JP2018036634A - Variable optic ophthalmic device including liquid crystal elements - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide methods and apparatuses for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens as set forth.SOLUTION: An energy source is capable of powering a variable optic insert 104 included within an ophthalmic lens. An ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers 109, 110 to electrically control refractive characteristics.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

(Cross-reference of related applications)
This patent application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 878,723, filed September 17, 2013.

(Field of Invention)
The present invention describes the production of an ophthalmic lens device having variable optical performance, and more particularly, in some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens having a variable optical insert that utilizes a liquid crystal element.

  Traditionally, ophthalmic lenses, such as contact lenses or intraocular lenses, provided a defined optical quality. Contact lenses may provide, for example, one or more of a series of vision correction functions, as well as vision correction functions, cosmetic enhancements, and therapeutic effects. Each function comes from the physical properties of the lens. Basically, a design that incorporates refractive quality into the lens provides visual correction functionality. The pigment incorporated in the lens can have a cosmetic enhancement effect. An active agent incorporated into the lens may provide a therapeutic function.

  So far, the optical quality of ophthalmic lenses has depended on the physical properties of the lens. In general, the optical design has been determined and then applied to the lens during lens fabrication, for example, by casting or turning. The optical quality of the lens remained unchanged once the lens was formed. However, wearers sometimes find it beneficial to have more than one focal power available to them in order to provide vision adjustment. Unlike eyeglass wearers who can change their glasses to change the optical correction, contact lens wearers or those with intraocular lenses change the optical properties of their vision correction without significant effort. I couldn't.

  Accordingly, the present invention encompasses technical innovations relating to variable optical inserts that have a liquid crystal element that can be energized and can be incorporated into an ophthalmic device that can change the optical quality of the lens. Examples of such ophthalmic devices include contact lenses or intraocular lenses. In addition, a method and apparatus for forming an ophthalmic lens having a variable optical insert with a liquid crystal element is presented. Some embodiments may also include a cast-molded silicone hydrogel contact lens having a rigid or formable applied insert that further includes a variable optical portion, wherein the insert is Included in ophthalmic lenses in a biocompatible manner.

  Accordingly, the present invention includes disclosure of an ophthalmic lens having a variable optical insert, an apparatus for forming an ophthalmic lens including a variable optical insert, and a method for manufacturing the same. The energy source may be deposited on the variable optical insert, and the insert may be located proximal to one or both of the first mold portion and the second mold portion. The reactive monomer mixture is disposed between the first template portion and the second template portion. By positioning the first mold part adjacent to the second mold part, a lens cavity is formed, and the applied medium insert and at least a portion of the reactive monomer mixture are present in the lens cavity. The reactive monomer mixture is exposed to actinic radiation to form an ophthalmic lens. The lens is formed through control of the actinic radiation to which the reactive monomer mixture is exposed. In some embodiments, the ophthalmic lens skirt or insert encapsulation layer may be composed of a standard hydrogel ophthalmic lens formulation. Exemplary materials having properties that can provide acceptable fit for many insert materials include, for example, the Narafilcon family (such as Narafilcon A and Narafilcon B), the Etafilcon family (such as Etafilcon A), Garyfilcon A and Senofilcon A is mentioned.

  The method of forming a variable optical insert having a liquid crystal element and the resulting insert is an important aspect of various embodiments. In some embodiments, the liquid crystal can be disposed between two alignment layers that can set a static alignment to the liquid crystal. These two alignment layers can be in electrical communication with an energy source through electrodes deposited on a substrate layer that includes a variable optical portion. The electrode can be applied directly through an intermediate interconnect to an energy source or through a component embedded in the insert.

  Application of the alignment layer may cause a shift in the applied orientation from the stationary orientation in the liquid crystal. In embodiments that operate with two applied levels, on or off, the liquid crystal may have only one applied orientation. In other alternative embodiments, where the application occurs along a scale of energy levels, the liquid crystal may have multiple applied orientations.

  The resulting molecular alignment and orientation affects the light passing through the liquid crystal layer, which can cause changes in the variable optical insert. For example, alignment and orientation can work with refractive properties in incident light. Furthermore, this effect can include changing the polarization of light. Some embodiments may include a variable optical insert where application changes the focal characteristics of the lens.

  In some embodiments, a dielectric material can be deposited between the alignment layer and the electrode. Such embodiments can include a dielectric material having three-dimensional properties, such as, for example, a preformed shape. Other embodiments can include a second layer of dielectric material, where the first layer of dielectric material varies in thickness across a region in the optical zone, resulting in an electric field that varies across the liquid crystal material layer. . In an alternative embodiment, the ophthalmic lens device can include a first layer of dielectric material, which can be a composite of two materials having similar optical properties and dissimilar low frequency dielectric properties. .

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary mold assembly device components that may be useful in practicing some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary applied ophthalmic lens having an embodiment of a variable optical insert. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary applied ophthalmic lens having an embodiment of a variable optical insert. FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a variable optical insert, where the front and back curved parts of the variable optical insert have different curvatures, and the variable optical portion can be composed of liquid crystals. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an ophthalmic lens device comprising a variable optical insert, where the variable optical portion can be composed of liquid crystals. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment or variable optical insert where the variable optical portion may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 illustrates the steps of a method for forming an ophthalmic lens having a variable optical insert that can be composed of liquid crystals. 1 illustrates an example of a device element that places a variable optical insert made of liquid crystal in an ophthalmic lens mold part. FIG. 4 illustrates a processor that may be used to implement some embodiments of the invention. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of an alignment layer for an exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical portion may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of an alignment layer for an exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical portion may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of an alignment layer for an exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical portion may be composed of liquid crystals. Figure 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical portion can be composed of liquid crystals, and an equation of the advantages of that type of embodiment. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of liquid crystal patterning and exemplary optical results obtained from an instrument of the kind described above. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of liquid crystal patterning and exemplary optical results obtained from an instrument of the kind described above. FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of liquid crystal patterning that can be incorporated into a variable optical insert. FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of liquid crystal patterning that can be incorporated into a variable optical insert. FIG. FIG. 20 shows an enlarged view of an embodiment of the type shown in FIG. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical part may be composed of liquid crystals. Fig. 4 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert in which the variable optical portion can be composed of liquid crystals and the manner in which the polarization component can be affected when traversing the embodiment.

  The present invention includes a method and apparatus for manufacturing an ophthalmic lens having a variable optical insert in which the variable optical portion is comprised of a liquid crystal. The present invention further includes an ophthalmic lens having a variable optical insert composed of a liquid crystal incorporated in the ophthalmic lens.

  According to the present invention, the ophthalmic lens is formed with an implanted source and an energy source such as an electrochemical cell or battery as a means of energy storage. In some exemplary embodiments, the material comprising the energy source can be encapsulated and isolated from the environment in which the ophthalmic lens is placed.

  It is also possible to change the optical part using an adjustment device controlled by the wearer. The regulating device may include, for example, an electronic device or a passive device for increasing or decreasing the voltage output. Some exemplary embodiments may also include an automated adjustment tool for changing the variable optical portion via an automated device in accordance with measured parameters or wearer input. The wearer input includes, for example, a switch controlled by a wireless device. Wireless may include, for example, radio frequency control, magnetic switches, and inductance switches. In other exemplary embodiments, activation may occur in response to a biological function or in response to measurement of a sensing element in an ophthalmic lens. Other exemplary embodiments may be the result from activation induced by changes in ambient lighting conditions, as a non-limiting example.

  In some exemplary embodiments, the insert also includes a variable optical portion comprised of a liquid crystal layer. Refractive power fluctuations can occur when the electric field created by the energization of the electrodes causes a rearrangement in the liquid crystal layer, thereby shifting the molecules from a static alignment to an energized alignment. In other exemplary embodiments, different effects caused by changing the liquid crystal layer by applying energy to the electrodes can be developed, such as rotation of the polarization angle.

  In some exemplary embodiments having a liquid crystal layer, elements may be present in the non-optical zone portion of the ophthalmic lens that may be applied, while in other exemplary embodiments, no application will be required. . In embodiments without application, the liquid crystal can passively change based on several exterior factors, such as ambient temperature or ambient light.

  A liquid crystal lens can provide an electrically variable refractive index for polarized light incidence on its body. The combination of the two lenses in which the axis of polarization of the second lens is rotating with respect to the first lens enables a lens element whose refractive index can vary with respect to the surrounding unpolarized light. Become.

  A physical presence that can be controlled by applying an electric field across the electrodes may be realized by combining an electrically active liquid crystal layer with the electrodes. If there is a dielectric layer present on the periphery of the liquid crystal layer, the field across the dielectric layer and the field across the liquid crystal layer can be incorporated into the field across the electrodes. In a three-dimensional shape, the characteristics of the field combination across the layers can be estimated based on the electrodynamic principles and the shapes of the dielectric and liquid crystal layers. The effective electrical thickness of the dielectric layer is made in a non-uniform manner, and the field effect across the electrodes can be “shaped” by the effective shape of the dielectric, and sterically in the refractive index within the liquid crystal layer. It can create changes that are generated. In some exemplary embodiments, such shaping can result in a lens having the ability to select variable focus characteristics.

  Other exemplary embodiments may be induced when physical lens elements including liquid crystal layers are themselves molded to have different focus characteristics. The electrically variable refractive index of the liquid crystal layer can then be used to introduce changes in the focal characteristics of the lens based on the application of an electric field across the liquid crystal layer through the use of electrodes. The shape created by the front containing surface with the liquid crystal layer and the shape produced by the rear containing surface with the liquid crystal layer can determine the focal characteristics of the system relative to the initial order.

  In the following sections, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail. It will be understood that both the preferred and alternative embodiments are described by way of example only, and that variations, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the exemplary embodiments do not limit the scope of the underlying invention.

Glossary In this description and claims directed to the present invention, various terms may be used to which the following definitions apply.

  Alignment layer: As used herein, refers to a layer adjacent to a liquid crystal layer that affects and aligns the orientation of molecules within the liquid crystal layer. The resulting molecular alignment and orientation can affect the light passing through the liquid crystal layer. For example, alignment and orientation can work with refractive properties in incident light. Furthermore, this effect can include changing the polarization of light.

  Electrical communication: As used herein, refers to being affected by an electric field. In the case of a conductive material, the effect may be caused by a current flow, or the effect may cause a current flow. In other materials, it may be an electric field that produces effects such as, for example, a tendency to orient the permanent and induced molecular dipoles along the magnetic field lines.

  Energized: As used herein, means a state in which current can be supplied or electrical energy can be stored internally.

  Applied orientation: As used herein, refers to the orientation of molecules of a liquid crystal as affected by the effect of a potential field driven by an energy source. For example, an instrument that includes a liquid crystal can have one applied orientation when the energy source operates either on or off. In other embodiments, the applied orientation can vary to a scale affected by the amount of energy applied.

  Energy: As used herein, refers to the ability of a physical system to do work. Many applications within the present invention may relate to the aforementioned ability to perform electrical actions when working.

  Energy source: As used herein, refers to a device capable of supplying energy or energizing a biomedical device.

  Energy harvester: As used herein, refers to a device capable of extracting energy from the environment and converting it into electrical energy.

  Intraocular lens: As used herein, refers to an ophthalmic lens that is implanted in the eye.

  Lens-forming mixture or reactive mixture or reactive monomer mixture (RMM): As used herein, refers to a monomer or prepolymer material that can be cured and cross-linked or cross-linked to form an ophthalmic lens. Various embodiments include one or more additives (eg, UV blockers, tints, photoinitiators, or catalysts) and other additives to the lens-forming mixture, such as ophthalmic lenses (eg, contacts or intraocular). Lenses) may be included with what may be desired.

  Lens forming surface: As used herein, refers to the surface used to mold the lens. In some embodiments, any such surface may have an optical quality surface finish that is sufficiently smooth and produced by polymerization of the lens-forming mixture in contact with the cast surface. It suggests that the surface be formed to be optically acceptable. Further, in some embodiments, the lens forming surface provides the lens surface with desired optical properties such as spherical, aspherical and cylindrical power, wavefront aberration correction, and corneal topography correction, for example. May have the shape required for

  Liquid crystal: As used herein, refers to the state of a substance having properties between conventional liquids and solid crystals. Liquid crystals cannot be characterized as solids, but their molecules show some alignment. As used herein, a liquid crystal is not limited to a particular phase or structure, but a liquid crystal can have a particular static alignment. The alignment and phase of the liquid crystal can be manipulated by external forces (eg, temperature, magnetism, or electricity) depending on the type of liquid crystal.

  Lithium ion cell: As used herein, refers to an electrochemical cell in which lithium ions moving within the cell generate electrical energy. This electrochemical cell, usually called a battery, can be re-energized or recharged in its normal form.

  Media insert or insert: As used herein, refers to a moldable or rigid substrate capable of supporting an energy source within an ophthalmic lens. In some exemplary embodiments, the media insert also includes one or more variable optical portions.

  Mold: As used herein, refers to a rigid or semi-rigid object that can be used to form a lens from an uncured formulation. Some preferred molds include two mold parts that form a front curve mold part and a back curve mold part.

  Ophthalmic lens or lens: As used herein, refers to any ophthalmic device that resides in or on the eye. These devices may provide optical correction or may be cosmetic. For example, the term “lens” includes contact lenses, intraocular lenses, overlay lenses, ophthalmic inserts, optical inserts or through which vision is corrected or altered, or through which the eye is not impaired. May mean other similar devices whose physiology is cosmetically enhanced (eg, iris color). In some exemplary embodiments, preferred lenses of the invention are soft contact lenses made from silicone elastomers or hydrogels, including, for example, silicone hydrogels and fluorohydrogels.

  Optical zone: As used herein, refers to the area of an ophthalmic lens through which an ophthalmic lens wearer will see.

  Electric power: As used herein, means work performed or transmitted energy per unit time.

