Adaptive contact lens device for myopia control
The ophthalmic device with adaptive optical elements addresses the ineffective progression control of myopia by dynamically adjusting focal length and image plane to provide visual stimuli, offering a safer and more efficient solution than conventional methods.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ヴェリリー ヘルス インコーポレイテッド
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
AI Technical Summary
Conventional myopia correction methods fail to control the progression of myopia effectively, leading to potential vision-threatening disorders, and existing solutions are costly, time-consuming, or carry significant risks of infection or side effects.
An ophthalmic device with adaptive optical elements that dynamically change their optical state to present different visual stimuli to the peripheral retina, using actuators and control signals to adjust focal length and image plane, thereby slowing axial eye growth.
The device provides a safer, less costly, and more effective method to control myopia progression by minimizing side effects and allowing for variable corrective forces without disrupting central vision, reducing the need for prolonged treatment sessions.
Smart Images

Figure 2026516044000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 464,275, filed May 5, 2023, entitled "ADAPTIVE OPHTHALMIC DEVICE FOR MYOPIA CONTROL," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
[0002] (Field of the Invention) The present disclosure relates to myopia control, and more specifically, to adaptively changing the optical state of a lens device having one or more adaptive optical elements to present different visual stimuli to the peripheral retina at a given time to slow axial growth, thereby controlling and preventing the progression of myopia and / or treating myopia.
Background Art
[0003] Myopia or nearsightedness generally develops in childhood but may become apparent as a person ages. The prevalence of myopia is increasing rapidly worldwide. The increase in the prevalence of myopia may be due to the increase in near work, including the use of mobile phones or computer screens. In myopia, a person can see nearby objects clearly but has difficulty seeing distant objects. Generally, to focus on nearby objects (such as mobile phones and computer screens), the eye accommodates by changing the shape of the intraocular lens to produce a focused image at the fovea. In an accommodated eye or an eye with corrective lenses, the focused image shell does not lie directly on the retina across the entire region, particularly in the periphery. This unfocused image is likely to provide signals that cause the eye to elongate and worsen myopia. Myopic patients are most commonly treated with a single vision correction lens, which places a large area on the retina at a far vision focus and promotes elongation. The corrective lens only corrects some of the effects of myopia and does not control its progression, exposing the patient to the risk of several vision-threatening disorders, including myopic degeneration, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration, which are correlated with myopia. [Overview of the project]
[0004] This specification describes a system and method for controlling and slowing the progression of myopia by changing the optical state of a lens device having one or more adaptive optical elements. The optical state can be changed by altering the state of one or more adaptive optical elements in an ophthalmic device to present different visual stimuli to the peripheral retina, thereby slowing the axial growth of the eye.
[0005] In one embodiment, the Disclosure includes a lens device configured to be placed on a patient's eye to treat and / or prevent myopia, the lens device comprising: a body comprising a gas-permeable material; one or more adaptive optical elements embedded in the gas-permeable material, each of the one or more adaptive optical elements configured to switch between an optical state and at least another optical state; and an electrical circuit and / or actuator configured to cause the one or more adaptive optical elements to switch between an optical state and at least another optical state based on a control signal, the one or more adaptive optical elements switching between an optical state at one time and at least another optical state at another time over a period of time, presenting visual stimuli to the peripheral retina to slow axial growth of the eye.
[0006] In another embodiment, the Disclosure includes a system for treating and / or preventing myopia, the system comprising a lens device configured to be placed on a patient's eye for treating and / or preventing myopia, the lens device comprising a body comprising a gas-permeable material, one or more adaptive optical elements embedded in the gas-permeable material, each of the one or more adaptive optical elements configured to switch between an optical state and at least another optical state, and an electrical circuit and / or actuator configured to cause one or more adaptive optical elements to switch between an optical state and at least another optical state based on a control signal, the one or more of the plurality of adaptive optical elements switching between an optical state at one time and at least another optical state at another time over a period of time to present a visual stimulus to the peripheral retina to slow axial growth of the eye, the external source configured to transmit an input signal to the electrical circuit and / or actuator, the external source comprising at least one sensor for detecting the state of the eye, and / or an external mobile device for receiving manual input from the patient and / or a medical professional.
[0007] In a further embodiment, the Disclosure includes a method for treating and / or preventing myopia, the method comprising a lens device configured to be worn on a patient's eye, the lens device comprising: a body comprising a gas-permeable material; one or more adaptive optical elements embedded in the gas-permeable material, each of the one or more adaptive optical elements configured to switch between an optical state and at least another optical state; and an electrical circuit and / or actuator configured to cause the one or more adaptive optical elements to switch between an optical state and at least another optical state based on a control signal, the lens device comprising: receiving a signal by an associated processor for adjusting one or more adaptive optical elements of the lens device; the processor adjusting the control signal to one or more adaptive optical elements to change the corrective force of at least a portion of the lens device; and the processor transmitting the adjusted control signal to the electrical circuit and / or actuator to cause one or more of the plurality of adaptive optical elements to switch between an optical state at one time and at least another optical state at another time over a period of time to present a visual stimulus to the peripheral retina and slow the axial growth of the eye. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0008] The aforementioned and other features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] This is a diagram of the conventional image shell position for uncorrected myopia, conventional myopia correction, and optimal myopia correction. [Figure 2] This is a diagram of an ophthalmic device that can be used to control and slow the progression of myopia. [Figure 3] Figure 2 includes a diagram of an exemplary zone of an adaptive optical element in an ophthalmic device. [Figure 4] This is a diagram of one embodiment of the ophthalmic device shown in Figure 2 during use. [Figure 5]Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an example ophthalmic device AA. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an example ophthalmic device AA. [Figure 7] Figure 2 shows an exemplary system that can be used to control and slow the progression of myopia using an ophthalmic device. [Figure 8] Figure 2 shows an exemplary system that can be used to control and slow the progression of myopia using an ophthalmic device. [Figure 9] Figure 2 shows an exemplary system that can be used to control and slow the progression of myopia using an ophthalmic device. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is an illustrative diagram of the control loop operation using the system shown. [Figure 11] Figure 2 shows an example of an ophthalmic device. [Figure 12] Figure 2 shows the changes in corrective force under two different optical conditions across the radius of the ophthalmic device, as shown in both a diagram and a graph. [Figure 13] Figure 2 shows the different focal lengths of the ophthalmic device in two different optical states. [Figure 14] Figure 2 shows the variable power profile of the ophthalmic device in both diagram and graph form. [Figure 15] This shows a graph of the user-controlled optical state switch. [Figure 16] This is a graphical representation of the scheduled optical state switches. [Figure 17] Figure 2 shows an exemplary system including ophthalmic devices and wearable devices. [Figure 18] This is a process flow diagram of an exemplary method for controlling and slowing the progression of myopia by changing the corrective force of an ophthalmic device having one or more adaptive optical elements. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0009] I. Definitions Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.
