Selective wavelength transmittance contact lenses

Abstract

The contact lens includes a body, a filter characteristic that blocks at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers from passing through the body, and a transmission characteristic that allows at least some light with wavelengths greater than 500 nanometers to pass through the body.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Emmetropia is a state of vision in which a viewer can see objects clearly, both near and far. The cornea and lens work together to focus light entering the eye onto the central area of ​​the retina. Emmetropia is achieved when the collective refractive power of the cornea and lens accurately focuses light onto the central area of ​​the retina.

[0003] Myopia is a condition of vision in which objects close to the viewer are seen clearly, while objects that are further away from the viewer become progressively blurred. Myopia is also sometimes called nearsightedness. Myopia can be caused by a variety of reasons. A significant factor in many cases of myopia is an elongation of the axial length of the eye. Myopia occurs when a focused focus of light forms in front of the retina. In other words, the light rays entering the eye are focused without reaching the retina.

[0004] Another condition affected by axial length is hyperopia, in which a viewer sees distant objects clearly, but as the objects get closer to the viewer, they become increasingly blurry. This condition can also occur for multiple reasons, but a person becomes hyperopic when the focus of light focused by the eye forms behind the retina.

[0005] Axial length grows as a child ages. As young people reach adolescence, their eyes generally stop growing and axial length becomes more stable. Therefore, controlling axial length growth in children while they are young can reduce or even eliminate myopia or hyperopia in adulthood. Therefore, devices, systems, and methods for controlling axial length growth at any age at which axial length growth may occur may be desirable. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Multiple representative examples are provided to illustrate various features, characteristics, and advantages of the disclosed user subject matter, and it should be understood that features, characteristics, advantages, etc. described with respect to one example can be used separately or in various combinations and subcombinations with other features described with respect to other examples.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0019] The body may be at least partially made of a polymer.

[0020] Contact lenses may contain light-blocking agents incorporated into the polymer, which give rise to light-filtering properties.

[0021] The sunscreen may include at least triphenylphosphine.

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

[0023] The light-blocking agent may comprise at least 1.0 weight percent of the contact lens.

[0024] The light-blocking agent may comprise at least 5.0 weight percent of the contact lens.

[0025] The light-blocking agent may comprise at least 10.0 weight percent of the contact lens.

[0026] The light-blocking agent may comprise at least 15.0 weight percent of the contact lens.

[0027] The light-blocking agent may comprise at least 25.0 weight percent of the contact lens.

[0028] The contact lens may include an optic zone of the body, with the light blocking agent being within the optic zone.

[0029] The contact lens may include a peripheral zone of the body, with the light blocking agent being within the peripheral zone.

[0030] The polymer may include a silicone material.

[0031] The polymer may include a hydrogel material.

[0032] The contact lens may include a second transmission feature that allows the body to transmit at least some light with wavelengths less than 400 nanometers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0039] The second transmission characteristic can include allowing the body to transmit 100 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers.

[0040] The second transmission property can include transmitting through the body at least 90 percent of light having a wavelength between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers.

[0041] The second transmission property can include transmitting through the body at least 80 percent of light having a wavelength between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers.

[0042] The second transmission property can include causing the body to transmit at least 70 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers.

[0043] The second transmission property can include causing the body to transmit at least 50 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers.

[0044] The second transmission characteristic can include allowing the body to transmit 100 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 380 nanometers.

[0045] The second transmission characteristic can include causing the body to transmit at least 90 percent of light having a wavelength between 360 nanometers and 380 nanometers.

[0046] The second transmission property can include causing the body to transmit at least 80 percent of light having a wavelength between 360 nanometers and 380 nanometers.

[0047] The second transmission characteristic can include transmitting through the body at least 70 percent of light having a wavelength between 360 nanometers and 380 nanometers.

[0048] The second transmission property can include causing the body to transmit at least 50 percent of light having a wavelength between 360 nanometers and 380 nanometers.

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

[0050] The third transmission characteristic can include absorbing at least a portion of light in the wavelength range below 360 nanometers and above 400 nanometers, and emitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range from 360 nanometers to 400 nanometers.

[0051] The contact lens may be an orthokeratological lens.

[0052] The contact lens may be a gas permeable hard lens.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0061] The second transmission property can include transmitting through the body at least 90 percent of light having a wavelength between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers.

[0062] The second transmission property can include causing the body to transmit at least 70 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers.

[0063] The second transmission property can include causing the body to transmit at least 50 percent of light with wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers.

[0064] The second transmission characteristic may include transmitting at least 90 percent of light having a wavelength between 360 nanometers and 380 nanometers through the contact lens.

[0065] The second transmission characteristic may include transmitting through the contact lens at least 70 percent of light having a wavelength between 360 nanometers and 380 nanometers.

[0066] The second transmission characteristic may include transmitting through the contact lens at least 50 percent of light having a wavelength between 360 nanometers and 380 nanometers.

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

[0068] The third transmission characteristic can include absorbing at least a portion of light in the wavelength range below 360 nanometers and above 400 nanometers, and emitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range from 360 nanometers to 400 nanometers.

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

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

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

[0072] The user may be under the age of 5.

[0073] Users can be between the ages of 3 and 12.

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

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

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

[0077] The body may be at least partially made of a polymer.

[0078] The body may include a light blocking agent incorporated within the polymer, which provides the filtering properties.

