Ophthalmic lenses with lenslets and light scatterers for slowing myopia progression

Abstract

An ophthalmic lens comprising: a first area of the ophthalmic lens comprising a plurality of lenslets; and a second area of the ophthalmic lens comprising a plurality of light scatterers.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO1OPHTHALMIC LENSES WITH LENSLETS AND LIGHT SCATTERERS FOR SLOWING MYOPIA PROGRESSIONCLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to U. S. Patent Application No. 63 / 756,769 filed on February 10. 2025, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The disclosure relates to ophthalmic lenses for treating myopia and reducing myopia progression.BACKGROUND

[0003] The eye is an optical sensor in which light from external sources is focused, by a lens, onto the surface of the retina, an array of wavelength-dependent photosensors Each of the various shapes that the eye lens can adopt is associated with a focal length at which external light rays are optimally or near- optimally focused to produce inverted images on the surface of the retina that correspond to external images observed by the eye. The eye lens, in each of the various shapes that the eye lens can adopt, optimally or near-optimally. focuses light emitted by or reflected from external objects that lie within a certain range of distances from the eye, and less optimally focuses or fails to focus objects that lie outside that range of distances.

[0004] In normal-sighted individuals, the axial length of the eye, or distance from the lens to the surface of the retina, corresponds to a focal length for near-optimal focusing of distant objects. The eyes of normal-sighted individuals focus on distant objects without nervous input to muscles that apply forces to alter the shape of the eye lens, a process referred to as “accommodation.” Closer, nearby objects are focused, by normal individuals, as a result of accommodation.

[0005] Many people, however, suffer from eye-length-related disorders, such as myopia (''nearsightedness”). In myopic individuals, the axial length of the eye is longer than the axial length required to focus distant objects without accommodation As a result, myopic individuals can view near objects clearly', but objects further away' are blurry. While my opic individuals are generally capable of accommodation, theAttorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO1av erage distance at which they can focus objects is shorter than that for normal- sighted individuals.

[0006] Typically, infants are born hyperopic, with eye lengths shorter than needed for optimal or near-optimal focusing of distant objects without accommodation.During normal development of the eye, referred to as “emmetropization,” the axial length of the eye. relative to other dimensions of the eye. increases up to a length that provides near-optimal focusing of distant objects without accommodation. Ideally, biological processes maintain the near-optimal relative eye length to eye size as the eye grows to final, adult size. However, in myopic individuals, the relative axial length of the eye to overall eye size continues to increase during development, past a length that provides near-optimal focusing of distant objects, leading to increasingly pronounced my opi a.

[0007] It is believed that myopia is affected by behavioral factors as well as genetic factors. Accordingly, myopia may be mitigated by therapeutic devices which address behavioral factors. For example, therapeutic devices for treating eye-length related disorders, including myopia, are described in U. S. Pub. No. 2011 / 0313058A1.SUMMARY

[0008] Ophthalmic lenses, including eyeglass lenses and contact lenses, are disclosed that reduce signals in the retina responsible for growth of eye length. The ophthalmic lenses combine use of lenslets to provide myopic defocus and light scatterers to optically diffuse light and reduce image contrast on the retina.

[0009] Among other advantages, disclosed embodiments feature eyeglasses that include features that reduce signals in the retina responsible for growth of eye length on the lenses for both eyes, without diminishing the user's on-axis vision in either eye to an extent that is disruptive to the user. For example, providing a treatment zone that modestly blurs the wearer's peripheral vision while allowing normal on-axis viewing through a clear vision zone can allow for all -day, everyday use by the wearer. Using two modalities to reduce eye growth signals can provide a more effective and / or comfortable solution than alternatives that use just scatterers or myopic defocus alone.

[0010] While the examples below feature eyeglass lenses, implementations using contact lenses are also possible.Attorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO1

[0011] Other features and advantages will be apparent from the disclosure below, the drawings, and the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 A depicts an example of eyeglasses in a frame holding lenses.

[0013] FIG. 1B depicts an example of a pre-ground lens with lenslets and light scatterers.

[0014] FIG. 2 depicts an example of lens with an arrangement of lenslets and light scatterers.

[0015] FIG. 3A depicts an example of a lenslet with light scatterers. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the lenslet with light scatterers of FIG. 3 A.

[0016] FIG. 3C is a plot depicting an example of a light scattering power of light scatterers as a function of distance from the center of a lenslet.

[0017] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are plots depicting examples of height profiles of the lenslets.

[0018] FIG. 5 depicts an example of a meniscus lens with lenslets and light scatterers.

[0019] FIG. 6 depicts an example of a lens with annular defocus regions and light scatterers.