[0010] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" may include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0011] As used herein, the terms "comprises", and / or "comprising", may specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but it is further understood that they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups.
[0012] As used herein, the term "and / or" can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0013] As used herein, terms such as "first", "second", etc. should not limit the elements described by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a "first" element discussed below could be termed a "second" element without departing from the teachings of this disclosure. The order of operations (or acts / steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or the drawings unless otherwise indicated.
[0014] As used herein, the term "ophthalmic device" refers to a medical device that is used on or inside at least a portion of a patient's eye for ophthalmic or eye care purposes (e.g., diagnosis, surgery, vision correction, etc.). Examples of ophthalmic devices can include contact lenses (also referred to herein as "lens devices"). An ophthalmic device can be "smart" if it includes one or more components that facilitate one or more active processes for purposes other than conventional passive lens-based vision correction (e.g., drug release, modulation of light transmittance, adjustment of corrective power, etc.). Unless otherwise specified, as used herein, the term "ophthalmic device" is meant to refer to a "smart ophthalmic device" and is to be understood to refer to contact lens-based ophthalmic devices. Smart can refer to a device having at least one processing capability and / or electronically connected components.
[0015] As used herein, the term "myopia" can also be referred to as "nearsightedness" through elongation and can refer to a common visual condition where nearby objects are seen clearly while distant objects are blurred.
[0016] As used herein, the term "adaptive" refers to something that can change.
[0017] As used herein, terms such as "adaptive element", "adaptive optical element", etc., refer to any material or combination of materials that undergo a change in light transmittance and / or focus in response to a signal (e.g., an electrical signal). Non-limiting examples of adaptive optical elements include electrochromic materials, liquid crystal materials, pH-sensitive materials, the boundary between two immiscible fluid elements having different refractive indices, and thermodynamic materials, but are not limited thereto.
[0018] As used herein, the term “electrical signal” refers to a signal waveform generated by electronic means such as a signal generator. An electrical signal may be a voltage signal or a current signal. An electrical signal may have variable parameters, including but not limited to frequency, magnitude, shape, amplitude, and polarity. These variable parameters can be controlled, for example, by a controller communicating with the signal generator. An electrical signal may be generated in response to a signal from another source and may act as an actuation signal.
[0019] As used herein, the term “actuator” refers to a component responsible for controlling the activity of a mechanism or system (e.g., one or more adaptive optical elements). An actuator includes (or is connected to) at least a control device (controlled by receiving a signal and outputting another signal or another form of energy) and an energy source. Examples of actuators include electronic circuits, mechanical means, hydraulic means, pneumatic means, and / or magnetic means. In some examples, the terms actuator and electrical circuit may be used interchangeably (e.g., actuator and / or electronic circuit).
[0020] As used herein, the term “embedded” refers to something that is firmly and deeply fixed to the surrounding material. An object embedded in a material may be encapsulated within the material.
[0021] As used herein, the term “enclose” means to completely seal an object (e.g., one or more adaptive optical elements) within another object (e.g., the body of an ophthalmic device).
[0022] As used herein, terms such as “patient,” “subject,” “user,” and “wearer” may be used interchangeably and may refer to an animal (e.g., human) that has myopia and / or a myopia-related condition, or is at risk of developing it.
[0023] II. Overview Myopia or nearsightedness is rapidly increasing worldwide. In uncorrected myopia, the image shell can be mispositioned relative to both the central and peripheral retina of the eye, causing blurred vision (see Figure 1). Several solutions have been proposed to treat the effects of myopia and / or prevent its progression. Such solutions include simple solutions that treat the symptoms of myopia (such as corrective lenses), solutions that attempt to prevent myopia (e.g., variable power lenses, multifocal lenses, lenses with short-term positive correction), and pharmacological or light-based therapeutic solutions. While some solutions have shown promise in preventing myopia or treating its effects, they are costly, time-consuming, or carry a significant risk of infection or other unpleasant / unsafe side effects. Conventional myopia correction, as shown in Figure 1 of the prior art, can correct the image shell so that the user's central field of vision is "fixed" by placing a large central area of the retina at the corrected focal point, but the peripheral zone remains uncorrected and therefore cannot provide a growth-stopping signal for retinal elongation. Optimal correction involves properly focusing the imaging shell for both central and peripheral vision (for example, the correction is applied to both the central and peripheral retina).
[0024] The ophthalmic devices described herein can be used to prevent the progression of myopia and control its effects in an improved, less costly, and safer manner. This specification describes systems and methods for controlling or slowing the progression of myopia by using actuators to initiate changes in one or more adaptive optical elements within an ophthalmic device (referred to interchangeably as contact lenses, lens devices, etc.), thereby changing the corrective force, focal length and / or depth, and / or focal plane and image plane associated with at least a portion of the ophthalmic device over a given time, and thereby presenting different visual stimuli to the retina and slowing axial growth of the eye. It should be understood that extreme visual fields, significant optical aberrations, and the nearly spherical characteristics of the posterior eyeball emphasize that what is described herein as a plane may be referred to as a surface or shell having a similar optical definition, which may be equally and / or more generally defined as a limited local plane.
[0025] An ophthalmic device may include a main body and an adaptive optical element embedded within the main body, designed to mitigate the onset and / or progression of myopia and / or control the symptoms of myopia. Any adaptation and / or adjustment of the adaptive optical element can be controlled by an actuator (together with a controller). Adaptation and / or adjustment of the adaptive optical element can change the corrective force profile of at least a portion of the ophthalmic device, dynamically adjusting the focal length and / or image / focal plane relative to the retina continuously and / or at one or more discrete time points, thereby bringing a therapeutic refractive state to the eye without the cost, time required, risk of infection, or potential side effects of previous solutions. Importantly, the adaptability of the lens devices described herein represents a significant improvement over current static multifocal lenses on the market. For example, by selecting the timing and duration of changes in the optical state, adverse effects such as headache, nausea, eye strain, and / or visual impairment can be greatly reduced. Furthermore, the duration of treatment can be shortened (for example, from a few minutes to a few hours per day), and the user's central vision can be corrected normally for the remaining time, allowing for a wider range of corrective force variations between optical states (e.g., a difference of 1-2 diopters, or up to 3 or 4 diopters or more) without adversely affecting the user.