[0079] The sunscreen may include at least triphenylphosphine.

[0080] The sunscreen may include at least 2-[3-(2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]ethyl methacrylate.

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

[0082] The light-blocking agent may comprise at least 5.0 weight percent of the contact lens.

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

[0084] The contact lens may include an optic zone of the body, with the light blocking agent being within the optic zone.

[0085] The contact lens may include a peripheral zone of the body, with the light blocking agent being within the peripheral zone.

[0086] The polymer may include a silicone material.

[0087] The polymer may include a hydrogel material.

[0088] In one example, a method for manufacturing a contact lens can include pouring a liquid lens material into a spin-casting mold and rotating the spin-casting mold, the liquid material including a light blocking agent having properties that block at least some light in the wavelength range of 400 nanometers to 500 nanometers from passing through the liquid lens material.

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

[0090] The contact lens may have properties that block at least some light in the wavelength range of 400 nanometers to 500 nanometers from passing through the contact lens.

[0091] In one example, a method for manufacturing a contact lens may include pouring a first liquid lens material into a spin-casting mold, rotating the spin-casting mold, and pouring a second material onto the first liquid lens material, the second material including a light blocking agent having properties that block at least some light in the wavelength range of 400 nanometers to 500 nanometers from passing through the liquid lens material.

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

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

[0094] Injecting the second material onto the first liquid lens material can include jetting the second material into the first liquid lens material.

[0095] Injecting the second material onto the first liquid lens material can include infusing the first liquid lens material at atmospheric pressure.

[0096] Injecting the second material onto the first liquid lens material can include absorbing the second material into the first liquid lens material.

[0097] The first liquid lens material may be free of light blocking agents.

[0098] The method can include co-curing the first liquid lens material and the second material.

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

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

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

[0102] The method may include curing the additional liquid lens material to cross-link the additional liquid lens material to the first liquid lens material.

[0103] The method can include curing the additional liquid lens material to cross-link the additional liquid lens material to the second material.

[0104] The method can include at least partially curing the first liquid lens material, including exposing the first liquid lens material to actinic radiation.

[0105] In one example, a contact lens includes a cast body having a filter characteristic that blocks at least some light having a wavelength between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers from passing through the body, a transmission characteristic that allows at least some light having a wavelength greater than 500 nanometers to pass through the body, and a second transmission characteristic that allows at least some light having a wavelength less than 400 nanometers to pass through the body.

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

[0107] The sunscreen may be at least one of triphenylphosphine or other sunscreens.

[0108] The contact lens may include an optical zone of the casting, with the light blocking agent being within the optical zone.

[0109] The contact lens may include a peripheral zone of the casting, with the light blocking agent being within the peripheral zone.

[0110] The casting may include a silicone material.

[0111] The casting may include a hydrogel material.

[0112] The cast body may include a second filter feature that blocks at least some light of wavelengths less than 360 nanometers from being transmitted through the body.

[0113] Light with wavelengths less than 360 nanometers can include ultraviolet A radiation.

[0114] Light with wavelengths less than 360 nanometers can include ultraviolet B radiation.

[0115] The contact lens may include a second light blocking agent that provides a second filtering property.

[0116] The second sunscreen may include titanium dioxide, oxybenzone, octyl salicylate, octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate, other sunscreens, or combinations thereof.

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

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

[0119] The accompanying drawings illustrate various examples of the principles described herein and are a part of the specification. The illustrated examples are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0120] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a contact lens that directs light into the eye. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a contact lens. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a contact lens. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a contact lens. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a mold for an ophthalmic lens. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid lens material and mold of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the mold of FIG. 5 with the liquid lens material spread over the contours of the mold by centrifugal force. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a spinning structure used to form and cure molds to fabricate ophthalmic lenses. [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a mold for an ophthalmic lens. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid lens material and mold of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the mold of FIG. 9 with the liquid lens material spread over the contours of the mold by centrifugal force. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a contact lens. [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic diagram of the chemical formula of a sunscreen. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic diagram of the chemical formula of a sunscreen. [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic diagram of the chemical formula of a sunscreen. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a method for preventing the onset of myopia and / or slowing the progression of myopia. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a method for manufacturing a contact. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a method for manufacturing a contact lens. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a method for manufacturing a contact lens. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0122] Blue light is generally considered to have a wavelength range centered around 475 nanometers. Blue light is abundant in natural light, i.e., sunlight, but its amount varies throughout the day. It tends to decrease as the sun sets at the end of the daylight hours. The human body calibrates its circadian cycle based on the daily variations in blue light levels. Blue light is also often emitted in large amounts by light-emitting diodes (LEDs), televisions, and digital screens, including cell phones. Blue light from these devices is thought to contribute to sleep problems, especially when used shortly before bedtime. Additionally, children's increased exposure to blue light is thought to contribute to the later development of macular degeneration and other eye diseases. Adults generally have increased amounts of compounds in the vitreous cavity of their eyes that absorb blue light before it reaches the retina. However, children's eyes are still changing and reaching their full size and development, and do not have the same protective capabilities against blue light. Therefore, children are thought to be more susceptible than adults to at least some of the effects of blue light.

