Contact lenses

Abstract

We provide contact lenses to address the shortcomings of conventional technology. [Solution] The present invention discloses a contact lens. The contact lens comprises a lens body and electronic components. The lens body is configured to be worn on the eyeball and includes an optical portion and an annular mounting portion surrounding the optical portion. The annular mounting portion has a C-shaped lower eyelid placement region. The electronic components are provided on the lens body. The electronic components are movable with the eyeball via the lens body and include a stimulator and a power supply unit electrically connected to the stimulator. The stimulator includes an electrode module positioned inside the lower eyelid placement region and a boost control module electrically connected to the electrode module. The boost control module generates a pulse voltage signal via the electrode module. The pulse voltage signal is transmitted to the lower eyelid on the eyeball side by bodily fluids.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to vision aids, and particularly to contact lenses.

Background Art

[0002] In order to relieve the discomfort of the eyes caused by dry eye, conventional contact lenses use electrodes to stimulate the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves located in the orbital region, causing a tear response in the lacrimal gland located in the upper orbital region. That is, conventional contact lenses relieve dry eye with tears. However, existing medical literature points out that the cause of dry eye is not insufficient tear secretion. Therefore, conventional contact lenses do not have a sufficient alleviating effect on dry eye.

[0003] Therefore, the inventor of the present application believes that the above defects can be improved, devotes to research, applies scientific principles, and finally proposes the present invention which is reasonably designed and effectively improves the above defects.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a contact lens for the deficiencies of the prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention disclose a contact lens. The contact lens comprises a lens body and an electronic component, the lens body being configured to be worn on an eyeball and including an optical portion and an annular mounting portion surrounding the optical portion, the annular mounting portion having a C-shaped lower eyelid placement region, the electronic component being provided on the lens body and capable of moving with the eyeball via the lens body and including a stimulator and a power supply unit electrically connected to the stimulator, the stimulator including an electrode module and a boost control module, the electrode module being positioned inside the lower eyelid placement region and configured to contact the bodily fluids surrounding the eyeball, the boost control module being electrically connected to the electrode module and generating a pulse voltage signal via the electrode module, the pulse voltage signal being transmitted to the lower eyelid on the eyeball side by the bodily fluids.

[0006] Based on the above, the contact lens disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention can effectively stimulate the meibomian glands to secrete oil and alleviate dry eye by being designed such that "the electrode module is positioned inside the lower eyelid placement area and is configured to come into contact with the bodily fluids surrounding the eyeball" and "the boost control module generates a pulsed voltage signal via the electrode module, and the pulsed voltage signal is transmitted to the lower eyelid on the eyeball side by the bodily fluids."

[0007] To further understand the features and technical content of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of the invention, however, the drawings provided are for reference and illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view of a contact lens according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic plan view of an electronic component according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic plan view of a contact lens according to the present invention when it is worn on the eye. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view along line IV-IV in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is an enlarged schematic diagram of region V. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of another form of contact lens according to the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged schematic diagram of region VII in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is a schematic plan view of another form of contact lens according to the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a schematic plan view of yet another form of the contact lens according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of the "contact lenses" disclosed herein will be described below with reference to specific examples. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the advantages and effects of the present invention from the disclosed information. The present invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the various detailed descriptions herein can be modified and changed in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention, based on different perspectives and uses. It should also be noted in advance that the drawings of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not based on actual dimensions. The technical content relating to the present invention will be described in more detail using the following embodiments, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0010] In this specification, terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., may be used to describe various elements, but it should be understood that these elements or signals should not be limited by these terms. These terms are primarily used to distinguish one element from another, or one signal from another. Furthermore, the term “or” in this specification should be understood to include any one or more of the items listed in relation to it, depending on the actual situation.

[0011] In the following explanation, when a specific figure is mentioned or shown, it is merely to emphasize that the majority of the relevant content in the subsequent explanation is shown in that specific figure, and does not mean that the subsequent explanation is limited to being interpreted solely based on that specific figure.

[0012] The following will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 9. Contact lenses 100A to 100C according to the present invention are shown. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, this embodiment discloses a contact lens 100A (or a smart contact lens). Here, the contact lens 100A can be worn in the user's eye 200 (for example, between the eyeball 210, upper eyelid 220 and lower eyelid 230 of the eye 200) or embedded inside the eye 200 (not shown), depending on the design requirements.