[0020] In the drawings, like symbols denote like elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Ophthalmic lenses including both lenslets and light scatterers for treating myopia can have enhanced therapeutic effects compared to ophthalmic lenses including only one of lenslets or light scatterers. Depending on the shape, material, and location within an ophthalmic lens, lenslets can provide myopic defocus, e.g., focus incoming light in front of or behind the wearer’s retina. Light scatterers can scatter, e.g., forward and / or backward scatter, incoming light, which can reduce image contrast in the wearer’s visual field. Together, lenslets and light scatterers can reduce optical signals associated with eye lengthening, especially in children, while providing acceptable visual acuity across the wearer’s visual field.

[0022] Depending on the light’s path, light transmitted through the lens can (1) be focused onto the retina as per a conventional lens, (2) be focused away from the retinaAttorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO1by a lenslet, (3) be scattered by a scattering center, or (4) be focused by a lenslet and scattered by a scattering center. In some cases, when incoming light encounters a lenslet before a light scatterer, an ophthalmic lens provides the therapeutic effects of both lenslets and light scatterers. For example, scattering can change the direction of incoming light to a random direction that does not include a lenslet in the path of light propagation. The ophthalmic lenses in the present disclosure can be designed to increase the likelihood of incoming light corresponding to peripheral vision for a user encountering a lenslet before a light scatterer compared to the likelihood of incoming light encountering only a light scatterer. As a result, the therapeutic effect of the ophthalmic lens can be enhanced compared to lens incorporating only lenslets or light scatterers alone.

[0023] With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, eyeglasses 100 include an eyeglass frame 102 holding ophthalmic lenses 104a and 104b. The ophthalmic lenses 104a and 104b are ground from a lens 106, e.g., a pre-edged lens, so that the ophthalmic lenses 104a and 104b fit the frames. The lens 106 includes has opposed surfaces shaped to provide a base power (e.g., negative power, positive power, or no optical power for a piano lens) and both light scatterers and lenslets 108.

[0024] The lens 106 has four regions 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d corresponding to different areas of the lens 106 from a plan view, e.g., along an optical axis extending through the center of the lens 106. The fill pattern, e.g., dotted or blank, of each of the regions indicates whether the region includes light scatterers. For example, the dotted regions correspond to portions of the lens 106 that include light scatterers, and the blank-filled regions correspond to portions of the lens 106 that do not include light scatterers.

[0025] Each of regions 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d correspond to different types, e.g., Types 1-4. Region 110a is referred to here as Type 1, meaning the region includes light scatterers (not labeled in FIG. IB, but indicated by dotted fill pattern) and does not include lenslets 108. Region 110b is referred to as Type 2, meaning the region includes both light scatterers and lenslets 108 (represented by white circles). Region 110c is referred to as Type 3, meaning the region includes lenslets 108 and does not include light scatterers, e.g., there is a negligible density' of light scatterers. Region 110d is referred to as Type 4, meaning the region includes neither light scatterers nor lenslets 108. Types 1, 2, and 3 are referred to as treatment zones, since these regionsAttorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO1include optical elements, e.g., light scatterers and lenslets, for reducing the rate of myopia progression. In contrast, Type 4 is a non-treatment zone, even if the Type 4 portion of the lens has non-zero optical power, since Type 4 regions include neither light scatterers nor lenslets.

[0026] In some implementations, the treatment zone includes lenslets and one or more continuous optical scattering regions that surround one or more discrete clear regions. For example, any or all of regions 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d can include one or more clear, i.e., non-scattering, apertures, devoid of scattering centers and lenslets. Examples of lenses with continuous optical scattering regions are described, for example, in PCT publication No. 2024 / 145397, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. In some implementations, the treatment zone can be a roughened part of the lens surface.

[0027] Different portions of the lens 106 being different types can have beneficial therapeutic effects. For example, the portion of the lens 106 corresponding to on-axis vision, e.g., region 110a, which overlaps with the optical axis 120 of the lens 106, including light scatterers but not lenslets can provide contrast reduction without impacting imaging, e.g., maintaining visual acuity of 20 / 25 or better, e.g., 20 / 20, or 20 / 15. In some implementations, different lenslet and light scatterer arrangements can be combined in a single lens to achieve different therapeutic effects. For example, the magnitude of optical power and density of spacing of the lenslets and / or light scatterers can be greatest near the periphery of the lens or treatment zone.

