TW550403B - Contact lens having a uniform horizontal thickness profile - Google Patents

Abstract

A contact lens having a rotational stabilization mechanism thereon, such as prism ballast, and a thickness profile that reduces the torque imparted on the lens by the action of the eyelids, especially for stabilizing toric lenses. The prism ballast is provided on one or more portions of the anterior face of the lens such that the lens body has a uniform thickness of within 10% along horizontal cross-sections. The anterior face of the lens may be segregated into a peripheral zone, an inner zone circumscribed by the peripheral zone, and a central optic zone. The prism ballast portion is provided within the inner zone, which may be further subdivided into a superior portion, an intermediate portion proximate the optic zone, and an inferior portion. The ballast portion increases in thickness along a superior-inferior line parallel to a vertical meridian, and has a substantially uniform thickness perpendicular thereto. The peripheral zone may be tapered, and have a rounded edge. The rate of thickness change across any portion of the peripheral zone is less than about 250 mum/mm.

Description

550403 Amendment No. 90107707 V. Description of the invention (1) Description of the invention The application for this case is US Provisional Application No. 6 0/1 9 3, 4 9 3, 3 5 U.S. C. § Priority rights under 1 1 9 (e). BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to contact lenses, and more particularly to an improved setting, preferably a prism setting, for a toric lens with a low torque rotation correction applied to the lens. Astigmatism is a defect in the eye that is corrected by a lens with aspherical optics. Often the order for a patient's optician is a cylindrical optic, resulting in at least a portion of the lens surface having a toric segmented shape. A toric surface is a surface or object defined by the rotation of a circle about an axis other than itself. For example, a donut has a toric shape. The toric portion of the lens is a small elliptical section of a toric surface with a long axis and a short axis. Due to this non-axis symmetric configuration, it is necessary to maintain the proper rotation orientation of the lens. Please be aware that other lenses, such as those that provide bifocal or multifocal correction, are non-axially symmetric and therefore have a specific orientation, which adversely affects their performance. Astigmatism is often associated with other refractive errors, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, and thus toric contact lenses often provide several negative or positive spherical corrections. Although the concave or rear surface of a contact lens usually has a spherical configuration in which the lens is used to correct astigmatism, the rear surface will usually have a toric configuration. That is, the curved portion of the rear surface of the lens has a long axis and a short axis. The curvature radius of the rear surface of the lens is larger in the long axis direction than in the short axis direction. The main diameter of the toric surface is usually smaller than the diameter of the overall lens, and it is cut into a starting spherical base curve. In addition, the front and / or rear surfaces of the optical zone

0 \ 70 \ 70319-910823.ptc Page 6 550403 _Case No. 90107707_ ^ βyear, day, correction_ V. Description of the invention (2) It may include a spherical part that helps distance correction. Spherical correction in general · Provides the outer or front surface. Of course, some optics provide toric curves on the front surface, and spherical correction on the front surface, or on the rear surface. Although the spectacle lens is rigidly held in position by a frame, the toric contact lens must be stabilized so that the cylindrical correction is stabilized at the actual correction position of the eye. Soft contact lenses designed to correct astigmatism are well known in the art. Generally, these lenses rely on some type of setting or stabilization method to cause the lenses to be properly oriented in the eye. Generally, the structure is incorporated into the front or back surface, whereby the setting is provided in the contact lens, or it is extended between the two surfaces. These orientation structures make use of the eyelid force generated in the blink of an eye. When the eyelid wipes over the contact lens, it will squeeze the lens · sheet down and against the cornea, and displace the elevated surface features. A so-called "π wedge" or setting can be used, in which the lower or lower part of the lens is relatively thicker than the upper or upper part. Therefore, the lower eyelid undergoes a larger movement and therefore a larger amount is applied to the contact lens Affecting the upper eyelid will cause the lower part of the contact lens to shift downward, inherently causing the contact lens to rotate to the intended orientation in the cornea. Otherwise, the lens may be incorporated into a so-called "peripheral setting" stabilization, which involves A setting part that surrounds but does not include the central optical lens. For examples of setting things, see US Patent Nos. 4,5 7 3,7 74, 5, 1 25, 7 2 8 and 5, 0 2 0 No. 8 9 8 and PC D Bulletin WO 9 8/4 5 74 9. Another orientation structure for contact lenses includes providing a thin upper and lower area relative to a thicker * central peripheral area. These structures It is shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,095,878 and 5,650,837. Otherwise, as seen in PCT Publication AU 9 2/0 2 9 0, grooves or ridges may be provided in contact lenses.