[0013] It should be noted that, as shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the contact lens 100A may have a function to correct refractive errors. These refractive errors include hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, or astigmatism-presbyopia. Alternatively, the contact lens 100A may be a makeup lens without corrective function.

[0014] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, in this embodiment, the contact lens 100A comprises a lens body 1 and an electronic component 2 provided on the lens body 1. The components of the contact lens 100A according to this embodiment will be described sequentially below, and the connection relationships between multiple components will be introduced as appropriate.

[0015] In this embodiment, the lens body 1 is formed by curing a hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. Examples of the hydrogel include, but are not limited to, p-HEMA. The lens body 1 includes an optical part 11 and an annular mounting part 12 surrounding the optical part 11. The optical part 11 may or may not have a function to correct refractive errors, depending on the design requirements.

[0016] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, no elements are embedded in the optical unit 11. However, depending on the design requirements (for example, when applying the contact lens 100A to a digital zoom device), it is possible to embed elements inside the optical unit 11, and the description is not limited to this embodiment.

[0017] Furthermore, a central axis (not shown) is defined for the optical section 11, and both the center of the optical section 11 and the center of the annular mounting section 12 lie on this central axis. Here, the annular mounting section 12 is connected to the outer edge of the optical section 11 and has a substantially annular shape. The electronic component 2 is embedded inside the annular mounting section 12. Furthermore, the manufacturing method for embedding the electronic component 2 in the annular mounting section 12 (or the manufacturing method for the contact lens 100A) can be adjusted and modified according to design requirements, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0018] More specifically, the annular mounting portion 12 has a C-shaped lower eyelid placement region GA, and the position of the lower eyelid placement region GA corresponds to the position of the lower eyelid 230 of the eye 200. Furthermore, the electronic component 2 is embedded inside the lower eyelid placement region GA. Here, when the contact lens 100A is attached to the eye 200, the positions of the lower eyelid placement region GA and the electronic component 2 correspond to the inside of the lower eyelid 230 of the eye 200, where sensitivity is low, thus effectively reducing the feeling of a foreign object experienced by the user.

[0019] In actual application, the electronic component 2 is provided between the eyeball of the eye 200 and the lower eyelid 230, and can move (or rotate) together with the eyeball 210 through the lens body 1. The electronic component 2 includes a stimulation unit 21 and a power supply unit 22 electrically connected to the stimulation unit 21. Here, the power supply unit 22 can supply power to the stimulation unit 21. The stimulation unit 21 generates a pulsed voltage signal using body fluid as a medium. Thereby, the Meibomian glands (or tarsal glands) located in the lower eyelid 230 are stimulated by the pulsed voltage signal and can generate lipids and proteins. Therefore, the electronic component 2 can relieve the discomfort caused by dry eye with lipids and proteins.

[0020] More specifically, the stimulation unit 21 includes an electrode module 211 and a boost control module 212 electrically connected to the electrode module 211. Here, the electrode module 211 is disposed inside the lower eyelid placement area GA and is configured to contact the body fluid (for example, tears or oil) around the eyeball 210.

[0021] In actual application, the position of the electrode module 211 is preferably arranged centered on the Chengqi acupoint. That is, the electrode module 211 is located directly below the pupil when the eyeball 210 faces forward, and is located between the eyeball 210 and the lower edge of the orbital bone (for example, at a position about 2.3 cm below the pupil). However, the electrode module 211 is not limited thereto. Further, the boost control module 212 generates a pulsed voltage signal through the electrode module 211, and the pulsed voltage signal is transmitted to the lower eyelid 230 on the side of the eyeball 210 by the body fluid.

[0022] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the electrode module 211 may include two comb-shaped electrodes 2111. The two comb-shaped electrodes 2111 can be arranged on either side of the boost control module 212 and can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the boost control module 212. In actual applications, the comb-shaped electrode 2111 has a plurality of conductors arranged in a comb-like manner. The width W of each conductor is preferably between 1 micrometer and 20 micrometers, and the spacing S between two adjacent conductors may be between 10 nanometers and 100 micrometers, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0023] For example, in another embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the electrode module 211 may include two coils 2112. The two coils 2112 are wound in a circular shape and are positioned on either side of the boost control module 212, respectively.

[0024] As yet another example, as shown in Figure 9, the electrode module 211 may include a plurality of electrode pads 2113 spaced apart from each other. Each of the electrode pads 2113 is arranged in a rectangular array. Furthermore, the boost control module 212 can generate pulse voltage signals through each of the plurality of electrode pads 2113. That is, each of the plurality of electrode pads 2113 can generate the pulse voltage signals. For example, three of the electrode pads 2113 can generate the pulse voltage signals in sequence.

