AU2012245172B2 - Electro-active intraocular lenses - Google Patents

Abstract

An intraocular lens system is presented that comprises an electro-active lens comprising multiple independently controllable zones or pixels, and a controller capable of being remotely programmed.

Description

- 1 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT ORIGINAL Name of Applicant: E-Vision, LLC Actual Inventors: Ronald D. Blum and William Kokonaski Address for Service is: SHELSTON IP 60 Margaret Street Telephone No: (02) 9777 1111 SYDNEY NSW 2000 Facsimile No. (02) 9241 4666 CCN: 3710000352 Attorney Code: SW Invention Title: Electro-active intraocular lenses Details of Original Application No. 2005302458 dated 31 Oct 2005 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: File: 54179AUP01 ELECTRO-ACTIVE INTRAOCULAR LENSES RELATED PATENTS AND APPLICATIONS [001] This application claims the benefit of provisional applications 60/623,946 filed November 2, 2004, and 60/636,490 filed December 17, 2004, both of which are 5 incorporated in their entirety by reference. [001a] The following applications, provisional applications, and patents are incorporated by reference in their entirety: U.S. Application No. 11/232,551 filed September 22, 2005; U.S. Patent No. 6,918,670 issued July 19, 2005; U.S. Application No. 11/183,454 filed July 18, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/692,270 filed July 21, 2005; U.S. 10 Provisional Application No. 60/687,342 filed June 6, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/687,341 filed June 6, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/685,407 filed May 31, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/679,241 filed May 10, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/674,702 filed April 26, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/673,758 filed April 22, 2005; U.S. Application No. 11/109,360 filed April 19, 2005; U.S. Provisional 15 Application No. 60/669,403 filed April 8, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/667,094 filed April 1, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/666,167 filed March 30, 2005; U.S. Patent No. 6,871,951 issued March 29, 2005; U.S. Application No. 11/091,104 filed March 28, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/661,925 filed March 16, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/659,431 filed March 9, 2005; U.S. Application No. 11/063,323 filed 20 February 22, 2005; U.S. Patent No. 6,857,741 issued February 22, 2005; U.S. Patent No. 6,851,805 issued February 8, 2005; U.S. Application No. 11/036,501 filed January 14, 2005; U.S. Application No. 11/030,690 filed January 6, 2005; U.S. Application No. 10/996,781 filed November 24, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/623,947 filed November 2, 2004; - la- U.S. Application No. 10/924,619 filed August 24, 2004; U.S. Application No. 10/918,496 filed August 13, 2004; U.S. Application No. 10/863,949 filed June 9, 2004; U.S. Patent No. 6,733,130 issued May 11, 2004; U.S. Application No. 10/772,917 filed February 5, 2004; U.S. Patent No. 6,619,799 issued September 16, 2003; U.S. Application No. 10/664,112 filed August 5 20, 2003; U.S. Application No. 10/627,828 filed July 25, 2003; U.S. Application No. 10/387,143 filed March 12, 2003; U.S. Patent No. 6,517,203 issued February 11, 2003; U.S. Patent No. 6,491,391 issued December 10, 2002; U.S. Patent No. 6,491,394 issued December 10, 2002; and U.S. Application No. 10/263,707 filed October 4, 2002. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 10 [001b] The present invention relates to field of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs). In particular, the present invention relates to Intraocular Lenses wherein an electro-active element provides at least a portion of the IOL's refractive power, or prismatic power, or at least a portion of the tinting. [002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way 15 be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. [003] Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are typically permanent, plastic lenses that are surgically implanted inside of the eyeball to replace or supplement the eye's natural crystalline lens. They have been used in the United States since the late 1960s to restore vision to cataract 20 patients, and more recently are being used in several types of refractive eye surgery. [004] The natural crystalline lens is critical component of the complex optical system of the eye. The crystalline lens provides about 17 diopters of the total 60 diopters of the refractive power of a healthy eye. Further, a healthy crystalline lens provides adjustable - lb focusing when deformed by the muscular ciliary body that circumferentially surrounds the crystalline lens. As the eye ages, the flexibility of the crystalline lens decreases and this adjustable focusing is diminished. Thus, this critical crystalline lens almost invariably loses flexibility with age, and often loses transparency with age due to cataracts or other diseases. 5 [005] Most intraocular lenses used in cataract surgery may be folded and inserted through the same tiny opening that was used to remove the natural crystalline - lclens. Once in the eye, the lens may unfold to its full size. The opening in the eye is so small that it heals itself quickly without stitches. The intraocular lenses may be made of inert materials that do not trigger rejection responses by the body. [006] In most cases, IOLs are permanent. They rarely need replacement, except in the instances where the measurements of the eye prior to surgery have not accurately determined the required focusing power of the IOL. Also, the surgery itself may change the optical characteristics of the eye. In most cases, the intraocular lenses implanted during cataract surgery are monofocal lenses, and the optical power of the IOL is selected such that the power of the eye is set for distance vision. Therefore, in most cases the patient will still require reading glasses after surgery. Intraocular lens implants may be static multifocal lenses, which attempt to function more like the eye's natural lens by providing clear vision at a distance and reasonable focus for a range of near distances, for patients with presbyopia. Not all patients are good candidates for the multifocal lens; however, those who can use the lens are some what pleased with the results. [007] More recently, accommodative IOLs have been introduced. These accommodative IOLs actually change focus by movement (physically deforming and/or translating within the orbit of the eye) as the muscular ciliary body reacts to an accommodative stimulus from the brain, similar to the way the natural crystalline lens focuses. While these offer promise, accommodative IOLs still have not been perfected. In spite of these limited successes, the multi-focal IOL and present accommodative IOLs still have a substantial decrease in performance when compared to a healthy natural crystalline lens. -2- [008] Another ocular lens that holds promise for correcting presbyopia is the Small Diameter Corneal Inlay (SDCI). The Small Diameter Corneal Inlay (SDCI) is a prescription lens that is inserted into the corneal tissue to create an effect similar to a bifocal contact lens. Corneal Inlays (SDCI) are early in their development and it is still too early to understand how well they will function and also how effective they will become. [009] While all these emerging surgical procedures have their merits, they all have a substantial decrease in performance when compared to a young healthy natural crystalline lens. The present invention, in some embodiments, addresses these shortcomings by providing an intraocular lens that behaves in a manner similar to the natural crystalline lens. [0010] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0011] An illustrative aspect of the invention provides an intraocular lens system comprising an electro-active lens comprising multiple independently controllable zones or pixels, and a controller capable of being remotely programmed. [0012] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure. [0012a] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an intra ocular lens system, comprising: an intra-ocular lens; and -3 an electro-active lens element in optical communication therewith, wherein said intra ocular lens provides the majority of optical power in the system. [0012b] According to a second aspect, the invention provides eyewear comprising: a frame; and 5 an electronic docking station, wherein the docking station is configured to provide power to a docked electrical component. [0012c] According to a third aspect, the invention provides an eyewear system, including eyewear comprising: 10 an eyewear frame; and a camera connected with the frame, wherein the camera is configured to be controlled by a remote controller. [0012d] According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides eyewear comprising: a frame; 15 a visor attached to the frame; and an electronic display, wherein the electronic display is housed in the visor. [0012e] According to a further aspect, the invention provides eyewear comprising: a frame; and 20 an electronic docking station, wherein the electronic docking station is configured to provide power to a docked electrical component. [0012f] According to a further aspect, the invention provides eyewear comprising: an eyewear frame comprising a frame stem and at least one temple; -4a docking station, supported by the eyewear frame, comprising an audio port to receive an audio signal from an electronic device docked in the docking station, a video port to receive a video signal from the electronic device, and at least one pair of power terminal contacts to conduct electrical power to and/or from the electronic device; 5 at least one speaker, supported by the eyewear frame and in electrical communication with the docking station, to provide the audio signal from the electronic device to a wearer of the eyewear; at least one electronic display, supported by the eyewear frame and in electrical communication with the docking station, to provide the video signal from the 10 electronic device to the wearer of the eyewear; and a power supply, in electrical communication with the docking station, to provide electrical power to the electronic device via the at least one pair of power terminal contacts. [0012g] According to a further aspect, the invention provides a method of receiving 15 audio information and/or video information, the method comprising: docking an electronic component in a docking station disposed on an eyewear frame; receiving audio information and/or video information from the electronic component via the docking station; 20 providing the audio information to a wearer of the eyewear via at least one speaker operably coupled to the docking station; providing the video information to the wearer of the eyewear via at least one electronic display operably coupled to the docking station; and -5providing electrical power from a power source supported by the frame to the electronic component via the docking station. [0012h] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive 5 sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to". BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] The present invention can be more fully understood by reading the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference 10 indicators are used to designate like elements. [0014] Figure 