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

[0124] Violet light, with a wavelength between 360 and 400 nanometers, lies between those of UV and blue light. Artificial light sources, such as cell phones, televisions, and LEDs, often produce large amounts of blue light but not as much violet light. In these cases, violet light may have a positive effect on preventing myopia onset or slowing its progression. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, violet light reaching the retina provides biological feedback that triggers pathways that increase the production of specific proteins involved in preventing or slowing the progression of myopia. This visual feedback can be used to balance axial length with the collective light-gathering capacity of the cornea and lens. The eye uses the focus of light on the retina to determine when balance with axial length is achieved.

[0125] In many cases, UV and blue light filtering eyeglasses also block and / or filter out wavelengths of light extending into UV and blue wavelengths, thereby blocking and / or filtering out violet wavelengths. Thus, when wearing sunglasses or other eyeglasses designed to block both UV and blue light, users run the risk of filtering out violet light as well. Over time, filtering out violet light can result in a deficiency of violet light, which can contribute to a user's myopic condition.

[0126] Without agreeing or disagreeing with these theories, the contact lenses described herein can be used to slow the progression of myopia and / or prevent the onset of myopia progression by selectively filtering out certain wavelengths of light while allowing other desired wavelengths of light to pass. In certain instances, the wavelengths that are transmitted fall between the ranges of wavelengths that are filtered and / or blocked.

[0127] In general, a child's eyes undergo significant growth during the first three years of life compared to the rest of childhood. In most cases, an individual's eye growth is complete by the time they reach the age of 18. If users spend their time in indoor environments that produce mostly blue light and no violet light, such as those illuminated by LED lights, young children may not receive enough violet light during these critical periods to prevent myopia. Therefore, these children may be more susceptible to developing myopia due to environmental factors.

[0128] The contact lenses described herein and methods for controlling myopia progression and / or myopia development using the contact lenses may be applied to individuals experiencing or susceptible to childhood-onset myopia, as well as any other user or users. In some parts of the world, such as many parts of Asia, childhood-onset myopia affects most children. The contact lenses described herein may be used by both children diagnosed with myopia and children who have not been diagnosed with myopia but who have genetic or environmental indicators that predispose the child to myopia progression, as well as other children. The contact lenses described herein transmit a healthy amount of light within certain wavelengths while blocking other wavelengths that may prevent or halt the progression of childhood-onset myopia in the eye. Users, such as children, may wear the contact lenses until their 18th birthday or other milestones identified to coincide with the time when the eye stops growing or is believed to be affected by violet light. Although the eye may be prone to rapid growth in young children, the user may continue to wear contact lenses until an older age to prevent relapse into myopia progression after the user stops wearing the contact lenses. Although these methods are described specifically with respect to childhood-onset myopia, at least some of these principles may also be applied to individuals experiencing or prone to experiencing adult-onset myopia.

[0129] Traditionally, contact lenses are formed through processes involving lathes. The contact lenses described herein may be manufactured on a lathe. However, in some instances, the contact lenses described herein may be manufactured by cast molding (both unassembled and assembled) or spin casting processes, which may more cost-effectively replicate the desired contact lens. The contact lenses described herein may also be manufactured by any combination of additive or subtractive manufacturing processes known in the art or developed in the future.

[0130] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a contact lens 100 that can allow light to enter the eye 12. In this example, the contact lens 100 is placed on the eye 12. Peripheral light rays 14, 16, and 18 enter the eye 12 after passing through the contact lens 100. These light rays are naturally focused by the eye's cornea 20 and lens 21 toward a central region 22 of the retina 24. In this example, the contact lens preserves the natural focus of light. In other words, in this example, the focal point 25 of light rays 14, 16, and 18 is on the central region 22 of the retina 24, regardless of whether the contact lens is being worn. However, in other examples, the contact lens 100 can affect or adjust where the focus of light lands. While these examples show light focused on the central region 22 of the retina, light can, of course, be focused or defocused on either the central region of the retina or the peripheral region of the retina. In some instances, the contact lens changes the focus of light that is directed toward the peripheral region of the eye 12, and in other instances, the contact lens preserves the natural peripheral focus of light.

[0131] In the illustrated example, the contact lens 100 is depicted as being spaced apart from the eye 12 for illustrative purposes. The contact lens 100 may be in direct contact with a portion of the cornea 21, the sclera, other portions of the eye 12, or a combination thereof. In some situations, the contact lens 100 may be in direct contact with all portions of the eye 12 adjacent to the contact lens 100. In other examples, certain portions of the contact lens 100 may be spaced apart from the eye 12 so that the eye 12 does not contact the contact lens 100 in these specific areas, but the eye 12 is in direct contact with other portions of the eye 12. In one such example, the periphery of the contact lens 100 may be in direct contact with the eye 12, while a central portion of the lens 100 may be prevented from direct contact with the eye 12. In some situations where some portions of the lens 100 do not directly contact the eye 12, these portions may indirectly contact the eye 12 through a fluid, such as tears. If gaps exist between the eye 12 and the contact lens 100, these gaps may be filled with tears produced by the tear duct.