()-\ 70 \ 70319-910823 ptc page 7 550403 case number 90107707 θ year and month] "Amendment V. Description of invention (3) US patent 5,0 2 0, 8 9 8 describes a toric contact lens There are 1 fixed objects distributed outside the front optical area, so the fixed objects are thickened from the top of the lens to two points of the maximum thickness, close to the lower periphery.

U.S. Patent No. 5,1 2,5,7 2 8 also describes a setting object portion, which increases from the upper portion of a mirror on each side to a maximum thickness at the lower periphery. The maximum thickness of the setting is located as close to the edge of the lens as possible, so these parts fit the peripheral cornea and conjunctiva to limit lens rotation. In the vertical middle section of the mirror, above and below the central optical zone, a setter-free corridor with minimal resistance is provided. The patent asserts that the non-setting corridor, combined with thicker settings and thicker parts near the periphery of the lens, provides an improved stabilization mechanism. Finally, PCTL Bulletin WO 9 8/45 7 49 describes a setting object lens with a prism passing through the optical zone. The diameters of the front and rear optical zones are selected such that when combined to form a lens, the thickness of the joints above and below the optical zone is controlled at the front.

In addition to the relative ability of a lens to be uniformly oriented in the cornea, other factors affect the performance of various stable structures. For example, for one or more of the following, some structures are better than others; reducing the overall thickness over toric contact lenses, providing physiological benefits to the wearer, ease of manufacture, reducing inventory of lens parameters, and clinical performance, including The wearer's comfort and consistency of refraction. Generally, in terms of wearer comfort, the thinner the lens and the smoother the surface, the more comfortable it will be. In addition, it is known to provide a perimeter in the lens, which is relatively thin and is shaped for added comfort. The main limitation of the existing toric contact lens design is that, for a given design, the orientation of individual toric lens wearers is highly variable and

\ 7 () \ 703! ()-()! 082J.ptc Page 8 550403 Amendment No. 90107707 V. Description of the invention (4) / or uncomfortable. In addition to lens design and lens materials, patient factors influence the orientation of toric contact lenses in the eye and contribute to this variability in lens orientation. Patient factors such as blinking characteristics, and eye parameters such as eyelid, cornea, and conjunctival shape and anatomical tissue may lead to unwanted interactions (such as asymmetry) or insufficient interaction with contact lenses. However, many of the problems associated with prior art institutions can be attributed to the failure of stabilization mechanisms, maximizing eyelid interactions, and reducing the variability of lens orientation among individuals. Despite many efforts in this area, there is still a need for a toric contact lens, which has more consistent and stable characteristics among individuals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a contact lens is provided having an improved thickness and setting configuration. The contact lenses of the present invention reduce the known variability of individual-to-personal lens orientation. Furthermore, the lens of the present invention provides a more effective interaction between the stabilizing mechanism and the eyelid during blinking, and preferably includes a peripheral area required for wearer comfort.

Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention provides a contact lens including a contact lens body having a substantially spherical base curvature, a convex front surface, a concave rear surface, and a peripheral edge therebetween. The perimeter near the front defines a perimeter border. The body has a thickness between the front and the back, and is non-symmetrical to define an upper edge and a lower edge. Further, a vertical meridian is defined from the upper edge to the lower edge, and a horizontal meridian is defined perpendicularly thereto. The foregoing has defined a number of zones, including an inner zone bounded by a peripheral zone, and an optical zone defined approximately in the middle of the inner zone. In addition, the lens includes a set of fixed objects, so that it is parallel to the vertical meridian, from above

7 () \ 7 (ί31 (Μ 川) 823 ptc page 9 550403 Amendment No. 90107707 V. Description of Invention 05)

The edge goes to the lower edge, and the thickness of at least the setting part of the inner region increases. An inner region includes an upper portion between the optical region and the upper region of the inner region, a lower portion between the optical region and the lower region of the inner region, and an intermediate portion between the upper and lower regions. The setting part is defined in one or more of the upper, middle, and lower parts, and has a series of continuous horizontal sections, excluding the peripheral area, and the optical area spans a distance along the vertical meridian, such as along the vertical meridian Measured at least 20% of the minimum dimensions of the upper, middle, and lower parts, where each horizontal section has a practically uniform thickness, which is greater in terms of absolute terms, and does not change more than about 30 microns or 20% . In one embodiment, the thickness of the contact lens does not vary more than about 15 microns or 10% at each continuous horizontal profile, whichever is greater in absolute terms. In one embodiment, the setting part is completely defined only in one of the upper, middle, and lower parts. In another embodiment, the setting part is completely defined only in the upper, middle, and lower two. In yet another embodiment, the setting part is completely defined in all three upper, middle, and lower parts, or contains the entire inner area. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness change rate in the peripheral region of the cone is less than about 250 microns / mm, and more preferably less than about 200 microns / mm.