1 displays the major anatomical components of a human eye. [0015] Figure 2A displays a front view of an intraocular lens embodiment with an electro-active lens and piezoelectric material as a power supply. [0016] Figure 2B displays a side view of an intraocular lens embodiment with an 15 electro-active lens and piezoelectric material as a power supply. [0017] Figure 3A displays a front view of an intraocular lens embodiment with a diffractive electro-active lens and a rechargeable battery ring. [0018] Figure 3B displays a side view of an intraocular lens embodiment with a diffractive electro-active lens and a rechargeable battery ring. 20 [0019] Figure 4A displays a front view of an intraocular lens embodiment with a pixelated electro-active lens and a rechargeable battery ring. [0020] Figure 4B displays a side view of an intraocular lens embodiment with a pixelated electro-active lens and a rechargeable battery ring. - 5a - [0021] Figure 5 displays an external power supply embodiment with inductive charging elements inside of a pillow. [0022] Figure 6 displays an intraocular lens embodiment with an electro-active lens and a control chip with an antenna for use with a wireless programming unit. 5 [0023] Figure 7A is an image of an healthy retina illustrating the location of the macula and the fovea on the retina. [0024] Figure 7B illustrates an area of the macular that has been damaged by "wet" macular degeneration. [0025] Figure 7C illustrates an area of the macular that has been damaged by "dry" 10 macular degeneration. [0026] Figure 8 illustrates the various manifestations of diabetic retinopathy. [0027] Figure 9 illustrates the stacking of two prismatic lenses with linear electrodes to produce any combination of vertical and horizontal displacement of an image on the retina. [0028] Figure 10 illustrates an electro-active IOL in optical communication with a 15 non-electro-active accommodative IOL. [0028a] Figure 11 illustrates an exemplary eyewear system, including an electronic device attached to the back of the electronic frame tether that may be controlled with a hand held remote controller, according to one aspect of the present invention. [0028b] Figure 12 illustrates an exemplary eyewear system according to aspects of the 20 invention. [0028c] Figures 13A to 13D illustrate another exemplary eyewear system according to further aspects of the invention. [0028d] Figures 14 and 14A illustrate another exemplary eyewear system, including audio connectors, according to further aspects of the invention. - 5b - [0028e] Figure 15 illustrates another exemplary eyewear system according to further aspects of the invention. [0028f] Figures 16A to 16B illustrate another exemplary eyewear system, including lights placed near the front of the frame, according to further aspects of the invention. 5 [0028g] Figures 17 to 17A illustrate another exemplary eyewear system, including an electronic docking station placed on the back portion of the electronic frame tether, according to further aspects of the invention. [0028h] Figure 18 illustrates another exemplary eyewear system, where the back of the electronic frame tether forms a T shape, according to further aspects of the invention. 10 [0028i] Figure 19 illustrates another exemplary eyewear system, including a remote controller, according to further aspects of the invention. [0028j] Figure 20A to 20C illustrate another exemplary eyewear system, including a clip on heads up display, according to further aspects of the invention. [0028k] Figure 21A to 21D illustrate another exemplary eyewear system, including a 15 clip on heads up display and/or camera, according to further aspects of the invention. [00281] Figure 22 illustrates another exemplary eyewear system, including clip on monocular attachments, according to further aspects of the invention. [0028m] Figure 23A to 23D illustrate another exemplary eyewear system, including a clip on visor outfitted with a micro-optical display and associated viewing optics, according to 20 further aspects of the invention. - 5c - DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS [0029] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the invention will be described. As used herein, any term in the singular may be interpreted in the plural, and alternately, any term in the plural may be interpreted to be in the singular. [0030] Electro-active materials comprise optical properties that may be varied by electrical control. For example, transmission of light may be controlled to produce tinting or a sunglass effect. Further, the index of refraction may be electrically controlled to produce focusing and or prismatic effects. One class of electro-active material is liquid crystals. Liquid crystals comprise a state of aggregation that is intermediate between the crystalline solid and the amorphous liquid. The properties of liquid crystals may be controlled electrically, thermally, or chemically. Many liquid crystals are composed of rod-like molecules, and classified broadly as: nematic, cholesteric, and smectic. [0031] There are several characteristics of electro-active materials which are useful in IOLs. First, the optical characteristics may be generated by thin layers (rather than by the curvature of conventional lenses which may require thick lenses). These thin layers may be placed in locations where it may be difficult to place conventional lenses, for example in the anterior chamber of the eye (between the iris and the crystalline lens). In addition, it is possible to stack (place in series optically) the electro-active layers in such a manner as to get an additive effect for the overall optical power created, including prism, conventional refractive error, or higher order aberration correction, in a. thin structure that may be placed in either the anterior or the posterior chamber of the eye. [0032] Second, the optical characteristics may be actively controlled. For example, an electro-active lens may designed to become darker (more tinted, and transmit less light) under bright light conditions. This tinting may be generated automatically by measuring the brightness using, for example, a photodiode or solar cell. Alternately, the tinting may be controlled by the decisions of the user by way of a remote control. [0033] Similarly, the focus of an electro-active lens may be controlled electrically. The focus may be controlled automatically using, for example, a range finder, or a tilt meter, or triangulation based on the direction of both eyes, the forces exerted on the lens by the muscles of the eye. Alternately, the focus may be controlled by the decisions of the user by way of a remote control. [0034] Third, electrical control creates the potential for correcting complex and high order visual defects. Conventional intraocular lenses are limited to addressing certain visual defects for various manufacturing reasons. However, an electro-active lens with a large number of individually addressable controlled small elements (for example, an array of very small pixels) may address very complex and high order visual defects. Further, the control may be simplified by creating individually addressable elements in arbitrary configurations, such as a series of concentric circles, or a series of approximately concentric ellipsis, or whatever customized configuration efficiently corrects the visual defect. The design, manufacture, and control of an array of small pixels has similarities with the manufacture of Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs). Correction of complex visual defects such as higher order aberrations of the eye creates the possibility of "superhuman"f visual acuity, wherein the vision is not limited by the lenses (either biological or corrective), but rather is limited by the inherent anatomy and physics of the photoreceptor cells in the retina. 20/10 vision or better is possible even before additional magnification is considered. Further, it is possible for an electro-active lens to act as a telescope or as a microscope. [0035] Fourth, electrical control creates the potential for changing the optical characteristics of the electro-active IOL as desired. For example, the desired optical characteristics may be determined after the IOL is surgically implanted in order to compensate for any changes that occur during surgery, or for that matter an error in calculating or estimating the post surgery refractive error. Similarly, the optical characteristics of the IOL may be varied over time to compensate for changes in the user's eye. For example, if the user has a degenerative disease that affects a portion of the retina, then it is possible to remotely cause the implanted electro-active IOL to create prismatic power or even change its prismatic power in order to shift the image to a portion of the retina that is undamaged. By way of example only, each month (or as needed) the image may be shifted to the remaining undamaged portion of the retina with the highest concentration of receptor cells. This change can be accomplished post-surgically and remotely (meaning without additional surgery). [0036] Fifth, electrical control creates the potential for the user to automatically or instinctively control the focus. For example, contractions of the muscular ciliary body can be measured by an piezoelectric element (as a strain gauge), and these contractions can then be used as a control input to electrically adjust the focus of the IOL, similar to the way the ciliary body would focus the natural crystalline lens by physical deformation. Additionally, in theory, the focus could be controlled by electrical signals directly from the brain. Recent development with artificial limbs use this technique. [0037] Sixth, electrical control creates the potential to shift the field of view, and thus compensate for diseases that prevent the eyeball from moving. Nervous signals to diseased muscles (that can no longer move the eye) may be intercepted, translated, and used to electrically shift the field of view. [0038] Seventh, there are many types of electro-active element configurations. These configurations include: pixelated (typically a two dimensional array of pixels similar to a liquid crystal monitor on a computer), rotationally symmetric pixelated (for example, a set of concentric circles), and diffractive. Electro-active individually addressable pixelated n diffractive lenses may use concentric ring shaped electrodes to product the diffractive lens power with varying index of refraction without physically machining, molding or etching diffractive elements into the surface of the lens. [0039] The electro-active element may be used in combination with a conventional lens, wherein the conventional lens may provide a base refractive power. The electro-active element may be used in combination with a diffractive lens having a machined, n-olded, or etched surface or geometry. The electro-active element may be used in combination with a second electro-active element, wherein each may perform a different function. For example, the first electro-active element may provide focus, and the second may provide tinting or may serve as an electrically controlled aperture, or the second could cause a prismatic shift of the image to the healthy area of a retina of a deceased eye.. [0040] Eighth, as discussed above, it is possible to electrically replace many of the optical functions of a natural eye: tinting may replace or augment the light reducing effect of the contraction of the iris, focusing may replace the natural deformation of the crystalline lens, focusing and prismatic shifting may replace movement of the eyeball, and so forth. Among other factors, the present invention addresses: positioning the IOL, energy storage, energy recharging, power generation, control, steering of the line of site to a targeted region of the retina altering the refractive power of the eye, augmenting or replacing the accominodative power of the crystalline lens, remote tuning post surgery of the electro-active IOL.