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

[0133] Any suitable type of contact lens 100 may be used in accordance with the principles described in this disclosure. For example, the contact lens 100 may be a soft contact lens, a gas-permeable hard contact lens, an Ortho-K contact lens, a composite contact lens, a colored contact lens, other types of contact lenses, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the contact lens 100 is layered. In one particular example, a layer of the contact lens 100 containing a light-blocking agent may be sandwiched between two other layers of the contact lens 100. A non-limiting list of materials that may be incorporated into or included in a suitable contact lens 100 includes silicone materials, hydrogel materials, tefilcon, tetrafilcon A, clofilcon, erfilcon A & B, mafilcon, polymacon, hyoxifilcon B, lotrafilcon A, lotrafilcon B, galyfilcon A, senofilcon A, sifilcon A, comfilcon A, enfilcon A, lidofilcon B, sarfilcon A, lidofilcon A, alphafilcon A, omafilcon A, basafilcon, sero ... Examples of suitable polymers include filcon A, hyoxifilcon A, hyoxifilcon D, nelfilcon A, hylafilcon A, acofilcon A, bufilcon A, deltafilcon A, femfilcon A, bufilcon A, perfilcon, etafilcon A, focofilcon A, ocufilcon B, ocufilcon C, ocufilcon D, ocufilcon E, ocufilcon F, femfilcon A, metafilcon A, metafilcon B, bilfilcon A, other types of polymers, or combinations thereof. These materials can include various combinations of monomers, polymers, sunscreens, and other materials to form the final polymer. For example, common components of these materials can include HEMA, HEMA-GMA, and others.

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

[0135] Although this example shows only certain types of light passing through contact lens 200, other types of light not shown may also pass through lens 200. For example, all types of light except blue light may pass through contact lens 200. In other examples, other types of visible light may pass through contact lens 200, including red light, orange light, indigo light, and / or other types of light.

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

[0137] In some examples, blocking at least a portion of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers includes blocking 100 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers, blocking at least 90 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers, blocking at least 80 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers, blocking at least 70 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers, blocking at least 50 percent of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers, blocking another percentage of light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers, or a combination thereof. In some examples, when a sunscreen blocks only a certain percentage of light within the 400 nanometer to 500 nanometer range, the sunscreen blocks 100 percent of only certain wavelengths within that range. In other instances, a sunscreen blocks a broader range of wavelengths, but only a percentage of the wavelengths it blocks.

[0138] In some examples, blocking at least a portion of light having a wavelength between 400 nanometers and 450 nanometers includes blocking 100 percent of light having a wavelength between 400 nanometers and 450 nanometers, blocking at least 90 percent of light having a wavelength between 400 nanometers and 450 nanometers, blocking at least 80 percent of light having a wavelength between 400 nanometers and 450 nanometers, blocking at least 70 percent of light having a wavelength between 400 nanometers and 450 nanometers, blocking at least 50 percent of light having a wavelength between 400 nanometers and 450 nanometers, blocking another percentage of light having a wavelength between 400 nanometers and 450 nanometers, or a combination thereof. In some examples, when a sunscreen blocks only a certain percentage of light within the 400 nanometer to 450 nanometer range, the sunscreen blocks 100 percent of only certain wavelengths within that range. In other instances, a sunscreen blocks a broader range of wavelengths, but only a percentage of the wavelengths it blocks.

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

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

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

[0142] The transmission properties may include transmitting 100 percent of light having a wavelength between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers through the body of the contact lens, transmitting at least 90 percent of light having a wavelength between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers through the body, transmitting at least 80 percent of light having a wavelength between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers through the body, transmitting at least 70 percent of light having a wavelength between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers through the body, transmitting at least 50 percent of light having a wavelength between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers through the body, or transmitting at least other percentages of light having a wavelength between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers through the contact lens.

[0143] The transmission properties may include transmitting 100 percent of light having a wavelength greater than 360 nanometers through the body of the contact lens, transmitting at least 90 percent of light having a wavelength greater than 360 nanometers through the body, transmitting at least 80 percent of light having a wavelength greater than 360 nanometers through the body, transmitting at least 70 percent of light having a wavelength greater than 360 nanometers through the body, transmitting at least 50 percent of light having a wavelength greater than 360 nanometers through the body, or transmitting at least another percentage of light having a wavelength greater than 360 nanometers through the contact lens.

[0144] In some instances, the transmission characteristics may also include transmitting at least a portion of light having a wavelength of about 280 nanometers or less. The transmission characteristics may include transmitting 100 percent of light having a wavelength of less than 280 nanometers through the body of the contact lens, transmitting at least 90 percent of light having a wavelength of less than 280 nanometers through the body, transmitting at least 80 percent of light having a wavelength of less than 280 nanometers through the body, transmitting at least 70 percent of light having a wavelength of less than 280 nanometers through the body, transmitting at least 50 percent of light having a wavelength of less than 280 nanometers through the body, or transmitting at least other percentages of light having a wavelength of less than 280 nanometers through the contact lens.

[0145] 4 shows an example of a contact lens 200 having transmission properties. The contact lens 200 may be substantially similar to, and include some or all of, the features of, any of the contact lenses described herein. In this example, UV-A light is generally represented by arrow 202, UV-B light is generally represented by arrow 204, violet light is generally represented by arrow 206, blue light is generally represented by arrow 208, green light is generally represented by arrow 210, and yellow light is generally represented by arrow 212. In this example, the contact lens 200 allows violet, green, and yellow light to pass through the contact lens. In this example, the contact lens 200 includes filter properties that absorb at least a portion of the UV-A light, UV-B light, and / or blue light that enter the lens and prevent at least a portion of the UV-A, UV-B, and / or blue light from passing through the contact lens. Additionally, in this example, contact lens 200 includes filter features that emit at least a portion of the absorbed energy from incident UV-A, UV-B, and / or blue light as violet light, shown as arrow 206. In some examples, at least a portion of the violet light emitted from the lens due to absorption of UV-A, UV-B, and / or blue light may enter the eye as shown. In some examples, contact lens 200 thereby blocks at least a portion of UV-A radiation, UV-B radiation, and / or blue light, thereby achieving the effect of enhancing the eye's exposure to violet light.

