202, UV-B light by arrow 204, violet light by arrow 206, blue light by arrow 208, green light by arrow 210, and yellow light by arrow 212. In this example, the contact lens 200 includes violet light, green light, and yellow light passing through the contact lens. In this example, the contact lens 200 includes filtering properties that block at least some of the UV-A light, UV-B light, and blue light from passing through the contact lens. In some examples, the contact lens 200 may include transmission properties that allow at least some of the light with wavelengths less than 400 nanometers to pass through the body. In some examples, the contact lens 200 may have transmission properties that allow at least some light with wavelengths less than 500 nanometers to pass through the body. In this example, violet light, which may include wavelengths of 360 to 400 nanometers or 360 to 380 nanometers, may pass through the contact lens 200.

[0141] The transmission characteristics may include transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 400 nanometers. The transmission characteristics may include transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 370 nanometers, transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 370 nanometers to 380 nanometers, transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 380 nanometers to 390 nanometers, transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 390 nanometers to 400 nanometers, or a combination thereof, for example, transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 380 nanometers.

[0142] The transmission characteristics may include allowing 100 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers to pass through the contact lens body, allowing at least 90 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers to pass through the body, allowing at least 80 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers to pass through the body, allowing at least 70 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers to pass through the body, allowing at least 50 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers to pass through the body, and allowing at least the remaining percentage of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers to pass through the contact lens body.

[0143] The transmission characteristics may include allowing 100 percent of light with wavelengths greater than 360 nanometers to pass through the contact lens body, allowing at least 90 percent of light with wavelengths greater than 360 nanometers to pass through the body, allowing at least 80 percent of light with wavelengths greater than 360 nanometers to pass through the body, allowing at least 70 percent of light with wavelengths greater than 360 nanometers to pass through the body, allowing at least 50 percent of light with wavelengths greater than 360 nanometers to pass through the body, and allowing at least the remaining percentage of light with wavelengths greater than 360 nanometers to pass through the contact lens body.

[0144] In some examples, transmission properties may also include transmitting at least a portion of light with wavelengths of approximately 280 nanometers or less. Transmission properties may include transmitting 100 percent of light with wavelengths less than 280 nanometers through the contact lens body, transmitting at least 90 percent of light with wavelengths less than 280 nanometers through the body, transmitting at least 80 percent of light with wavelengths less than 280 nanometers through the body, transmitting at least 70 percent of light with wavelengths less than 280 nanometers through the body, transmitting at least 50 percent of light with wavelengths less than 280 nanometers through the body, and transmitting at least the remaining percentage of light with wavelengths less than 280 nanometers through the contact lens body.

[0145] Figure 4 shows an example of a contact lens 200 having transmission properties. The contact lens 200 is substantially similar to any of the contact lenses described herein and may include some or all of their features. In this example, UV-A light is schematically represented by arrow 202, UV-B light by arrow 204, violet light by arrow 206, blue light by arrow 208, green light by arrow 210, and yellow light by arrow 212. In this example, the contact lens 200 includes violet light, green light, and yellow light passing through the contact lens. In this example, the contact lens 200 includes filtering properties that absorb at least a portion of the UV-A, UV-B, and / or blue light incident on the lens, preventing at least a portion of the UV-A, UV-B, and / or blue light from passing through the contact lens. Furthermore, in this example, the contact lens 200 includes a filtering property that emits at least a portion of the energy absorbed from the incident UV-A, UV-B, and / or blue light as violet light, indicated by arrow 206. In some examples, at least a portion of the violet light emitted from the lens due to the absorption of UV-A, UV-B, and / or blue light may enter the eye as shown in the figure. In some examples, this allows the contact lens 200 to block at least a portion of the UV-A, UV-B, and / or blue light and enhance the eye's exposure to violet light.