- Tuning comprises altering the power of the IOL and/or altering the location of the focus on the retina of the IOL. [0041] Figure 1 displays the major anatomical components of a human eye. The major anatomical components are: conjunctiva 110, ciliary body 112, iris 114, aqueous humor 116, pupil 118, anterior chamber 120, crystalline lens 122, cornea 124, extraocular muscles 126, sclera 128, chorid 130, macula lutea 132, optic nerve 134, retina 136, and vitreous humor 138. Although a human eye is described, this invention is also applicable to non-hurnan eyes such as horses or dogs. [0042] As background, the optical components of the eye will be described in detail. Light entering the eye first enters the cornea 124. The cornea 124 is transparent and provides about 40 diopters of the approximately 60 diopters total refractive power of the eye. Light then passes through the pupil 118. The pupil 118 is an aperture, and is variable in diameter from 1 mm to at least 8 mnm. This gives an aperture range in excess of f20-f2.5, and a ratio of 32:1 for the amount of light permitted to enter the eye. The iris 114 serves as an adj stable diaphragm creating a pupil 118. The light then passes through the crystalline lens 122. The crystalline lens 122 is a transparent, encapsulated, biconvex body which is attached circumferentially to the ciliary body 112. The crystalline lens 122 contributes about 17 diopters to the total refractive power of a relaxed eye. The refractive power of the crystalline lens 122 may be altered by contractions of the ciliary muscles in the ciliary body 1 2, which deform the crystalline lens 122 and alter its refractive power. The light then passes through the vitreous humor 138 and finally contacts the retina 136. The retina 136 is the sensory neural layer of the eyeball and may be considered as an outgrowth of the brain, and is connected to the brain through the optic nerve 134. Near the center of the retina 136, the macula lutea 132 contains a central region of highest visual sensitivity called the fovea centralis or foveola (see Figure 7) with a diameter of approximately 0.4 mm where the visual resolution is the highest. The small diameter of the foveola is one of the reasons why the optical axes must be directed with great accuracy to achieve good vision. [0043] Thus, the human eye has an adjustable diaphragm (iris 114) and an adjustable refractive power (due to the ciliary body 112 deforming the crystalline lens 124). [0044] An IOL can be placed in one of three locations: in the anterior chamber 120, which is between the cornea 124 and the iris 114; or in the posterior chamber (not shown) which is between the iris 114 and the crystalline lens 122; or as a replacement for the crystalline lens 122. [0045] Generally, if the crystalline lens is diseased or damaged, then an IOL may be used to replace the crystalline lens. This IOL replacement for the crystalline lens may be accommodative, or non-accomodative. Replacing the crystalline lens allows the IOL to be conveniently positioned inside of a clear bag-like capsule that previously held the natural crystalline lens, and also allows the possibility of retaining some variable focus capability through interaction with the muscular ciliary body which circumferentially surrounds the clear bag-like capsule. In other cases, the IOL is placed extra capsulary (without the bag-like capsule). [0046] However, if the crystalline lens is still functional, then it may be preferable to leave the crystalline lens undisturbed and to place the electro-active IOL into either the posterior chamber or the anterior chamber 120 of the eye, or into the corneal tissue similar to the Small Diameter Corneal Inlay (SDCI) discussed above. In these embodiments, the electro-active IOL could, by way of example only, provide optical power to correct for conventional refractive errors, correct for non-conventional refractive errors, create a prismatic image shifting effect that moves the location of focus to a healthier area of the retina, and add a tint, as opposed to replacing the optical power of the otherwise healthy crystalline lens. [0047] Conventional refractive error is defined as one or more of: myopia, hyperopia, pesbyopia, and regular astigmatism. Non-conventional (or higher order) refractive errors are defined as all other refractive errors or aberrations which are not conventional refractive error. [0048] In many cases, the electro-active IOL may be used during cataract surgery wlien the existing crystalline lens is defective. In this case, the electro-active IOL will actually I I replace the removed defective existing crystalline lens, and may provide a range of electro active optical correction including conventional and/or non-conventional refractive errors, as well as provide refractive power to make up for the lost optical power resulting from the removal of the crystalline lens. In addition, the electro-active IOL can provide for the ability to accommodate without any movement, translation or change in its surface geometry. This is accomplished by localized programmed changes in the index of refraction of the electro active IOL. [0049] The most common and advanced cataract surgery technique is phacoemulsification or "phaco." The surgeon first makes a small incision at the edge of the cornea and then creates an opening in the membrane that surrounds the cataract-damaged lens. This thin membrane is called the capsule. Next, a small ultrasonic probe is inserted through the opening in the cornea and capsule. The probe's vibrating tip breaks up or "emulsifies" the cloudy lens into tiny fragments that are suctioned out of the capsule by an attachment on the probe tip. After the lens is completely removed, the probe is withdrawn leaving only the clear (now empty) bag-like capsule, which may act as support for the intraocular lens (IOL). [0050] Phacoemulsification allows cataract surgery to be performed through a very small incision in the cornea. Stitches are seldom needed to close this tiny entry, which means that there is less discomfort and quicker recovery of vision than with other surgical techniques. Small incisions generally do not change the curvature of the coraea (unlike larger incisions that were required with older surgical techniques). Small incisions for more rapid rehabilitation of vision and possibly less dependence on glasses for good distance vision. [0051] After removal of the cataract-damaged lens, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) may be implanted. The IOL may be produced from soft acrylic or solid medical-grade silicone. IOLs may be folded so they can be implanted with a small injector, which uses the 111% same incision through which the phaco probe was inserted at the beginning of the procedure. As the IOL is implanted, it may be allowed to unfold and anchor itself behind the eye's pupil over the remaining clear capsule. The IOL(s) to be implanted may be selected based on power calculations made before surgery. In the case of the present invention, the electro active IOL may also be selected based on the range of electro-active correction required, the type of any other ocular disease being treated, and any special needs of the patient. [0052] In most cases, the electro-active element would contribute typically +2.5 Diopters, +2.75 Diopters, +3.0 Diopters, or +3.25 Diopters of optical power. The base lens portion (which the electro-active element is in optical communication) which would contribute most, if not all, of the approximately 17 Diopters normally provided by the crystalline lens, would be measured and selected prior to surgery. However, unlike a conventional IOL, an electro active IOL allows for remote tuning of its optical power (for example, in case the calculations made prior to surgery are not optimum after surgery). [0053] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate an IOL assembly 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2A displays a front view of the IOL assembly, which includes an electro-active lens element 218 powered by a thin, annular charge storage capacitor 216 arranged around the perimeter of the electro-active lens element 218. The charge storage capacitor 216 is charged by a piezoelectric film 212. The piezoelectric film 212 generates this charge as a result of mechanical forces applied by the ciliary body (not shown). The piezoelectric film 212 is attached to the ciliary body by a ciliary body attachment tab 210. [0054] The ciliary body expands and contracts as the eye attempts to focus from near to far and from far to near. The ciliary body movement may produce tension and/or compression of the piezoelectric film 212 which produces electricity. The electricity may be transferred through charging leads 220 and used to charge the charge storage capacitor 216 (or a rechargeable battery). The charge storage capacitor 216 may power the electro-active I n~ lens element 218 and any related control circuitry (not shown). Typically the electro-active lens element 218 requires approximately 1.0 to 5.0 volts, with a preferred range of 1.5 to 2.5 volts. These relatively low voltages decrease the risk involved with surgical placement of electrical devices. [0055] The electrical characteristics of the piezoelectric film 212 under tension or compression may be used as a gauge to determine the desired viewing distarice, and may be used to focus the electro-active lens. Thus, it is possible for the user to instinctively and automatically control the focus of the electro-active IOL 200 using the muscular ciliary body. The contractions of the muscular ciliary body previously focused the subject's crystalline lens by physically deforming it. Using the electro-active IOL 200 the instinctive and automatic contractions of the muscular ciliary body will change the electrical characteristics of the piezoelectric film 212, and these electrical changes may be monitored by a processor disposed, for example, on a chip (not shown) and used to electrically, variably focus the electro-active IOL 200. Alternatively, the piezoelectric film 212 may be used solely as a gauge for focusing, in which case, the electro-active IOL 200 would be provided with a different source of power. [0056] In some embodiments, the piezoelectric film may be attached circumferentially to the ciliary body by multiple attachment tabs (more than two) in order to take advantage of the natural circumferential contraction and expansion of the surrounding ciliary body. [0057] One or more lens anchors 214 may be used to stabilize the electro-active lens in the desired location. For example, a lens anchor 214 may be used to center the electro-active lens inside of the capsule or "bag" or membrane which formerly contained the natural crystalline lens (creating an intracapsular IOL). Alternately, the lens anchor 214 may be attached to the ciliary muscle directly, and thus be outside of the capsule (creating an extracapsular IOL).