  Rechargeable or energy reapplicable: As used herein, refers to the ability to recover to a state with a higher ability to do work. Many uses within the present invention are associated with the ability to recover to a state where current can flow at a specific rate for a specific resumed time period.

  Re-apply, or recharge: As used herein, refers to restoring an energy source to a state that has a higher ability to do work. Many applications within this specification may relate to restoring the device to the ability to conduct current at a constant rate in a reconfirmed time.

  Demolded from the mold: as used herein, a lens that is either completely separated from the mold or is loosely coupled so that it can be removed by swirling lightly or pushed out by a swab. Point to.

  Stationary orientation: As used herein, refers to the orientation of molecules of a liquid crystal device in its stationary, unapplied state.

  Variable optical component: As used herein, refers to the ability to change optical quality, such as the refractive power or polarization angle of a lens.

Ophthalmic Lens Referring to FIG. 1, a device 100 for forming an ophthalmic device including a sealed and encapsulated insert is depicted. The apparatus includes an exemplary front curve mold 102 and a matching back curve mold 101. The variable optical insert 104 and the body 103 of the ophthalmic device can be placed inside the front curve mold 102 and the back curve mold 101. In some exemplary embodiments, the material of the hydrogel body 103 may be a hydrogel material, and the variable optical insert 104 may be surrounded on all surfaces by the material.

  The variable optical insert 104 can include a plurality of liquid crystal layers 109 and 110. Other exemplary embodiments may include a single liquid crystal layer, some of which are discussed in later sections. Use of the device 100 can create a new ophthalmic device that is composed of a combination of elements having many sealed areas.

  In some exemplary embodiments, the lens with the variable optical insert 104 may include a rigid center soft skirt design, where the central rigid optical elements including the liquid crystal layers 109 and 110 are atmospheric and anterior And each on the posterior surface is in direct contact with the corneal surface. A soft skirt of lens material (typically a hydrogel material) bonds to the periphery of the rigid optical element, which can also add energy and functionality to the resulting ophthalmic lens.

  Referring to FIG. 2A, a top and bottom view at 200 of an exemplary embodiment of a variable optical insert, and a cross-sectional depiction at FIGS. 2B and 250 are shown. In this depiction, the energy source 210 is illustrated in the peripheral portion 211 of the variable optical insert 200. Examples of the energy source 210 include a thin film, a rechargeable lithium ion battery, and an alkaline cell battery. The energy source 210 may be coupled to the interconnect feature 214 to allow interconnection. Additional interconnects 225 and 230 may connect the energy source 210 to a circuit such as element 205, for example. In other exemplary embodiments, the insert may have interconnected features deposited on its surface.

  In some exemplary embodiments, the variable optical insert 200 can include a flexible substrate. This flexible substrate can be formed into a shape approximating a typical lens shape in a manner similar to that already discussed, or by other means. However, to add more flexibility, the variable optical insert 200 may include additional shape features along its length, such as radial cuts. There may be multiple electronic elements as suggested by 205, such as integrated circuits, isolation elements, passive components, and may include such instruments.

  A variable optical portion 220 is also illustrated. The variable optical portion can be varied by command through the application of current through the variable optical insert. In some exemplary embodiments, the variable optical portion 220 is comprised of a thin liquid crystal layer between two transparent substrate layers. There may be many ways to electronically activate and control the variable optical element, typically through operation of the electronic circuit 205. The electronic circuit may receive a signal in various ways and may be coupled to a detection element that may also be present in an insert such as item 215. In some embodiments, the variable optical insert may be encapsulated within a lens skirt 255 that may be constructed from a hydrogel material or other suitable material to form an ophthalmic lens. In these exemplary embodiments, the ophthalmic lens may be comprised of an ophthalmic skirt 255 and an encapsulated ophthalmic lens insert 200, the insert itself comprising a layer or region of liquid crystal material or a liquid crystal material. It may be composed of layers or regions that contain it.

Variable Optical Insert Including Liquid Crystal Element Referring to FIG. 3, an illustration of the lens effect of two different molded lens components, item 300, can be seen. As already mentioned, the variable optical insert of the field of the invention can be formed by encapsulating the electrode and liquid crystal layer system in two differently molded lens parts. The electrode and liquid crystal layer system may occupy the space between the lens components, as illustrated at 350. A forward curved part can be seen at 320 and a backward curved part can be seen at 310.

  In a non-limiting example, the forward curved component 320 can have a curved shaped surface that interacts with the space 350. This shape may be further characterized as having a radius of curvature and a focal point 335, depicted as 330, in some embodiments. Other more complex shapes with various parameter characteristics may be formed within the scope of the present technique. However, for the sake of explanation, a simple spherical shape may be shown.

  In a similar non-limiting manner, the back curve component 310 can have a concavo-convex shaped surface that interacts with the space 350. This shape may be further characterized as having a radius of curvature and a focal point 345 depicted as 340 in some embodiments. Other more complex shapes with various parameter characteristics may be formed within the scope of the present technique. However, for the sake of explanation, a simple spherical shape may be shown.

  To illustrate how 300 types of lenses work, the material comprising items 310 and 320 may have a predetermined value of the intrinsic refractive index, and within space 350, the liquid crystal layer is In a non-limiting example, the refractive index may be selected to match that predetermined value. Thus, as light rays traverse lens components 310 and 320 and space 350, they will not respond to various boundaries in a manner that can adjust the focal characteristics. In that function, portions of the lens not shown can activate the application of various elements that can be liquid crystal layers in space 350 where different refractive indices for incident light are estimated. In a non-limiting example, the resulting refractive index can be reduced. Here, at each material boundary, the light path can be shaped to change based on the focal characteristics of the surface and the change in refractive index.

The model may be based on Snell's law: sin (θ ₁ ) / sin (θ ₂ ) = n ₂ / n ₁ . For example, the boundary may be formed by the part 320 and the space 350. θ ₁ may be the angle that the incident ray makes with the surface normal at the boundary. θ ₂ can be a modeled angle that makes the surface normal as the ray exits the boundary. n ₂ may represent the refractive index of the space 350, and n ₁ may represent the refractive index of the part 320. When n ₁ is not equal to n ₂ , the angles θ ₁ and θ ₂ are also different. Thus, if the electronically variable refractive index of the liquid crystal layer in space 350 changes, the path taken by the rays at the boundary will also change.

  Referring to FIG. 4, an ophthalmic lens 400 is shown having an embedded variable optical insert 410. The ophthalmic lens 400 may have a front curved surface 401 and a back curved surface 402. The insert 410 can have a variable optical portion 403 with a liquid crystal layer 404. In some exemplary embodiments, the insert 410 can have a plurality of liquid crystal layers 404 and 405. The portion of the insert 410 may overlap the optical zone of the ophthalmic lens 400.

  Referring to FIG. 5, a variable optical portion 500 that can be inserted into an ophthalmic lens is illustrated having a liquid crystal layer 530. The variable optical portion 500 may have similar material and structure related diversity, as discussed elsewhere herein. In some exemplary embodiments, the transparent electrode 545 may be disposed on the first transparent substrate 550. The first lens surface 540 can be comprised of a dielectric film and, in some exemplary embodiments, an alignment layer that can be disposed on the first transparent electrode 545. In such an exemplary embodiment, the shape of the dielectric layer of the first lens surface 540 may be a locally varying shape within the dielectric thickness as shown. Such locally diverse shapes may introduce the focusing power of the lens element due to the geometric effects discussed with reference to FIG. For example, in some embodiments, the shaped layer can be formed by injection molding on the combination of the first transparent electrode 545 and the substrate 550.

  In some exemplary embodiments, the first transparent electrode 545 and the second transparent electrode 520 may be formed in various ways. In some examples, the molding can result in separate, distinct regions that are often formed with separately applied applications. In another embodiment, the electrodes may be formed in a pattern such as a spiral from the center to the periphery of the lens, and a variable electric field can be applied across the liquid crystal layer 530. In any case, such electrode shaping may be performed in addition to or instead of shaping the dielectric layer on the electrode. Electrode shaping in these manners may also introduce additional focusing power of the lens element under operation.

  The liquid crystal layer 530 may be disposed between the first transparent electrode 545 and the second transparent electrode 525. A second transparent electrode 525 may be attached to the top substrate layer 510. The device formed from the top substrate layer 510 to the bottom substrate layer 550 may include the variable optical component portion 500 of the ophthalmic lens. Two alignment layers may also be disposed at 540 and 525 on the dielectric layer and may surround the liquid crystal layer 525. The alignment layer at 540 and 525 may function to define the static orientation of the ophthalmic lens. In some exemplary embodiments, the electrode layers 525 and 545 can be in electrical communication with the liquid crystal layer 530 and shift the alignment from a static alignment to at least one applied alignment.

  Referring to FIG. 6, another example of a variable optical insert 600 that can be inserted into an ophthalmic lens is illustrated with two liquid crystal layers 620 and 640. The various layer embodiments around the liquid crystal region may each be as diverse as described for the variable optical insert 500 of FIG. In some exemplary embodiments, the alignment layer may introduce polarization sensitivity into the function of a single liquid crystal device. An intervening layer in the space around the 620 and an element based on the first liquid crystal formed by the first substrate 610, on which the second substrate 630 may have a first polarization preference, are on the second substrate 630. By combining with the second surface, an intervening layer in the 640 peripheral space, and a second liquid crystal-based element formed by a third substrate 650 having a second polarization preference, the combination is incident light on it. The lens may be configured to allow electronic variable focus properties of the lens that are not sensitive to the polarization mode of the lens.

  In the exemplary device 600, a combination of two electrically active liquid crystal layers having various types and diversity associated with the embodiments in 500 can be formed using three substrate layers. In other examples, the device can be formed by a combination of four different substrates. In such an embodiment, the intermediate substrate 630 can be divided into two layers. If the substrates are later combined, an instrument that functions similarly for item 600 may be provided. Conventional implementations for the manufacture of elements where a combination of four layers can be constructed around both 620 and 640 liquid crystal layers, where processing differences can be related to the part of the step that defines the alignment features for the liquid crystal element. An example may be presented. In yet a further example, if the lens elements around a single liquid crystal layer as shown at 500 are spherically symmetric or symmetrical about a 90 degree rotation, the two parts are assembled and shown at 600. It may be a type of structure, and this may be done by rotating the two parts 90 degrees relative to each other before assembly.

Materials Micro-injection molding embodiments include, for example, using poly (4-methylpent-1-ene) copolymer resin, having a diameter of about 6 mm to 10 mm, a front surface radius of about 6 mm to 10 mm, and a back surface radius of about Mention may be made of forming lenses with a thickness of 6 mm to 10 mm and a center thickness of about 0.050 mm to 1.0 mm. Some exemplary embodiments include a diameter of about 8.9 mm, a front surface radius of about 7.9 mm, a back surface radius of about 7.8 mm, a center thickness of about 0.200 mm, and an end cross section An insert having a radius of about 0.050 may be mentioned.

  The variable optical insert 104 can be placed in the mold parts 101 and 102 used to form the ophthalmic lens. The material of the mold part 101 and the mold part 102 may include, for example, one or more polyolefins of polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, and modified polyolefin. Other molds can include ceramic or metallic materials.

  Preferred alicyclic copolymers comprise two different alicyclic polymers. Various grades of alicyclic copolymers can have glass transition temperatures in the range of 105 ° C to 160 ° C.

  In some exemplary embodiments, the templates of the present invention may include polymers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polymethylmethacrylate, modified polyolefins containing alicyclic moieties in the backbone, and cyclic polyolefins. This blend can be used on one or both of the mold halves. This blend is preferably used at the back curve, and the front curve is preferably made of an alicyclic copolymer.

  In some preferred methods of making the mold 100 according to the present invention, injection molding is used in accordance with known techniques, but exemplary embodiments also include other, including, for example, lathe, diamond tuning, or laser cutting. Molds made by technology can also be included.

  Typically, the lens is formed on at least one surface of both mold parts 101 and 102. However, in some exemplary embodiments, one surface of the lens may be formed from mold parts 101 and 102 and the other surface of the lens is formed using a lathe method or other methods. Good.

  In some exemplary embodiments, preferred lens materials include a silicone-containing component. A “silicone-containing component” is one containing at least one [—Si—O—] unit in a monomer, macromer or prepolymer. Preferably, the total Si and bonds O are present in the silicone-containing component in an amount greater than about 20%, more preferably greater than 30% by weight of the total molecular weight of the silicone-containing component. Useful silicone-containing components preferably include polymerizable functional groups such as acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, methacrylamide, vinyl, N-vinyl lactam, N-vinylamide, and styryl functional groups.

  In some exemplary embodiments, an ophthalmic lens skirt that surrounds the insert and is also referred to as the insert encapsulation layer may be constructed from a standard hydrogel ophthalmic lens formulation. Exemplary materials with properties that exhibit acceptable harmony with many insert materials include the Narafilcon system (Narafilcon A and Narafilcon B), and the etafilcon system (including etafilcon A). It is not limited to these. A more technically comprehensive description of the material properties consistent with the techniques herein follows. Persons skilled in the art can also form other acceptable materials other than those described, which are acceptable and partial enclosures for the inserts to be sealed and encapsulated, consistent with the scope of the claims and It may be recognized that it should be considered within the scope of the claims.