[0025] In actual application, to evenly distribute the multiple electrode pads 2113, the electrode pads 2113 may be embedded on the side of the annular mounting portion 12 facing the lower eyelid 230. On the other hand, the boost control module 212 is embedded on the side of the annular mounting portion 12 facing the eyeball 210. Naturally, the positions of the multiple electrode pads 2113 and the boost control module 212 can be swapped according to design requirements.

[0026] Furthermore, it is particularly important to note that in actual applications, the boost control module 212 boosts the base voltage provided by the power supply unit 22 and generates the pulse voltage signal in the electrode module 211.

[0027] Preferably, the base voltage is 1 volt to 5 volts, and the boost control module 212 can boost the base voltage by 2 to 100 times to form the pulse voltage signal. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0028] In one embodiment, the boost control module 212 may be a voltage doubler circuit, and the frequency of the pulse voltage signal can be adjusted between 1 Hz and 1 MHz. However, the boost control module 212 according to the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the boost control module 212 may be any other circuit having the same effect.

[0029] Furthermore, it is worth noting that the pulse voltage signal is transmitted together with the bodily fluid and the electrode module 211 of the electronic component 2, but in order to ensure the comfort of wearing the contact lens 100A, the lens body 1 may completely cover the electronic component 2.

[0030] Specifically, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the lens body 1 may further include a plurality of microporous structures 14. The locations of the plurality of microporous structures 14 correspond to the interior of the lower eyelid placement region GA. By having the plurality of microporous structures 14 penetrate the annular mounting portion 12, the bodily fluids can come into contact with the electrode module 211 through the plurality of microporous structures 14. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0031] For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the lens body 1 may partially cover the electronic component 2. More specifically, the lens body 1 further includes a hollow portion 13, which is located inside the lower eyelid placement region GA of the annular mounting portion 12. The electrode module 211 is exposed to the outside of the lens body 1 via the hollow portion 13 and is capable of contacting the bodily fluids.

[0032] Furthermore, the contact lens 100A may further include an antenna 15 provided on the annular mounting portion 12, depending on the designer's requirements. The antenna 15 may be electrically connected to the boost control module 212 and used for receiving and transmitting signals. This is to control (e.g., adjust) the boost control module 212 or to transmit information data from the boost control module 212.

[0033] Finally, it is important to note that eye-mounted devices can be broadly categorized into two types: those that "directly contact the eyeball" and those that "do not contact the eyeball." Generally, framed glasses and eye masks are of the "do not contact the eyeball" type, while contact lenses are of the "direct contact the eyeball" type. These two types of devices have significant differences in function and placement, with completely different designs and layouts of their electronic components, and they cannot be easily interchanged.

[0034] More specifically, electronic components that "directly contact the eyeball" are necessarily placed between the upper and lower eyelids and the eyeball, with the electronic components adjacent to or in close contact with the eyeball, and all stimulus signals from the electronic components originate from the "inside" of the eye. On the other hand, electronic components that "do not contact the eyeball" indirectly contact the eyeball through the eyelids, meaning that all stimulus signals from the electronic components originate from the "outside" of the eye.

[0035] Furthermore, in the "direct contact with the eyeball" type, the electronic components for the meibomian glands are entirely different from those for the lacrimal glands. To explain in more detail, the meibomian glands are located "inside" the eyelid, adjacent to the edge of the eyeball. Due to the unique location of the meibomian glands, special attention must be paid to the placement and precision of the electrodes in the design of electronic components for the meibomian glands. The electrodes must be flexible and adhere comfortably to the surface of the eyelid without causing pressure on the eyeball. In addition, in order to effectively stimulate the meibomian glands, the device needs precise positioning capabilities to accurately deliver the current to the meibomian glands without unnecessarily affecting surrounding tissues. These design considerations necessitate special attention to the safety and comfort of electrical stimulation devices for the meibomian glands.

[0036] On the other hand, the lacrimal gland is located in the upper outer part of the orbit, deeper than the meibomian glands, and further away from the eyeball. Therefore, the design of electrical stimulation devices for the lacrimal gland requires either covering a wide area around the orbit or concentrating on a specific nerve pathway to effectively stimulate the nerves associated with the lacrimal gland. Furthermore, because the target of stimulation is located deep within the eye, the frequency and intensity of the electrical stimulation must be appropriately adjusted to ensure that the stimulation penetrates and reaches the lacrimal gland. Due to these design requirements, structural stability and the effectiveness of stimulation are given greater importance in electrical stimulation devices for the lacrimal gland.