[0058] Multiple lens anchors 214 may be used. For example, 3 or 4 lens anchors 214 may be used. The lens anchors 214 may have different shapes, customized to the specific application. [0059] An optional base lens 252 may provide a base refractive power using a conventional lens configuration, and may be equivalent in refractive power to the crystalline lens when no accommodation is needed. The base lens 252 may also serve as a means of encapsulating the electro-active element in a hermetically sealed enclosure that consists of a biocompatible material similar to those materials currently used to make IOLs, by way of example only, soft acrylic or solid medical-grade silicone. [0060] Figure 2B displays a side view of an intraocular lens embodiment with an electro active lens and piezoelectric material as a power supply. Specifically, Figure 2B illustrates the optional base lens 252 which may surround the electro-active lens element 218 and which may provide a fixed or base refractive power. In a particular embodiment, the fixed or base refractive power may be adapted to focus the eye at near distances when the electro-active element is inactive. In another embodiment, the fixed or base lens may be adapted to focus the eye at far distances when the electro-active element is inactive. The optional base lens 252 may have multiple focal points, and/or may be tinted. [0061] Other sources of power may include: solar cells, inductive charging, conductive charging, laser, thermo-electric, and harnessing the mechanical energy frorn blinking. The capacitor 216 (or optionally, a battery) may be recharged inductively with a. pair of special glasses (spectacles) that may also remotely turn off the electro-active lens while the battery is being recharged. The special glasses may also be configured to provide vision correction while the battery is recharging. [0062] In some enabodiments, the capacitor 216 in the electro-active IOL 200 may be charged with a special pillow that has very light gauge wires through which. current runs.