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

[0147] In some instances, the contact lens may include transmission properties that enhance at least some light with wavelengths less than 400 nanometers, for example, by fluorescence as described herein. As used herein, enhance or enhance may include exposing the eye to an amount or intensity of one or more wavelengths of light that is greater than the natural amount or intensity of said one or more wavelengths incident on the lens. In some instances, the contact lens may include transmission properties that enhance at least some light with wavelengths less than 500 nanometers. In this example, violet light, which may include wavelengths between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers or between 360 nanometers and 380 nanometers, may be enhanced by a fluorescent agent within the contact lens 200.

[0148] The transmission characteristics can include enhancing at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 400 nanometers. The transmission characteristics can include enhancing at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 370 nanometers, transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 370 nanometers to 380 nanometers, transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 380 nanometers to 390 nanometers, transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 390 nanometers to 400 nanometers, or a combination thereof, e.g., transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 380 nanometers. The transmission characteristics can further include blocking or absorbing at least a portion of light in the wavelength range below 360 nanometers and / or above 400 nanometers, e.g., as described herein with respect to Figures 2 and 3.

[0149] In some instances, contact lenses may include tints, for example, by including one or more dyes. In some instances, the tints may enhance desired portions of the light spectrum through selective filtering. In some instances, tinted contact lenses may include enhancing at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 400 nanometers. The transmission characteristics may include enhancing at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 370 nanometers, transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 370 nanometers to 380 nanometers, transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 380 nanometers to 390 nanometers, transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 390 nanometers to 400 nanometers, or a combination thereof, such as transmitting at least a portion of light in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 380 nanometers.

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

[0151] 5-8 illustrate various components that can be used in certain examples to manufacture contact lenses described herein, such as contact lenses 100 and 200. Liquid lens material 52 can be poured into contoured portion 54 of mold 42. Mold 42, along with liquid lens material 52, can be loaded into spinning structure 68, which is configured to rotate mold 42 such that centrifugal force spreads liquid lens material 52 across contoured portion 54 and into the desired shape of the contact lens. While mold 42 is rotating, a curing agent (e.g., temperature, actinic radiation, or other type of curing agent) is applied to liquid lens material 52, causing liquid lens material 52 to harden into a contact lens.

[0152] 5 is a cross-sectional view of one example of a mold for a contact lens according to the principles of the present disclosure. In this example, mold 42 has a base 56 with a plurality of spaced apart notches 58, 60, 62 shaped to mate with the inner surface of a spinning structure at a later stage of manufacture. A contoured portion 54 of mold 42 is shaped to form the anterior surface of the contact lens.

[0153] 6 is a cross-sectional view of one example of a mold 42 according to the principles of the present disclosure and liquid lens material 52. In this example, liquid lens material 52 is deposited within contoured portion 54 of the mold.

[0154] Liquid lens material 52 can be made of any material suitable for use in contact lenses, for example, liquid lens material 52 can be made of any silicone and / or hydrogel material. Such materials include polymers such as tefilcon, tetrafilcon A, clofilcon, elfilcon A&B, mafilcon, polymacon, hyoxifilcon B, lotrafilcon A, lotrafilcon B, galyfilcon A, senofilcon A, sifilcon A, comfilcon A, enfilcon A, lidofilcon B, sarfilcon A, lidofilcon A, alfafilcon A, omafilcon A, bassafilcon A, hyoxifilcon A, hyoxifilcon D, nelfilcon A, hilafilcon A, acofilcon A, bufilcon A, deltafilcon A, femfilcon A, bufilcon A, perfilcon, etafilcon A, focofilcon A, ocufilcon B, ocufilcon C, ocufilcon D, ocufilcon E, ocufilcon F, femfilcon A, metafilcon A, metafilcon B, bilfilcon A, other types of polymers, monomers, or combinations thereof. These materials can include various combinations of monomers, polymers, and other materials to form the liquid lens material.

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

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

[0157] Any suitable amount of blue light blocking agents, UV light blocking agents, or other types of light blocking agents may be incorporated into the body of the contact lens, and any of these blocking agents may comprise at least 1.0 weight percent of the contact lens, at least 5.0 weight percent of the contact lens, at least 10.0 weight percent of the contact lens, at least 15.0 weight percent of the contact lens, at least 25.0 weight percent of the contact lens, other suitable amounts (by weight), or combinations thereof.

[0158] In one example, the liquid lens material is composed of a silicone-free hydrogel polymer, which may be desirable to increase the wettability of the contact lens, hi another example, the liquid lens material is made of a silicone hydrogel material.

[0159] Contact lenses can be shaped and sized based on various factors, including the shape and size of the wearer's eye and the various optical properties to be achieved by the central portion of the contact lens. In some instances, the total thickness of the contact lens can be from about 0.1 mm to about 0.14 mm. The thickness of the contact lens can vary gradually over different locations on the contact lens. For example, the contact lens can be thicker near the outer edge of the contact lens than the central portion of the contact lens.