In an alternative embodiment, the contact lens of the present invention includes a contact lens body having a substantially spherical base curvature, a convex front face, a concave rear face, and a peripheral edge therebetween. The peripheral edge near the lens defines a peripheral area, which gradually becomes thinner toward the peripheral edge of the lens. The lens body has a thickness between the front and the back and is non-axially symmetric. It defines an upper edge and a lower edge. A vertical meridian is defined from the upper edge to the lower edge, and a horizontal meridian is defined perpendicularly thereto. Many areas were previously defined, including one

70 \ 70319-910823 pic Page 10 550403 _Case No. 90107707_G 1 Year of Poverty >, __ V. Description of the invention (6) The peripheral area is circumscribed, and there is an inner area inside the prism setting object part, a And an optical zone defined generally in the middle of the inner zone, where the plane is vertical to the vertical meridian, from the upper edge to the lower edge, and at least the thickness of the set portion in the inner zone increases. Along a 2 2 5 ° meridian, the distance between the inner zone and the periphery is less than about 1.4 mm. According to one aspect of the present invention, a molded contact lens includes a fully molded contact lens body (i.e., molded front and back), having various features substantially as described above. As mentioned above, the molded lens has a set of trimmers in the inner region, and the distance between the inner region and the periphery is less than about 1.8 mm along a meridian of 25 °. Otherwise, or otherwise desirable, and along a 270 ° meridian, the distance between the inner zone and the perimeter is less than about 2.1 mm, while along a 180 ° — meridian, the inner zone and The distance between the peripheries is less than about 1.3. It is highly desirable that a band circumscribed by the peripheral region and around the optical region is actually circular. That is, an upper distance A is defined along the vertical meridian and from the optical zone to the peripheral zone in the inner zone. A lower distance B is defined along the vertical meridian and from the optical zone to the peripheral zone in the inner zone. For lenses with 稜鏡 setting, the ring is in the range of 0.33ASB $ A, and for all lenses with 稜鏡 setting, the ring is in the range of 0.55A $ B $ A. Each and all features described in this case, and provided that two or more of these features included in such a combination are not mutually inconsistent, each and all combinations of these features are included within the scope of the present invention. The invention can be best understood with reference to the following description in conjunction with the illustrative drawings, together with its many other features and advantages, in which the same parts have the same reference drawing numbers.

u J0 \ 7031 ()-9! 0823 pic Page U 550403 Amendment No. 90107707 V. Description of the invention (brief) Brief description of the drawings — Figure i is a schematic front view of a contact lens according to the present invention, illustrated in its For each of the zones defined above, Figure 2 (A-A 'to E-E') illustrates a series of horizontal cross-sections taken through the lens of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a graph showing the location along a vertical meridian Z-Z ' Take the varying thickness of the contact lens of Fig. 1; Fig. 4a is a schematic diagram of the contact lens of the present invention, with an exemplary contour numerical value thickness map superimposed thereon;

Fig. 4b is a part of a curve diagram of the contact lens of the present invention, illustrating a discontinuity and angular relationship of the intervals above it; Figs. 5a-5d are the contact lens of the present invention Front view, each with an optical area in front of the sphere, and changes in the actual uniform horizontal thickness; Figures 6a-6d are front views of the contact lens of the present invention, each with a toric optical area in front, and changes in the actual uniform horizontal thickness. Figure 7 is a schematic front view of a contact lens with a number of warp threads superimposed thereon for reference; and Figure 8 is a schematic front view of a prior art contact lens, exemplifying the areas defined thereon. Description of the preferred embodiment

The present invention provides stabilized contact lenses, particularly contact lenses having a cylindrical correction for astigmatism. In a broader sense, the present invention provides a contact lens having a raised surface thereon that interacts with the blink effect of the eye to make the lens rotationally stable. Rotational stability can be used for any contact lens that is not symmetrical about the axis. For example, toric lenses or multifocals must be maintained