[0026] III. Series Myopia, also known as elongation myopia, is a common visual condition whose prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide. In myopia, near objects are seen clearly, but distant objects are blurred. Conventional methods of correcting myopia leave a large area on the retina at the far-field focus, promoting continuous elongation. As described herein, the progression of myopia can be controlled (e.g., delayed) by using an ophthalmic device that can be designed to mitigate the onset and / or progression of myopia by dynamically changing the optical state of at least a portion of the ophthalmic device. The ophthalmic device may include one or more adaptive optical elements that can be used to bring a therapeutic refractive state to the eye by changing the optical state of the ophthalmic device (e.g., by varying the refractive power or focal point, etc.) to dynamically adjust the focal distance and / or image / focal plane relative to the retina in continuous or discrete time. Simply put, the treatment involves providing visual stimulation to the eye to stop (or slow down) intraocular axial growth and / or inappropriate growth resulting from myopia and / or conventional myopia correction methods.
[0027] Figure 2 shows an ophthalmic device 1 (referred to as a replaceable contact lens, lens device, etc.) configured to mitigate the onset and / or progression of myopia. As described above, the ophthalmic device 1 may include one or more adaptive optical elements 14 whose configuration can be changed to treat the eye. The ophthalmic device 1 may include a body 10 which may include and / or be composed of a gas-permeable material 12 at least partially. The ophthalmic device 1 may also include one or more adaptive optical elements 14 in the gas-permeable material 12 and an actuator 16 (which may be an electrical circuit and / or an actuator) (at least a portion of the actuator 16 is in contact with one or more adaptive optical elements 14). The ophthalmic device 1 may also include additional hardware, not shown, such as a substrate, a power source such as a battery and / or a wireless / inductive power source, a processor, memory, one or more wireless communication devices configured for one or more wireless communication protocols, one or more controllers, sensors, actuators, electronic modules, logic modules, etc., which is embedded in the ophthalmic device 1. In particular, the ophthalmic device 1 can be freely positioned on and removed from the eye by the user. In some cases, positioning and removal can be achieved without the assistance of a trained medical professional. As an example, the ophthalmic device 1 can be a contact lens.
[0028] The main body 10 can be substantially made from a biocompatible material suitable / safe for optical wear, which is either rigid and substantially inflexible or soft and flexible. Similarly, the gas-permeable material 12 can be substantially made from the same or different biocompatible material suitable / safe for optical wear, which is either rigid and substantially inflexible or soft and flexible. In some examples (as illustrated), the gas-permeable material 12 can be located within at least a portion of the main body 10 (different biocompatible materials suitable / safe for optical wear). In some examples, the ophthalmic device 1 may include a fixed corrective force portion and a variable corrective force portion. In other examples, the ophthalmic device 1 may include multiple variable corrective force portions embedded at various locations throughout the main body 10 (e.g., radial rings of the device, central pair periphery, left pair periphery, etc.). In other examples, the gas-permeable material 12 can constitute the entire body 10 (therefore, the body 10 and the gas-permeable material 12 are equivalent to the same biocompatible material suitable / safe for optical wear, with both the adaptive optical element 10 and the actuator 16 embedded within the gas-permeable material). Examples of such biocompatible materials suitable / safe for optical wear include polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate (polyHEMA), polyethylene glycol, silicone hydrogels, silicone polymers such as fluorosilicone acrylate, silicone elastomers, and combinations thereof.
[0029] One or more adaptive optical elements 14 can be embedded in a gas-permeable material 12 and can switch between at least one optical state and at least another optical state in at least a portion of the ophthalmic device 1 to present different visual stimuli to at least the peripheral retina and slow axial growth of the eye. The optical state can be changed in response to time, signals from the user, signals from a sensor (not shown), etc. The adaptive optical elements 14 may include, but are not limited to, electrochromic materials, liquid crystal materials, pH-sensitive materials, boundaries between two immiscible fluid elements having different refractive indices, or thermodynamic materials. In some examples, the adaptive optical elements 14 may be placed in or include other materials that are not generally adaptive. The adaptive optical elements 14 may be layered and / or positioned at discrete locations within the body 10 of the ophthalmic device 1 to produce the best effect on the user's vision. Examples of adaptive optical elements 14 are described in more detail below.
[0030] The actuator 16 can be involved in controlling the activity of one or more adaptive optical elements 14 by initiating a change in one or more adaptive optical elements that causes a switch between at least a first optical state and at least other optical states, based on a control signal received by the actuator. As described above, at least a portion of the actuator 16 can be in contact with the adaptive optical elements 14. Thus, at least a portion of the actuator 16 may be located within a gas-permeable material 12 in some examples. In other examples, the entire actuator 16 may be located within a gas-permeable material 12. The actuator 16 may include (or be connected to) at least a control device (controlled by receiving a signal and outputting another signal or another form of energy) and an energy source. For example, the actuator 16 may include electronic circuits, mechanical means, hydraulic means, pneumatic means, magnetic means, etc. The way in which the actuator 16 can control the activity of one or more elements 14 may depend on the type of actuator and the type of adaptive optical elements implemented.
[0031] The actuator 16 can receive signals (also called input signals or control signals) that indicate commands to operate and / or reconfigure the adaptive optical element 14. For example, the signal may be based on information from a source within the ophthalmic device 1 (e.g., a sensor, memory, etc.). In another example, as shown in the figure, the signal may be based on information from an external source (e.g., a sensor, mobile device, etc.). Further examples may include information from both a source within the ophthalmic device 1 and an external source. For example, if the actuator 16 is an electronic circuit, it can generate a voltage (e.g., greater than a threshold or a predetermined value) to change the configuration of the adaptive optical element 14 and thereby change the corrective force.