[0160] 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of a mold 42 in which liquid lens material 52 has been spread across the contour 54 of the mold 42 by centrifugal force in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. In this example, the mold 42 is spun within a spinning structure (68 in FIG. 7) about a central axis 66. The spinning structure 68 is rotated at a speed and in a manner to form the desired posterior surface 70 of the contact lens.

[0161] The spinning structure 68 includes a central loading area that can receive the molds 42 containing the liquid lens material 52. The central loading area can be formed from a glass tube, a metal tube, or any other type of structure that can hold the molds 42 in a stacked state. In examples where actinic radiation is used as the curing agent, the spinning structure 68 can include an opaque, translucent, or transparent material that includes a sufficient amount of openings to allow the actinic radiation to enter the central loading area. In the example of FIG. 8, the spinning structure 68 includes a plurality of guide posts 74 that hold the molds 42 in a stacked state. The spinning structure 68 also includes an area 76 that can be used to attach a spinning driver, such as a motor.

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

[0163] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of one example of a mold for a contact lens according to the principles of the present disclosure. In this example, liquid lens material 52 is only partially cured, after which second material 900 is added. In this example, second material 900 is another liquid lens material and is added to the rear surface of partially cured liquid lens material 52. FIG. 10 rotates again, showing mold 42 with second material 900 spreading to cover at least a portion of the rear surface of partially cured liquid lens material 52. In some examples, second material 900 spreads to cover the entire rear surface of liquid lens material 52, while in other examples, second material 900 spreads over only a portion of the surface area of ​​the rear surface. Second material 900 may be cured in situ as second material 900 spreads.

[0164] While shown providing only a mold surface for the front surface, in some embodiments, an additional mold part can be provided to provide the shape of the back surface of the contact lens, such as in a mold molding system. Such mold parts can be clamped together and apply pressure from both sides, forcing the liquid lens material between them outward to fill the mold cavity and form the shape of the contact lens. The liquid lens solution can be cured in the mold, for example, through exposure to light of a selected wavelength (e.g., UV light). Flash resulting from the molding process can be trimmed after the contact lens has cured or upon joining of the two parts of the mold.

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

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

[0167] In some instances, blue light can be used to cure materials incorporating blue light blocking agents. In some instances, the blue light blocking agents affect the cure speed when blue light is used to cure, while in other instances, the cure speed is not affected when blue light is used to cure materials that include blue light blocking agents.

[0168] In some instances, UV light can be used to cure materials that incorporate UV light blockers. In some instances, the UV light blockers affect the cure rate when UV light is used to cure, while in other instances, the cure rate is not affected when UV light is used to cure materials that include UV light blockers.

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

[0170] In one example, first liquid lens material 52 is added to mold 42, spun, and partially cured. Second material 900 is added to the partially cured liquid lens material and also partially cured. Additional liquid lens material is added to the partially cured second material and the partially cured first liquid lens material. The additional liquid lens material may then be cured, thereby cross-linking the additional liquid lens material to a peripheral portion of the first liquid lens material. This process may encapsulate the second material. In examples where the second material includes a light-blocking agent that may leach from the second material into the user's eye upon wear, the additional liquid lens material and the first liquid lens material may provide a barrier to prevent migration of the light-blocking agent.

[0171] In some instances, the light-blocking agent does not have the properties to leach through the lens body under conditions that a user typically wears the contact lens in. In this instance, a single layer contact lens may be desirable.

[0172] Although some of the above examples are described using the second material as a liquid lens material, the second material can take any suitable form. For example, the second lens material can be a solid material formed on a lathe. In another example, the second lens material can be a sheet of material. In yet another example, the second material can include a partially cured material that has been cured in a different environment than the first liquid lens material.

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

[0174] 12 shows an example of a contact lens 100 having multiple layers 95, 96, and 97. The front and rear layers 95 and 97 can be made of a barrier material that prevents leaching of, for example, the optical wavelength blocking agent contained in layer 96. In some instances, the front and rear layers 95 and 97 can be made of a material that provides higher oxygen permeability and may be more comfortable to the eye. The layers 95, 96, and 97 can be attached to one another through a cross-linking process. In some instances, the front and rear layers 95 and 97 can be larger than the intermediate layer 96. In these instances, the intermediate layer can be large enough to cover the portion of the eye that would experience sufficient pressure from the contact lens to slow the progression of myopia or prevent the onset of myopia.

[0175] FIG. 13 shows an example of triphenylphosphine 1200, a light-blocking agent that can be used to block blue light, attached to a polymer chain. Triphenylphosphine is often abbreviated as P(CH). Triphenylphosphine can be relatively stable in ambient air and can be colorless at room temperature. In some instances, triphenylphosphine can slowly oxidize in air to form an oxide. In some instances, oxide formation can be avoided by mixing the light-blocking agent in an inert environment. In some instances, oxidation reactions are minimized after triphenylphosphine or other light-blocking agents are incorporated into the polymer chains that form the contact lens body. However, in some instances, lens materials containing light-blocking agents can be cured in an inert environment to avoid or reduce oxidation. In some instances, a layer of a contact lens containing a light-blocking agent is encapsulated within a layer that does not contain a light-blocking agent, thereby preventing oxidation. In some instances, the oxidized form of the light-blocking agent can be compatible with being part of the contact lens while still blocking desired wavelengths.