[0028] The region 110a has a circular shape, and regions 110b, 110c, and 1 lOd have annular shapes. Region 110a is centered on the optical axis 120 of the lens 106 and can have a radius in a range from 1.5 mm to 10 mm (e.g.. 2 mm or more. 3 mm or more, 7 mm or less, 5 mm or less). Region 110b is an annulus surrounding region 110a and has an inner radius equal to the radius of region 110a and an outer radius in a range that is 1.5 mm to 10 mm greater than its inner radius (e.g., 2 mm or more, 3 mm or more, 7 mm or less, 5 mm or less). Region 110c is an annulus surrounding region 110b and has an inner radius equal to the outer radius of region 110b and an outer radius in a range that is 1.5 mm to 10 mm greater than its inner radius (e.g., 2 mm or more, 3 mm or more, 7 mm or less, 5 mm or less). Region 110d surrounds region 110c and has an inner radius equal to the outer radius of region 110c and an outer radiusAttorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO1equal to the radius of the lens. In some examples, the inner radius of region 110d can be 20 mm or more (e.g., 25 mm or more, 30 mm or more. 35 mm or more).

[0029] Regions 110b and 110c correspond to a user’s peripheral visual field when the lenses are mounted in eyeglass frames. The arrangement of lenslets 108 and light scatterers in FIG. 1B can increase the likelihood that peripheral light in the field of view of a user will be both defocused and scattered or at least scattered. For example, a portion of light that passes through region 110a will be scattered but not defocused. On the other hand, a portion of light that passes through region 110b will be both defocused by lenslets 108 and scattered by the light scatterers, and a portion of light that passes through region 110c will be at least defocused by lenslets 108.

[0030] In this specification, a lenslet 108 refers to a small lens, e.g., having a lateral dimension of 2 mm to 0.5 mm, on or in the lens that alters where an image formed from incoming light focuses. Lenslets have optical power that changes the focal position of images formed by the lens 106. Lenslets 108 on the surface of a lens refers to the region defined by the shape of the lenslet that departs from the base curvature of the lens. Additionally, the refractive index of the lenslet 108 on the surface of a lens can differ from that of the lens. The lenslets 108 can either protrude, e.g., be convex and have positive optical power, from the surface of a lens or be depressions in the surface of the lens, e.g., be concave and have negative optical power. The power and shape of the lenslets 108 can vary. For example, the shape of lenslets 108 can be spherical or aspheric, e.g., rotationally symmetric but with nonconstant curvature.

[0031] Lenslets 108 disposed within the bulk of a lens are generally regions of different refractive index, e.g.. an air pocket, compared to the lens bulk material. Lenslets 108 disposed either on or in a lens have an optical power different from the overall optical power of the lens. For example, the power of lenslets 108 can be equal to the power of lens plus a positive number (e.g., +0.25 D, +0.5 D, +0.75 D, +1D, +1.5D, +2D, +2.5D, +3D or more). Such lenslets generally introduce myopic defocus by causing an image that would otherwise focus on the retina to focus in front of the retina. Accordingly, lenslets 108 generally have a larger optical power (focusing light in front of the retina means the image w ill be larger than it would be at the retina) and thus shorter focal length compared to the lens, since focal length and optical power are inversely proportional.Attorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO1

[0032] Light scatterers can be bulk light scatterers, which refer to optical features formed from a material that have a refractive index mismatch from the bulk lens material that cause incoming light to scatter in a different direction. For example, transparent beads of appropriate size can be dispersed in the lens material when the lens is molded, where the refractive index of the bead material and bulk lens material differ. In some implementations, a light scatterer is simply an air pocket within a lens. For smaller scattering centers, e.g., having a dimension that is comparable to the wavelength of light (e.g., 0.001 mm to about 0.05 mm), the light scattering may be considered Rayleigh or Mie scattering. For larger scattering centers, e.g., about 0.1 mm or more, light scattering may be mostly due to geometric scattering.

[0033] Light scatterers can also include surface light scatterers. which are optical features on a surface of the lens. Surface light scatterers can include protrusions or depressions on a surface.

[0034] Although there are some similarities between lenslets and light scatterers, lenslets are distinguished from light scatterers and that the primary mechanism of lenslets is to change a location at which an image focuses, whereas light scatterers can prevent an image coming into focus due to the random direction of light being scattered. Additionally, light scatterers are generally smaller than lenslets, e.g., 10 to 100 times smaller.

[0035] In general, the arrangements of the various types of regions and the arrangements within each region can vary. For example, lens 140 of FIG. 2 includes only regions with only one of lenslets 108 or light scatterers, e.g., only Types 1 and 3. In other words, the lens 140 does not include any regions devoid of both light scatterers and lenslets, e.g., the entire surface area of the lens 140 corresponds to treatment zones.