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Ｒ^１は、ヒドロキシ、アミノ、オキサ、カルボキシ、アルキルカルボキシ、アルコキシ、アミド、カルバメート、カーボネート、ハロゲン、又はそれらの組み合わせから選択された官能基を更に含んでもよい、一価の反応性基、一価のアルキル基、又は一価のアリール基、並びに、アルキル、ヒドロキシ、アミノ、オキサ、カルボキシ、アルキルカルボキシ、アルコキシ、アミド、カルバメート、ハロゲン、又はそれらの組み合わせから選択された官能基を更に含んでもよい、１〜１００のＳｉ−Ｏ繰り返し単位を含む一価のシロキサン鎖から独立して選択され、
式中、ｂ＝０〜５００であり、ｂが０以外のとき、ｂは表示値と同等のモードを有する分布であると理解され、
式中、少なくとも１個のＲ^１が一価の反応性基を含み、いくつかの実施形態では、１〜３個のＲ^１が一価の反応性基を含む。 Suitable silicone-containing components include compounds of formula I

(Where
R ¹ is a monovalent reactive group, monovalent, which may further comprise a functional group selected from hydroxy, amino, oxa, carboxy, alkylcarboxy, alkoxy, amide, carbamate, carbonate, halogen, or combinations thereof Or a monovalent aryl group, and a functional group selected from alkyl, hydroxy, amino, oxa, carboxy, alkylcarboxy, alkoxy, amide, carbamate, halogen, or combinations thereof, Independently selected from monovalent siloxane chains containing 1 to 100 Si-O repeating units;
Where b = 0 to 500 and when b is other than 0, b is understood to be a distribution having a mode equivalent to the displayed value;
Wherein at least one R ¹ contains a monovalent reactive group, and in some embodiments, 1-3 R ¹ contain a monovalent reactive group.

As used herein, a “monovalent reactive group” is a group that can undergo free radical polymerization and / or cationic polymerization. Non-limiting examples of free radical reactive groups include (meth) acrylate, styryl, vinyl, vinyl ether, C _1-6 alkyl (meth) acrylate, (meth) acrylamide, C _1-6 alkyl (meth) acrylamide, N-vinyl lactam, N-vinyl amide, C _2-12 alkenyl, C _2-12 alkenyl phenyl, C _2-12 alkenyl naphthyl, C _2-6 alkenyl phenyl, C _1-6 alkyl, O-vinyl carbamate, and O— Vinyl carbonate is mentioned. Non-limiting examples of cation reactive groups include vinyl ether or epoxide groups, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, free radical reactive groups include (meth) acrylates, acrylicoxy, (meth) acrylamides, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable monovalent alkyl and aryl groups include unsubstituted monovalent C ₁ -C ₁₆ alkyl groups, C ₆ -C ₁₄ aryl groups such as substituted and unsubstituted methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, -Hydroxypropyl, propoxypropyl, polyethyleneoxypropyl, combinations thereof and the like.

In one embodiment, b is zero, one R ¹ is a monovalent reactive group, at least three R ¹ are from a monovalent alkyl group having ¹ to 16 carbon atoms, and another In embodiments, it is selected from monovalent alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of silicone components in this embodiment include 2-methyl-, 2-hydroxy-3- [3- [1,3,3,3-tetramethyl-1-[(trimethylsilyl) oxy] disiloxanyl] propoxy ] Propyl ester ("SiGMA"), 2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropyloxypropyl-tris (trimethylsiloxy) silane, 3-methacryloxypropyltris (trimethylsiloxy) silane ("TRIS"), 3-methacryloxypropyl Bis (trimethylsiloxy) methylsilane and 3-methacryloxypropylpentamethyldisiloxane are mentioned.

In another embodiment, b is 2-20, 3-15, or in some embodiments 3-10, at least one terminal R ¹ contains a monovalent reactive group, and the rest R ¹ is selected from monovalent alkyl groups having ¹ to 16 carbon atoms, or in another embodiment selected from monovalent alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. In yet another embodiment, b is 3-15, one terminal R ¹ contains a monovalent reactive group and the other terminal R ¹ is a monovalent alkyl group having 1-6 carbon atoms. And the remaining R ¹ comprises a monovalent alkyl group having ¹ to 3 carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of silicone components of this embodiment include (mono- (2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropyl) -propyl ether terminated polydimethylsiloxane (400-1000 MW)) ("OH-mPDMS"), mono Methacryloxypropyl terminated mono-n-butyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane (800-1000 MW), ("mPDMS").

In another embodiment, b is 5 to 400 or 10 to 300, both terminal R ¹ contain a monovalent reactive group, and the remaining R ¹ is a monovalent having ¹ to 18 carbon atoms. It is independently selected from an alkyl group, which may have an ether bond between carbon atoms and may further contain a halogen.

  In one embodiment, if a silicone hydrogel lens is desired, the lens of the present invention is at least about 20%, preferably about 20-70% by weight silicone based on the total weight of reactive monomer components from which the polymer is made. Made from a reactive mixture, including ingredients.

式中、Ｙは、Ｏ−、Ｓ−、又はＮＨ−を示し、
Ｒは、水素又はメチルを示し、ｄは、１、２、３又は４であり、ｑは、０又は１である。 In another embodiment, 1 to 4 R ¹ comprises vinyl carbonate or carbamate of the formula:

In the formula, Y represents O-, S-, or NH-,
R represents hydrogen or methyl, d is 1, 2, 3 or 4, and q is 0 or 1.

  Silicone-containing vinyl carbonate or vinyl carbamate monomers include in particular 1,3-bis [4- (vinyloxycarbonyloxy) but-1-yl] tetramethyl-disiloxane; 3- (vinyloxycarbonylthio) propyl- [ Tris (trimethylsiloxy) silane]; 3- [tris (trimethylsiloxy) silyl] propylallylcarbamate; 3- [tris (trimethylsiloxy) silyl] propylvinylcarbamate; trimethylsilylethylvinylcarbonate; trimethylsilylmethylvinylcarbonate; It is done.

約２００未満の弾性率を有する生物医学的デバイスが望ましい場合、１個のＲ^１のみが一価の反応性基を含むべきであり、残りのＲ^１基のうちの２個以下が一価のシロキサン基を含む。

If a biomedical device having a modulus of elasticity of less than about 200 is desired, only one R ¹ should contain a monovalent reactive group and no more than two of the remaining R ¹ groups are monovalent. Contains siloxane groups.

Another type of silicone-containing component includes polyurethane macromers of the formula:
Formulas IV-VI
^{(* D * A * D *} G) a * D * D * E 1,
^{E (* D * G * D} * A) a * D * G * D * E 1, or,
E ( ^* D ^* A ^* D ^* G) _a ^* D ^* A ^* D ^* E ¹
Where
D represents an alkyl diradical, alkylcycloalkyl diradical, cycloalkyl diradical, aryl diradical, or alkylaryl diradical having 6 to 30 carbon atoms;
G represents an alkyl diradical, cycloalkyl diradical, alkylcycloalkyl diradical, aryl dialkyl radical or alkylaryl diradical having 1 to 40 carbon atoms, which may contain ether, thio or amine linkages in the main chain. ,
^* Indicates a urethane or ureido bond,
_a is at least 1,
A represents a divalent polymerization radical represented by the following formula.

Ｒ^１１は独立に、１〜１０の炭素原子を有するアルキル又はフルオロ置換アルキル基を示す。これは、炭素原子間にエーテル結合を含んでいてもよい。ｙは、少なくとも１であり、ｐは、４００〜１０，０００の部分重量を提供し、Ｅ及びＥ^１のそれぞれは独立して、下式によって表される重合性不飽和有機基を意味する。

R ¹¹ independently represents an alkyl or fluoro-substituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. This may contain an ether bond between the carbon atoms. y is at least 1, p provides a partial weight of 400 to 10,000, and each of E and E ¹ independently represents a polymerizable unsaturated organic group represented by the following formula:

式中、Ｒ^１２は水素又はメチルであり、Ｒ^１３は水素、炭素原子１〜６個を有するアルキルラジカル、又は−ＣＯ−Ｙ−Ｒ^１５ラジカルであり、Ｙは−Ｏ−、Ｙ−Ｓ−又は−ＮＨ−であり、Ｒ^１４は炭素原子１〜１２個を有する二価のラジカルであり、Ｘは−ＣＯ−又は−ＯＣＯ−を示し、Ｚは−Ｏ−又は−ＮＨ−を示し、Ａｒは炭素原子６〜３０個を有する芳香族ラジカルを示し、ｗは０〜６であり、ｘは０又は１であり、ｙは０又は１であり、ｚは０又は１である。

In which R ¹² is hydrogen or methyl, R ¹³ is hydrogen, an alkyl radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a —CO—Y—R ¹⁵ radical, and Y is —O—, Y—S—. Or —NH—, R ¹⁴ is a divalent radical having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, X represents —CO— or —OCO—, Z represents —O— or —NH—, Ar Represents an aromatic radical having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, w is 0 to 6, x is 0 or 1, y is 0 or 1, and z is 0 or 1.

  One preferred silicone-containing component is a polyurethane macromer represented by the following formula:

式中、Ｒ^１６は、イソホロンジイソシアネートのジラジカルなどイソシアネート基の除去後のジイソシアネートのジラジカルである。別の好適なシリコーン含有マクロマーは、フルオロエーテル、ヒドロキシ末端ポリジメチルシロキサン、イソホロンジイソシアネート、及びイソシアネートエチルメタクリレートの反応によって形成される、式Ｘ（式中、ｘ＋ｙは１０〜３０の範囲の数である）の化合物である。

In the formula, R ¹⁶ is a diradical of a diisocyanate after removal of an isocyanate group such as a diradical of isophorone diisocyanate. Another suitable silicone-containing macromer is formed by the reaction of fluoroether, hydroxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, isophorone diisocyanate, and isocyanate ethyl methacrylate, where x + y is a number in the range of 10-30. It is a compound of this.

  Other silicone-containing components suitable for use in the present invention include polysiloxanes, polyalkylene ethers, diisocyanates, polyfluorinated hydrocarbons, polyfluorinated ethers and macromers containing polysaccharide groups; bonded to terminal difluoro-substituted carbon atoms Polysiloxanes having polar fluorinated grafts or side groups with hydrogen atoms; hydrophilic siloxanyl methacrylates containing ether and siloxanyl linkages; and crosslinkable monomers containing polyether and polysiloxanyl groups. Any of the aforementioned polysiloxanes can also be used in the present invention as a silicone-containing component.

Liquid Crystal Materials There can be many materials that can have features consistent with the liquid crystal layer types discussed herein. It is envisaged that liquid crystals having beneficial toxicity are preferred, and cholesteryl-based liquid crystal materials derived from nature may be useful. In other embodiments, ophthalmic insert encapsulation technology and materials typically include materials that can include LCD display related materials, which can consist of a broad category of nematic or cholesteric N ^* or smectic C ^* liquid crystals, or liquid crystal mixtures. A wide selection of is acceptable. Commercially available mixtures such as the Merck Specialty chemicals mixture for TN, VA, PSVA, IPS and FFS applications, and other commercially available mixtures, form a material selection to form the liquid crystal layer. obtain.

  In a non-limiting sense, the mixture or formulation may include the following liquid crystal materials. 1- (trans-4-hexylcyclohexyl) -4-isothiocyanate benzene liquid crystal, benzoic acid compounds including (4-octylbenzoic acid and 4-hexylbenzoic acid), (4′-pentyl-4-biphenylcarbonitrile, 4 '-Octyl-4-biphenylcarbonitrile, 4'-(octyl) -4-biphenylcarbonitrile, 4 '-(hexyloxy) -4-biphenylcarbonitrile, 4- (trans-4-pentylcyclohexyl) benzonitrile, 4 '-(pentyloxy) -4-biphenylcarbonitrile, 4'-hexyl-4-biphenylcarbonitrile) and 4,4'-azoxyanisole.

  In a non-limiting sense, a formulation that may be referred to as W1825 may be used as a material for forming the liquid crystal layer. W1825 is a BEAM Engineering for Advanced Measurements Co. Available from (BEAMCO).

  There may be other classes of liquid crystal materials that may be useful in the concepts of the present invention. For example, a strong derivative liquid crystal may provide functionality for electric field oriented liquid crystal implementations, but may also introduce other effects such as magnetic field interactions. The interaction of electromagnetic radiation with the material can also be different.

Alignment Layer Material In many of the described exemplary embodiments, the liquid crystal layer in the ophthalmic lens may need to be aligned in various ways at the insert boundary. For example, the alignment may be horizontal or perpendicular to the insert boundary, and this alignment may be obtained by appropriate processing of various surfaces. The treatment may include coating the substrate of the insert comprising liquid crystal (LC) with an alignment layer. These alignment layers are described herein.

  A commonly practiced technique in various types of liquid crystal based instruments may be a friction technique. These techniques may be adapted to construct a curved surface, such as one of the inserts used to encapsulate the liquid crystal. In one example, the surface can be coated with a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) layer. For example, the PVA layer can be spin coated with a 1 wt% aqueous solution. The solution may be applied to the spin coating at 1000 rpm for approximately 60 seconds and then dried. Subsequently, the dried layer may be rubbed with a soft cloth. In a non-limiting example, the soft cloth can be velvet.

  Photo-alignment can be another technique for producing an alignment layer in liquid crystal encapsulation. In some exemplary embodiments, photo-alignment is desirable due to its non-contact nature and large-scale manufacturing potential. In a non-limiting example, the photo-alignment layer used in the liquid crystal tunable optical part is a dichroic azobenzene that can be mostly aligned in a direction perpendicular to the polarization of a typical UV wavelength linear polarization. It can be composed of a dye (azo dye). Such alignment may be the result of a repetitive trans-cis-trans photoisomerization process.

  As an example, a PAAD series azobenzene dye may be spin coated from a 1% by weight solution of DMF at 3000 rpm for 30 seconds. The resulting layer may then be exposed to a linearly polarized beam at UV wavelengths (eg, 325 nm, 351 nm, 365 nm, etc.) or even visible wavelengths (400-500 nm). The light source may take various forms. In some exemplary embodiments, the light may begin from a laser source, for example. Other light sources such as LEDs, halogens and incandescent are other non-limiting examples. The light can be collimated in various manners through the use of optical lens instruments, either before or after the various forms of light are polarized in various patterns as required. The light from the laser source can have, for example, essentially a certain collimation.

  Various photoanisotropic materials based on photocrosslinkable polymer liquid crystals having azobenzene polymers, polyesters, mesogenic 4- (4-methoxycinnamoyloxy) biphenyl side chains and the like are currently known. Examples of such materials include Sulphonic Bizazody SD1 and other azobenzene dyes, especially BEAM Engineering for Advanced Measurements Co. PAAD-series materials available from (BEAMCO), poly (vinyl cinnamate) and others.