[0146] In some cases, this effect can be achieved, for example, by including a fluorescent agent in the contact lens 200. In some cases, such a fluorescent agent may absorb and / or block UV-A, UV-B, and / or blue light, and may fluoresce or emit violet light. As described herein, in some cases, the contact lens 200 may contain a fluorescent agent such as Indo-I. In some cases, a suitable fluorescent agent may be used as a light-shielding agent, or the fluorescent agent may be used in addition to one or more other light-shielding agents.

[0147] In some examples, contact lenses may include transmission properties that enhance at least some light with wavelengths less than 400 nanometers by fluorescence emission, as described herein, for example. To the extent used herein, enhancing, or enhancing, may include exposing the eye to one or more wavelengths of light in a greater or higher amount or intensity than the natural amount or intensity of said one or more wavelengths incident on the lens. In some examples, contact lenses may include transmission properties that enhance at least some light with wavelengths less than 500 nanometers. In this example, violet light, which may include wavelengths of 360 to 400 nanometers or 360 to 380 nanometers, may be enhanced by a fluorescent agent in the contact lens 200.

[0148] The transmission properties may include enhancing at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 400 nanometers. The transmission properties may include enhancing at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 370 nanometers, transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 370 nanometers to 380 nanometers, transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 380 nanometers to 390 nanometers, transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 390 nanometers to 400 nanometers, or a combination thereof, for example, transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 380 nanometers. The transmission properties may further include blocking or absorbing at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of less than 360 nanometers and / or more than 400 nanometers, as described herein, for example with respect to Figures 2 and 3.

[0149] In some cases, contact lenses may include color, for example, by including one or more dyes. In some cases, color may enhance a desired portion of the light spectrum through selective filtering. In some cases, colored contact lenses may include enhancing at least a portion of light in the 360-400 nanometer wavelength range. Transmission properties may include enhancing at least a portion of light in the 360-370 nanometer wavelength range, transmitting at least a portion of light in the 370-380 nanometer wavelength range, transmitting at least a portion of light in the 380-390 nanometer wavelength range, transmitting at least a portion of light in the 390-400 nanometer wavelength range, or a combination thereof, for example, transmitting at least a portion of light in the 360-380 nanometer wavelength range.

[0150] In some cases, contact lenses may enhance a desired wavelength or wavelength range of light, for example, through thin-film interference. In some cases, one or more surfaces of a contact lens may include a thin film of a thickness configured to reflect at least some UV-A, UV-B, and / or blue light, or to block other light from passing through the lens. For example, in some cases, a contact lens may include a thin film, such as a polymer film, having a thickness that is a multiple of half the wavelength of UV-A, UV-B, and / or blue light. For example, if the wavelength of some UV light is 300 nanometers, the contact lens may include a thin film having a thickness of 150 nanometers, 300 nanometers, 450 nanometers, or any other multiple of half the wavelength of UV light, i.e., 150 nanometers. Furthermore, in some cases, the thin film may have a refractive index different from that of the contact lens body.

[0151] Figures 5-8 show various components that can be used in specific examples for manufacturing contact lenses described herein, such as contact lenses 100, 200, etc. The liquid lens material 52 can be poured into the contour 54 of the mold 42. The mold 42 can be loaded together with the liquid lens material 52 into a spinning structure 68, which is configured to rotate the mold 42 so that the liquid lens material 52 spreads throughout the contour 54 by centrifugal force to form the desired shape of the contact lens. While the mold 42 is rotating, a curing agent (e.g., temperature, chemical rays, or other types of curing agents) is applied to the liquid lens material 52. As a result, the liquid lens material 52 hardens to form a contact lens.

[0152] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of one example of a mold for a contact lens according to the principles of the present disclosure. In this example, the mold 42 has a base 56 with a number of notches 58, 60, 62 which are spaced apart and shaped to fit with the inner surface of the spinning structure in a later stage of manufacturing. The contour 54 of the mold 42 is shaped to form the front surface of the contact lens.

[0153] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a mold 42 and liquid lens material 52 according to the principle of this disclosure. In this example, the liquid lens material 52 is deposited within the contour 54 of the mold.