[0036] A central circular region 136a and an annular region 136b include light scatterers but not lenslets 108. An annular region 138a between the regions 136a and 136b and an annular region 138b surrounding the annular region 136b include lenslets 108 but not light scatterers. In other words, there are nonoverlapping areas, e.g., when viewed along a vertical axis (out of the page) of the lens 140, the different areas include either lenslets 108 or light scatterers.

[0037] On average, locations within region 136a are closer to an optical axis 120 than locations within region 138a, and locations within region 136b are closer to theAttorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO1optical axis 120 than locations within region 138b, e.g., the primary mechanism for contrast reduction closest to on-axis vision is myopic defocus.

[0038] In this example, the arrangement of the lenslets 108 in the different regions 138a and 138b vary. For example, the spacings between lenslets in each of the two regions 138a and 138b are irregular and not equal to each other, e.g., on average the spacing between lenslets 108 in region 138b is greater than the spacing between lenslets 108 in region 138a. Additionally, the size of the lenslets 108 in region 138a is larger than the size of the lenslets 108 in the region 138b.

[0039] Similarly, although not individually depicted, the spacing, arrangement, and shape of light scatterers within regions 136a and 136b can differ from each other.

[0040] In this example, the entire surface of the lens 140 corresponding to the user’s visual field is a type of treatment zone, e.g., providing contrast reduction through either myopic defocus or light scattering. However, other implementations are possible. There can be non-treatment zones that include neither light scatterers nor lenslets 108. For example, a clear aperture centered at the origin of the lens can include neither light scatterers nor lenslets 108. Alternatively or additionally, a clear region can surround the treatment zones, as depicted in FIG. 1B.

[0041] FIG. 2 is just one example of the possible variations of the lenslets 108 and light scatterers. Other variations can include lenses with regions of at least two of Types 1, 2. or 3 (includes both light scatterers).

[0042] Although the depicted examples include circularly and annularly shaped regions, the regions can have other shapes, e.g., oval, polygonal, or irregularly shaped.

[0043] Within each region, the arrangement, size, shape, and spacing of individual lenslets 108 and light scatterers can vary. For example, each region 110a-d can have a different density, pattern, or both of light scatterers and lenslets. In some implementations, the light scatterers are arranged in a regular pattern, e.g., a rectangular grid or other geometric pattern. In other implementations, the light scatterers are arranged in a random pattern.

[0044] More details regarding the shapes and arrangement of light scatterers can be found in US10,884,264B2 and WO 2024 / 254489, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0045] In some implementations, the regions including lenslets 108 take up an overall 20% or more (e.g., 22%, 30% or more, 40% or more, 50% or more, 60% orAttorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO1more) of the surface area of the lens 106, and the regions including light scatterers take up an overall 20% or more (e.g., 22%. 30% or more, 40% or more, 50% or more. 60% or more) of the surface area of the lens 106. The sum of the two percentages can be greater than 100% since the regions including lenslets 108 and light scatterers can overlap from a plan view. In some implementations, the surface area actually occupied by individual lenslets can be in a range of 0.5% to 20% (e.g., 1% to 5%), and the surface area actually occupied by individual light scatterers can be in a range of 0.5% to 20% (e.g., 1% to 5%).

[0046] In Type 2 regions, e.g., regions with both light scatterers and lenslets, the light scatterers and lenslets can either overlap or not overlap along a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens. There are three subtypes of regions for Type 2: Type 2 A, where every lenslet has at least one overlapping light scatterer, Type 2B, where a subset of lenslets have at least one overlapping light scatterer, and Type 2C, where none of the lenslets and light scatterers overlap.

[0047] With reference to FIGS. 3 A and 3B, in some examples, a lenslet 108 at least partially overlaps a light scattering region 115 that includes light scatterers 109. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the lenslet 108 and light scattering region 115, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the lenslet 108 and light scattering region 115. In FIG. 3 A, the light scattering region 115 corresponds to the area of the lenslet with blank fill, while the remaining area of the lenslet 108 depicted with a dotted fill is free of light scatterers. Dotted lines 112, 114, 116, and 118 demarcate where boundaries in FIG.3A correspond to boundaries in FIG. 3B. For example, in each of FIGS. 3 A and 3B, dotted lines 112 and 114 mark the boundaries of the light scattering region 115, and the dotted lines 116 and 118 mark the boundaries of the lenslet 108.

[0048] Generally, light scatterers and lenslets can occupy the same area of the lens by forming scatterers on a lenslet surface, by positioning the lenslets and scatterers on opposite surfaces, by positioning one in the bulk of the lens and one on a surface, and / or by positioning both at different depths within the bulk of the lens.