The pillow may thus be used to charge the batteries inside the electro-active IOL 200 at night while the patient sleeps. An exemplary arrangement of this type is illustrated in Figure 5 and will be discussed in more detail below. A power conditioning circuit is used to reduce the voltage and limit the current to safe levels for low power charging and to adjust the frequency for more efficient charging. [0063] Alternately, the electro-active IOL may not have a capacitor 216 or battery, but may be constantly powered conductively by an externally located battery, or may be constantly powered inductively by an externally located inductively coupled power supply, or solar cell, or solar cell coupled to a properly tuned laser, or a thermal-electric power supply that generates electricity by dumping body heat (typically 98 degrees F) into the relatively cool ambient air (typically 70 degrees F). [0064] Figures 3A and 3B display an intraocular lens system 300 having a diffractive electro-active lens element 326 and a rechargeable battery ring 324. Figure 3A provides a front view of the diffractive electro-active lens element 326, said diffractive lens element can be either electrically diffractive with circular concentric electrodes, or mechanically diffractive with etched surfaces that are activated electrically by controlled by index matching and mis-matching. which is connected by power connections 322 to the rechargeable battery ring 324. Lens anchors 314 may be used to stabilize and position the diffractive electro active lens element 326 in the desired location and orientation. The rechargeable battery ring 324 may be powered with a capacitor similar to that of intraocular lens system 200 of Figures 2A and 2B. Further, the rechargeable battery 324 may be shaped differently and located inside of or adjacent the lens anchor 314, and thus be moved away from the optical elements. [0065] Figure 3B displays a side view of the intraocular lens 300. Specifically, Figure 3B illustrates an optional base lens 352, which is similar to the base lens 252 of the intraocular lens system 200 of Figures 2A and 2B. This base lens 352 may have a base or fixed optical power, or may have no optical power and merely serve as a protective capsule or substrate. [0066] Figures 4A and 4B display an intraocular lens system 400 having a pixelated electro-active lens element 430 and a rechargeable battery ring 424. Figure 4A shows a front view of the pixelated electro-active lens element 430, which is connected by power connections 422 to the rechargeable battery ring 424. Lens anchors 414- may be used to stabilize and position the diffractive electro-active lens element 430 in the desired location and orientation. The rechargeable battery ring 424 may be powered in the same ways as capacitor 216 from Figure 2. [0067] Figure 4B displays a side view of the intraocular lens 400 showing the base lens 452, which is similar to the base lenses of the previous embodiments. [0068] Figure 5 displays an external power supply 500 for use in charging the internal power supply of IOLs according to some embodiments of the inventions. In the power supply 500, a power conditioner 532 is electrically connected to a wall outlet 530. The power conditioner 532 is connected to light gauge wire induction coils 534 inside of a pillow 536 for inductively charging a capacitor or battery of a rechargeable electro-active IOL. The power conditioner 532 may be configured to reduce the voltage and limit the current to safe levels for low power charging and to adjust the frequency for more efficient charging. The power supply 500 may be configured so that the electro-active IOL may be charged while a subject rests his head on or near the pillow 536. It will be understood that the induction coils 534 may alternatively be placed in a subject's bedding or in a headrest, seatback or other location that can be in close proximity to a subjects head for a sufficient period of time. [0069] Figure 6 displays an intraocular lens assembly 600 with an electro-active lens element 618, a control chip 640 and an antenna 622 for use with a wireless programming unit 660. The wireless programming unit 660 is configured to communicate with the control chip 640 through radio waves. The radio waves are picked up by the mini antenna 642 which communicates with the control chip 640. The control chip 640 may be remotely tuned through the use of these radio waves. Such tuning may include setting or adjusting the optical characteristics of the electro-active lens element 618. The control chip 640 controls the electro-active lens element 618, and may have bi-directional communication with the wireless programming unit 660. For example, the control chip 640 may be configured to alert the wireless programming unit 660 that the battery 624 voltage is low. Alternately, programming communication with the control chip 640 may be through a laser (light waves), instead of through radio waves. [0070] The electro-active lens element 618 may be connected by power connections 622 to a rechargeable battery ring 624 or a capacitor (not shown), and may be charged by induction coils or by piezoelectric elements as in previously described embodiments. [0071] In some embodiments, the correction provided by the electro-active IOL may vary depending upon the needs of the patient and the desired results- In some embodiments the electro-active element may only provide correction for presbyopia. In some embodiments, the electo-active IOL may provide remote fine tuned conventional correction. In some embodiments, the electo-active IOL may provide higher order (non-conventional) aberration corrections, by way of example only, coma, spherical aberration, trefoil, and other higher order aberrations. In some embodiments the electro-active element may also adjust the position of the image on the retina, by way of creating a prismatic shift of the image electronically. When correcting for higher orders aberrations and or correcting a prismatic shift of where the image is located on the retina, the electro-active IOL may utilize a plurality of pixels. A prismatic shift of the image is very useful in patients having conditions, by way of example only, macula degeneration of the retina (which may include alterations in color due to disease or specific degeneration of the macula lutea), macula holes, retinal tears, and neurological abnormalities that cause scotomas or a loss of vision in particular segrnents of the visual pathway (such as blind or dark spots in the field of vision, and blurred vi-sion). It should be pointed out that in each of the use embodiments above the inventive elec:tro-active IOL can be tuned remotely post surgery to effect the optimized effect desired. [0072] Figure 7A illustrates an image of a healthy retina with a healthy fovea 720 and healthy macula 710. Figure 7B illustrates an area of the macula 730 that has been clamaged by "wet" macular degeneration, usually caused by bleeding from behind the retina that moves across membrane of the retina. Figure 7C illustrates an area of the macula 740 that has been damaged by "dry" macula degeneration, which is caused by the build-up of drusen on the retina in the area of the macula. By moving the image to another location on the retina, vision can be improved for people suffering from macular degeneration. An image:: location change of 0.25 mim to 3.00 mm may make a major improvement in one's vision in the case of a diseased or damaged macula or retina. The preferred range is 0.50 mm to 2.00 uni. [0073] Figure 8 illustrates the effects of diabetic retinopathy on the eye. Again, by redirecting the image on the retina with a prismatic IOL, some of the visual clarity effects of this disease may be mitigated. [0074] Figure 9 schematically illustrates an embodiment whereby electro-active lenses with linear electrodes may be stacked to produce any combination of vertical and horizontal displacement of an image on the retina. The first lens 910 has horizontal electrodes used to produce vertical prismatic power. The second lens 920 has vertical electrodes used to produce horizontal prismatic power. The combined lens 930 would be able to produce a combination of vertical and horizontal image displacement. By changing the voltages on each electrode and invoking a technique known as phase-wrapping, a variety of prismatic powers rnay be produced by such a lens. Also, multiple lenses may be stacked to produce larger values of prismatic power. The amount of prismatic power required and the resulting amount of image shift will vary depending upon the extent of the disease. A preferred range of image movement is between 0.1 mm and 3.0 mm, with a preferred range of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm. [0075] Figure 10 illustrates an electro-active IOL in optical communication with a non electro-active accommodative IOL. Element 1010 is an electro-active lens that is in optical communication with non-electro-active accommodative IOL element 1020. Note that elements 1010 and 1020 are in optical series, but they are not physically touching each other. [0076] While much consideration has been given to powering an electro-active lens, some electro-active materials retain their optical power in the absence of applied electricity (such as by way of example only, a bi-stable liquid crystal). Using these type of electro active materials, the prismatic power, an additive or subtractive power that is additive or subtractive to the base optical power of the IOL, and/or the higher order corrections could be set while the device is being powered, and then would remain set after the power is removed. This may negate the need for recharging the power source in the IOL. If the patient's vision changes and requires new correction, he could return to the eye-care professional and have the IOL adjusted