  In some exemplary embodiments, it may be desirable to use an aqueous or alcohol solution of the PAAD series azo dye. Some azobenzene dyes, such as methyl red, can be used for photoalignment by directly doping the liquid crystal layer. Exposure of the azobenzene dye to polarized light can cause dispersion and adhesion of the azo dye into and into the bulk of the liquid crystal layer relative to the boundary layer that creates the desired alignment conditions.

  Azobenzene dyes such as methyl red can also be used in combination with polymers such as PVA. Other photo-anisotropic materials that can perform acceptable alignment of adjacent layers of liquid crystals are currently known. Examples of these include materials based on coumarin, polyester, photocrosslinkable polymer liquid crystals having mesogenic 4- (4-methoxycinamoyloxy) -biphenyl side chains, poly (vinyl cinnamate), and the like. Photo-alignment techniques can be advantageous for embodiments that include a patterned alignment of liquid crystals.

In other exemplary embodiments for creating the alignment layer, the alignment layer may be obtained by vacuum deposition of silicone oxide on the insert component substrate. For example, SiO ₂ may be deposited at a low pressure such as 10 ⁻⁷ kPa (10 ⁻⁶ mbar) or less. With the creation of the front and back insert parts, it may be possible to provide an alignment feature at the nanoscale size that is injection molded. These shaped features are coated in various ways with the mentioned materials or other materials that can interact directly with the physical alignment features and transmit the patterned alignment within the alignment orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. obtain.

  Still further exemplary embodiments may relate to the creation of a physical alignment feature for the insert after it has been formed. Friction techniques, as is common in other liquid crystal based techniques, can be performed on the molded surface to create physical grooves. The surfaces may also be subjected to a post-molding embossing process to create small grooved features on them. Still further exemplary embodiments may be derived from the use of etching techniques that may include various types of optical patterning processes.

Dielectric Materials Dielectric films and dielectrics are described herein. By way of non-limiting example, the dielectric film or dielectric used in the liquid crystal variable optic portion has features suitable for the invention described herein. The dielectric may include one or more material layers that function alone or together as a dielectric. Multiple layers can be used to achieve better dielectric performance than a single dielectric.

  The dielectric can tolerate an insulating layer with no defects at discrete thicknesses desired for the variable optical portion, eg, 1-10 μm. A defect may refer to a pinhole, as is known by those skilled in the art to be a hole in a dielectric acceptable electrical and / or chemical contact through a dielectric. A dielectric at a given thickness may meet the requirements for breakdown voltage, for example, the dielectric should withstand over 100 volts.

  The dielectric may be capable of being fabricated into curved, conical, spherical, and complex three-dimensional surfaces (eg, curved or non-planar surfaces). Typical methods of dip coating or spin coating can be used, or other methods can be employed.

  Dielectrics can resist damage from chemicals in variable optical moieties such as liquid crystals or liquid crystal mixtures, solvents, acids and bases, or other materials that may exist in the formation of liquid crystal regions. The dielectric may be resistant to damage by infrared, UV light, and visible light. Undesirable damage can include degradation to parameters described herein, such as breakdown voltage and optical transmission. The dielectric may be resistant to ion penetration. The dielectric can be adhered to the underlying electrode and / or substrate, for example, by use of an adhesion promoting layer. The dielectric can be manufactured using processes that allow low contamination, low surface defects, conformal coating, and low surface roughness.

  The dielectric may have a dielectric constant or dielectric constant compatible with electrical operation of the system, eg, a low dielectric constant, to reduce capacitance for a given electrode area. The dielectric may have a high resistivity, thereby allowing very small currents to flow even at high applied voltages. The dielectric may have the quality desired for the optical instrument, such as high transmission, low dispersion, and a refractive index within a certain range.

  Exemplary and non-limiting dielectric materials include one or more of Parylene-C, Parylene-HT, Silicon Dioxide, Silicon Nitride, and Teflon AF.

Electrode Material The electrode is described herein for applying a potential to achieve an electric field across the liquid crystal region. An electrode generally comprises one or more layers of material that function alone or together as an electrode.

  The electrode can be adhered to the underlying substrate, dielectric coating, or other article in the system, possibly by an adhesion promoter (eg, methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane). The electrode can be treated to form beneficial natural oxygen or to form a beneficial oxygen layer. The electrode may be transparent, substantially transparent, or opaque and has high optical transmission and low reflectance. The electrodes can be patterned or etched by known processing methods. For example, the electrodes can be evaporated, sputtered, or electroplated using photolithography patterning and / or lift-off processes.

  The electrodes can be designed to have a suitable resistivity for use in the electrical systems described herein, for example, to meet the requirements for a given geometric structure medium resistance.

  The electrodes can be made from any suitable material including one or more of indium tin oxide (ITO), gold, stainless steel, chromium, graphene, graphene doped layers, and aluminum. It will be appreciated that this is not an exhaustive list.

Steps The following method steps are provided as examples of processes that may be performed according to some embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the order in which the steps of the method are presented is not intended to be limiting and that the invention may be practiced using other orders. Moreover, not all steps are required to practice the invention, and additional steps may be included within the various exemplary embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that additional exemplary embodiments may be practical and such methods are well within the scope of the claims.

  Referring to FIG. 7, a flowchart illustrates exemplary steps that can be used to implement the present invention. In the formation of the first substrate layer at 701, the first substrate layer may have a top surface with a first type of shape that includes a back curved surface and may differ from the surface shape of the other substrate layers; In forming the second substrate layer at 702, the second substrate layer may include a forward curved surface, or an intermediate surface, or a portion of the intermediate surface for more complex instruments. At 703, an electrode layer can be deposited on the first substrate layer. Deposition can occur, for example, by vapor deposition or electroplating. In some exemplary embodiments, the first substrate layer can be part of an insert having both regions in the optical zone and regions in the non-optical zone. The electrode deposition process may simultaneously define interconnect features in some exemplary embodiments.

  At 704, the first substrate layer can be further processed to add an alignment layer over the previously deposited electrode layer. An alignment layer may be deposited on the top layer of the substrate and then exposed to energetic particles or light in a standard fashion, such as friction techniques, or to create a grooved feature that is characteristic of the standard alignment layer. It can be processed by processing in A thin layer of reactive mesogen may be treated with light exposure to form an alignment layer having various characteristics.

  At 705, the second substrate layer can be further processed. The electrode layer can be deposited on the second substrate layer in a manner similar to step 703. In some exemplary embodiments, at 706, a dielectric layer may then be applied over the second substrate layer over the electrode layer. The dielectric layer can be formed with a variable thickness across its surface. As an example, a dielectric layer may be formed on the first substrate layer. Alternatively, a previously formed dielectric layer can be adhered onto the electrode surface of the second substrate component.

  At 707, an alignment layer can be formed on the second substrate layer in a manner similar to the processing step at 704. After 707, two separate substrate layers that may form at least a portion of the ophthalmic lens insert may be in a combined state. In some exemplary embodiments, at 708, two parts can be brought in close proximity to each other and then liquid crystal material can be filled between the parts. At 709, the two parts can be brought close together and then sealed to form a variable optical element having a liquid crystal.

  In some exemplary embodiments, two parts of the mold formed at 709 may be made by repeating method steps 701-709, where the alignment layer adjusts the unpolarized focus. Be offset from each other to allow the resulting lenses. In such exemplary embodiments, the two variable optical layers can be integrated to form a single variable optical insert. At 710, the variable optical portion may be coupled to the energy source and the intermediate, and the connected element may be disposed thereon.

  At 711, the variable optical insert that results from step 710 can be placed in the mold portion. The variable optical insert may or may not include one or more elements. In some preferred embodiments, the variable optical insert is placed in the mold portion via mechanical placement. Machine placement may include, for example, robots or other automation as is known in the industry for placing surface mount elements. Human placement of variable optical inserts is also within the scope of the present invention. Thus, any mechanical arrangement or automation has an energy source in the casting mold part such that polymerization of the reactive mixture contained by the mold part will include variable optics in the resulting ophthalmic lens. It can be utilized to be effective for placing variable optical inserts.

  In some exemplary embodiments, the variable optical insert is placed in a template portion connected to a substrate. An energy source and one or more elements are also connected to the substrate and are in electrical communication with the variable optical insert. The element can include, for example, a circuit for controlling the power applied to the variable optical insert. Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, the element may include a variable optical insertion to change one or more optical features, such as a change in state between the first optical output and the second optical output, for example. Including a control mechanism for actuating the object.

  In some exemplary embodiments, a processor instrument, MEMS, NEMS or other element may be placed in the variable optical insert and in electrical contact with the energy source. At 712, a reactive monomer mixture can be deposited in the mold portion. At 713, the variable optical insert can be positioned in contact with the reactive mixture. In some exemplary embodiments, the arrangement of variable optics and the order of deposition of the monomer mixture may be reversed. At 714, a first template portion is disposed near the second template portion to form a lens-forming cavity having at least some reactive monomer mixture and a variable optical insert within the cavity. As discussed above, preferred embodiments also include an energy source and one or more elements that are also in the cavity and are in electrical communication with the variable optical insert.

  At 715, the reactive monomer mixture in the cavity is polymerized. Polymerization can be accomplished, for example, by exposure to either or both actinic radiation and heat. At 716, the ophthalmic lens is adhered to the insert encapsulating polymerized material making the ophthalmic lens or removed from the mold part having the variable optical insert to be encapsulated.

  The present invention can be used to provide hard or soft contact lenses made from any known lens material, or materials suitable for manufacturing such lenses, but preferably the lenses of the present invention Is a soft contact lens having a moisture content of about 0 to about 90 percent. More preferably, the lens is made from monomer-containing hydroxy groups, carboxyl groups, or both, or from silicone-containing polymers such as siloxanes, hydrogels, silicone hydrogels, and combinations thereof. Materials useful for forming the lenses of the present invention can be made by reacting a mixture of macromers, monomers, and combinations thereof, with additives such as polymerization initiators. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, silicone hydrogels made from silicone macromers and hydrophilic monomers.

Apparatus Referring to FIG. 8, an automated apparatus 810 is illustrated having one or more transfer interfaces 811. A plurality of mold parts, each with a variable optical insert 814 associated therewith, are received on the pallet 813 and presented to the transfer interface 811. Embodiments include, for example, a single interface in which the variable optical inserts 814 are individually placed, or at the same time the variable optical inserts 814 are placed in multiple mold parts (each mold part in some embodiments). May be a plurality of interfaces (not shown). The placement may be performed by a vertical motion 815 of the transfer interface 811.

  Another aspect of some embodiments of the present invention includes an apparatus that supports the variable optical insert 814 while the body of the ophthalmic lens is molded around these components. In some embodiments, the variable optical insert 814 and the energy source may be attached to a lens mold holding point (not shown). The holding point may be attached with the same type of polymerized material that is formed in the lens body. Other exemplary embodiments include a layer of prepolymer within the mold portion onto which the variable optical insert 814 and energy source may be secured.

Processor Included in Insertion Tool Referring now to FIG. 9, a controller 900 is illustrated that can be used in some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The controller 900 includes a processor 910 that may include one or more processor components coupled to the communication device 920. In some embodiments, the controller 900 can be used to transfer energy to an energy source disposed within the ophthalmic lens.

  Controller 900 may include one or more processors coupled to a communication device configured to communicate energy over a communication channel. The communication device may be used to electronically control the placement of one or more variable optical inserts within the ophthalmic lens, or the transmission of commands for operating the variable optical instrument.

  The communication device 920 can also be used, for example, to communicate with one or more controller devices or manufacturing equipment components.

  The processor 910 is also in communication with the storage device 930. Storage device 930 may include any suitable information storage device. For example, a combination of magnetic storage devices (eg, magnetic tape and hard disk drives), optical storage devices, and / or semiconductor memory devices such as random access memory (RAM) devices and read only memory (read only memory) devices.

  The storage device 930 may store a program 940 for controlling the processor 910. The processor 910 executes the instructions of the program 940 and thereby operates in accordance with the present invention. For example, processor 910 may receive information representative of variable optical insert placement, processing device placement, and the like. Storage device 930 may also store ophthalmic related data in one or more databases 950, 960. Databases 950 and 960 may include specific control logic for controlling energy to or from the variable optical lens.

Variable optical insert comprising a liquid crystal element and a molded dielectric layer Various embodiments of the liquid crystal material can be placed in an insert having a molded insert layer as shown in FIG. However, another series of exemplary embodiments can be formed using an insert part including an electrode and a molded dielectric part. Referring to FIG. 10, a variable optical portion 1000 that can be inserted into an ophthalmic lens is illustrated having a liquid crystal layer 1025. The variable optical portion 1000 may have similar material and structure related diversity as discussed elsewhere herein. In some exemplary embodiments, the transparent electrode 1050 may be disposed on the first transparent substrate 1055. The first lens element 1040 may be composed of a dielectric film that can be disposed on the first transparent electrode 1050. In this embodiment, the shape of the dielectric layer of the first lens element 1040 can be a shape in which the thickness of the dielectric varies locally as shown. In some embodiments, the molding layer may be formed by injection molding on the first transparent electrode 1050.

  Various types of liquid crystal layers 1025 can be disposed between the first transparent electrode 1050 and the second transparent electrode 1015. The second transparent electrode 1015 may be attached to the top substrate layer 1010 and the device formed from the top substrate layer 1010 to the bottom substrate layer 1055 may include the variable optical portion 1000 of the ophthalmic lens. Two alignment layers 1030 and 1020 may surround the liquid crystal layer 1025. The alignment layers 1030 and 1020 may function to define the static orientation of the ophthalmic lens. In some exemplary embodiments, the electrode layers 1015 and 1050 can be in electrical communication with the liquid crystal layer 1025 and shift the alignment from a static alignment to at least one applied alignment.