[0032] The signal can be generated based on the following conditions (we will describe the corrective force, but it will be understood that focal length and / or plane, or any other conventional optical correction, can also be modulated). In some cases, the ophthalmic device 1 can use a nearly uniform power change when powered (power on at 1 power, power off at approximately 0). For example, a nearly uniform power can be added across the ophthalmic device 1. Short-term positive correction (e.g., minutes, hours, days, etc.) can prevent the development of myopia. Positive correction treatment sessions can be scheduled to be as inconspicuous as possible for daily activities. In other cases, the ophthalmic device 1 can use an on / off profile adjusted for myopia treatment. For example, the change in corrective force across the ophthalmic device 1 may be non-uniform. If there are some constraints, two separate corrective force profiles (positive and negative values) can be selected within a specific range for the patient. Either profile can be selected arbitrarily (manually or automatically) depending on the task at hand. In a further example, the ophthalmic device 1 may include integrated detection of eye conditions (e.g., accommodation, gaze, pupil dilation, etc.) and / or external sensors (e.g., EMG sensors, optical sensors, etc.) to determine the ideal corrective force state. In this case, the ophthalmic device may automatically respond to accommodation (e.g., near-optimized accommodation and far-optimized accommodation).
[0033] As an example, the adaptive optical element 14 can switch between an optical state at one time and at least another optical state at another time to present visual stimuli to the peripheral retina and slow the axial growth of the eye. The visual stimuli can be presented in such a way that side effects such as headache, blurring, and eye strain are minimized for the user. For example, a visual stimulus different from the user's conventional prescription can be presented when the user is not focusing their eyes (e.g., in the evening, or when triggered by a sensor or manual user input). For example, the visual stimulus may include a transformation of the visual scene, the transformation maintaining at least 10% contrast at a spatial frequency of at least 1 cycle / degree. The optical state may have a corrective force and an associated focal plane and / or focal length, and at least the other optical states (for the same number of other optical states that can be triggered) may have a different corrective force and an associated focal plane and / or focal length. For example, one optical state may have a corrective force to focus visual stimuli onto the peripheral retina, and at least another optical state may have a higher corrective force to focus visual stimuli onto the peripheral retina at a shorter distance.
[0034] As shown in Figure 3 (Elements A, B, C, and D), the adaptive optical element 14 can be configured in one or more zones that can affect the user's vision differently depending on the optical state of each zone at a given time. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. Based on these examples, any other configuration of zones and / or one or more can be considered. Element A in Figure 3 shows an example in which one or more adaptive optical elements are located within a single zone (zone 1) and can change the optical state across the entire visible portion of the body of the ophthalmic device. For example, a single zone may provide a nearly uniform power across the zone in an optical state (power off) and a nearly uniform power addition across the zone in other optical states (e.g., power on), as shown in the graph in Figure 12. Positive corrective treatment can be applied over short periods (e.g., a few minutes / day) and the timing can be set so as not to be distracting (as the user's visual acuity changes with the change in corrective power). For example, as shown in the eye diagram of Figure 12, when other optical states are active, the "depth of focus" in the eye can be increased compared to when the optical state described above is active. In another example, as shown in the eye diagram of Figure 13, the optical states can be changed when the patient's focus changes (e.g., focusing on something farther away or closer), and / or different optical states can change the focus of the eye, for example, from a focus at 10m to a focus at 30cm, or vice versa.
[0035] Element B and Element C in Figure 3 illustrate an example in which one or more adaptive optical elements have two optical zones (zone 1 and zone 2) positioned within different parts of the body of the lens device. For example, they may be parallel (may be vertical or horizontal) or radial (e.g., central zone 2 and more peripheral zone 1). Element D in Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment having four zones, each positioned at different radial lengths from the center of the lens. The optical states of at least two zones of one or more adaptive optical elements may have the same corrective force, as well as associated focal planes and / or focal lengths, and in at least other optical states, at least two zones may have different corrective forces, as well as associated focal lengths and / or focal planes. Each of at least two zones may have the same and / or different corrective forces, as well as associated focal lengths and / or focal planes, for each optical state. As shown in Figure 3, Element C, the central zone, and the peripheral zones are shown. In the optical states, the central zone and the peripheral zones may have the same corrective force, as well as associated focal lengths and / or focal planes. In at least one of the optical states described above, the central and peripheral zones may each have different corrective powers, as well as associated focal lengths and / or focal planes (unlike the optical states described above, these may be the same or different from each other). Using two or more zones allows for a variable power profile (e.g., non-uniform power changes) across the body of the lens device. As shown in Figure 14, the power profile can be any value from about 4 to about -2 at any radial distance from the center of the lens, depending on the optical state selected for each zone. Two or more different power profiles can be selected within these ranges.
[0036] In some examples, regardless of the number of zones, one or more adaptive optical elements can independently affect light with different incident polarizations in each optical state and / or other optical states. When one adaptive optical element changes from one optical state (first optical state) to another optical state (second optical state), this change can affect only one polarization of light (e.g., vertical linear polarization, right circular polarization, etc.) while leaving orthogonal incident polarizations (e.g., horizontal linear polarization, left circular polarization, etc.) unchanged and maintaining their original state. For example, one adaptive optical element can affect one polarization of incident light, and the optical state may have a corrective force common to all polarizations of incident light, while at least other optical states may have different corrective forces that differ between orthogonal polarizations of incident light.
[0037] Figure 4 shows an example of an ophthalmic device in use (similar to that in Figure 2). In this embodiment, the ophthalmic device can be worn outside the eyeball and at least partially below the eyelid (not shown) (for example, similar to conventional contact lenses). This embodiment shows only a portion of Figure 2 for ease of explanation. Different configurations of the enlarged portion of the ophthalmic device at cutting line AA are shown in Figures 5 and 6 (however, these embodiments are not intended to be limiting). The ophthalmic device is generally inactive in one state of the adaptive optical element and active in another state of the adaptive optical element. The ophthalmic device may also have multiple active states with different corrective forces and / or different combinations of corrective forces in different parts of the device. By performing switching between states, the ophthalmic device can provide a larger multifocal range that can be tolerated under all conditions, even by children.
[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the ophthalmic device at the cutting line AA may include stacks of different materials, including a gas-permeable material 12 at the top and bottom (anterior and posterior) of the stack. Adjacent to the gas-permeable material 12 are anterior sealing element 18a and a posterior sealing element 18b. Sealing elements 18a and 18b may surround the adaptive optical element 14. However, sealing elements 18a and 18b may not be strictly necessary. Note that in some examples, to provide a range of corrective forces, the adaptive optical element 14 may include a variable element, a refractive element, and / or a diffracting element, and may be different elements or actuated by different actuators in different parts of the ophthalmic device (for example, the adaptive optical element 14 may have a fixed corrective force at the fovea and a variable corrective force towards the periphery).