[0049] In certain implementations, scatterers are uniformly distributed across a lenslet. Alternatively, the density of light scatterers 109 (and corresponding scattering power) overlapping with a lenslet can vary. For example, the density' of scatterers can vary radially and / or azimuthally with respect to a lenslet. FIG. 3C is a plot 300 showing a radial variation of scattering density that decreases monotonically from theAttorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO1center of the lenslet to its edge. While this variation is non-linear, linear radial variations are possible too. In the example of FIG. 3C, the light scatterers 109 are arranged to be completely within a radius Redge, with the profile of the light scatterer density changing at an inflection point Rinf(marked by dotted line 302). Before the inflection point, the profile follows a concave- up, decreasing curve 304, and after the inflection point, the profile follows a concave-down decreasing curve 306. In other examples, one of the curves can follow a Gaussian distribution, a line, or another function.

[0050] In the example of FIG. 3 A, Redge corresponds to the boundaries marked by dotted lines 112 and 114. For example, Redge could be one third of the radius of the lenslet 108. and there could be about 5 to 10 light scatterers within Redge, with each light scatterer having a lateral dimension of about 100 pm.

[0051] Further, the scattering power due to light scatterers 109 across an entire lens can vary. For example, the power of light scatterers 109 can be greatest in a Type 1 or 2 region near the center of the lens, and the power of the light scatterers can diminish outward from the center of the lens. In some implementations, between Type 1 or 2 regions of different scattering power, there can be Type 3 or 4 regions, e.g., regions devoid of light scatterers, there between.

[0052] In some cases, parts of a lenslet can be free from scatterers, while other portions include scatterers. For example, in some examples, half of a lenslet can feature scatterers, while the other half is clear.

[0053] The variation of scatterers on a lenslet can be the same for each lenslet on a lens, or the scatterer patterns can vary depending on the location of the lenslet on the lens. For instance, in some examples, the half of the lenslet closer to the center of the lens can be free from scatterers and the half that is further can feature scatterers. Such arrangements can advantageously reduce light scattering into the fovea, potentially reducing annoying glare.

[0054] In some implementations, light scatterers 109 can be arranged to have relatively high densities away from lenslets 108 compared to other regions of the lens. To facilitate light scatterer distributions that vary with respect to lenslets, when manufacturing lens, the locations of the light scatterers 109 can be selected after the locations of the lenslets 108 have been determined.Attorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO1

[0055] In general, the spacing between lenslets 108 can vary. FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C depict different variations of lenslet spacing relative to the lenslet width. With reference to FIG. 4A, the lenslets 108 can be hemispherical, e.g., have an outline corresponding to a semicircle. As depicted in plot 400a, multiple lenslets have a height along a vertical axis, e.g., “Z” axis, which can be parallel to the lens axis. In FIG. 4A, of the lenslets 108 are spaced such that one lenslet begins where another lenslet ends. In other words, the width W₁ of each lenslet is equal to the spacing S₁ between centers of lenslets.

[0056] In FIG. 4B, the lenslets 108 are spaced such that an individual lenslet 108 does not extend the full distance corresponding to its radius of curvature before overlapping with an adjacent lenslet. In other words, the width W₂ of each lenslet is greater than the spacing S₂ between centers of lenslets. The lenslets 108 being arranged as in plot 400b corresponds to “denser’’ lenslet arrangements.

[0057] In FIG. 4C, the lenslets 108 are arranged such that there is space between adjacent lenslets. In other words, the width W₃ of each lenslet is less than the spacing S₃ between centers of lenslets. The lenslets 108 being arranged as in plot 400c corresponds to “less dense” lenslet arrangements.

[0058] In some implementations, S₁, S₂, and S₃ can be in a range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm. In some implementations, W₁, W₂, and W₃ can be in a range of 0.5 mm to 3 mm. The height of the lenslets 108 can vary. For example, the lenslets can have a vertical dimension, e.g., along the Z direction, in a range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0059] As noted previously, the location of light scatterers 109 relative to the lenslets 108 can vary along the vertical direction (Z axis), as well as along the lateral directions, e.g.. X and Y axes. As an example. FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of a lens 130 including both lenslets 108 on a surface and light scatterers 109 in the bulk of the lens. Specifically, the lenslets 108 are disposed on the first surface 132a of the lens 130, and the light scatterers 109 are disposed within the bulk 134 of the lens 130, e.g., are bulk scatterers. As implied by the designations between Type 1 and Type 2 regions, in some implementations, a lens has scattering centers in a first region on a first side of the ophthalmic lens and lenslets in a second region on the second side of ophthalmic lens. The first and second regions can, when viewed along the Z axis, completely overlap in boundaries, partially overlap in boundaries, or not overlap at all.Attorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO1When the boundaries only partially overlap or do not overlap at all, a user’s gaze might pass through a region with only scattering centers or only lenslets.