to a new combination of prismatic and/or higher order correction. The changes could be externally powered remotely. For example, the external power may be RF energy similar to the way RFID tags work today, where the reading device provides the power to the RFID tag inductively so that the RFID can transmit it's information to the RFID reader. [0077] In same manner as the RFIID tags, a tuning instrument for changing the IOL power could provide power to the controller on the electro-active IOL, so that the controller could change the voltages on the electrodes of the IOL thus setting the localized index of refraction that determines the optical properties of the electro-active IOL. [0078] Alternately, the power may also be supplied optically by shining a bright light or eye-safe laser into the eye and onto a photocell built into the electro-active IOL that would then provide the temporary electrical power needed to adjust the optical power of the electro active IOL. This system may also be used for communication, in addition to supplying power. [0079] Bi-stable twisted nematic, cholesteric and ferroelectric liquid crystals have been used in flexible low cost LCD displays, and similar materials may be used in the electro active elements of an IOL. This type of electrically adjusted (but otherwise non-powered) prismatic adjustment , additive or subtractive, for retinal disease tuning or higher order aberration correction may be added to (i.e., placed in optical series with) any accommodative non electro-active IOL that corrects for presbyopia. For example, electro-active elements could be placed in optical series with non-electrical or non-powered IOLs, such as non electro-active IOLs that mechanically change their optical power by changing one or more surface curvatures and/or the position of the IOL in the eye. [0080] The addition of the electro-active lens or electro-active elements may be accomplished in at least three ways: first, a separate electro-active IOL may be placed in non-touching optical communication (optical series) with the non-electro-active accommodating IOL; second, an electro-active element can be built into one of the IOL's surfaces that does not change contour during accommodation; and third, an electro-active, element may be placed inside of a layered non-electro-active. [0081] For example, an electro-active element could be added in the anterior chamber and used in optical series with an individual's functioning crystalline lens. In this case, the crystalline lens will provide natural accommodation, and the electro-active IOL may steer the image to a healthier part of the retina, or may tune the non-electroactive IOL, or may correct for higher order aberration. [0082] As noted above, in some embodiments, it may be a major advantage to tune or adjust the electro-active IOL remotely. After inserting the electro-active IOL in the eye, the optical power and the prismatic power can be fine-tuned remotely to accomplish the optimal vision correction to correct for conventional refractive error, or higher order aberrations, or the precise location of the image on the retina. Further, the IOL could be tuned again at a later date to compensate for changes in the eye over time, due to disease or aging. In cases of correcting solely for conventional refractive error, the electro-active IOL could either utilize diffraction or pixelation or both. The electro-active element may also perform any number of these functions in combination, as required by the patient's conditions and at the discretion of the eye care professional. [0083] In some embodiments, while an electro-active lens may be used to provide vision correction as described in the present invention, the electro-active lens may also be used to provide a sunglass or tinting effect electro-actively. By using special liquid crystal layers or other electro-chromic materials, the electro-active IOL of the present invention can reduce the amount of light that hits the retina when the light levels in the environment become uncomfortably high, or reach a level that can be dangerous to the eye. The sunglass effect may be triggered automatically when a light sensor built into the IOL receives an intensity of light beyond some threshold level. Alternately, the sunglass effect may be switched rernotely by the user using a wireless communication device couple to the control circuitry in the IOL. This electro-active sunglass effect may occur in milliseconds or less, in contrast to the relatively slow reaction time of seconds (or more) for commercial photosensitive cheniical tints in conventional lenses. One factor in determining the reaction time of electro-active lenses is the thinness of the liquid crystal layer. For example, a 5 micron layer of liquid crystal may react in milliseconds. [0084] Similarly, the focusing of the electro-active elements may be performed automatically by using a range finder, or a tilt meter (near distance when looking dowr, far distance when looking straight), or may be controlled remotely by the user using a wireless communication device. [0085] There are a number of electro-chromic materials. One type consists of transparent outside layers of electrically conductive film that has inner layers which allow the 5 exchange of ions. When a voltage is applied across the outer conductive layers, ions move from one inner layer to another, causing a change in tinting of the electro chromic material. Reversing the voltage causes the layer to become clear again. The electro-chromic layers can have variable light transmittance during operation, from about 5 to 80 percent. This type of electro chromic glazing has "memory" and does not need constant voltage after the change has 10 been initiated. Further, it can be tuned to block certain wavelengths, such as infrared (heat) energy. [0086] Another electro-chromic technology is called suspended particle display (SPD). This material contains molecular particles suspended in a solution between the plates of glass. In their natural state, the particles move randomly and collide, blocking the direct passage 15 of light. When switched on, the particles align rapidly and the glazing becomes transparent. This type of switchable glazing can block up to about 90 percent of light. Also liquid crystal has been used to provide electro-chromic effects in sunglasses. Selected text from cross-referenced US Provisional Patent Application No 60/669,403 20 [0086a] Set out below is relevant portions of the text extracted from cross-referenced US Provisional Patent Application No 60/669,403. Figures 11 to 22 of the present application correspond to various figures of this cross-referenced application to support the text included herein. - 23 - [0086b] Figure 11 illustrates an inventive embodiment where the electronic device 2910 attached to the back of the electronic frame tether may be controlled with a handheld remote controller 2950 that can be held in the wearer's hand. This would allow the user to control the electronic device without having to reach behind his or her head. This device 5 may communicate via any number of known shortrange wireless technologies including, but not limited to, blue tooth, WiFi, or 802.11 protocol. The hand-held remote controller 2950 may include a small display 2960 to provide information regarding the status of the electronic device on the electronic frame tether. The communication between the hand held remote controller and the electronic device may be one-way or two-way depending upon the nature of the electronic 10 device. In the case of one-way communication, it is most likely that the hand-held controller would contain a transmitter and the electronic device would contain only a receiver. In the case of two-way communication, both devices would have either a transceiver or a transmitter and a receiver. [0086c] Shown in Figure 12 is a diagram of the invention showing a pair of eyeglasses 15 which can be mechanically and electrically coupled to an electronic lens feature, by way of example only, an electro-chromic lens, electro-active lens, micro-optical display or heads-up display affixed to a spectacle lens or frame. The invention is designed in such a way that the electrical power source, by way of example only, battery or miniature fuel cell, in certain embodiments is stored in a pocket or enclosure that is connected to a tether, cord, chain or 20 Croakie, which is then connected to the eyeglasses. In other embodiments of the invention the accessory or feature is connected to the tether, cord, chain or Croakie, but no pocket or enclosure is utilized. - 24 - [0086d] Figure 13 illustrates yet another embodiment where the spectacles may be powered and controlled. In Figure 13, a power supply and or controller 1210 is connected to a pair of spectacles via two connection points 1220, 1221 on the frame stems 1240, 1241 to cables or tethers 1230, 1231 running from the power supply/controller. The details in 5 Figure 13A illustrate a combination of pins 1260 and holes or receptacles 1261 in addition to magnetic contacts 1263, 1264. The side view in Figure 13B illustrates the conductors 1267, 1268 within the tether 1231 or 1230 coming from one side of the connection point with pins, and conductors 1265, 1266 within the frame stems 1240, 1241 with receptacles 1261. As added mechanical security, a rubber flap 1280 with an expandable small slit or hole is mounted 10 to the tether 1230, 1231 and slides over a pin 1290 mounted on the frame stems 1240, 1241. [0086e] Figure 14A illustrates an embodiment whereby a housing 2010 is used to store extra audio cable 2030 for the earplug 2020 on a spring loaded spool 2040. In this manner the length of the audio cable can be adjusted for different users. Moreover, this would also allow the wearer to still use the audio features of the invention while not