[0154] The liquid lens material 52 can be made from any material suitable for use in contact lenses. For example, the liquid lens material 52 can be made from any silicone material and / or hydrogel material. Such materials include polymers such as Tefilcon, Tetrafilcon A, Chlofilcon, Helfilcon A & B, Mafilcon, Polymercon, Hioxyfilcon B, Rotrafilcon A, Rotrafilcon B, Galfilcon A, Senofilcon A, Sifilcon A, Comfilcon A, Enfilcon A, Lidofilcon B, Surfilcon A, Lidofilcon A, Alphafilcon A, Omafilcon A, Basafilcon A, Hioxyfilcon A, Hioxyfilcon D, Nerufilcon A, Helafilcon A, Acofilcon A, Bufilcon A, Deltafilcon A, Femfilcon A, Bufilcon A, Perfilcon, Etafilcon A, Focofilcon A, Ocufilcon B, Ocufilcon C, Ocufilcon D, Ocufilcon E, Ocufilcon F, Femfilcon A, Metafilcon A, Metafilcon B, Billfilcon A, and other types of polymers, monomers, or combinations thereof. These materials may include various combinations of monomers, polymers, and other materials for forming liquid lens materials.

[0155] In some examples, the materials constituting the liquid lens material may include at least one light-shielding agent that blocks light within a desired wavelength. In some examples, a light-shielding agent that blocks blue light is incorporated into the liquid lens material. Any suitable type of light-shielding agent for blue light may be incorporated into the lens. In some examples, the light-shielding agent for blue light includes triphenylphosphine, coloring dyes, other types of light-shielding agents, or combinations thereof. In some examples, a light-shielding agent that blocks UV light is incorporated into the liquid lens material. In some examples, two or more types of light-shielding agents may be incorporated into the liquid lens material.

[0156] In some cases, other types of light-shielding agents may be used to block desired wavelengths of light less than approximately 360 nanometers or less than approximately 280 nanometers or less than 280 nanometers. These light-shielding agents may be used to block UV or blue light wavelengths. In these cases, any suitable type of light-shielding agent may be used to block these wavelengths, such as titanium dioxide, oxybenzone, octyl salicylate, octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate, RUVA-93, thermoplastic olefins, dyes such as yellow dye #15, 2-[3-(2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]ethyl methacrylate, other light-shielding agents, or combinations thereof.

[0157] A suitable amount of a light-blocking agent for blue light, a light-blocking agent for UV light, or a light-blocking agent for other types of light may be incorporated into the body of the contact lens. Any of these light-blocking agents may constitute at least 1.0 weight percent of the contact lens, at least 5.0 weight percent of the contact lens, at least 10.0 weight percent of the contact lens, at least 15.0 weight percent of the contact lens, at least 25.0 weight percent of the contact lens, or any other suitable amount (by weight), or a combination thereof.

[0158] In one example, the liquid lens material is composed of a hydrogel polymer that contains no silicone whatsoever. This may be desirable to increase the wettability of the contact lens. In another example, the liquid lens material is made from a silicone hydrogel material.

[0159] Contact lenses can have a shape and size based on various factors, including the shape and size of the user's eye and the various optical properties to be achieved by the central part of the contact lens. In some cases, the total thickness of the contact lens can be approximately 0.1 mm to 0.14 mm. The thickness of the contact lens can gradually change depending on the location on the lens. For example, a contact lens can be thicker near the outer edge than in the central part.

[0160] Figures 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of the mold 42, in which the liquid lens material 52 is spread across the entire contour 54 of the mold 42 by centrifugal force according to the principle of this disclosure. In this example, the mold 42 is rotated around a central axis 66 within a spinning structure (68 in Figure 7). The spinning structure 68 is rotated at a certain speed in such a manner that a desired rear surface 70 of the contact lens is formed.