[0039] In some examples, the sealed elements 18a, b and / or the adaptive ophthalmic elements 14 may be gas permeable, and in some examples, at least substantially oxygen permeable. In some examples, the adaptive ophthalmic elements 14 may be active in a single polarization state, allowing the optical device to be constructed with fewer active layers, possibly only one active layer, thus enabling it to be manufactured less cheaply, thinner, more comfortable, and more gas permeable. In some examples, the adaptive ophthalmic elements 14 may vary in power according to an ideal power profile for myopia (e.g., for near and far work). In other examples, the adaptive ophthalmic elements 14 may add power at night when the user is not reading, commuting, or performing fine motor tasks, and may, in some cases, defocus and, conversely, focus central vision.
[0040] Figure 5 shows a specific embodiment in which an adaptive ophthalmic element (shown as 14 in Figure 4) may include liquid crystal layers 14a and 14c (collectively referred to as a liquid crystal switchable diffracting lens, which are electrically activated) surrounding a diffraction center element 14b. The liquid crystal layers 14a and 14c may be activated by a voltage change across the liquid crystal layer 14, which can change the refractive index, while the diffraction center 14b may include an element that, when powered, can add or subtract multiple diopters. For example, an actuator (not shown) may be a circuit that can change the morphology of the liquid crystal element and provide the voltage necessary to change the crystalline state of the liquid crystal element, and therefore the refractive state. The liquid crystal switchable diffracting lens may be active in only one polarization of incident light. In this active case, the liquid crystal switchable diffracting lens switches between a monofocal state in which the user has the best central vision and a therapeutic multifocal state in which two orthogonal polarizations are focused on different planes in the eye. By performing the switching between states, the ophthalmic device can provide a larger multifocal range than the user can tolerate under all conditions. In another example not shown, an adaptive optical element may include a boundary between two immiscible liquids having different refractive indices, and an actuator may transmit a voltage exceeding a threshold (or predetermined value) that determines the fluid boundary curvature via electrowetting.
[0041] Figures 7–9 illustrate exemplary systems 5, 6, and 7 that can be used to treat, prevent, and / or slow the progression of myopia using the ophthalmic device shown in Figure 2. These exemplary systems may utilize different algorithms and input mechanisms for the operation of the ophthalmic device. For example, the ophthalmic device may be operated in a user-controlled manner using blinking or squinting to switch between power and manual input on a connected mobile device. As another example, the ophthalmic device may be operated in a pre-scheduled manner, and embodiments of the ophthalmic device may be controlled based on pre-set factors and / or scheduled treatments (e.g., achieving a specific dose of additional corrective power, minimizing interference with daily activities based on circadian rhythms, etc.). The dose may be based on a pre-programmed duty cycle of an active optical element, aimed at conveying a specific dose of positive refractive power, targeting the most influential time of the eye's circadian rhythm, or minimizing interference with daily activities. As a further example, ophthalmic devices can be operated in a closed-loop manner based on measured (internal or external) factors and / or with the goal of achieving a certain degree of natural accommodation.
[0042] Referring here to Figure 7, a system 5 is shown in which a controller 20 is contained within the main body 10 of an ophthalmic device. The controller 20 may include a processor 22 and a non-temporary memory 24. In some examples, at least a portion of the controller 20 may be located outside the ophthalmic device. The controller 20 can adjust control signals sent to actuators to adjust one or more adaptive optical elements 14 based on input from the memory 24. The controller 20 can trigger the adaptive optical elements 14 by sending control signals to the actuators 20 related to the operation of the actuators. The control signals can be sent based on instructions stored in the memory 24 and accessed by the processor 22. For example, instructions stored in the memory 24 may include a predetermined treatment schedule including a predetermined corrective force, a scheduled time (e.g., a specific time of day), timing (e.g., the number of times per day, per day, per week, etc., for any given number of corrective force adjustments), and duration. Figure 16 shows an exemplary graphical representation of a pre-scheduled treatment having various treatment periods over a given period of day. For example, "off" can refer to one or more adaptive optical elements in a first optical state or a dormant optical state, and "on" can refer to one or more adaptive optical elements activated to other optical states in order to change the visual stimulus and thereby change the corrective force and the associated focal length and / or focal plane.
[0043] Figure 8 shows a system 6 including a controller 20 within the body 10 of an ophthalmic device that can communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with a mobile device 60. The controller 20 may include a processor 22 and non-temporary memory 24. In some examples, at least a portion of the controller 20 may be located outside the body 10 of the ophthalmic device. The controller 20 can adjust one or more adaptive optical elements 14 based on input from the mobile device 60 by adjusting control signals sent to actuators. Input from the mobile device 60 may include a specified control signal and a manual input to trigger a specified configuration of the adaptive optical elements 14 for a specified change in corrective force. Input from the mobile device 60 may be based on input from a user or a medical professional to the mobile device 60. In some examples, input from the mobile device 60 may be based on the operation / characteristics of the mobile device 60. In other examples, the mobile device 60 may function as an intermediary between a sensor (not shown) and the controller 20 in a manner similar to that described in more detail with respect to Figure 9.
[0044] Referring here to Figure 9, a system 7 is shown which includes a controller 20 within the ophthalmic device body 10 and one or more sensors 72 and 74. The controller 20 may include a processor 22 and non-temporary memory 24. The detection of one or more sensors 72 can record and / or at least one parameter related to the patient's eye condition, the patient's environment, etc. In some examples, at least a portion of the controller 20 is outside the ophthalmic device and can communicate wirelessly with the other portion. The controller 20 may include automatic control logic that can manage the operation of the system 7 in a closed-loop manner. The closed loop may be based on data from the sensors 72 and / or 74. Sensor 72 may be included (embedded) within the ophthalmic device body 10, while sensor 74 may be outside the ophthalmic device (for example, as part of a wearable device and / or handheld device). The system 7 may include only internal sensors 72, only external sensors 74, or a combination of both. The controller 20 can receive input from one or more internal sensors 72 and / or one or more external sensors 74 by wireless and / or wired communication. The controller 20 can receive at least one recorded parameter related to the patient's eye condition, the patient's environment, etc., and then configure a control signal based on the at least one recorded parameter related to the patient's eye condition, the patient's environment, etc., to determine whether to trigger at least one other optical state, the duration of at least one other optical state, and / or which of the at least other optical states should be triggered. The at least one recorded parameter related to the patient's eye condition may be at least one of ciliary muscle contraction, interpupillary distance, pupil diameter, gaze direction, gaze distance, user activity, and / or time. Parameters related to the patient's environment may include, for example, measurements of optical or electrical accommodation of the eye, and / or measurements of light intensity and / or wavelength.