wearing their 15 electronic eyewear on their face, for example, when they are just letting the electronic eyewear hang over their neck. [0086f] Figure 15 illustrates an inventive embodiment where by a pair of spectacles 2400 similar to the branded ClicTM spectacles is redesigned to provide power to electronic lenses, by way of example only, electro-chromic sunglasses, electro-active focusing 20 lenses, or electro-active supervision lenses that correct for higher order aberrations. In this embodiment, a power source, by way of example only, a battery, fuel cell, solar panel) is placed in an enclosure 2410 that is attached to the back portion of the electronic frame tether 2430. The power can be turned on or off with a small switch 2420 on the enclosure. Two pairs of - 25 conductors 2440 and 2441 extend from the power source inside the enclosure 2410 to provide power to whatever type of electronic lens is placed in the front portion of the electronic frame 243 1. The electronic stem or temple on the front portion of the electronic frame 2431 is sized to fit into the stem on the back portion of the electronic frame tether 2430. In the ClicTM 5 product, the stems or temples on the front portion of the frame are solid plastic. The conductive pairs will need to be as long as the fully extended length of the electronic frame stems or temples and will need to be flexible so that they do not break or crack when the front stems are pushed all the way into the back electronic frame stems or temples. A similar set of mechanical locks (not shown) can be placed in the electronic frame stems or temples to hold the position of 10 the front frame stems or temple sections to that of the back frame stems or temples sections as has been done on the ClicTM brand product. Like the ClicTM brand product, the present invention would join together at the bridge of the nose with any number of methods described herein, including magnets 2450 and 2451. [0086g] Figure 16A illustrates an inventive embodiment whereby two small 15 lights 2610 and 2611 are placed near the front of the frame close to the lenses to provide reading light in dark places such as restaurants. This is particularly important for wearers who suffer from presbyopia. The lights would be powered by the power sources described in the discussion of Figure 15. Attachment of the conductive pairs to the light sources could be done with any of the methods described above, including simply soldering the wires to the two 20 terminals of the light source. Light sources may include by way of example only, small incandescent light bulbs or LEDs (preferably white). It should be pointed out that the battery or power source can be also placed any where in the electronic eyewear so long as it makes the proper electrical connection with the light source. One preferred eyewear style utilized with the - 26 inventive lights would be that of electronic readers or reading glasses. However, this inventive application can be utilized for all kinds of electronic eyewear. [0086h] Figure 16B illustrates a similar inventive embodiment as Figure 16A except in this embodiment, the light sources 2610, 2611 are powered by small batteries 2690, 2691 5 placed in the front portion of the frame stems. [0086i] Figure 17 illustrates an inventive electronic docking station 2710 placed on the back portion of the electronic frame tether 2720. The electronic docking station includes at least one pair of power terminal contacts 2730, and at least one audio (stereo or mono) or video connection port 2740. The electronic docking station also has a charging port 2750 where a 10 standard charger could be connected for recharging the power source located in either the electronic docking station, or the electronic device 2705 that is to be placed in said electronic docking station or both. While the electronic docking station in this inventive embodiment was located on the back portion of the frame tether, the docking station might also be located anywhere that makes sense on the frame, for example on the frame stem or temple. Once again 15 it should be pointed out that any electronic audio and/or video device can be fabricated to function within the electronic docking station. These could be, by way of example only, an Apple IPOD, MP3 player, tape cassette, satellite radio, conventional radio, pager, cell phone transceiver, micro-DVD or video file player, video transceiver, etc. [0086j] Figure 17A illustrates a possible wiring diagram for the docking station. In 20 Figure 17A a shielded or unshielded wire 2770 provides audio signal to the right earplug, while wire 2771 provides audio for the left earplug. Please note that the audio ground/shield wires were not shown for simplicity of illustration; however, proper grounding and shielding of audio signal wires is well known by those normally skilled in the audio art. Wires 2773 and 2774 - 27 provide power out to right lens, while wires 2775 and 2776 provide power out to the left lens. Wires 2777 and 2778 provide connection to the power terminals 2730 to the charging port 2750. In this case, power is provided by the power source on the docked electronic device. Alternatively, power could be provided by a power source on the docking station, which would 5 result in a slightly different wiring arrangement. [0086k] Figure 18 illustrates an inventive embodiment whereby the back of the electronic frame tether 2810 forms a T shape. At the bottom of the T shape, a connection point 2850 is available for attaching the electronic device 2805 to the electronic frame tether electrically and mechanically. A pouch 2840 is also attached to the bottom of the T to support 10 the electronic device 2805. A strip of VelcroTM or double-sided tape (not shown) may be placed on the front side of the pouch so that the pouch and the electronic device enclosed therein may be affixed to the back of the wearer's shirt, thus removing any pull or heaviness of the device being hung on the electronic frame tether. [00861] Figure 19 illustrates another inventive embodiment for remote control and/or 15 communication with the electronic device 2910 placed on the back of the electronic frame tether 2920. In this case, the remote control device is that of an electronic wristwatch 3050 that not only acts as time-piece, but also functions as an effective means of controlling the electronic device 2910. It would work in a similar fashion as described above, except it would have the added advantage of being worn on the wrist. This would be particularly important for sports 20 goggle applications where the wearer is likely to be a runner or a jogger. Once again, it should be pointed out that the device 2910 can be by way of example only, any audio and or video device such as an Apple IPOD, MP3 player, cassette, satellite radio, conventional radio, pager, cell phone transceiver, micro-DVD player, etc. - 28 - [0086m] Figure 20 shows yet another inventive embodiment of the invention. In this invention the electronic clip-on or snap-on 3210 houses a heads up display 3230. The heads up display can be that of a partial or full VGA or other available format. In the case of the preferred embodiment, a partial VGA display is utilized. In this case, when the electronic clip 5 on is applied to the electronic eyewear it will enable the micro-optical display housed within or on the electronic clip-on. Published patent application WO 01/06298 Al, incorporated herein by reference, teaches of such a micro-optical display utilized with eyewear. The inventive electronic clip-on contained herein allows for a much more simplified way to position the micro-optical display within the line of sight and also to electrically enable the micro-optical 10 display. It should be pointed out that such a micro-optical display can be utilized with or without any electronic lens housed within the electronic clip-on. A clip-on with magnetic attachment is illustrated in Figure 20B and 20C. [0086n] Figures 21A thru 21D show how the inventive electronic clip-on or electronic snap-on 3230 can remain connected at the top of the electronic eyewear 3310 to which it is 15 attached but rotate up horizontally or pivot out of the way using a hinge or pivot 3350 attached to a clip 3340. In this case, when wearing the inventive embodiment contained within Figure 21 of a heads up display, the display can be positioned out of the way when it is not being utilized. Also as shown in Figure 21, the inventive electronic clip can house a camera which can be positioned out of the way when not being utilized. 20 [0086o] Figure 22 illustrates clip-ons or snap-ons that are attached as monocular. In this case, monocular clip-ons 3430 and 3440 are attached to the right 3420 and left 3410 side of the split frame. In practice however, such a design could be used on a frame that did not break or separate at the nose bridge. Attachment in either case can be mechanical, magnetic, or a - 29 combination of the two. Figure 23 illustrates a clip-on visor outfitted with a micro-optical display and associated viewing optics. [0087] The systems and methods, as disclosed herein, are directed to the problems stated above, as well as other problems that are present in conventional techniques. Any 5 description of various products, methods, or apparatus and their attendant disadvantages described in the "Background of the Invention" is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, or to imply that invention does not include some or all of the various elements of known products, methods and apparatus in one form or another. Indeed, various embodiments of the invention may be capable of overcoming some of the disadvantages noted in the 10 "Background of the Invention", while still retaining some or all of the various elements of known products, methods, and apparatus in one form or another. - 30 -