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) \ 7 () \ 7031 ()-()! 0823 ptc Page 12 550403 Case No. 90107707 θ'year name month name amendment V. Description of the invention 18) The rotation orientation of the lens for proper correction. However, please understand that spin stability is also suitable for other special lenses. In the following description, some surfaces and thicknesses of the contact lens of the present invention will be described with reference to a schematic front view of the lens, in which the lens has been leveled. Contact lenses generally have a spherical curvature below, while the front is convex and the back is concave. The surfaces and optical zones are then molded or turned from the base sphere. For brevity, the front view shown in this case was flattened, and the base sphere was removed. In this way, the hatching corresponding to the curvature of the underlying sphere is removed so that the specific surface and thickness of the invention can be more clearly illustrated. In a preferred embodiment, the lens of the present invention has a negative spherical power distance correction and a toric surface for cylindrical correction. The two exemplary contact lenses 20 of the present invention are therefore shown flat in the schematic front view of Fig. 1 without shading to the areas illustrated above. The lens 20 includes a lens body of a suitable soft or rigid material. Soft contact lenses are generally made of a hydrophilic material such as methyl methacrylate, metal organic materials, silicone rubber, silicone hydrogel, urethane, and the like. Otherwise, a rigid gas permeable material such as silicone acrylate or fluorosilyl acrylate may be used. The lens body has an overall spherical curvature and a concave back, suitable for contacting the cornea opposite to the front facing the outer concave. Referring to FIG. 1, the lens 20 includes an optical region 22, a peripheral region 24, and an inner region 26 surrounded by the peripheral region. The optical region 22 forms a part of the inner region 26. Otherwise, the inner area 26 may be defined between the optical area and the peripheral area. As will be further explained in this case, the optical region 22 may be circular, ring-shaped, or other special shapes. The peripheral region 24 may have a uniform radial dimension (width), or the radial dimension may vary. In the illustrative embodiment, Zhou

'丨, 7 () \ 7031 ()-(Sichuan) 823 ptc Page 13 550403 _Case No. 90107707_Year Month > Go to __ V. Description of the invention (9) The side area 2 4 is on the top 30 A narrower radial dimension and a wider radial dimension at the bottom end. Stated another way, the inner region 26 has a circular perimeter or setting object perimeter 34, which is slightly offset toward the top of the lens 20 along a vertical meridian or center line Z-Z passing therethrough. Please note that in the figure, a clear depiction between the optical region 22, the peripheral region 24, and the inner region 26 should not be taken to mean that there are discontinuities or corners at these locations, and in fact, the The exemplified lens has a gradually curved transition between the peripheral regions.

A lens edge 36 defines the front and back intersections. The peripheral region 24 is preferably tapered so that it is thinner at the edge 36 of the lens than at the periphery 34 of the circular setting. In this aspect, the peripheral region 24 preferably defines a portion of a conical surface (although the curvature of the sphere that overlaps below). Otherwise, the perimeter zone 24 may define a portion of a sphere or other curvature (i.e., a shape), such as any suitable curvature. The various features of lens 20 are believed to enhance wearer comfort compared to other similar lenses. In fact, some clinical trials have found that patients are more likely to answer questions about the comfort level of lenses designed in accordance with the present invention than questions about similar lens comfort levels.

The inner region 26 can be divided into three parts along the vertical meridian Z -Z ′. In particular, an upper portion 40 extends between the range above the perimeter 34 of the setting object and the range above the optical region 22, as depicted by a dashed line 42, perpendicular to the vertical meridian Z-Z '. A middle portion 44 extends between a vertical line 42 and a second vertical straight line 46 in the area below the optical region 22. Finally, a lower portion 4 8 extends between the vertical line 46 and the area below the periphery 34 of the setting. The optical zone 2 2 is thus located entirely within the middle portion 4 4. The upper part 40, the middle part 4 4 and the lower part 4 8 are used in this case to separate the inner area 2 6 into individual areas in which a specific setting surface can be provided.