[0176] Although this example is described with respect to a particular type of sunscreen, any suitable type of sunscreen may be used in accordance with the principles described herein. For example, other types of clear and / or transparent sunscreens for blocking blue light and / or blocking UV light may be used. In another example, the sunscreen may tint the contact lens or an area therein.

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

[0178] Furthermore, the point at which the absorption sharply decreases can be tailored by modifying the molecule to include one or more substituents. For example, an electron-donating group at the 5-position can shift the absorption cutoff to longer wavelengths. In some instances, the substituent can be chlorine (Cl) at the 5-position, in which case the absorption cutoff can be 400 nanometers. In some instances, the styrene moiety can be replaced with an ethyl methacrylate group in the molecule shown in Figure 14. In some instances, an electron-donating substituent can be included at the 5-position, such as a Cl group. In some instances, such a UV sunscreen can have an absorption cutoff of 400 nanometers. In some instances, an electron-withdrawing group can alternatively be placed at the 5-position. Such a substituent can have the effect of shifting the absorption cutoff to shorter wavelengths. For example, in some instances, a nitro group (-NO2) or a sulfonic acid group (-SO3Na) can be used as a substituent at the 5-position, which can shift the absorption cutoff to approximately 370 nanometers. In some instances, one or more variants of benzotriazole-based sunscreens, such as Norbloc 7966, may be included in contact lenses to selectively block desired wavelengths of light as described herein.

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

[0180] 16 illustrates a method 1300 for controlling the progression of myopia and / or preventing the onset of myopia. In this example, the method 1300 includes providing 1302 a contact lens including a filter characteristic that blocks at least some light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 500 nanometers from passing through the body, a transmission characteristic that transmits at least some light with wavelengths greater than 500 nanometers through the body, and a second transmission characteristic that transmits at least some light with wavelengths less than 400 nanometers through the body, and optionally instructing a user to wear 1304 the first contact lens.

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

[0182] At block 1304, the user is instructed to wear the contact lenses. The desired effect of slowing the progression of myopia and / or preventing the onset of myopia may be achieved by wearing the contact lenses in an environment where violet light is present, while eliminating blue and / or UV light. The violet light may provide biological feedback that prevents myopia from forming or progressing in the first place. In some instances, the presence of violet light may slow the progression of myopia that has already progressed.

[0183] The user may be instructed to wear the contact lenses until the end of a period corresponding to axial growth of the eye. After that period, the user may be instructed that the user may discontinue wearing the contact lenses. In some instances, the period corresponding to axial growth may be until the user turns 18 years old. As a result, the user may, in some instances, be instructed to discontinue wear around their 18th birthday. In some instances, the user may optionally continue wearing the contact lenses after the period corresponding to axial growth has passed to reduce or prevent adult-onset myopia or other similar eye problems. In some instances, the user may choose to wear the contact lenses for a desired period after the period corresponding to axial growth of the eye.

[0184] A user may be instructed to wear contact lenses if the user has a genetic link to the development of myopia, even if the user has not been diagnosed with myopia. In some instances, a user may be instructed to wear contact lenses if the user has any environmental, genetic, biological, sociological, or other factor or combination of factors that may lead to the development of myopia, even if the user has not been diagnosed with myopia. Possible environmental factors that contribute to the development of myopia include living in an indoor environment with only artificial light sources that do not contain significant amounts of violet light.

[0185] 17 shows an example of a method 1400 for manufacturing contact lenses. In this example, the method 1400 includes pouring 1402 a liquid lens material into a spin-casting mold, where the liquid material includes a light-blocking agent that blocks at least some light in the wavelength range of 400 nanometers to 500 nanometers from passing through the liquid lens material, and rotating 1404 the spin-casting mold. While the process is primarily disclosed with respect to a spin-casting process, the material can be used and manufactured with any number of contact lens-forming processes, including, but not limited to, spin casting, cast molding (both unassembled and assembled), and lathing. In some examples, a hybrid process includes spin casting or cast molding followed by lathing.

[0186] At block 1402, liquid lens material is poured into the mold. The liquid lens material may include a light-blocking agent that filters out and / or blocks certain wavelengths of light. The light-blocking agent may block at least a portion of blue light, UV-A light, UV-B light, different wavelengths of light, or a combination thereof. The light-blocking agent allows other wavelengths of light to pass through the contact lens body, such as violet light and all other light in the visible light spectrum having wavelengths longer than those of blue light.

[0187] 18 shows an example method 1500 of manufacturing a contact lens. In this example, the method 1500 includes pouring 1502 a liquid lens material into a spin casting mold, at least partially curing 1504 the liquid lens material to form a contact lens, and pouring 1506 a second material over the first liquid lens material, the second material including a light blocking agent having properties that block at least some light in the wavelength range of 400 nanometers to 500 nanometers from transmitting through the liquid lens material.

[0188] A liquid lens material is added to the mold at block 1502. In some instances, the first liquid lens material includes a light blocking agent, while in other instances, the first liquid lens material is substantially free of a light blocking agent.