[0045] For example, the internal sensor 72 may include an electromyographic electrode that measures ciliary muscle contraction and automatically adjusts the adaptive optics as the eye naturally adjusts for near and far distances. In another example, the internal sensor 72 and / or external sensor 74 may include an optical sensor that can detect when the user is likely to blink, in a predetermined recognizable pattern which can be determined to indicate a specific switching of the adaptive optical element 14 between near and far distance states. Alternatively, the external sensor 74 on a set of glasses or goggles may be used to image the eye (e.g., using a CMOS sensor) and determine what level of near and far accommodation is desired based on the interpupillary distance.
[0046] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary automatic control loop operation using the closed-loop system of Figure 7 (which can be controlled by a controller). The controller 20 can receive one or more thresholds (or predetermined values) indicating how data from the sensor should be applied within the control loop (for example, in the most basic case, if the sensor data is above the threshold (or predetermined value), X is changed; if it is below, it is left unchanged). Sensor 80 can continuously detect variables related to the user's vision (for example, at predetermined time intervals such as 1 second, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes). Sensor 80 (internal or external) can communicate with the controller 20 and send signals to the controller indicating the variables detected at that time. Based on the signals from sensor 80 and the thresholds (or predetermined values) stored in memory, the controller 20 can determine a control signal to send to actuator 16. The controller 20 can use, for example, at least one of the proportional, integral, or differential control laws. For example, the accommodation setpoint (e.g., the eye's accommodation) can be compared by the controller 20 to the current accommodation signal (a previously transmitted control signal), and the controller can determine whether the adaptive optical element 14 should be activated by the actuator 16 at that point. If the controller 20 determines that a change is needed, it sends a control signal to the actuator 16, which can then activate the desired change to the adaptive optical element 14 (based on the type of actuator used and the type of adaptive optical element used). The adjusted adaptive optical element 14 can change the corrective force of at least a portion of the ophthalmic device to "treat" the eye, thereby changing the visual variables detected by the sensor 80. It should be understood that a simpler version of the control loop can make on-off decisions, but more advanced systems can make decisions beyond simple on-off (LC optical systems) and can select treatments of a certain scale (e.g., electrowetting systems).
[0047] Figure 15 shows a graphical representation of an exemplary on / off automatic control loop operation based on a sensor that can detect squinting as a signal to turn other optical states on / off. The sensor can monitor the user's eye / eyelid movements, and the controller can then determine, based on a gesture detection algorithm, that the user has squinted (as opposed to blinking). A control signal is sent from the controller to the actuator, which can switch one or more adaptive optical elements between optical states (on / off) when squinting is detected.
[0048] Figure 11 is a simplified diagram of an example of the ophthalmic device of Figure 1 as a contact lens 90 that can be positioned on the surface of the eye. The contact lens 90 shows a contact lens having an elliptical shape and a body capable of completely enclosing the indicated components. The body may be made of a fully gas-permeable material. Electrical components within the contact lens 90 (e.g., wireless transceivers, circuits, electrodes, sensors, batteries, controllers, actuators, etc.) can be positioned near the edge of the contact lens (e.g., mounted on a ring-shaped substrate) to leave a field of view area (e.g., the center of the lens) free of components that could obstruct the line of sight. Adaptive optical elements may be intentionally positioned in the line of sight to affect the user's vision (e.g., based on corrective force adjustment). In this embodiment, actuators can contact and / or communicate with the adaptive ophthalmic element via electrodes that can transmit electrical signals to change the corrective force of the contact lens 90 by acting on adjustments to the adaptive optical element, thereby treating, preventing, and / or slowing the progression of myopia. Figure 17 is a diagram of an exemplary system 100 using the ophthalmic device of Figure 2 and an external sensor integrated into an external device or external source. The external source may include at least one external sensor capable of detecting the state of the eye, or an external mobile device capable of receiving manual input (e.g., from a user / patient and / or medical professional). In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, the external sensor may be at least partially positioned on and / or within a wearable device (also called an external device), such as eyeglasses (shown) or goggles (not shown). The ophthalmic device may be placed on the eye (e.g., a contact lens positioned on the surface of the eye as shown) and may include one or more adaptive optical elements, which are embedded in a gas-permeable material (as described in more detail above) and tuned by an electrical circuit and / or actuator in response to a control signal. One or more adaptive optical elements may switch between an optical state and at least one other optical state in response to an actuator responding to a signal from an external sensor.One or more adaptive optical elements can switch between an optical state at one time and at least another optical state at another time during a period of time, presenting visual stimuli to the peripheral retina to slow axial growth of the eye. At least an external sensor of a wearable device can communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with at least a controller (and / or processor and / or memory) associated with the ophthalmic device to relay data from the sensor as part of an automated control loop for the dynamic adjustment of one or more adaptive optical elements. A control signal can be pre-programmed and / or controlled and communicated from an external device based on at least one sensor reading. For example, the control signal can establish a pre-programmed duty cycle aimed at conveying a specific dose of positive refractive power, targeting the most influential time of the patient's eye's circadian rhythm, and / or minimizing interference with daily activities (see, e.g., Figure 16).
[0049] As another example, a wearable device may include at least one sensor capable of tracking and / or detecting one or more variables related to the wearer's vision. The wearable device may track one or more variables (via at least one sensor), including but not limited to interpupillary distance, pupil diameter, light intensity, light wavelength, time / year, gaze direction, user activity (e.g., reading, driving), screen time, etc. The wearable device may wirelessly communicate control signals to actuators of an ophthalmic device (in some examples, via a controller) to dynamically adjust one or more adaptive optical elements based on changes in one or more variables such as light intensity, light wavelength, time, timing, and / or user activity. For example, the wearable device may send inputs to actuators to adjust one or more adaptive optical elements in response to changes in variables, thereby changing the corrective force of at least a portion of the ophthalmic device (e.g., by user control, in a pre-programmed manner, or automatically). It should be noted that a system comprising a wearable device having at least one sensor and an ophthalmic device may also receive and control the adjustment of one or more adaptive optical elements based on at least one manual input from a user. For example, the manual input may take the form of a predetermined pattern of blinking and / or squinting associated with a given change to one or more adaptive optical elements (see, for example, Figure 15). In addition, although not shown, the external device may be a handheld device rather than a wearable device, and the user and / or medical professional may input manual inputs that are communicated (wirelessly) to the ophthalmic device, and the manual inputs may include at least one of the following: a request to adjust one or more adaptive optical elements at once, a schedule for adjusting one or more adaptive optical elements, or a change in the degree of adjustment of one or more adaptive optical elements.