[0037] In other words, electronic components that are not "placed between the eyeball and the eyelid and stimulate the meibomian glands by pulse voltage" (for example, electronic components in eyeglass frames, electronic components in eye masks) do not fall under the category of electronic components covered by the present invention.

[0038] [Beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention] Based on the above, the contact lens disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention can effectively stimulate the meibomian glands to secrete oil and alleviate dry eye by being designed such that "the electrode module is positioned inside the lower eyelid placement area and is configured to come into contact with the bodily fluids surrounding the eyeball" and "the boost control module generates a pulsed voltage signal via the electrode module, and the pulsed voltage signal is transmitted to the lower eyelid on the eyeball side by the bodily fluids."

[0039] The information disclosed herein represents only preferred embodiments of the present invention and does not limit the scope of the claims. Accordingly, all equivalent technical modifications made using the specification and drawings of the present invention are included within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0040] 100A~100C Contact Lenses 1. Lens body 11 Optics Department 12 Annular mounting part 13 Hollow part 14 Micropore structure 15 Antennas 2 Electronic components 21 Stimulation Units 211 Electrode Module 2111 Comb-shaped electrode 2112 coil 2113 Electrode Pads 212 Boost Control Module 22 Power Supply Units GA lower eyelid placement area W width S interval 200 210 Eyeball 220 Upper eyelid 230 Lower eyelid

Claims

1. It comprises a lens body and electronic components, The lens body is configured to be attached to the eyeball and includes an optical part and an annular attachment part surrounding the optical part, the annular attachment part having a C-shaped lower eyelid placement area. The aforementioned electronic component is provided on the lens body and is capable of moving together with the eyeball via the lens body. The electronic component includes a stimulation unit and a power supply unit electrically connected to the stimulation unit. The stimulation unit includes an electrode module and a boost control module. The electrode module is positioned within the lower eyelid placement area and is configured to come into contact with the bodily fluids surrounding the eyeball. The boost control module is electrically connected to the electrode module, generates a pulse voltage signal via the electrode module, and the pulse voltage signal is transmitted to the lower eyelid on the eyeball side by the bodily fluids, characterized in that the contact lens is configured such that the boost control module is electrically connected to the electrode module, generates a pulse voltage signal via the electrode module, and the pulse voltage signal is transmitted to the lower eyelid on the eyeball side by the bodily fluids.

2. The contact lens according to claim 1, wherein the electrode module includes two comb-shaped electrodes, the two comb-shaped electrodes being positioned on either side of the boost control module.

3. The contact lens according to claim 1, wherein each of the comb-shaped electrodes has a plurality of conductors arranged in a comb-like manner, the width of each of the conductors is 1 micrometer to 20 micrometers, and the distance between two adjacent conductors is 10 nanometers to 100 micrometers.

4. The contact lens according to claim 1, wherein the boost control module is a voltage doubler circuit and is capable of adjusting the frequency of the pulse voltage signal between 1 Hz and 1 MHz.

5. The contact lens according to claim 1, wherein the power supply unit provides a base voltage, and the boost control module is capable of boosting the base voltage by 2 to 100 times to form the pulse voltage signal.

6. The contact lens according to claim 5, wherein the base voltage is 1 volt to 5 volts.

7. The contact lens according to claim 1, wherein the electrode module includes two coils, the two coils being arranged on either side of the boost control module.

8. The contact lens according to claim 1, wherein the electrode module includes a plurality of electrode pads spaced apart from each other, and the boost control module generates the pulse voltage signal through each of the plurality of electrode pads.

9. The contact lens according to claim 1, wherein the lens body covers the electronic component, and the lens body further includes a plurality of microporous structures, the positions of which the plurality of microporous structures correspond to the interior of the lower eyelid placement region, and the plurality of microporous structures penetrate the annular mounting portion, thereby allowing the bodily fluids to come into contact with the electrode module through the plurality of microporous structures.

10. The contact lens according to claim 1, wherein the lens body covers the electronic components, the lens body further includes a hollow portion, the hollow portion is located inside the lower eyelid placement area of ​​the annular mounting portion, and the electrode module is exposed to the outside of the lens body through the hollow portion and is capable of contacting the bodily fluids.

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