  In some other exemplary embodiments, the variable optical portion 1000 of the ophthalmic lens does not have the alignment layers 1020 and 1030, but instead has transparent electrodes 1015 and 1050 that are in direct communication with the liquid crystal layer 1025. You may do it. In such an exemplary embodiment, application of the liquid crystal layer 1025 may cause a phase change of the liquid crystal, thereby changing the optical quality of the variable optical portion 1000 of the ophthalmic lens.

  Referring to FIG. 11, a variable optical portion 1100 that can be inserted into an ophthalmic lens is illustrated having a liquid crystal layer 1125. Similar to the variable optical portion 1000 of FIG. 10, the layer formation of the substrates 1135 and 1155 and the dielectric material on both the first lens element 1145 and the second lens element 1140 results in an effect on the optical properties of the liquid crystal layer 1125. A three-dimensional shape can be provided. The first transparent electrode 1150 may be disposed on the first substrate layer 1155 of the variable optical portion 1100 of the ophthalmic lens.

  Since each layer 1135, 1155, 1145, and 1140 included in the variable optical portion 1100 has three-dimensional properties, the nature of the top substrate layer 1110 and the bottom substrate layer 1155 depends on the planar lens embodiment or more generally. Can be more complex than typical liquid crystal based embodiments. In some exemplary embodiments, the shape of the top substrate layer 1110 can be different from the bottom substrate layer 1155. Some exemplary embodiments include a first lens element 1145 and a second lens element 1140, both composed of a dielectric material. The second lens element 1140 can have a dielectric characteristic different from that of the first lens element 1145 at a low frequency, but can have an aspect in harmony with the first lens element 1145 in the spectral spectrum. The material of the second lens element 1140 may include, for example, an aqueous liquid that matches the optical characteristics of the first lens element 1145.

  The variable optical portion 1100 can include a central substrate layer 1135 that can form a surface layer on which the liquid crystal layer 1125 can be deposited. In some exemplary embodiments, when the second lens element 1140 is in liquid form, the central substrate layer 1135 can also serve to include the second lens element 1140. Some exemplary embodiments may include a liquid crystal layer 1125 positioned between the first alignment layer 1130 and the second alignment layer 1120, and the second alignment layer 1120 is positioned on the second transparent electrode 1115. . The top substrate layer 1110 may include a combination of layers forming the variable optical portion 1100 and may be responsive to an electric field applied across its electrodes 1150 and 1115. The alignment layers 1120 and 1130 can affect the optical properties of the variable optical portion 1100 by various means.

Liquid Crystal Device Comprising Nano-sized Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Layer Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, a variable optical portion (FIG. 12A) that can be inserted into an ophthalmic lens includes a polymer layer 1235 and a nano-sized polymer dispersion shown in multiple locations. It is illustrated with liquid crystal droplets (eg, 1230). The polymerized region can provide the structural definition and shape of the film, whereas droplets rich in liquid crystal material (such as 1230) can have a significant optical effect on the light transmitted through the layer.

  Nanosized droplets are useful because the changed refractive index between the droplet and the neighboring layers, both in applied and unapplied states, is small enough in size that may not be apparent with respect to the scattering process.

  The confinement of liquid crystals in nanosized droplets can make it more difficult for molecules to rotate within the droplet. This effect can result in a larger electric field used to align the liquid crystal molecules to the applied state. Similarly, the industrial structure of the chemical structure of liquid crystal molecules can also help define conditions that allow for lower electric fields that are required to establish alignment.

  There may be a number of ways to form a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer of the type shown at 1200. In a first example, a mixture of monomers and liquid crystal molecules may be formed in a combination that is heated to form a uniform mixture. The mixture can then be encapsulated in the lens insert by applying the mixture to the front curve insert 1210 and then adding a back curve insert or intermediate insert 1245. The insert containing the liquid crystal mixture can then be cooled at a controlled predetermined rate. As the mixture cools, regions of relatively pure liquid crystal monomer may be deposited as droplets or droplets within the layer. Subsequent processing steps to catalyze the polymerization of the monomers may then be performed. In some examples, actinic radiation may be indicated on the mixture to initiate polymerization.

  In other examples, mixing of liquid crystals and liquid crystal monomers may also be performed. In this example, the mixture may be applied to the front curve part 1210 or the back curve part or the middle curve part 1245 before another part is applied. The applied mixture may already contain components for inducing the polymerization reaction. Alternatively, the polymerization may be initiated by applying actinic radiation to the mixture. With specific material choices regarding the monomer and starting agent, the rate and manner in which the polymerization reaction may form liquid crystal monomer high-concentration regions that are similar to droplets, or droplets in a polymerization network of materials. It can progress at. These droplets may also be surrounded by a polymerized material that contains a large amount of liquid crystal molecules. These liquid crystal molecules may move freely within the polymer matrix before being fully polymerized, and may be an alignment feature on the surface of the insert part to which other liquid crystal molecules or liquid crystal mixtures have been applied. You can feel the localization effect in the neighborhood of The alignment region can determine the quiescent state of the liquid crystal molecules in the polymer matrix and can determine the fixed orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the polymerization region after significant polymerization has occurred. Similarly, aligned liquid crystal molecules in the polymer may also affect the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules or droplets of liquid crystal molecules in the droplets. Thus, the combined polymerized region and the layers of contained droplet regions are determined in advance by the inclusion of alignment features on the insert before the insert is formed in the liquid crystal interlayer. It may exist in the alignment state.

  There may be a number of ways to incorporate liquid crystal molecules within the polymerized or gelled region. In the previous description, several forms were described. Nevertheless, any method of making a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer may be included within the purpose of the present invention and used to make an ophthalmic device. The previous example refers to the use of a monomer to form a polymerized layer that surrounds a droplet of liquid crystal molecules. The state of the polymerized monomer may be a crystalline form of the polymerized material or, in another embodiment, may exist as a gelled form of the polymerized monomer.

  The variable optical portion of FIG. 12A may have other aspects that may be defined by similar material and structure related diversity, as discussed elsewhere herein. In some exemplary embodiments, the transparent electrode 1220 may be disposed on the first transparent substrate 1210. The first lens surface can be comprised of a dielectric film and, in some exemplary embodiments, an alignment layer that can be disposed on the first transparent electrode 1220. In such an exemplary embodiment, the shape of the dielectric layer on the surface of the first lens can form a shape in which the thickness of the dielectric varies locally. Such locally diverse shapes may introduce the focusing power of the lens element due to the geometric effects discussed with reference to FIG. In some exemplary embodiments, for example, the molding layer can be formed by injection molding over a combination of the first transparent electrode 1220 and the substrate 1210.

  In some exemplary embodiments, the first transparent electrode 1220 and the second transparent electrode 1240 may be shaped in various ways. In some examples, the molding can result in separate, distinct regions that are often formed with separately applied applications. In another example, the electrodes may be formed in a helix-like pattern from the center to the end of the lens that can apply a variable electric field across the liquid crystal layers 1230 and 1235. In any case, such electrode shaping may be performed in addition to or instead of shaping the dielectric layer on the electrode. Electrode shaping in these manners may also introduce additional focusing power of the lens element under operation.

  The polymer dispersed liquid crystal layers 1230 and 1235 may be disposed between the first transparent electrode 1220 and the second transparent electrode 1240. The second transparent electrode 1240 may be attached to the bottom substrate layer 1245 and the device formed from the top substrate layer 1210 to the bottom substrate layer 1245 may include the variable optical portion of the ophthalmic lens. Two alignment layers may further be disposed on the dielectric layer and may surround the liquid crystal layers 1230 and 1235. The alignment layer may function to define the static orientation of the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, the electrode layers 1220 and 1240 can be in electrical communication with the liquid crystal layers 1230, 1235 and shift orientation from a static orientation to at least one applied orientation.

  FIG. 12B shows the application effect of the electrode layer. Upon application, an electric field can be established across the instrument as shown at 1290. The electric field may induce liquid crystal molecules to realign themselves with the formed electric field. As shown at 1260 in a droplet containing liquid crystal, the molecules can now be realigned as indicated by the vertical line.

  Referring to FIGS. 13A-C, another variable optical insert 1300 that can be inserted into an ophthalmic lens is illustrated having a liquid crystal layer that includes a polymerized region 1320 and liquid crystal rich droplets 1330. Each aspect of the various elements that can be defined around the liquid crystal region may have the same diversity as described for the variable optical inserts of FIGS. Accordingly, there may be a front optical element 1310 and a rear optical element 1340, and in some exemplary embodiments, these optical elements may include, for example, one or more electrodes, dielectric, over them, for example. You may have a body layer and an alignment layer. Referring to FIG. 13A, the overall pattern of droplet locations is recognized as indicated by the dotted line 1305. The polymerized region around 1320 can be formed in a form such that there are no or relatively no droplets, but a droplet such as 1330 can be formed elsewhere. As indicated by the boundary line at 1305, the shaped contour of the droplet may define another intermediate position to form an instrument using the liquid crystal layer of the variable optical insert. Optical radiation across the liquid crystal layer will have an accumulation effect of interacting droplet regions. Therefore, it is considered that the portion of the liquid crystal layer where a larger amount of liquid droplets hits the light effectively has a more effective refractive index for the light. In other interpretations, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer may be virtually considered to change with a boundary line 1305 defined where there are fewer drops. Referring to FIG. 13B, the droplets may be of nanoscale dimensions and in some exemplary embodiments may be formed in the layer in a manner that is not outwardly oriented. As shown at 1350, the droplets may have liquid crystal molecules in random states that are not aligned inside. Proceeding to FIG. 13C, when an electric field 1370 is applied by applying an electrode potential to the electrodes on both sides of the liquid crystal layer, alignment of liquid crystal molecules within the droplet may occur, as shown in the example of item 1360. This alignment will result in an effective reflectivity change that the light beam near the droplet will capture. This, along with changes in the density or presence of the droplet regions in the liquid crystal layer, is due to the change in effective reflectivity in appropriately shaped regions containing droplets with liquid crystal molecules. A focus effect may be formed. Although an exemplary embodiment having a droplet shaping region has been described using a nanosized droplet that includes a liquid crystal layer, there may be other embodiments that occur when the droplet is of larger dimensions. Further exemplary embodiments may occur by using an alignment layer in the presence of larger droplet areas.

Liquid Crystal Device Comprising Liquid Crystal Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Layer Referring to FIG. 14A, a variable optical portion that can be inserted into an ophthalmic lens is illustrated having a liquid crystal polymer layer 1430 and a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer 1440. The liquid crystal polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer may be composed of separated droplets 1440 that are rich in liquid crystal molecules within other polymerization regions 1430. The polymerized region can result in the structural definition and shape of the film, whereas droplets rich in liquid crystal material can have a significant optical effect on the light transmitted through the layer.

  In applications where the refractive index effect of the liquid crystal layer is useful in making variable optical components, it may be useful to prepare the polymerized region such that a significant amount of incorporated liquid crystal molecules are contained within the gel or polymerized region. . This incorporation allows the alignment effect to be transferred from the alignment layer incorporated on the surface of the insertion tool to the liquid crystal component in the polymer dispersed droplet, and in the diagram of FIG. 14A, the alignment is both in the polymerization region and in the droplet. Incorporation of liquid crystal molecules is indicated by the presence of parallel lines across these regions. In addition, liquid crystal molecules incorporated within the polymerized or gel material can cause the refractive index of the polymer region to be relatively consistent with the droplet region, both in the rest state and even under an electric field. If the refractive indices are relatively matched between the two components of the liquid crystal layer, light scattering can be minimized at the boundary between the regions.

  There may be numerous ways to form a liquid crystal polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer of the type shown in FIG. 14A. In a first example, a mixture of monomers and liquid crystal molecules may be formed in a combination that is heated to form a uniform mixture. The mixture can then be encapsulated in the lens insert by applying the mixture to the front curve insert 1410 and then adding a back curve insert or intermediate insert 1460. The insert containing the liquid crystal mixture can then be cooled at a controlled predetermined rate. As the mixture cools, regions of relatively pure liquid crystal monomer may be deposited as droplets or droplets within the layer. Subsequent processing steps to initiate polymerization of the monomer may then be performed. In some examples, the polymerization may be initiated by applying actinic radiation to the mixture.

  In other examples, a mixture of liquid crystal and liquid crystal monomer may be formed. In this example, the mixture may be applied to the front curve part 1410 or the back curve part or the intermediate curve part 1460, followed by another curve part. The applied mixture may already contain components for catalyzing the polymerization reaction. Alternatively, the polymerization may be initiated by applying actinic radiation to the mixture. With a particular material selection of monomer and catalyst agent, the polymerization reaction may proceed at a rate and method such as a high concentration region of liquid crystal monomer that is similar to a droplet or droplet within a polymerization network of materials. These droplets may also be surrounded by a polymerized material that contains a large amount of liquid crystal molecules. These liquid crystal molecules are free to move within the polymer matrix until a specific polymerization state is reached. The liquid crystal molecules may also be affected by the alignment effects in their neighboring regions, which may be other liquid crystal molecules, or the alignment function at the surface of the insert part to which the liquid crystal mixture is applied. The alignment region can determine the resting state of the liquid crystal molecules within the polymer matrix. Similarly, aligned liquid crystal molecules in the polymer may also affect the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules or droplets of liquid crystal molecules in the droplets. Thus, the combined polymerized region and the layers of contained droplet regions are determined in advance by the inclusion of alignment features on the insert before the insert is formed in the liquid crystal interlayer. It may exist in the alignment state.

  There may be a number of ways to incorporate liquid crystal molecules within the polymerized or gelled region. In the previous description, several forms were described. Nevertheless, any method of making a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer may be included within the purpose of the present invention and used to make an ophthalmic device. The previous example refers to the use of a monomer to form a polymerized layer that surrounds a droplet of liquid crystal molecules. The state of the polymerized monomer may be a crystalline form of the polymerized material or, in another embodiment, may exist as a gelled form of the polymerized monomer.