[0060] Although the lenslets 108 are depicted on only one side of the lens 130 in FIG. 5, lenslets can be disposed on both surfaces, e.g., first and second surfaces 132a and 132b, of the lens. Additionally, light scatterers 109 can be disposed in the bulk 134 of the lens 130. as well.

[0061] Although the light scatterers 109 are depicted as being within the bulk 134 of lens 130 in FIG. 5, the light scatterers 109 can be disposed on one surface or both surfaces of the lens 130. In some implementations, light scatterers 109 are disposed on the surface of lenslets 108 or in the bulk of lenslets 108.

[0062] With reference to FIG. 6. a Fresnel lens 600 includes multiple refractive regions 602 on a surface of the lens 600. The refractive regions 602 include a raised ridge 604 extending according to a fixed curvature to form an annulus, e.g., a continuous, annular lenslet. In some implementations, the profile of the refractive regions 602 includes lenslets that correspond to lenslets 108 as arranged in FIGS. 4A or 4B.

[0063] Some of the refractive regions 602, e.g., every other refractive region, include light scatterers 109. In the center of the lens 600 is a clear area 610 that does not include any, e.g., is free of, light scatterers 109 or lenslets 108. An optical axis 120 intersects the clear area 610. In this example, the clear area 610 is circular, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the clear area 610 can have a more general polygon shape, such as an elliptical shape.Methods of Forming the Lenslets and Light Scatterers

[0064] In some implementations, the light scatterers 109 are formed through a laser-assisted process. Laser systems can be used to form light scatterers in the bulk material of the lens. In many cases, the effect of laser radiation of the bulk properties of an optical material (e.g.. a plastic or glass) depends on the intensity’ of the laser radiation. These changes can occur via one or more different mechanisms, such as a photochemical change, a photothermal change (e.g., the light causes heating, which changes the properties of the material), and / or some other mechanism. Generally, the greater the intensity, the greater the change in the optical material will be. More detailsAttorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO1regarding formation of the lenslets can be found in US11,914, 228B2, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0065] In some implementations, the lenslets 108 are formed through a deposition process. For example, the process can include depositing discrete portions a material on a surface of the lens corresponding to the lenslet pattern; and curing the deposited material to provide protrusions on the lens surface forming the lenslet pattern. The material can be deposited using an inkjet printer. The deposited material can be cured using radiation (e.g., ultraviolet radiation). More details regarding formation of the lenslets can be found in US10,571,717B2, which is hereby incorporated by reference.EMBODIMENTS

[0066] Although the present invention is defined in the claims, it should be understood that the present invention can also (alternatively) be defined in accordance with the following embodiments:

[0067] Embodiment 1 is an ophthalmic lens including: a first curved surface and a second curved surface opposite the first curved surface, a first curvature of the first curved surface and a second curvature of the second curved surface defining a first optical power of the ophthalmic lens; a first area of the ophthalmic lens including multiple lenslets each having a curvature different from the first and second curvatures; and a second area of the ophthalmic lens including multiple light scatterers, the second area of the ophthalmic lens being non-overlapping with the first area of the ophthalmic lens.

[0068] Embodiment 2 is an ophthalmic lens including: a first curved surface and a second curved surface opposite the first curved surface, a first curvature of the first curved surface and a second curvature of the second curved surface defining a first optical power of the ophthalmic lens; multiple lenslets each having a curvature different from the first and second curvatures; and multiple light scatterers overlapping with the multiple lenslets.

[0069] Embodiment 3 is the ophthalmic lens of embodiment 2, where a density of the multiple light scatterers varies across each lenslet of the plurality of lenslets.

[0070] Embodiment 4 is the ophthalmic lens of any one of embodiments 1-3, where at least one lenslet of the multiple lenslets has a spherical curvature.

[0071] Embodiment 5 is the ophthalmic lens of any one of embodiments 1-4. where at least one lenslet of the multiple lenslets has an aspherical curvature.Attorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO1

[0072] Embodiment 6 is the ophthalmic lens of any one of embodiments 1-5, where the multiple light scatterers have a lateral dimension of 0.01 mm to 1 mm.

[0073] Embodiment 7 is the ophthalmic lens of any one of embodiments 1-6, where adjacent light scatterers of the multiple light scatterers are spaced apart from each other by 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0074] Embodiment 8 is the ophthalmic lens of any one of embodiments 1-7. where the multiple light scatterers include at least one of first pits or first bumps on the first curved surface.