[0189] At block 1504, the first liquid lens material is at least partially cured. In some examples, the first liquid lens material undergoes a curing process during spin-casting of the first liquid lens material. At least partial curing hardens the liquid lens material into a desired shape, but still leaves some molecular bonds unbonded for subsequent steps in the manufacturing process. In some examples, the first liquid lens material is fully cured. At least partial curing can be achieved with an intensity of light within a specific wavelength, such as blue light, UV light, light of another wavelength, or a combination thereof.

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

[0191] 19 shows an example of a method 1600 for manufacturing a contact lens. In this example, the method 1600 includes pouring 1602 a liquid lens material into a spin casting mold, at least partially curing 1604 the liquid lens material to form a contact lens, pouring 1606 a second material over the first liquid lens material, the second material including a light blocking agent having properties that block at least some light in the wavelength range of 400 nanometers to 500 nanometers from passing through the liquid lens material, pouring 1608 an additional liquid lens material other than the second material over the first liquid lens material or the second material, and curing 1610 the additional liquid lens material.

[0192] At block 1608, the additional liquid lens material can include a light blocking agent, although in other examples, the additional liquid lens material can be substantially free of a light blocking agent. In some examples, the additional liquid lens material can provide a barrier that prevents the light blocking agent from leaching out of either the first liquid lens material or the second material. The additional liquid lens material can be the layer that directly contacts the user's eye after curing.

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

[0194] All ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any subranges or individual values ​​subsumed therein and to provide support for claims reciting them. For example, a range specified as 1 to 10 should be understood to encompass any subranges or individual values ​​between and / or including the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10, i.e., all subranges beginning at or above the minimum value of 1 and ending at or below the maximum value of 10 (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, etc.) or any value between 1 and 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, etc.), to provide support for claims reciting them.

Claims

1. a body consisting of multiple layers; a filter characteristic that blocks at least some light in the wavelength range of 400 nanometers to 500 nanometers from being transmitted through the body; a transmission characteristic that transmits the body to at least some light having a wavelength greater than 500 nanometers; a light blocking agent sandwiched between the plurality of layers of the body to produce the filtering properties; Including, A contact lens wherein the light-blocking agent comprises triphenylphosphine or a triphenylphosphine derivative.

2. 10. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein blocking at least some light in the wavelength range of 400 nanometers to 500 nanometers comprises blocking at least 50 percent of the light in the wavelength range of 400 nanometers to 500 nanometers that enters the body of the contact lens.

3. 10. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein blocking at least some light in the wavelength range of 400 nanometers to 500 nanometers comprises blocking at least 50 percent of said light in the wavelength range of 400 nanometers to 450 nanometers that enters the body of the contact lens.

4. the multi-layer body includes a polymer; the contact lens further comprises a light blocking agent incorporated into the polymer. The contact lens of claim 1.

5. 10. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein at least 1.0 weight percent of said contact lens comprises said light-blocking agent.

6. the body including an optical zone and a peripheral zone; the light blocking agent is disposed within one of the optical zone and the peripheral zone; The contact lens of claim 4.

7. The contact lens of claim 4 , wherein the polymer comprises at least one of a silicone material and a hydrogel material.

8. further comprising a second transmission characteristic that causes the body to transmit light with wavelengths less than 400 nanometers. The contact lens of claim 1.

9. 9. The contact lens of claim 8, wherein the second transmission characteristic comprises transmitting light through the body in the wavelength range of 360 nanometers to 400 nanometers.

10. and a third transmission characteristic that enhances light having a wavelength between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers through absorption and fluorescence within the body. The contact lens of claim 1.

11. 11. The contact lens of claim 10, wherein the third transmission characteristic comprises absorbing a portion of the light in a wavelength range below 360 nanometers and above 400 nanometers, and emitting a portion of the light in a wavelength range between 360 nanometers and 400 nanometers.

12. 10. The contact lens of claim 1, comprising an orthokeratological lens, a gas permeable hard lens, or a soft contact lens.

13. In contact lenses, a casting having a plurality of layers, the casting comprising: a first light-blocking agent containing triphenylphosphine or a triphenylphosphine derivative, the first light-blocking agent having a first transmission characteristic that blocks at least a portion of light having a wavelength of 400 nanometers to 500 nanometers from passing through the casting and that allows at least a portion of light having a wavelength exceeding 500 nanometers to pass through the casting, and a second transmission characteristic that allows at least a portion of light having a wavelength less than 400 nanometers to pass through the casting; a second light-blocking agent configured to block at least some light having a wavelength less than 360 nanometers from passing through the casting; Including, A contact lens, wherein the casting comprises one of a silicone material and a hydrogel material, and the first light-blocking agent and the second light-blocking agent are sandwiched between layers of the casting.

14. the body includes a second filter characteristic that blocks at least some light having a wavelength less than 360 nanometers from being transmitted through the body; 5. The contact lens of claim 4, wherein said light having a wavelength less than 360 nanometers comprises ultraviolet A or ultraviolet B radiation.

15. 15. The contact lens of claim 14, further comprising a second light blocking agent that provides a second filtering property.

16. 16. The contact lens of claim 15, wherein the second sunscreen comprises at least one of titanium dioxide, oxybenzone, octyl salicylate, octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate, and a benzotriazole sunscreen.

17. 14. The contact lens of claim 13, wherein the second sunscreen comprises at least one of titanium dioxide, oxybenzone, octyl salicylate, octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate, and a benzotriazole sunscreen.

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