  The variable optical portion of FIG. 14A may have other aspects that may be defined by similar material and structure related diversity, as discussed elsewhere herein. In some exemplary embodiments, the transparent electrode 1450 may be disposed on the first transparent substrate 1460. The first lens surface 1445 can be comprised of a dielectric film and, in some exemplary embodiments, an alignment layer that can be disposed on the first transparent electrode 1450. In such an exemplary embodiment, the shape of the dielectric layer of the first lens surface 1445 may form a shape in which the thickness of the dielectric varies locally as shown. Such locally diverse shapes may introduce the focusing power of the lens element due to the geometric effects discussed with reference to FIG. In some exemplary embodiments, for example, the molding layer may be formed by injection molding over a combination of the first transparent electrode 1445 and the substrate 1450.

  In some exemplary embodiments, the first transparent electrode 1445 and the second transparent electrode 1425 may be shaped in various ways. In some examples, the molding can result in separate, distinct regions that are often formed with separately applied applications. In another example, the electrodes may be formed in a helix-like pattern from the center to the end of the lens that can apply a variable electric field across the liquid crystal layers 1430 and 1440. In any case, such electrode shaping may be performed in addition to or instead of shaping the dielectric layer on the electrode. Electrode shaping in these manners may also introduce additional focusing power of the lens element under operation.

  The polymer dispersed liquid crystal layers 1430 and 1440 may be disposed between the first transparent electrode 1450 and the second transparent electrode 1420. The second transparent electrode 1420 may be attached to the top substrate layer 1410 and the device formed from the top substrate layer 1410 to the bottom substrate layer 1450 may include the variable optical portion 1400 of the ophthalmic lens. Two alignment layers may also be disposed at 1445 and 1425 on the dielectric layer and may surround the liquid crystal layer 1430. The alignment layers at 1445 and 1425 may function to define the static orientation of the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, the electrode layers 1420 and 1450 are in electrical communication with the liquid crystal layers 1430, 1440 and can shift orientation from a static orientation to at least one applied orientation.

  FIG. 14B shows the application effect of the electrode layer. Upon application, an electric field can be established across the instrument as shown at 1490. The electric field may induce liquid crystal molecules to realign themselves with the formed electric field. The molecules can now be realigned as shown by the vertical line, as shown at 1470 for molecules in the polymerized portion of the layer and 1480 for droplets containing liquid crystals.

  Referring to FIG. 15, another variable optical insert 1500 that can be inserted into an ophthalmic lens is illustrated having two liquid crystal layers 1520 and 1550, each of which is related to FIGS. 14A and 14B. It may be a liquid crystal layer and a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer as described. Each aspect of the various layers around the liquid crystal region may have the same diversity as described for the variable optical insert of FIGS. 14A and 14B. In some exemplary embodiments, the alignment layer may introduce polarization sensitivity into the function of a single liquid crystal device. A first liquid crystal element having a first polarization priority tendency, which is formed of an intervening layer in the space around the first substrate 1510, 1520, and the second substrate 1530, is connected to the second surface 1540 on the second substrate. And the second liquid crystal element having the second polarization priority tendency formed by the intervening layer in the space around 1550 and the third substrate 1560, and reacting to the polarization mode of the incident light thereto Combinations can be formed that allow electrically variable focus characteristics of lenses that do not. The halftone dot formation in the region 1550 may represent aligned liquid crystal molecules whose alignment is perpendicular to the alignment of alignment molecules in the 1520 layer. An applied electric field of 1590 indicates that an electric field across either one of the two liquid crystal layers can induce rearrangement of the liquid crystal molecules in the droplet region. In some exemplary embodiments, there may be a separate ability to apply an electric field across either one of the liquid crystal regions 1520 and 1550, as shown in FIG. In other exemplary embodiments, applying an electrical potential to the electrodes of the ophthalmic device may apply both layers simultaneously.

  In exemplary device 1500, a combination of two electrically active liquid crystal layers having various types and diversity associated with the example of FIGS. 14A and 14B results in four substrate layers 1510, 1530, 1540, and 1560 being combined. Can be formed using. In other examples, the instrument may be formed by a combination of three different substrates, and the intermediate substrate may be obtained from a combination of the 1530 and 1540 parts shown. Using four substrate parts can provide a convenient example for the manufacture of the device, and similar instruments may be built around both 1520 and 1550 liquid crystal layers, and processing differences can affect the alignment function of the liquid crystal device. It may be related to the part of the defining process. In yet another example, if the lens elements around a single liquid crystal layer as shown at 1400 in FIG. 14A are spherically symmetric or symmetric with respect to a 90 degree rotation, the two parts are assembled, The structure may have four substrate parts of the type shown in 1500, which is done by rotating two individual insert parts, each formed from the two substrate parts, 90 degrees relative to each other before assembly. Also good.

Ophthalmic Device Comprising Liquid Crystal Layers with Various Bond Strengths Referring to FIG. 16A, an exemplary depiction of an ophthalmic device including liquid crystal layers with various bond strengths can be seen. The ophthalmic insert may be comprised of a front curve component 1620 and a back curve component 1625 and a front curve electrode layer 1610 and a back curve electrode layer 1615 disposed thereon. In some exemplary embodiments, a pinned layer material may be added on the surface of the electrode layer, or in some cases on the dielectric layer overlying the electrode layer. The surface of the anchoring layer may be modified by various chemical or physical methods so that the surface interaction with the subsequently applied liquid crystal layer 1605 can be spatially different across the treated surface. In the illustrated method, scale and physical phenomena are not shown on the actual scale, but the bond strength may be shown at 1630, 1640, and 1650. If the bond strength at 1630 is enhanced (indicated by three bonds), the sticking effect of the liquid crystal molecules in its surface region can be transmitted to neighboring liquid crystal molecules throughout the layer. The bond strength of the surface region 1640 indicated by two sticky bonds may be less intense than the region 1630, but may be stronger than the surface area of 1650 (the bond strength is indicated by one sticky bond). . In the static and non-applied modes, the liquid crystals of the liquid crystal layer 1605 can be aligned in a preferred manner as shown in a rod-like view of liquid crystal molecules located generally parallel to the surface shape.

  In the presence of the electric field shown at 1690, the liquid crystal molecules can be subjected to forces to interact with the electric field and to align along the established electric field. As described above, the strength of the anchoring interaction is transmitted through the liquid crystal layer and can result in different shifts in the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules at different positions adjacent to the surface anchoring site. For example, in a strongly interacting region, at 1635 the liquid crystal molecules can be substantially unperturbed by the electric field 1690. In contrast, the weakest anchor region can be perfectly aligned with the electric field 1690 at 1655. Further, as shown at 1645, the orientation may exhibit an intermediate state alignment with the electric field 1690 in the intermediate bond strength region 1640.

  Thus, molecules with spatially uniform orientation, such as the molecule of FIG. 16A, can exhibit a locally variable orientation in the presence of an electric field as shown in FIG. 16B. Since liquid crystal molecules can exhibit different refractive indices for incident radiation based on their alignment compared to incident radiation, the ability to control locally changing orientation based on the processing of the pinned layer allows the electrodes 1615 and 1625 to Energizing to form the electric field 1690 results in a programmed optical effect that is achieved. The details of the change in the refractive index in the spatial sense can be smoothly changed based on the strength of the applied electric field. This can then be controlled by the value of the electric field potential or voltage applied across the electrode layer. Accordingly, an optical instrument that includes a liquid crystal layer applied to a pinned layer that is locally defined and changes in strength of the pinch interaction with the liquid crystal layer results in a spatial change in the applied state relative to the non-applied state. There may be a continuity of optical properties resulting in an instrument having the bistable characteristics of the refractive index feature, or alternatively by applying the electrodes to different electrode potentials or voltages.

Ophthalmic Device Comprising Liquid Crystal Layers with Various Sticking Directions (See FIG. 17A-B) Referring to FIGS. 17A-B, to illustrate the spatial variation in alignment of liquid crystal layers between electrode regions, a similar but another exemplary Embodiments can be seen. In FIG. 17A, an exemplary depiction of an ophthalmic device comprising a liquid crystal layer with various orientation directions can be seen. The ophthalmic insert may be comprised of a front curve component 1705 and a back curve component 1710 and a front curve electrode layer 1715 and a back curve electrode layer 1720 disposed thereon. In some exemplary embodiments, a layer of material is added that can align molecules in close proximity in the liquid crystal layer on the surface of the electrode layer, or in some cases on the dielectric layer overlying the electrode layer. May be. The alignment layer 1725 may be formed or processed after formation by various chemical or physical processing methods, whereby the layer has molecules that are variable over its surface but oriented in a programmed manner. Formed. Some of these orientations are oriented at 1735 near the alignment layer of 1730, whereas molecules near the alignment layer at 1740 may be completely perpendicular to the first orientation direction 1735, which may be shown at 1745. Liquid crystal molecules can be induced to align in such a first orientation.

  Although this description focuses on the orientation of molecules in the alignment layer on the first surface, in practice, in an ophthalmic insert having a forward curve and a back curve, the alignment layer is processed on each surface. obtain. In some exemplary processes, the spatially varying pattern on the front curve part may have a spatial pattern on the back curve part that is equally formed. In these cases, the orientation of the molecules in the liquid crystal layer may be shown to be uniform across the layer, but the orientation may vary in space along the surface component as shown in FIG. 17A. In other exemplary embodiments, a different spatial pattern may be seen in the alignment layer on the front curve part as compared to the spatial pattern formed on the alignment layer on the back curve part of the ophthalmic insert. . Such an embodiment provides additional control over the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules across the surface of the ophthalmic insertion instrument, as well as the orientation from the front optic to the back optic across the liquid crystal layer at a predetermined spatial location on the surface. Controls may be provided by the alignment changes made.

  Referring to FIG. 17B, a depiction of the effect of an applied electric field on the orientation of molecules in the liquid crystal layer is shown. At 1701, an electric field is established by applying a potential to two electrodes 1760 and 1765 disposed on the front curve component 1710 and the back curve insert component 1705, respectively. It will be appreciated that the orientation of the alignment layer molecules shown at 1770 and 1780 does not change with the application of the electric field 1701 in the exemplary depiction. Nevertheless, the interaction of the electric field with the liquid crystal molecules may exist so that the alignment layer interaction can be surpassed, so that the molecules in the liquid crystal layer align with the electric field as shown in items 1775 and 1785. It's okay. In the region very close to the alignment layer, there may be an orientation that is not as aligned as in the figure, but the effect that the liquid crystal molecules as a whole gather is the effect that is shown by the relatively uniform alignment of the molecules over the spatial position and the electric field. Note that the figure may represent a simplification of the actual situation because it can be assumed to be similar to.

  There may be many ways to form the alignment layer, illustratively shown at 1725, or more specifically, any alignment layer mentioned in the various embodiments herein. As an example, a dye material comprising molecules based on the chemical skeleton of azobenzene can be coated on the electrode layer or on a dielectric on the electrode layer, which itself can form a layer. Azobenzene-based chemical moieties can exist in trans and cis configurations. In many embodiments, the trans configuration is the more thermodynamically stable state of the two configurations, so that, for example, at a temperature around 30 ° C., most azobenzene layer molecules can be oriented in the trans state. . Due to the electronic structure of different molecular configurations, the two configurations can absorb light at different wavelengths. Therefore, in an illustrative sense, the trans form of the azobenzene molecule can be isomerized to the cis form by irradiation with light having a wavelength in the range of 300 to 400 nanometers. Although the cis form reverts to a relatively fast trans configuration, the two transformations can cause physical movement of the molecule as transformation occurs. In the presence of polarized light, the absorption of light will more or less depend on the polarization vector of the light used to illuminate it and the orientation of the trans-azobenzene molecule with respect to the angle of incidence. Due to the effect produced by irradiation with a specific polarization and angle of incidence, azobenzene molecules can be oriented with respect to the incident polarization axis and plane of incidence. Therefore, a layer in which the alignment of the azobenzene molecules is spatially changed can be formed by irradiating the alignment layer of azobenzene molecules to an appropriate predetermined wavelength and spatially changing the polarization and the incident angle. In the static sense, azobenzene molecules also interact with liquid crystal molecules in their environment, creating a different alignment of the liquid crystal molecules depicted in FIG. 17A.

  Azobenzene materials may also provide other opportunities to adjust the anchoring direction with the opportunity to obtain in-plane and out-of-plane orientations in the trans and cis states schematically illustrated in FIGS. These materials are sometimes referred to as command layers. Adjustment of the liquid crystal alignment in such a material may be obtained by spatially adjusting the intensity of actinic light. Referring to FIG. 17C, the 1742 azobenzene molecule is oriented in the trans configuration while being anchored to the surface. In this configuration, the liquid crystal molecules can be aligned as shown at 1741. In another cis configuration, azobenzene molecules 1743 can affect liquid crystal molecules to align as shown at 1740. Referring to FIG. 17E, it is illustrated that combinations of liquid crystal alignments can be consistent with the inventive concepts herein.

  Other alignment layers can be formed in different ways, such as using polarized incident radiation that controls the spatial alignment of the polymerization layer in the preferred orientation of the polymerization induced by locally polarized incident light.

  Referring to FIG. 17F, a diagram of a gradient index optical element is shown. The exemplary embodiment of the anchoring principle shown with respect to FIGS. 16A and B and the alignment layer shown with respect to FIGS. 17A, B, and C can be used to produce a parabolic change in refractive index at radial distance. 1796 shows a relation of A mathematically representing the parabolic change of the refractive index n (r) with respect to the radial distance r. A graphical representation of the phenomenon relating to the object of the flattening lens can be seen at 1790, where the refractive index of 1791 can be a relatively high refractive index that can be represented by black density in the figure. As the index of refraction changes in the radial direction as shown at 1792, the index of refraction can be lower and in addition the black density is shown to decrease. The optical element may be formed using a parabolic change in refractive index at radial distance, and the effect on the light may shift in the phase of the incident radiation, resulting in a focused light as shown at 1793. A mathematical estimate of the focal characteristics of such a gradient index optical element may be shown at 1795.