Claims (28)

1. Eyewear comprising: a frame; and an electronic docking station, wherein the electronicdocking station is configured to provide power to a docked electrical component.

2. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein the docked electrical component provides audio, video, and/or electrical power.

3. The eyewear of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the docking station is configured to connect with a power charger.

4. The eyewear of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the docked electrical component is configured to connect with a power charger.

5. The eyewear of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the docking station is located on the frame.

6. The eyewear of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the docking station is located on a temple of the eyewear.

7. The eyewear of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical component comprises a transceiver, an MP3 player, a radio, a cell phone, a video player, and/or a camera.

8. The eyewear of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a light, supported by the frame, to provide illumination.

9. The eyewear of claim 8, wherein the light comprises a light-emitting diode (LED).

10. The eyewear of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lens, disposed within the frame, to focus and/or attenuate light propagating through the lens towards an eye of a wearer of the eyewear.

11. The eyewear of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: -31 - an earbud, mechanically coupled to the frame and operably coupled to the docking station, to provide an audio signal from the docked electronic component to a wearer of the eyewear.

12. The eyewear of claim 11, wherein the earbud is affixed to an audio cable wound at least partially on a spring loaded spool.

13. The eyewear of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: an electronic display, operably coupled to the docking station, to display information provided by the docked electronic component to a wearer of the eyewear.

14. The eyewear of claim 13, wherein the electronic display comprises a partial video graphics array (VGA) display, a full VGA display, a monocular display, a binocular display, and/or a heads up display.

15. The eyewear of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical component is configured to be controlled by a remote controller.

16. The eyewear of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame separates at a bridge of the frame.

17. The eyewear of any one of the preceding claims, wherein electrical power provided to the docked electrical component is provided by a power source of the docked electrical component and by another power source of the eyewear.

18. The eyewear of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a tether, attached to the frame, to hold the frame around the neck of a wearer; and a power source, disposed within the tether, to provide electrical power to at least one electronic component supported by the frame and/or the docking station.

19. The eyewear of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the docking station comprises a female receptacle to receive at least one of a male electrical prong and a male electrical pin.

20. The eyewear of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a power source, attached to the frame, to provide electrical power to the docked electronic component via the docking station. - 32 -

21. The eyewear of claim 20, wherein the tether comprises: an electrical connector, in electrical communication with the power source, to provide an electrical connection from the power source to the docking station.

22. Eyewear comprising: an eyewear frame comprising a frame stem and at least one temple; a docking station, supported by the eyewear frame, comprising an audio port to receive an audio signal from an electronic device docked in the docking station, a video port to receive a video signal from the electronic device, and at least one pair of power terminal contacts to conduct electrical power to and/or from the electronic device; at least one speaker, supported by the eyewear frame and in electrical communication with the docking station, to provide the audio signal from the electronic device to a wearer of the eyewear; at least one electronic display, supported by the eyewear frame and in electrical communication with the docking station, to provide the video signal from the electronic device to the wearer of the eyewear; and a power supply, in electrical communication with the docking station, to provide electrical power to the electronic device via the at least one pair of power terminal contacts.

23. The eyewear of claim 22, wherein the electronic docking station is disposed on the frame stem.

24. The eyewear of claim 22, wherein the electronic docking station is disposed on the at least one temple.

25. The eyewear of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the at least one electronic display comprises: a first electronic display, in electrical communication with the video port, to display information to a first eye of a wearer of the eyewear; and a second electronic display, in electrical communication with the video port, to display information to a second eye of the wearer of the eyewear.

26. The eyewear of any one of claims 22 to 26, further comprising: - 33 - at least one electro-active lens, supported by the eyewear frame and in electrical communication with the docking station, to receive electrical power from the docking station.

27. A method of receiving audio information and/or video information, the method comprising: docking an electronic component in a docking station disposed on an eyewear frame; receiving audio information and/or video information from the electronic component via the docking station; providing the audio information to a wearer of the eyewear via at least one speaker operably coupled to the docking station; providing the video information to the wearer of the eyewear via at least one electronic display operably coupled to the docking station; and providing electrical power from a power source supported by the frame to the electronic component via the docking station.

28. Eyewear or a method of receiving audio information and/or video information substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples. - 34 -