[0161] The spinning structure 68 includes a central loading area that can receive a mold 42 containing liquid lens material 52. The central loading area may be formed by a glass tube, a metal tube, or other type of structure that can hold the mold 42 in a stacked state. In examples where a chemical beam is used as a curing agent, the spinning structure 68 may have an opaque, translucent, or transparent material with an opening large enough to allow the chemical beam to enter the central loading area. In the example in Figure 8, the spinning structure 68 includes a number of guide posts 74 that hold the mold 42 in a stacked state. The spinning structure 68 also includes an area 76 that can be used to mount a spinning driver, such as a motor.

[0162] The spinning structure 68 is programmed to rotate in a precise manner to form the desired rear surface 70 of the contact lens, which is the surface of the contact lens that will come into contact with the eye. The program for rotating the spinning structure 68 can be modified to create the desired profile based on each user's individual prescription for different users. A curing agent is applied to the liquid lens material 52 while the spinning structure 68 is rotating the mold 42. As a result, the contact lens is formed during the rotation of the spinning structure. In some examples, the contact lens is fully cured within the spinning structure. However, in other examples, the contact lens may be fully cured through multiple curing stages. For example, the contact lens may be cured within the spinning structure 68 to the point where the liquid lens material retains its shape but is not fully cured. At this stage, the mold containing the contact lens may be removed from the spinning structure and the curing completed in a cost-effective environment. A spinning structure compatible with the principles described herein is described in U.S. Patent No. 9,193,119 issued to Stephen D. Newman. U.S. Patent No. 9,193,119 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0163] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of one example of a mold for a contact lens according to the principles of the present disclosure. In this example, the liquid lens material 52 is partially cured, and then a second material 900 is added. In this example, the second material 900 is another liquid lens material and is added to the rear surface of the partially cured liquid lens material 52. Figure 10 is rotated again to show the mold 42 with the second material 900 spread to cover at least a portion of the rear surface of the partially cured liquid lens material 52. In some examples, the second material 900 spreads to cover the entire rear surface of the liquid lens material 52, while in other examples, the second material 900 spreads to only a portion of the rear surface area. The second material 900 may be cured in place as it spreads.

[0164] Although indicated to provide only a mold surface for the front surface, in some embodiments, additional mold components can be provided to supply the shape of the back surface of the contact lens, for example, in a mold molding system. Such molds can clamp each other, apply pressure from both sides, and push the liquid lens material outward between them, filling the mold cavity and forming the shape of the contact lens. The liquid lens solution can be cured in the mold, for example, by exposure to light of a selected wavelength (e.g., UV light). Flash resulting from the molding process can be trimmed after the contact lens has cured or depending on the joining of the two parts of the mold.

[0165] In some examples, the first liquid lens material does not contain at least one light-blocking agent, while the second material does contain a light-blocking agent that is not present. For example, the first liquid lens material does not contain a blue light-blocking agent, while the second material may contain that blue light-blocking agent. In other examples, the liquid lens material does not contain at least one UV light-blocking agent, while the second material contains that UV light-blocking agent. In other examples, the liquid lens material may contain a light-blocking agent, but at a different concentration than the second material. One advantage of depositing a liquid lens material without a light-blocking agent is that the light-blocking agent can affect the curing rate of the liquid lens material. The second material may be the same material as the liquid lens material, but in a smaller volume and with a higher concentration of light-blocking agent. In this example, the curing rate of only the smaller portion of the lens material is affected by the light-blocking agent.

[0166] In another example, the liquid lens material may contain a first type of light-shielding agent, and the second material may contain a second type of light-shielding agent. The light-shielding agents can be separated from each other by depositing them separately, partially curing one of the light-shielding agents in the liquid lens material, and then adding a second layer containing the second type of light-shielding agent, thereby preventing the light-shielding agents from mixing, chemically reacting with each other, and / or otherwise interfering with each other. Another reason for separating the deposition of different light-shielding agents is that one light-shielding agent may affect the curing rate based on the first type of radiation used to cure the lens body. For example, the liquid lens material may be cured with UV light. In that example, a blue light-shielding agent may be incorporated into the liquid lens material. Blue light may be used to cure the second material. In this example, the second material may contain a UV light-shielding agent.