Ophthalmic device comprising a cycloid waveplate lens A special type of polarization hologram, that is, a cycloid diffraction waveplate (CDW), provides substantially 100 percent diffraction efficiency and may be a broadband spectrum. The structure of the cycloid diffraction waveplate is schematically illustrated in FIG. 18 and includes an anisotropic material film 1810 where the optic axis orientation is film as illustrated by the pattern 1820 in the film 1810. Continuously rotating in the plane. Typical optical results with such waveplates are seen for 1830 and 1840. In the execution of the half-wave phase retardation conditions typically satisfied in a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) film about 1 micrometer (0.001 mm) thick, an efficiency of almost 100 percent is achieved at visible wavelengths. Referring to FIG. 18A, an enlarged view of an orientation program that can occur in a cycloid waveplate design can be seen at 1890. In a given axial direction (eg, 1885), the pattern changes from an orientation 1860 parallel to the axial direction to an orientation 1870 that is perpendicular to the axial direction, and back again at 1880 to an orientation parallel to the axial direction. obtain.

  Such an unusual situation in an optical element where a thin grating exhibits high efficiency is considered on a birefringent film in the x, y plane, usually taking a linearly polarized beam of wavelength λ incident along the z axis. Can be understood. When the thickness of the film L and its optical anisotropy Δn are selected to be LΔn = λ / 2, and its optical axis is oriented at 45 ° (angle α) with respect to the polarization direction of the input beam, the output The polarization of the beam is rotated to 90 ° (angle β). This is the mechanism of the half-wave wave plate function. The polarization rotation angle (β = 2α) at the output of such a wave plate depends on the orientation of the optical axis d = (dx, dy) = (cos α, sin α). The low molecular weight and high molecular weight liquid crystal material allows continuous rotation d in the plane of the waveplate at high spatial frequencies (α = qx), where the spatial modulation period Λ = 2π / q is visible light Can be comparable to the wavelength of. The polarization of light at the output of such a waveplate is consequently modulated in space (β = 2qx), and the electric field in the rotating polarization pattern at the output of this waveplate is <E> = 0 on average, There is no transmission of light in the direction of the incident beam. The polarization pattern obtained in this way corresponds to the overlap of two circularly polarized beams propagating at an angle ± λ / Λ. For circularly polarized input beams, there is only one diffraction order (+ 1st or -1st) depending on whether the beam is right-handed or left-handed.

  A special type of cycloid diffraction waveplate is shown in FIG. 19A. In such an exemplary embodiment, the cycloid diffraction waveplate pattern referenced in FIG. 18 may be further improved in the form factor of the ophthalmic lens insertion device. In the figure, the shape is depicted in a flat manner, but a similar orientation program shape can occur over a three-dimensional surface such as a lens insert. In 1910, the cycloid diffraction waveplate pattern may be spirally rotated into a radiation pattern that may be located on a plane or a folded surface, such as a portion defining a spherical surface, and the rotation angle of the liquid crystal or liquid crystal polymer molecule is Can be adjusted with a parabolic function from the center of the waveplate. Such a structure has the advantage that a different or higher lens strength (measured as focal length or in diopters) can be obtained in films of the same or thinner thickness compared to other liquid crystal lenses. It functions like a lens with In some exemplary embodiments, the film thickness may be only 1-5 μm. Another advantage of the lens may be the possibility of switching between positive and negative values in adjusting the focusing force by switching the polarization of the incident light in the instrument. In some exemplary embodiments, the use of a liquid crystal phase retardation plate can be used to facilitate polarization switching. Decoupling of the lens action and the switching action can provide flexibility in the electrical characteristics of the system, such as capacity and power consumption, as non-limiting examples. For example, even if the lens itself is selected to be thin, the thickness of the liquid crystal phase retarder can be selected to minimize power consumption.

  A cycloid diffractive lens pattern formed in the air gap between the front and rear inserts may form an electrically active embedded variable optical insert. As shown in FIG. 19B, an electric field 1990 can be established across the cycloid-aligned liquid crystal layer by applying a potential to the electrodes in the front and rear inserts. When the liquid crystal portion aligns with the electric field, as shown at 1920, the resulting alignment can result in a liquid crystal layer that is a spatially uniform film that does not have the special properties of a diffractive waveplate lens. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a 1910 pattern with light output cannot cause a concentrating effect upon application of an electric field as shown at 1920.

  For the cycloid waveplate type embodiment, an enlarged view of the alignment of liquid crystal molecules can be seen with respect to item 2000 of FIG. A quarter of the pattern is shown, and an alignment shift of molecular alignment is observed radially outward from the center 2010 of the lens, eg, to 2020. It will be appreciated that the orientation can be similar to the radial rotation of the programming pattern shown in relation to FIG. 18, for example.

  The production of liquid crystals and liquid crystal polymer diffraction waveplates can be a multi-step process. The technique of replicating a cycloid diffraction wave plate from an original wave plate can be adapted to high quality and large area large scale manufacturing. This can be compared to other embodiments with holographic devices that can add complexity, cost and stability issues. This replication technique may utilize a rotational polarization pattern obtained from a linear or circularly polarized input beam at the output of the original cycloid diffraction waveplate. The duration of the replica waveplate can be twice that when using a linearly polarized input beam. Compared to direct recording in photoanisotropic materials, liquid crystal polymer technology based on photoalignment may have advantages based on, for example, liquid crystal polymers commercially available from Merck. A typical liquid crystalline polymer of reactive mesogens that can be referred to by the name of the supplier (Merck), such as RMS-001C, is spin-coated (typically 60 seconds at 3000 rpm) on the photo-alignment layer, and UV is applied for about 10 minutes. It can be polymerized. Multilayers can be coated in a broadband diffraction or peak diffraction wavelength adjustment.

Ophthalmic Device Comprising a Molded Dielectric Layer Having a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Layer Referring to FIG. 21, an exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic device comprising a molded dielectric layer can be seen. The exemplary embodiment shares many aspects described in connection with the exemplary embodiment with respect to FIG. At 2140, a shaped dielectric layer corresponding to 1040 similar features is seen. In the exemplary embodiment with respect to FIG. 21, the dielectric layer 2140 may be formed by controlled polymerization of the monomer portion used to form the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer. In some exemplary embodiments, layer 2140 may include a large amount of liquid crystal molecules encapsulated during the polymerization process. If the surface on which layer 2140 is formed has an alignment layer, such as 2170, the liquid crystal molecules may be aligned in the pattern of the alignment layer, and in some exemplary embodiments may be aligned while polymerized layer 2140 is formed. .

  Treatment of the monomer containing liquid crystal molecules can be subsequently polymerized under conditions such that a polymer dispersed cavity such as 2130 containing liquid crystal molecules can be formed. A polymer layer containing liquid molecules may be formed in other regions of the subsequently polymerized 2120 layer. In some exemplary embodiments, there may be 2165 alignment layers that can also align liquid crystal molecules during the polymerization process.

  The diagram of FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which there is a front substrate 2110 and a back substrate 2150, between which electrode layers 2160 and 2175 and alignment layers 2170 and 2165 may be located. The alignment layer may be formed and patterned in the manner described above or may be performed, for example, by an industry standard rubbing process. The depiction in FIG. 21 represents various layers oriented flat. This depiction is for illustrative purposes only, and curved visual components such as those placed on ophthalmic instruments such as contact lenses may have matching structural regularities, even though they are not shaped as shown. is there. In some exemplary embodiments where the cavity formation 2130 is nanoscale, an alignment layer may not be required in the structure. In the above features, preferably the molecules may be randomly oriented within the cavity layer.

  Furthermore, as described above with respect to the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer formed in the ophthalmic insertion device, when an electric field is generated through the liquid crystal layer by applying a potential across the electrode layer, the liquid crystal layer present in the cavity is aligned with the electric field. The refractive index imparted to the light traversing the ophthalmic device can shift. The molded dielectric 2140 can generate a local electric field through any portion of the liquid crystal layer to vary with the outer shape of the molded dielectric. In some exemplary embodiments, the shaped dielectric layer may be formed from a material having similar optical dielectric properties but different electrical dielectric properties compared to the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer.

  Referring to FIGS. 21A and 21B, individual droplets 2131 of liquid crystal are illustrated to demonstrate various alignment modes that may be possible. In some exemplary embodiments, particularly when the droplets are nanoscale sized, the unapplied orientation of FIG. 21A may comprise droplets in which the liquid crystal molecules exhibit a random alignment pattern as shown. In other exemplary embodiments, the use of an alignment layer may result in a structure with no applied orientation in which molecules can be aligned parallel to the surface, for example as shown at 2132 in FIG. 21B. In any of these cases, when an electric field 2190 is applied, the liquid crystal molecules can align with the electric field, as shown at 2133 in FIG. 21C.

Ophthalmic device comprising a liquid crystal layer having dispersed therein polymers having liquid crystal droplets of various densities in the polymer layer Referring to FIG. 22, another exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic device comprising a liquid crystal layer is seen. . In an exemplary embodiment sharing similarities with the exemplary embodiment with respect to FIG. 13A, the liquid crystal layer may be formed for optical effects, and the density of the liquid crystal droplets in the polymer layer is transverse across the radial layer. To change. As shown in FIG. 22, item 2210 and item 2260 may represent a front insertion part and a rear insertion part, respectively. In these, the component may be a layer or combination of layers represented by 2250 and 2220. Layers 2250 and 2220 may represent electrode layers that may also include dielectric layers and / or alignment layers thereon. Between these layers there may be a layer 2240 containing liquid crystal molecules. Layer 2240 may be processed in such a way that droplets primarily comprising liquid crystal molecules such as 2230 can interrupt regions of the polymerized material. The depiction in FIG. 22 represents various layers oriented flat. This depiction is for illustrative purposes only, and curved visual components such as those placed on ophthalmic instruments such as contact lenses may have matching structural regularities, even though they are not shaped as shown. is there. In some exemplary embodiments where the droplet formation 2230 is nanoscale, an alignment layer may not be required in the structure. In the above features, preferably the molecules may be randomly oriented within the cavity layer.

  By controlling the polymerization process, spatial control in a particular location of the layer 2240 containing liquid crystal in such a way that the density or amount of liquid crystal material from the front curve insert to the back curve region may differ from another location. It can be performed. These changes in the amount of liquid crystal material across the lens surface can be useful for programming the aggregate reflectance at which light traversing the ophthalmic instrument can be seen in a particular area. Optical effects such as spherical focusing, and optical effects at higher dimensions may be generated. As in the previous embodiment, the establishment of an electric field across layer 2240 may change the alignment of the liquid crystal portion, thereby establishing different optical effects of the ophthalmic device in an electric field responsive manner.

  Referring to FIGS. 22A and 22B, individual droplets 2231 of liquid crystal are illustrated to demonstrate various alignment modes that may be possible. In some exemplary embodiments, particularly when the droplets are nanoscale sized, the unapplied orientation of FIG. 22A may include droplets in which the liquid crystal molecules exhibit a random alignment pattern as shown. In other exemplary embodiments, the use of an alignment layer may result in a structure with no applied orientation in which molecules can be aligned parallel to the surface, for example as shown at 2232 in FIG. 22B. In any of these cases, when an electric field 2290 is applied, the liquid crystal molecules can be aligned with the electric field as shown at 2233 in FIG. 22C.

Bifocal Ophthalmic Device Containing Single Polarization Sensitive Liquid Crystal Layer Having Active and Passive Aspects Referring to FIG. 23, various exemplary embodiments described with respect to a bifocal ophthalmic device comprising a single polarization sensitive liquid crystal layer are described. There are certain instruments that use some. An ophthalmic lens of the type described in FIG. 4 can be provided with an insert 2330 that includes a liquid crystal layer. The various types of layers described can be aligned by the alignment layer and are therefore sensitive to specific polarization states. The instrument has a focusing function and has a single aligned liquid crystal layer, or alternatively a two-layer instrument, where one of the liquid crystal layers is aligned perpendicular to the other liquid crystal layer If one of the liquid crystal layers is applied at a different level than the other, the light 2310 incident on the ophthalmic lens 400 can be split into two different focus characteristics in each polarization direction. As shown, one polarization component 2351 can focus the optical path 2350 to the focal point 2352 and the other polarization component 2341 can focus the optical path 2340 to the focal point 2342.

  In the state of the art of ophthalmic devices, there are two types of bifocal devices that allow a user's eyes to simultaneously view multiple focused images. The human brain has the ability to sort two images and see different images. The 2300 instrument may have an improved ability to provide such bifocal capability. Rather than blocking the entire image area and focusing on different areas, a liquid crystal layer of the type shown in 2300 may split light 2320 into two polarization components 2351 and 2341 across the visible window. As long as the ambient light 2320 is not polarization dependent, the image will appear as if it had only one of the focus properties. In other exemplary embodiments, such an ophthalmic lens device may be combined with a light source that is projected at a defined polarization in different effects that display information at a polarization that is selected to yield an enlarged image. . Liquid crystal displays can inherently provide such ambient conditions because the light resulting from such displays can have defined polarization characteristics. There can be many exemplary embodiments resulting from the ability to utilize an instrument having multiple focus characteristics.

  In other exemplary embodiments, the ability to actively control the focus of the instrument may allow the instrument to have a range of two focus conditions. A stationary or unapplied state may include bifocal polarization where one polarization is unfocused and the other polarization is focused at medium distances. In addition, if the lens is bistable, the activated mid-range element may focus on a close image or, in other embodiments, a range of focal lengths. The bifocal property allows the user to recognize the distance environment at the same time as the focus image, no matter how close the focus image is, which can have various types of advantages. Of the liquid crystal embodiments in which the liquid crystal layer may be aligned along the polarization scale, any of the embodiments that may be useful in forming this type of bifocal design may be included.

  Throughout this text, references have been made to the elements illustrated in the figures. Many elements are depicted for reference to depict exemplary embodiments of the art for purposes of understanding. The relative scale of the actual feature may be clearly different from what is depicted, and differences from the depicted relative scale should be envisaged for purposes of this specification. For example, the liquid crystal molecules may be on an extremely small scale to depict relative to the scale of the insert. In order to allow the reproduction of factors such as molecular alignment, the depiction of features representing liquid crystal molecules on a similar scale for the inserts therefore assumes a very different relative scale in the actual embodiment. An example of such a descriptive scale to obtain.