0 \ 70 \ 7031l) -9i0823 otc page 14 550403 _case number 90107707_Q 丨 year art month ^^ 一 _revision_ 5. The invention description U0) domain. However, please understand that the dividing lines 4 2, 4 6 between the regions are, in fact, shiftable or non-linear. In one aspect, the present invention relates to the specific setting or surface / thickness of one or more portions of the inner region 26, which portions can be defined in several ways. Therefore, please understand that sections 40, 4, 4, and 4 8 are only illustrative. Desirably, the surface of the equal thickness setting is formed at least 20% (measured as a percentage of the vertical dimension) of at least one of 40, 44, and 48, preferably at least 50%, and more preferably At least 100%. More specifically, the first-thickness thickness setting part is defined on one or more of the above, the middle, and the inner part 40, 4 4, and 4 8 as a series of continuous without peripheral and optical areas Horizontal section, span a distance along the vertical meridian, as measured along the vertical meridian, at least 20% of the minimum dimension of the upper, middle, and lower portions. The term equal thickness means that each continuous horizontal profile has a practically uniform thickness, which is greater in absolute terms, and does not vary by more than about 30 microns or 20%. In a particularly preferred configuration, the trim surface is provided for all three sections 40, 44, and 48 in at least two, and more preferably. The present invention relates to a contact lens having a rotation stabilization mechanism thereon, including a lens having a setting object, such as a 稜鏡 setting object, a peripheral setting object, and a so-called π dynamic stable π lens. A lens with a setting provides a slightly elevated surface profile, which is scratched by the eye to reorient the lens, usually around its optical axis. The so-called one-piece setting means providing a wedge or cone setting in the optical area for interaction with the eyelid; and the peripheral setting means providing the setting outside the optical area. Dynamic stabilization involves the flattening of the top and bottom of the lens, leaving a thickened middle section to interact with the eye, as seen in U.S. Patent No. 4,095,888. Good at this artist

0,70 \ 7 () 319-910823 ptc Page 5 of 550403 Case No. 90107707_q February I > Other such stabilizing agencies. Figure 1 also illustrates a number of representative section lines A-A ', B-B', C-C ', D-D', and E-E that extend perpendicularly to the vertical meridian Z-Z '(that is, horizontally). '. These segments are exemplified in Fig. 2 while the basic spherical curvature is illustrated. The present invention provides a continuous horizontal section as shown in FIG. 2, except that in the optical region 22 and the peripheral region 24, it has setting objects each having a substantially uniform or equal thickness. For example, 'in Fig. 2, one of the sections with the setting, such as D-D', has a practically uniform thickness. Except in the absolute embodiment of the desirable change in optics, the section is 15 micrometers or reduced, these uniformize the "thickness." On the top of the 20th setting of the present invention, the top of the same two lines is illustrated by a graphic example Figure 30 is 42 above the upper end 30 around the perimeter 34. Otherwise, the thickness shown in FIG. 2 has a uniform thickness across all sections, zone 22 and the perimeter zone 24, with a uniform thickness. For a section of practically uniform thickness, the larger value of the thickness term does not exceed about 30 microns or about 20%. In a real thickness change, whichever is greater, it does not exceed about 10%, such as not exceeding about 10 micrometers or about 7%. The thickness will be small enough so that the sections can still be regarded as an "exemplary embodiment of practical uniformity". The contact lens 20 has a so-called, which overlaps the entire inner area 26. On it. That is, the thickness usually increases at the point where the periphery of the lens auto-tuning object 3 4 intersects with the vertical meridian Z-Z 'to the point where the lens bottom intersects. This thickness distribution along the vertical meridian Z-Z 'is shown in Fig. 2. The peripheral area 24 is shown on the right and the inner end 32 is shown on the left. Within the right side ', the cone of the peripheral region 24 is seen, ranging from the edge 36 to the setting. In the upper part 40, the thickness is gradually increased to the horizontal line. The thickness is increased through the optical region 22 to the horizontal line 46 in one step. Maximum thickness

U 7 () \ 70) 19-9 10823 pfc page 16 550403 _case number 90107707_ ^ | year $ month said __ 5. The description of the invention cm is in the range of 48 below to the periphery 34 of the setting. In the peripheral area 2 4, between the periphery 34 of the setting object and the lower edge 36, the lens is gradually thinned downward again. The thickness distribution shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to a prism setting in the lens 20, which extends through all the upper portions 40, the middle portions 4 4 and the lower portions 48. Indeed, even the optical zone 22 presents this chirped set. It is important that the present invention provides at least one of these sections 40, 4 4, 4 8 to provide a concrete setting having a horizontal section with a uniform thickness. Therefore, as seen in Fig. 2, all sections exemplified have a uniform thickness along their width except in the peripheral region 24. Of course, since the thickness is increased in the direction above and below the vertical meridian Z-Z ', the thickness of each section increases from the section A-A' to the section E-E '. The uniform thickness in the horizontal section helps to stabilize the lens of the present invention, unlike the previous lens. More specifically, since the eyelids exert a lower torque on the lens by means of a uniform thickness or equal thickness configuration, the lens of the present invention is more suitable for a larger number of wearers than previous artisans. When the eyes and faces move up and down the lens during blinking, the configuration of the equal-thickness setting maximizes the eyelid interaction, thereby achieving a uniform contact across each segment of the lens. In contrast, compared to previous techniques, when normal blinks interact with horizontal lens segments of non-uniform thickness, the eye test produces a large rotational torque, because the lens is properly oriented in the eye and passes over the lens (that is, over each lens). (A horizontal profile) should maximize the lens-eyelid interaction, so squeeze the lens into the desired orientation (overall orientation) and experience the least change when blinking (orientation). Prior art with narrow maximum thickness peaks or points on either side of the vertical meridian