[0167] In some cases, blue light can be used to cure materials incorporating blue light-blocking agents. In some cases, the blue light-blocking agent affects the curing rate when blue light is used for curing, but in other cases, the curing rate is not affected when blue light is used to cure materials containing the blue light-blocking agent.

[0168] In some cases, UV light can be used to cure materials incorporating UV light-blocking agents. In some cases, the UV light-blocking agent affects the curing rate when UV light is used to cure the material, but in other cases, the curing rate is not affected when UV light is used to cure a material containing a UV light-blocking agent.

[0169] Figure 11 shows an example in which an additional layer of liquid lens material is added to a contact lens mold 42. The additional liquid lens material 1100 may be the same type of material as the first liquid lens material, or it may be a different type of material. The first liquid lens material may be partially cured before the second material 900 and the additional liquid lens material are added. In some examples, the second material 900 and the additional liquid lens material 1100 are cured simultaneously. In other examples, the second material 900 is at least partially cured before the additional liquid lens material is cured.

[0170] In one example, a first liquid lens material 52 is added to a mold 42 and rotated to partially harden it. A second material 900 is added to the partially hardened liquid lens material and also partially hardened. The additional liquid lens material is added to the partially hardened second material and the partially hardened first liquid lens material. The additional liquid lens material may then harden, thereby cross-linking with the peripheral portion of the first liquid lens material. This process may enclose the second material. In an example where the second material contains a light-shielding agent that may seep from the second material into the user's eye when worn by the user, the additional liquid lens material and the first liquid lens material may act as a barrier to prevent the migration of the light-shielding agent.

[0171] In some cases, the light-blocking agent does not have the property of seeping through the lens itself under the conditions under which the user typically wears contact lenses. In these cases, a single-layer contact lens may be preferable.

[0172] Some of the examples described above use a second material, which is a liquid lens material, but the second material can take any suitable form. For example, the second lens material may be a solid material formed on a lathe. In other examples, the second lens material may be a sheet material. In yet another example, the second material may include a partially cured material that has been cured in an environment different from that of the first liquid lens material.

[0173] Furthermore, the second lens material does not necessarily have to be added to the partially cured first lens while it remains in the mold. The partially cured first liquid lens material may be removed from the mold and moved to another environment before the second material is added. In some examples, the first liquid lens material may be returned to the same mold or a different mold before the second material is at least partially cured.

[0174] Figure 12 shows an example of a contact lens 100 having multiple layers 95, 96, and 97. The front layer 95 and the rear layer 97 may be made of a barrier material that prevents the exudation of light-wavelength-blocking agents contained in layer 96, for example. In some examples, the front layer 95 and the rear layer 97 may be made of a material that provides higher oxygen permeability, which may be more comfortable for the eye. The layers 95, 96, and 97 may adhere to each other through a cross-linking process. In some examples, the front and rear layers 95 and 97 may be larger than the intermediate layer 96. In these such examples, the intermediate layer may be large enough to cover the portion of the eye that will be subjected to pressure from the contact lens sufficient to slow the progression of myopia or prevent the onset of myopia.

[0175] Figure 13 shows an example of triphenylphosphine 1200, a light-shielding agent that can be used to block blue light and is linked to a polymer chain. Triphenylphosphine is often abbreviated as P(C6H5)3. Triphenylphosphine can be relatively stable in ambient air and can be colorless at room temperature. In some cases, triphenylphosphine can slowly oxidize in air to form oxides. In some cases, oxide formation can be avoided by mixing the light-shielding agent in an inert environment. In some cases, the oxidation reaction is minimized after the triphenylphosphine or other light-shielding agent is incorporated into the polymer chain forming the contact lens body. However, in some cases, the lens material containing the light-shielding agent can be cured in an inert environment to avoid or reduce oxidation. In some cases, the layer containing the light-shielding agent of the contact lens is encapsulated within a layer without the light-shielding agent, thereby preventing oxidation. In some cases, the oxidized form of the light-shielding agent can be compatible with being part of the contact lens while still blocking the desired wavelength.