[0050] IV. Method Another aspect of the present disclosure may include an exemplary method 110 (shown in Figure 18) for controlling and slowing the progression of myopia by changing the corrective force of an ophthalmic device having one or more adaptive optical elements. Examples of ophthalmic devices are shown in Figures 1 to 17. Method 110 is illustrated as a process flow diagram having a flowchart that can be carried out by / using the devices and systems shown above.
[0051] For the sake of simplicity, Method 110 will be shown and described as being performed sequentially. However, since some steps may be performed in a different order and / or concurrently with other steps illustrated and described herein, it should be understood and acknowledged that this disclosure is not limited by the illustrated order. Furthermore, not all illustrated embodiments may be required to carry out Method 110. It should be noted that one or more steps of Method 110 may be performed by a hardware processor.
[0052] In 112, a processor associated with an ophthalmic device may receive signals for adjusting one or more adaptive optical elements of the ophthalmic device. The ophthalmic device may include at least a body containing (or substantially made from) a gas-permeable membrane, one or more adaptive optical elements embedded in the gas-permeable membrane, and actuators communicating with one or more adaptive optical elements. The ophthalmic device may completely encapsulate the processor (e.g., as part of a microcontroller). The ophthalmic device may also include a wireless transmitting element (for receiving and / or transmitting data). Signals received by the processor may be related to the manual or automatic control of one or more adaptive optical elements. Signals may be transmitted from memory associated with the processor and may be part of a pre-scheduled treatment regimen (e.g., at 9 a.m., the signal includes an instruction to change the X corrective force, and at 9 p.m., the signal includes an instruction to change the Y corrective force). In another example, signals may be transmitted from an external device, such as a mobile device (including applications related to the control of ophthalmic devices), in response to manual user input to change one or more adaptive optical elements in a specific way (e.g., manual changes to a specified corrective force, or manual changes based on whether the user plans to work on a near or far task, or on a computer).
[0053] In another example, the signal can be transmitted from a sensor that can communicate with a processor. The sensor can be incorporated into the ophthalmic device, or it can be located outside the ophthalmic device (for example, it can be integrated into a wearable device). The sensor can detect variables related to the patient's vision, the patient's eye condition, and / or the patient's environment. The signal from the sensor can indicate variables related to the user's vision of the ophthalmic device as detected by the sensor at a given time. Variables related to the user's vision of the ophthalmic device, the user's eye condition, and / or the user's environment of the ophthalmic device may include, but are not limited to, blinking and / or squinting patterns, changes in pupil dilation, ciliary muscle contraction, light intensity, light wavelength, etc. The sensor may be, for example, a light sensor, a pressure sensor, a voltage sensor, etc.
[0054] Signals can be transmitted to a processor, and control signals can be determined based on variables related to the user's vision of the ophthalmic device. In 114, the processor can change the corrective force of at least a portion of the ophthalmic device based on the signal by adjusting the control signals transmitted to one or more adaptive optical elements (for example, based on the content of the signals as described above) to, for example, switch optical states. As an example, when the variables include blinking and / or squinting patterns, the control signals can be adjusted based on the blinking and / or squinting patterns matching one of a plurality of predetermined patterns. A plurality of predetermined patterns can be stored in memory associated with the processor, and each pattern can indicate that a different desired change has been performed on one or more adaptive optical elements. As another example, variables related to the user's vision of the ophthalmic device may include the contraction of the ciliary muscle of the user's eye at a given time, and the control signals can be based on the degree of ciliary muscle contraction. For example, a sensor can detect when a patient's eye is out of focus and can signal the system to increase the corrective force while the eye remains out of focus (for example, it can terminate when it is detected that the eye has regained focus). A database relating the degree of ciliary muscle contraction to one or more adaptive optical elements and / or changes in corrective force can be stored in memory associated with the controller. Adjusting the control signal in response to a signal (for example, when the signal is from a sensor) may involve applying at least one of the proportional, integral, or differential control laws, so that the received signal is compared to at least one predetermined threshold or value (for example, data stored in memory) to determine whether the control signal should be adjusted at that point. In another embodiment, the adjustment of the control signal may be based on a pre-programmed schedule for changing the corrective force of at least a portion of the ophthalmic device.
[0055] In 116, the processor can transmit a controlled control signal to one or more adaptive optical elements, to an electrical circuit and / or actuator, causing one or more of the adaptive optical elements to switch between an optical state at one time and at least another optical state at another time during a period of time, thereby presenting a visual stimulus to the peripheral retina and slowing axial growth of the eye. The control signal can cause the actuator to actuate one or more adaptive optical elements by the required amount based on the received signal. The action of the actuator may depend on the type of actuator and / or type of adaptive optical elements used in the ophthalmic device. The actuator may be, for example, an electrical circuit, and at least a portion of the electrical circuit may be included in the body of the ophthalmic device. In some examples, the entire electrical circuit may be contained within the ophthalmic device (e.g., within a gas-permeable membrane) with at least a portion in contact with one or more adaptive optical elements (e.g., a voltage source, a circuit, and one or more electrodes). The electrical circuit can provide a voltage (e.g., a voltage above a threshold voltage, also called a predetermined value) to one or more adaptive optical elements, causing a change associated with one or more adaptive optical elements.
[0056] One or more adaptive optical elements may be any of the configurations described above. For example, one or more adaptive optical elements may be formed into one or more zones that can produce a uniform change in corrective force and / or a variable change in corrective force when the optical state is switched to at least one other optical state. For example, one or more adaptive optical elements may include at least two zones of adaptive optical elements located within different parts of the body, and at least two zones may change differently in response to an electrical signal. One or more adaptive optical elements may be any material that can change between refractive forces and / or refractive states in response to operation. As an example, one or more adaptive optical elements may be liquid crystal elements, and an actuator may provide a voltage greater than a threshold (or a predetermined value) to electrodes on the liquid crystal elements to change the crystalline state of the liquid crystal elements, and therefore the refractive state. An ophthalmic device having an electrically activated liquid crystal switchable diffracting lens may be active in only one polarization of incident light. In this active case, the liquid crystal switchable diffractive lens switches between a monofocal state, where the user has the best central vision, and a therapeutic multifocal state, where two orthogonal polarizations are focused on different planes in the eye. By performing the switching between states, the ophthalmic device can provide a wider multifocal range than the user can tolerate under all conditions.