  While what has been illustrated and described is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, variations from the specific design and method described and illustrated are obvious to those skilled in the art, and the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be apparent that it can be used without departing from the above. The present invention is not limited to the specific configurations described and illustrated, but should be configured to be consistent with all modifications that may be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Embodiment
(1) An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
An energized ophthalmic lens device comprising the variable optical insert and a liquid crystal material layer operatively associated therewith.
(2) The ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied according to embodiment 1, wherein the ophthalmic lens device includes a contact lens.
(3) a first electrode material layer proximate to the rear surface of the front curve part;
The energy-applied ophthalmic lens device according to embodiment 2, further comprising a second electrode material layer proximate to the front surface of the back curve component.
(4) It further includes a first dielectric material layer adjacent to the liquid crystal material layer, and when a potential is applied across the first electrode material layer and the second electrode material layer, the first dielectric material layer Embodiment 4. The energized ophthalmic lens device according to embodiment 3, wherein the thickness varies across the region in the zone, resulting in an electric field that varies across the liquid crystal material layer.
(5) When a potential is applied across the first electrode material layer and the second electrode material layer, the liquid crystal material layer affects a light beam that traverses the liquid crystal material layer, and its refractive index changes. 4. An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied according to embodiment 3.

(6) The energy-applied ophthalmic lens device according to embodiment 5, wherein the variable optical insert changes the focal characteristics of the lens.
(7) The energized ophthalmic lens device according to embodiment 6, further comprising a processor.
(8) An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component, an intermediate curve component, and an insert back curve component, wherein at least the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the rear surface of the front curved part and the front surface of the intermediate curved part have different surface topologies, the variable optical insert further comprising a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
An energized ophthalmic lens device comprising at least first and second liquid crystal material layers operatively associated with the variable optical insert.
(9) The energy-applied ophthalmic lens apparatus according to embodiment 8, wherein the ophthalmic lens apparatus includes a contact lens.
(10) a first electrode material layer proximate to the rear surface of the front curve part;
A second electrode material layer proximate to the front surface of the intermediate curved component;
The energy-applied ophthalmic lens device according to embodiment 9, wherein the first liquid crystal material layer is between the first electrode material layer and the second electrode material layer.

(11) Further including a first dielectric material layer proximate to the first liquid crystal material layer, and when a potential is applied across the first electrode material layer and the second electrode material layer, the first dielectric material layer is Embodiment 11. The energized ophthalmic lens device according to embodiment 10, wherein the thickness varies across the region in the optical zone, resulting in an electric field that varies across the liquid crystal material layer.
(12) When a potential is applied across the first electrode material layer and the second electrode material layer, the first liquid crystal material layer affects a light beam that traverses the first liquid crystal material layer. Embodiment 11. The energized ophthalmic lens device according to embodiment 10, wherein is changed.
The energy-applied ophthalmic lens device according to embodiment 10, wherein the variable optical insert changes the focal characteristics of the lens.
(14) The energized ophthalmic lens device according to embodiment 8, wherein the intermediate curved part is a combination of two curved parts joined together.
15. The energy applied eye of embodiment 10, further comprising an electrical circuit, wherein the electrical circuit controls a flow of electrical energy from the energy source to the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. Lens fixture.

16. The energized ophthalmic lens device of embodiment 15, wherein the electrical circuit includes a processor.
(17) The first liquid crystal layer is present between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer in the vicinity thereof, and the first and second alignment layers are formed of the first electrode material layer and the first alignment layer. The energy-applied eye according to embodiment 16, wherein the eye is applied between two electrode material layers, wherein the first electrode material layer and the second electrode material layer are in electrical communication with the electrical circuit. Lens fixture.
(18) A third alignment layer and a fourth alignment layer,
A third alignment layer and a fourth alignment layer, wherein the second liquid crystal layer is present between and in proximity to the third alignment layer and the fourth alignment layer;
A third electrode material layer and a fourth electrode material layer,
The second liquid crystal layer, the third alignment layer, and the fourth alignment layer are collectively present between the third electrode material layers, and the third electrode material layer and the fourth electrode material layer are 18. The energized ophthalmic lens device according to embodiment 17, further comprising a third electrode material layer and a fourth electrode material layer in electrical communication with the electrical circuit.
(19) The first alignment layer and the second alignment layer align the first liquid crystal layer mainly along a first linear axis, and the third alignment layer and the fourth alignment layer mainly include the first alignment layer. 19. The energized ophthalmic lens device according to embodiment 18, wherein the second liquid crystal layer is aligned along two linear axes.
(20) The energized ophthalmic lens device according to embodiment 19, wherein the first linear axis is substantially perpendicular to the second linear axis.

(21) An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
An energized ophthalmic lens device comprising: a liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, wherein the liquid crystal material comprises a nano-sized polymer dispersed liquid crystal region.
(22) An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
An energized ophthalmic lens device comprising: a liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, wherein the liquid crystal material includes a polymer dispersed liquid crystal region.
(23) An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
An energized ophthalmic lens device comprising: a liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, wherein the liquid crystal material includes a layer having various bond strengths.
(24) An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
The variable optical insert includes a liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, the liquid crystal material is oriented by an organized alignment layer, and a predetermined pattern of polarization controls the texture of the alignment layer An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied.
(25) An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
A liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, wherein the liquid crystal material is aligned by an organized alignment layer and the gradient indexed orienations interact with incident light. An energized ophthalmic lens device comprising: a liquid crystal material layer that aligns the liquid crystal material and provides a parabolic phase delay to radius relationship.

(26) An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
A liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, wherein the liquid crystal material comprises a cycloidal wave plate patterned liquid crystal layers, Applied ophthalmic lens device.
(27) An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
A liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, wherein the liquid crystal material includes a molded dielectric layer having a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer, and an energized ophthalmic lens Instruments.
(28) An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
A liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, the layer comprising a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer, and having a varying density of liquid crystal-containing cavities within the polymer layer. An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied.
(29) An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
A liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, the layer comprising a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer, and having a varying density of liquid crystal-containing cavities within the polymer layer. An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied.
(30) An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
A single aligned liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, the single aligned liquid crystal material layer interacting strongly with a first polarization direction of incident light, and a second polarization direction of incident light; Does not interact, the first polarization direction of the incident light is orthogonal to the second polarization direction of the incident light, and the differential interaction between the single layer and the first polarization direction of the incident light. A single aligned liquid crystal material layer that forms a first focal characteristic that is different from a second focal characteristic determined by the interaction of the single layer and the second polarization direction of the incident light. Applied ophthalmic lens device.

(31) A method of forming an ophthalmic device,
Forming an ophthalmic insert, wherein the insert has a non-planar shape;
Coating the surface region of the ophthalmic insert with an alignment material;
Orienting the molecules of the alignment material by irradiating electromagnetic radiation to the molecules.
32. The method of embodiment 31, wherein the alignment material comprises one or more azobenzene compounds.
(33) A method according to embodiment 31, wherein the orientation is performed by controlling polarization of the irradiation light.
34. The method of embodiment 32, wherein the one or more azobenzene compounds are oriented in either a cis or trans configuration.

Claims (34)

An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
An energized ophthalmic lens device comprising the variable optical insert and a liquid crystal material layer operatively associated therewith.   The energized ophthalmic lens apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ophthalmic lens apparatus comprises a contact lens. A first electrode material layer proximate to the rear surface of the front curve part;
The energized ophthalmic lens device according to claim 2, further comprising a second electrode material layer proximate to the front surface of the back curve component.   A first dielectric material layer proximate to the liquid crystal material layer, and when a potential is applied across the first electrode material layer and the second electrode material layer, the first dielectric material layer is in the optical zone; The energized ophthalmic lens device according to claim 3, wherein the thickness varies over a region resulting in an electric field that varies over the liquid crystal material layer.   4. When a potential is applied across the first electrode material layer and the second electrode material layer, the liquid crystal material layer changes its refractive index that affects light rays that traverse the liquid crystal material layer. 4. An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied.   The energized ophthalmic lens apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the variable optical insert changes a focal characteristic of the lens.   The energized ophthalmic lens device according to claim 6, further comprising a processor. An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component, an intermediate curve component, and an insert back curve component, wherein at least the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the rear surface of the front curved part and the front surface of the intermediate curved part have different surface topologies, the variable optical insert further comprising a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
An energized ophthalmic lens device comprising at least first and second liquid crystal material layers operatively associated with the variable optical insert.   The energized ophthalmic lens apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the ophthalmic lens apparatus comprises a contact lens. A first electrode material layer proximate to the rear surface of the forward curved component;
A second electrode material layer proximate to the front surface of the intermediate curved component;
The energized ophthalmic lens device according to claim 9, wherein the first liquid crystal material layer is between the first electrode material layer and the second electrode material layer.   A first dielectric material layer proximate to the first liquid crystal material layer, and when a potential is applied across the first electrode material layer and the second electrode material layer, the first dielectric material layer The energized ophthalmic lens device according to claim 10, wherein the thickness varies across the region, resulting in an electric field that varies across the liquid crystal material layer.   When a potential is applied across the first electrode material layer and the second electrode material layer, the first liquid crystal material layer affects a light beam traversing the first liquid crystal material layer, and its refractive index changes. The ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied according to claim 10.   The energized ophthalmic lens apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the variable optical insert changes a focal characteristic of the lens.   The energized ophthalmic lens device according to claim 8, wherein the intermediate curved component is a combination of two curved components joined together.   The energized ophthalmic lens device according to claim 10, further comprising an electrical circuit, wherein the electrical circuit controls a flow of electrical energy from the energy source to the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. .   The energized ophthalmic lens device according to claim 15, wherein the electrical circuit includes a processor.   The first liquid crystal layer is present between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer in the vicinity thereof, and the first and second alignment layers are the first electrode material layer and the second electrode material. 17. The energized ophthalmic lens device according to claim 16, wherein the energy-applied ophthalmic lens device according to claim 16 is present between the layers and the first electrode material layer and the second electrode material layer are in electrical communication with the electrical circuit. . A third alignment layer and a fourth alignment layer,
A third alignment layer and a fourth alignment layer, wherein the second liquid crystal layer is present between and in proximity to the third alignment layer and the fourth alignment layer;
A third electrode material layer and a fourth electrode material layer,
The second liquid crystal layer, the third alignment layer, and the fourth alignment layer are collectively present between the third electrode material layers, and the third electrode material layer and the fourth electrode material layer are The energized ophthalmic lens device according to claim 17, further comprising a third electrode material layer and a fourth electrode material layer in electrical communication with the electrical circuit.   The first alignment layer and the second alignment layer align the first liquid crystal layer mainly along a first linear axis, and the third alignment layer and the fourth alignment layer mainly include a second linear axis. The energized ophthalmic lens device according to claim 18, wherein the second liquid crystal layer is aligned along the line.   20. The energized ophthalmic lens device according to claim 19, wherein the first linear axis is substantially perpendicular to the second linear axis. An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
An energized ophthalmic lens device comprising: a liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, wherein the liquid crystal material comprises a nano-sized polymer dispersed liquid crystal region. An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
An energized ophthalmic lens device comprising: a liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, wherein the liquid crystal material includes a polymer dispersed liquid crystal region. An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
An energized ophthalmic lens device comprising: a liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, wherein the liquid crystal material includes a layer having various bond strengths. An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
The variable optical insert includes a liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, the liquid crystal material is oriented by an organized alignment layer, and a predetermined pattern of polarization controls the texture of the alignment layer An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied. An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
A liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, wherein the liquid crystal material is aligned by an organized alignment layer and aligns the liquid crystal material in a gradient index alignment that interacts with incident light. An energized ophthalmic lens device comprising: a liquid crystal material layer that provides a parabolic phase retardation relationship to radius. An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
An energized ophthalmic lens device comprising: a liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, wherein the liquid crystal material comprises a cycloid waveplate patterned liquid crystal layer. An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
A liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, wherein the liquid crystal material includes a molded dielectric layer having a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer, and an energized ophthalmic lens Instruments. An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
A liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, the layer comprising a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer, and having a varying density of liquid crystal-containing cavities within the polymer layer. An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied. An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
A liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, the layer comprising a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer, and having a varying density of liquid crystal-containing cavities within the polymer layer. An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied. An ophthalmic lens device to which energy is applied,
A variable optical insert comprising at least a portion within an optical zone and including an insertion forward curve component and an insertion back curve component, wherein the posterior surface of the front curve component at least in the portion within the optical zone A variable optical insert, wherein the front surface of the back curve part has a different surface topology, and the variable optical insert further comprises a non-optical zone;
An energy source embedded in the variable optical insert in a region including at least the non-optical zone;
A single aligned liquid crystal material layer operatively associated with the variable optical insert, the single aligned liquid crystal material layer interacting strongly with a first polarization direction of incident light, and a second polarization direction of incident light; Does not interact, the first polarization direction of the incident light is orthogonal to the second polarization direction of the incident light, and the differential interaction between the single layer and the first polarization direction of the incident light is An energy-applied eye comprising: a single aligned liquid crystal material layer that forms a first focus characteristic different from a second focus characteristic determined by the interaction of the single layer with the second polarization direction of the incident light Lens fixture. A method of forming an ophthalmic device comprising:
Forming an ophthalmic insert, wherein the insert has a non-planar shape;
Coating the surface region of the ophthalmic insert with an alignment material;
Orienting the molecules of the alignment material by irradiating electromagnetic radiation to the molecules.   32. The method of claim 31, wherein the alignment material comprises one or more azobenzene compounds.   32. The method of claim 31, wherein the orientation is performed by controlling the polarization of the illumination light.   35. The method of claim 32, wherein the one or more azobenzene compounds are oriented in either a cis or trans configuration.

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