[0176] Although this example describes a specific type of light-shielding agent, any suitable type of light-shielding agent may be used according to the principles described herein. For example, other types of transparent and / or clear light-shielding agents may be used to block blue light and / or UV light. In other examples, the light-shielding agent may color the contact lens or a portion thereof.

[0177] Figure 14 shows an example of Norbloc 7966, also known as 2-[3-(2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]ethyl methacrylate, which is a benzotriazole-based light shield that can be used to block UV light. Benzotriazole-based UV light shields can have very strong or clearly defined absorption cutoffs. For example, Norbloc 7966 absorbs UV light with wavelengths from about 385 nanometers to 390 nanometers, at which point the absorption decreases rapidly. Therefore, as described herein, this absorption profile allows Norbloc 7966 to transmit a high percentage of visible light while effectively blocking UV light.

[0178] Furthermore, the point at which absorption drops sharply can be modified as desired by altering the molecule to include one or more substituents. For example, an electron-donating group at position 5 can shift the absorption cutoff to a longer wavelength. In some examples, the substituent may be chlorine (Cl) at position 5, in which case the absorption cutoff may be 400 nanometers. In some examples, the styrene moiety in the molecule shown in Figure 14 may be substituted with an ethyl methacrylate group. In some examples, the electron-donating substituent may be included at position 5, for example, the Cl group. In some examples, such UV shields may have an absorption cutoff of 400 nanometers. In some examples, an electron-withdrawing group may be alternatively placed at position 5. Such substituents may have the effect of shifting the absorption cutoff to a shorter wavelength. For example, in some examples, a nitro group (-NO2) or a sulfonic acid group (-SO3Na) may be used as the substituent at position 5, which can shift the absorption cutoff to about 370 nanometers. In some cases, one or more variants of benzotriazole light-blocking agents, such as Norbloc 7966, may be incorporated into contact lenses to selectively block desired wavelengths of light as described herein.

[0179] Figure 15 shows an example of 2-[4-(bis(carboxymethyl)amino)-3-[2-[2-(bis(carboxymethyl)amino)-5-methylphenoxy]ethoxy]phenyl]-1H-indole-6-carboxylate, also known as Indo-1, which is a UV-absorbing fluorescent agent that can be used to absorb UV light and emit violet light as described herein. Indo-1 is a fluorescent molecule with an emission peak at 475 nanometers. However, in the presence of calcium, the emission peak of Indo-1 shifts to 400 nanometers. Therefore, Indo-1 and calcium can be incorporated into contact lenses to enhance light having a wavelength of 400 nanometers, as described herein. In some examples, contact lenses containing Indo-1 and calcium may absorb at least some of the UV light incident on the lens and then emit light having a wavelength of 400 nanometers toward the eye.

[0180] Figure 16 shows a method 1300 for controlling the progression of myopia and / or preventing the onset of myopia. In this example, method 1300 includes providing a contact lens having a filter characteristic that blocks at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers from passing through the lens, a transmission characteristic that allows at least some light with wavelengths greater than 500 nanometers to pass through the lens, and a second transmission characteristic that allows at least some light with wavelengths less than 400 nanometers to pass through the lens, and optionally instructing the user to wear the first contact lens.

[0181] In block 1302, a contact lens is provided to the user. The contact lens includes at least one light-blocking agent that blocks light of a specific wavelength from entering the eye, while allowing light of a desired wavelength to pass through the body of the contact lens and into the user's eye. In some examples, the second transmission property includes transmitting at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers. In some examples, an additional light-blocking agent may be incorporated into the contact lens to block at least a portion of light with wavelengths less than 360 nanometers.