[0075] Embodiment 9 is the ophthalmic lens of embodiment 8, where the multiple light scatterers include at least one of second pits or second bumps on the second curved surface.

[0076] Embodiment 10 is the ophthalmic lens of any one of embodiments 1-9, where the multiple light scatterers include bulk scatterers embedded in the ophthalmic lens between the first and second curved surfaces.

[0077] Embodiment 11 is the ophthalmic lens of any one of embodiments 1-10, where the multiple lenslets have a lateral dimension in a range of 500 micrometers to 2 mm.

[0078] Embodiment 12 is the ophthalmic lens of any one of embodiments 1-11, an area of the multiple lenslets is in a range of 0.5% to 22% of a surface area of the ophthalmic lens.

[0079] Embodiment 13 is the ophthalmic lens of any one of embodiments 1-12, where an area of the multiple light scatterers is in a range of 0.5% to 22% of a surface area of the ophthalmic lens.

[0080] Embodiment 14 is the ophthalmic lens of any one of embodiments 1-13, including a clear area not including, when viewed along a direction of an optical axis of the ophthalmic lens, any of the multiple lenslets or any of the multiple light scatterers

[0081] Embodiment 15 is the ophthalmic lens of embodiment 14. where the clear area is centered on and is intersected by an optical axis of the ophthalmic lens.

[0082] Embodiment 16 is the ophthalmic lens of embodiment 15, where the clear area has polygonal shape.

[0083] Embodiment 17 is the ophthalmic lens of embodiment 15, where the clear area has an elliptical shape.Attorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO1

[0084] Embodiment 18 is the ophthalmic lens of embodiment 15, where the clear area has a circular shape.

[0085] Embodiment 19 is the ophthalmic lens of any one of embodiments 1-13, including a clear area devoid of any of the multiple light scatterers and any of the multiple lenslets. The clear area surrounds at least one of the first and second areas.

[0086] Embodiment 20 is the ophthalmic lens of any one of embodiments 1-13, including a clear area devoid of any of the multiple light scatterers and the multiple lenslets and a treatment zone including the multiple light scatterers and the multiple lenslets. The clear area surrounds the treatment zone.

[0087] Embodiment 21 is the ophthalmic lens of embodiment 20, where the clear area has a polygonal shape.

[0088] Embodiment 22 is the ophthalmic lens of embodiment 20, where the clear area has an annular shape.

[0089] Embodiment 23 is the ophthalmic lens of any one of embodiments 1-13, where the ophthalmic lens does not include any regions devoid of both the multiple light scatterers and the multiple lenslets.

[0090] Embodiment 24 is the ophthalmic lens of any one of embodiments 1-23, where the first area is on average located further away from an optical axis of the ophthalmic lens than the second area.

[0091] Embodiment 25 is the ophthalmic lens of any one of embodiments 1 or 3-24, where the first area surrounds the second area.

[0092] Embodiment 26 is the ophthalmic lens of any one of embodiments 1-23, where the first area corresponds to central vision for a user, and the second area corresponds to peripheral vision for the user

[0093] Embodiment 27 is the ophthalmic lens of any one of embodiments 1-26, where a scattering power of the ophthalmic lens varies across the ophthalmic lens.

[0094] Embodiment 28 is the ophthalmic lens of any one of embodiments 1-27, where an optical power of the multiple lenslets varies across ophthalmic lens.

[0095] Embodiment 29 is the ophthalmic lens of any one of embodiments 2-28, where, for at least one lenslet of the multiple lenslets, a subset of plurality of light scatterers are disposed on a light scattering region on a surface of the at least one lenslet.Attorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO1

[0096] Embodiment 30 is an ophthalmic lens including: a first curved surface and a second curved surface opposite the first curved surface, a first curvature of the first curved surface and a second curvature of the second curved surface defining a first optical power of the ophthalmic lens; and a treatment zone including multiple lenslets, one or more continuous light scattering regions, and one or more clear areas, at least one of the light scattering regions surrounding at least one of the clear areas.

[0097] Embodiment 31 is the ophthalmic lens of embodiment 30, where the one or more continuous light scattering regions are located in a first region of the treatment zone, and the multiple lenslets are located in a second, different region of the treatment zone.

[0098] Embodiment 32 is the ophthalmic lens of embodiment 31. where the first and second regions do not overlap.

[0099] Embodiment 33 is the ophthalmic lens of embodiment 31, where the first and second regions overlap.