[0057] In another embodiment, one or more adaptive optical elements may include a boundary between two immiscible liquids having different refractive indices, and an electrical circuit may transmit a voltage greater than a threshold (or predetermined value) that determines the fluid boundary curvature via electrowetting. Beyond these embodiments, one or more adaptive optical elements may include, but are not limited to, electrochromic materials, liquid crystal materials, pH-sensitive materials, boundaries between two immiscible fluid elements having different refractive indices, or thermodynamic materials. Furthermore, the actuator may also be a mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or magnetic actuator configured to initiate changes in one or more adaptive optical elements in response to a control signal from a processor.
[0058] From the above description, those skilled in the art will recognize improvements, changes, and modifications. These and other such improvements, changes, and modifications that fall within the scope of the skills of those skilled in the art are intended to be covered by the attached claims.
Claims
1. A lens device configured to be placed on a patient's eye to treat and / or prevent myopia, wherein the lens device is A body containing a gas-permeable material, One or more adaptive optical elements embedded in the gas-permeable material, wherein each of the one or more adaptive optical elements is configured to switch between an optical state and at least one other optical state, The system includes an electrical circuit and / or actuator configured to cause one or more adaptive optical elements to switch between the optical state and at least one other optical state based on a control signal, A lens device in which one or more adaptive optical elements switch between an optical state at one time and at least another optical state at another time during a certain period of time, presenting visual stimuli to the peripheral retina and slowing the axial growth of the eye.
2. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the visual stimulus includes a transformation of a visual scene, and the transformation maintains at least 10% contrast at a spatial frequency of at least 1 cycle / degree.
3. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the optical state has a corrective force and an associated focal plane and / or focal length, and the at least one other optical state has another corrective force and an associated focal plane and / or focal length.
4. The one or more adaptive optical elements comprises at least two zones of adaptive optical elements located within different parts of the main body, The lens device according to claim 1, wherein in the optical state, the at least two zones of the one or more adaptive optical elements have the same corrective force and associated focal plane and / or focal length, and in at least another optical state, the at least two zones have different corrective forces and associated focal length and / or focal plane.
5. The aforementioned two zones include at least a central zone and a peripheral zone, In the optical state, the central zone and the peripheral zone have the same corrective force, and the associated focal length and / or focal plane. The lens device according to claim 4, wherein in at least one other optical state, the central zone and the peripheral zone each have different corrective forces and associated focal lengths and / or focal planes.
6. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more adaptive optical elements include one adaptive optical element that affects one polarization of the incident light, the optical state has a common corrective force for all polarizations of the incident light, and at least another optical state has a different corrective force that differs between the orthogonal polarizations of the incident light.
7. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more adaptive optical elements are one or more liquid crystal elements and / or one or more immiscible fluid elements having different refractive indices.
8. The lens device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more sensors configured to detect and / or record at least one parameter relating to the eye condition of the patient.
9. The lens device according to claim 8, further comprising a controller configured to receive the recorded at least one parameter relating to the state of the patient's eye, and to configure the control signal based on the recorded at least one parameter relating to the state of the patient's eye to determine whether the at least another optical state should be triggered, the duration of the at least another optical state, and / or which of the at least another optical states should be triggered.
10. The lens device according to claim 8, wherein the recorded at least one parameter relating to the condition of the patient's eye is ciliary muscle contraction, interpupillary distance, pupillary diameter, gaze direction, gaze distance, user activity, and / or time.
11. The lens device according to claim 8, wherein at least one sensor is configured to optically or electrically measure the near and far accommodation of the eye and / or measure light intensity and wavelength.
12. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the optical state has a corrective force for focusing visual stimuli to the peripheral retina, and at least another optical state has a greater corrective force for focusing visual stimuli to the peripheral retina at a shorter distance.
13. A system for treating and / or preventing myopia, wherein the system is A lens device configured to be placed on a patient's eye to treat and / or prevent myopia, wherein the lens device is A body containing a gas-permeable material, One or more adaptive optical elements embedded in the gas-permeable material, each of the one or more adaptive optical elements is configured to switch between an optical state and at least one other optical state, The system includes an electrical circuit and / or actuator configured to cause one or more adaptive optical elements to switch between the optical state and at least one other optical state based on a control signal, A lens device comprising one or more adaptive optical elements that, during a certain period, switches between the optical state at one time and at least another optical state at another time, presenting visual stimuli to the peripheral retina to slow the axial growth of the eye, The system includes an external source configured to transmit an input signal to an electrical circuit and / or the actuator, wherein the external source is At least one sensor for detecting the state of the eye, and / or A system comprising an external mobile device that receives manual input from the patient and / or medical professional.
14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the control signal is pre-programmed and / or user-controlled and communicated from an external device.
15. The system according to claim 13, wherein the control signal establishes a pre-programmed duty cycle aimed at transmitting a specific dose of positive refractive power, targeting the most influential time of the patient's eye's circadian rhythm, and / or minimizing interference with daily activities.
16. The system according to claim 13, wherein the external source includes a pair of eyeglass frames each having at least one sensor, the at least one sensor being configured to detect interpupillary distance, pupil diameter, gaze direction, gaze distance, user activity, and / or time.
17. A method for treating and / or preventing myopia, wherein the method is A processor associated with a lens device configured to be worn in a patient's eye receives a signal for adjusting one or more adaptive optical elements of the lens device, wherein the lens device A body containing a gas-permeable material, One or more adaptive optical elements embedded in the gas-permeable material, wherein each of the one or more adaptive optical elements is configured to switch between an optical state and at least one other optical state, Receiving and receiving, comprising: an electrical circuit and / or actuator configured to cause one or more adaptive optical elements to switch between the optical state and at least one other optical state based on a control signal; The processor adjusts the control signal to change the corrective force of at least a portion of the lens device in one or more adaptive optical elements. A method comprising transmitting the adjusted control signal to the electrical circuit and / or actuator by the processor, causing one or more of the plurality of adaptive optical elements to switch between an optical state at one time and at least another optical state at another time over a period of time, thereby presenting a visual stimulus to the peripheral retina and slowing the axial growth of the eye.
18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising detecting a variable related to the patient's vision by at least one sensor communicating with the processor, a signal indicating the variable related to the patient's vision being transmitted to the processor, and a control signal being determined based on the variable related to the patient's vision.
19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the control signal is adjusted based on a pre-programmed schedule for changing the corrective force of at least a portion of the lens device.
20. The method according to claim 17, wherein the one or more adaptive optical elements comprises at least two zones of adaptive optical elements located within different parts of the main body, and the at least two zones are configured to change differently in response to an electrical signal.