[0182] In block 1304, the user is instructed to wear contact lenses. The desired effect of slowing the progression of myopia and / or preventing its onset can be achieved by wearing contact lenses in an environment where violet light is present, while blue light and / or UV light are removed. Violet light may provide a biological feedback that first prevents the formation or progression of myopia. In some cases, the presence of violet light may slow the progression of myopia that is already progressing.

[0183] Users may be instructed to wear contact lenses until the period corresponding to axial growth has ended. After that period, users may be instructed that they may discontinue wearing contact lenses. In some cases, the period corresponding to axial growth may be until the user turns 18 years old. As a result, in some cases, users may be instructed to discontinue use around their 18th birthday. In some cases, users may, at their discretion, continue wearing contact lenses after the period corresponding to axial growth has ended to alleviate or prevent adult-onset myopia or other similar eye problems. In some cases, users may choose to wear contact lenses for a desired period after the period corresponding to axial growth.

[0184] Users may be instructed to wear contact lenses if they have a genetic link that could lead to the progression of myopia, even if they have not been diagnosed with myopia. In some cases, users may be instructed to wear contact lenses if they have any environmental, genetic, biological, sociological, or other factors or combinations of factors that could lead to the development of myopia, even if they have not been diagnosed with myopia. Possible environmental factors that could lead to the progression of myopia include living in an indoor environment with only artificial light sources that do not contain large amounts of violet light.

[0185] Figure 17 shows an example of a method 1400 for manufacturing a contact lens. In this example, method 1400 includes injecting a liquid lens material into a spin-casting mold 1402, wherein the liquid material contains a light-shielding agent having properties that block at least some light with wavelengths between 400 and 500 nanometers from passing through the liquid lens material, and rotating the spin-casting mold 1404. Although the process is disclosed primarily in relation to a spin-casting process, the material can be used and manufactured in any number of contact lens forming processes, including but not limited to spin-casting, casting (both unassembled and assembled), and turning. In some examples, hybrid processes include turning after spin-casting or casting.

[0186] In block 1402, the liquid lens material is poured into the mold. The liquid lens material may contain a light-shielding agent that removes and / or blocks light of a predetermined wavelength. The light-shielding agent may block at least some of blue light, UV-A rays, UV-B rays, light of different wavelengths, or a combination thereof. The light-shielding agent may allow light of other wavelengths to pass through the contact lens body, which are, for example, violet light and all other light in the visible light spectrum having wavelengths longer than the wavelength of blue light.

[0187] Figure 18 shows an example of a method 1500 for manufacturing a contact lens. In this example, the method 1500 includes injecting a liquid lens material into a spin-casting mold 1502, curing the liquid lens material at least partially to form a contact lens 1504, and injecting a second material on top of the first liquid lens material 1506, wherein the second material includes a light-shielding agent having properties that block at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers from passing through the liquid lens material.

[0188] In block 1502, the liquid lens material is added to the mold. In some examples, the first liquid lens material contains a light-shielding agent, but in other examples, the first liquid lens material is substantially free of a light-shielding agent.

[0189] In block 1504, the first liquid lens material is at least partially cured. In some examples, the first liquid lens material undergoes a curing process during spin casting. At least partial curing causes the liquid lens material to harden into the desired shape, but some molecular bonds remain unbonded for subsequent stages of the manufacturing process. In some examples, the first liquid lens material is fully cured. At least partial curing can be achieved with light intensities within a specific wavelength, such as blue light, UV light, other wavelengths of light, or combinations thereof.

[0190] In block 1506, the second material is poured onto the first liquid lens material. In some examples, the second material is added after the first liquid lens material has at least partially cured. In some examples, the second material is a liquid material. However, in other examples, the second material may be a solid or gaseous material deposited on or in the first liquid material.