[0100] A number of embodiments are described. Other embodiments are in the following claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO1CLAIMS1. An ophthalmic lens comprising:a first curved surface and a second curved surface opposite the first curved surface, a first curvature of the first curved surface and a second curvature of the second curved surface defining a first optical power of the ophthalmic lens;a first area of the ophthalmic lens comprising a plurality of lenslets each having a curvature different from the first and second curvatures; anda second area of the ophthalmic lens comprising a plurality of light scatterers, the second area of the ophthalmic lens being non-overlapping with the first area of the ophthalmic lens.

2. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein a density of the plurality of light scatterers varies across each lenslet of the plurality of lenslets.

3. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein at least one lenslet of the plurality of lenslets has a spherical curvature.

4. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein at least one lenslet of the plurality of lenslets has an aspherical curvature.

5. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light scatterers have a lateral dimension of 0.01 mm to 1 mm.

6. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein adjacent light scatterers of the plurality of light scatterers are spaced apart from each other by 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

7. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light scatterers comprise at least one of first pits or first bumps on the first curved surface.

8. The ophthalmic lens of claim 7, wherein the plurality of light scatterers comprise at least one of second pits or second bumps on the second curved surface.Attorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO19. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light scatterers comprise bulk scatterers embedded in the ophthalmic lens between the first and second curved surfaces.

10. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein the plurality of lenslets have a lateral dimension in a range of 500 micrometers to 2 mm.

11. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein an area of the plurality of lenslets is in a range of 0.5% to 22% of a surface area of the ophthalmic lens.

12. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein an area of the plurality of light scatterers is in a range of 0.5% to 22% of a surface area of the ophthalmic lens.

13. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, comprising a clear area not including, when viewed along a direction of an optical axis of the ophthalmic lens, any of the plurality of lenslets or any of the plurality of light scatterers.

14. The ophthalmic lens of claim 13, wherein the clear area is centered on and is intersected by an optical axis of the ophthalmic lens.

15. The ophthalmic lens of claim 14, wherein the clear area has polygonal shape.

16. The ophthalmic lens of claim 14. wherein the clear area has an elliptical shape.

17. The ophthalmic lens of claim 14, wherein the clear area has a circular shape.

18. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, comprising a clear area devoid of any of the plurality of light scatterers and any of the plurality of lenslets. wherein the clear area surrounds at least one of the first and second areas.

19. The ophthalmic lens of claim 18, wherein the clear area has a polygonal shape.

20. The ophthalmic lens of claim 18. wherein the clear area has an annular shape.Attorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO121. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein the ophthalmic lens does not include any regions devoid of both the plurality of light scatterers and the plurality of lenslets.

22. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein the first area is on average located further away from an optical axis of the ophthalmic lens than the second area.

23. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein the first area surrounds the second area.

24. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein the first area corresponds to central vision for a user, and the second area corresponds to peripheral vision for the user.

25. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein a scattering power of the ophthalmic lens varies across the ophthalmic lens.

26. The ophthalmic lens of claim 1, wherein an optical power of the plurality of lenslets varies across ophthalmic lens.

27. An ophthalmic lens comprising:a first curved surface and a second curved surface opposite the first curved surface, a first curvature of the first curved surface and a second curvature of the second curved surface defining a first optical power of the ophthalmic lens;a plurality of lenslets each having a curvature different from the first and second curvatures; anda plurality of light scatterers overlapping with the plurality of lenslets.

28. The ophthalmic lens of claim 27, wherein, for at least one lenslet of the plurality of lenslets, a subset of plurality of light scatterers are disposed on a light scattering region on a surface of the at least one lenslet.

29. The ophthalmic lens of claim 27, comprising a clear area devoid of any of the plurality of light scatterers and the plurality of lenslets and a treatment zoneAttorney Docket No. 45336-0037WO1comprising the plurality of light scatterers and the plurality of lenslets, wherein the clear area surrounds the treatment zone.

30. An ophthalmic lens comprising:a first curved surface and a second curved surface opposite the first curved surface, a first curvature of the first curved surface and a second curvature of the second curved surface defining a first optical power of the ophthalmic lens; anda treatment zone comprising a plurality of lenslets, one or more continuous light scattering regions, and one or more clear areas, at least one of the light scattering regions surrounding at least one of the clear areas.

31. The ophthalmic lens of claim 30, wherein the one or more continuous light scattering regions are located in a first region of the treatment zone, and the plurality of lenslets are located in a second, different region of the treatment zone.

32. The ophthalmic lens of claim 31, wherein the first and second regions do not overlap.

33. The ophthalmic lens of claim 31, wherein the first and second regions overlap.

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