[0191] Figure 19 shows an example of a method 1600 for manufacturing a contact lens. In this example, the method 1600 includes injecting a liquid lens material into a spin-casting mold 1602, curing the liquid lens material at least partially to form a contact lens 1604, injecting a second material on top of the first liquid lens material 1606, wherein the second material includes a light-shielding agent having the property of blocking at least some light with wavelengths of 400 to 500 nanometers from passing through the liquid lens material 1606, injecting additional liquid lens material other than the second material on top of the first liquid lens material or the second material 1608, and curing the additional liquid lens material 1610.

[0192] In block 1608, the additional liquid lens material may contain a light-shielding agent, but in other examples, the additional liquid lens material may be substantially free of a light-shielding agent. In some examples, the additional liquid lens material may provide a barrier to prevent the light-shielding agent from seeping out of either the first or second liquid lens material. The additional liquid lens material may be a layer that comes into direct contact with the user's eye after curing.

[0193] In block 1610, an additional liquid lens material is cured. During curing, the additional liquid lens material may cross-link with the first liquid lens material, the second material, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the same type of curing mechanism previously used to at least partially cure the first liquid lens material may be used to cure at this stage. For example, the same blue light, the same UV light, the same temperature, etc., may be used for curing at each curing stage. Alternatively, different curing mechanisms may be used at these different stages.

[0194] All scopes disclosed herein are understood to encompass all sub-scopes within them or all individual numerical values ​​contained therein, and to provide support for claims enumerating them. For example, a scope specified as 1 to 10 encompasses all sub-scopes or individual numerical values ​​between and / or containing a minimum value of 1 and a maximum value of 10, i.e., all sub-scopes starting from a minimum value of 1 or greater and ending not exceeding a maximum value of 10 (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, etc.) or any numerical value between 1 and 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, etc.), and should be understood to provide support for claims enumerating them.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing contact lenses, Injecting liquid lens material into a spin-casting mold, Rotating the aforementioned spin casting mold, The liquid lens material is cured, Includes, The liquid lens material is a light-shielding agent having the property of blocking at least 50 percent of light with wavelengths of 400 nanometers to 500 nanometers from passing through the cured liquid lens material. The method wherein the light-shielding agent comprises at least one of triphenylphosphine and a triphenylphosphine derivative.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising curing the liquid lens material at least partially to form the contact lens.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the contact lens has the characteristic of blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths of 400 nanometers to 500 nanometers from passing through the contact lens.

4. The first liquid lens material is injected into the spin-casting mold, Rotating the aforementioned spin casting mold, The first liquid lens material is to be cured at least partially, The second material is injected onto the first liquid lens material, The method according to claim 1, wherein the second material has the property of blocking at least 50 percent of light with wavelengths of 400 nanometers to 500 nanometers from passing through the first liquid lens material.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the first liquid lens material does not contain a light-shielding agent.

6. Depositing additional liquid lens material into the mold, The additional liquid lens material is cured, Includes, The method according to claim 4, wherein the additional liquid lens material is cross-linked to at least one of the first liquid lens material and the second material by curing the additional liquid lens material.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the contact lens further has transmission properties that allow the cured liquid lens material to transmit at least a portion of light with wavelengths exceeding 500 nanometers.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the contact lens further has transmission properties that allow the cured liquid lens material to transmit at least a portion of light with wavelengths less than 500 nanometers.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the contact lens further has transmission properties that enhance light with wavelengths of 360 nanometers to 400 nanometers through absorption and fluorescence emission within the cured liquid lens material.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the transmission characteristics further include absorbing at least a portion of light with wavelengths less than 360 nanometers and greater than 400 nanometers, and emitting at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers.

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising sandwiching the light-shielding agent between the plurality of layers of the main body.

12. The aforementioned light-shielding agent is the first light-shielding agent, The method according to claim 1, wherein the liquid lens material is a second light-shielding agent having the property of blocking at least some light with wavelengths less than 360 nanometers from passing through the cured lens.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the second light-shielding agent comprises at least one of titanium dioxide, oxybenzone, octyl salicylate, octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate, and benzotriazole.

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