0 \ 70 \ 70319-910823 ptc Page 17 550403 Amendment No. 90107707 V. Description of the Invention ([3) Art lenses, crossing horizontal sections are more likely to cause a non-uniform lens-eye-face interaction. In addition, in the prior art lenses, the horizontal distance between the peaks of the maximum thickness generally increased from an upper part to the horizontal midline, and then decreased from the midline to the lower part. This further changes the lens-eyelid interaction force °

In terms of maintaining the correct rotational orientation of the eye, the uniform thickness of the horizontal profile of the lens 20 has been shown to enhance the performance of the lens compared to other similar lenses. Clinical trials have shown that the position of the position marker on the lens has less variability over time. For example, a group of 20 people was studied at one time to determine the position of the position markers on various lenses over the eye over time, and to determine the standard position deviation of the position markers. The result is that the standard deviation of the lens of the present invention is less than that of even other lenses to a measurable degree, which means that the lens of the present invention has less rotational instability in the eye.

Illustrated outside of FIG. 4a, exemplary values are provided for the thickness of contact lenses 20 having a distribution as seen in FIG. Please understand that the contact lens 20 shown in FIG. 4a is generally circular. In Fig. 4a, the inner area 26 is divided into a number of individual units by horizontal and vertical grid lines. On the other hand, throughout the entire inner area 26, each horizontal column of cells has a uniform thickness, and the thickness of cells along a vertical row generally increases from top to bottom. For example, except in the optical area, the horizontal column 50 has a uniform thickness of 140 micrometers. The vertical row 5 2 has a thickness of 70 μm at the top, which gradually increases to 280 μm, and starts to decrease just before the lower part of the peripheral region 2 4. The values provided in Figure 4a are illustrative and suitable for soft hydrogel contact lenses. Lenses made of other materials can vary in value depending on the optical or other characteristics of the particular material. Please understand that the individual units plotted in Figure 4a

0 70319-910823 ptc Page 18 550403 Amendment No. 90107707 V. Description of the invention The average thickness within (14) yuan. That is, the thickness gradually changes along the lens 20, and lies on a stepped boundary between the cells. More generally, although this case illustrates individual areas or portions of contact lenses, these areas are shown for clarity of the invention only. Those skilled in the art will know that there are no sharp areas between these different areas of the lens, but that they blend smoothly with each other.

Figure 4a also illustrates reducing the thickness or taper of the lens 20 through the peripheral region 24. For example, at the lower midpoint, the thickness decreases from 2 1 0-1 40-7 0 microns. This is also seen in the graph of Figure 3. This cone in the peripheral region 24 provides a so-called comfort zone around the edge of the lens 20. The reduced thickness facilitates the movement of the eyelids over the contact lens and has less irritation. In particular, the eyelids travel more easily in the tapered peripheral region 24 than if there is a sudden change in thickness. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens 20 has a corneal mating relationship to keep the lens centered on the cornea. The preferred lens has a diameter sufficient to achieve corneal coverage and provide the best stability, so the lens does not become loose and unstable with gaze and blinking, which may affect the comfort and vision of the wearer. The sagittal depth (the depth of the concave surface at the back) for the best fitting relationship is between approximately 3.0 mm and 16.0 mm, and the diameter is between approximately 3.0 and 5.0 mm. The lens diameter is more preferably between about 1 3 · 5-1 4 · 8 mm. The preferred thickness of the lens edge 36 is less than about 120 microns, and more preferably about 90 microns. In this respect, the thickness is measured radially with respect to the previous curvature. The extreme outermost range of the edge 36 can be combined with a better rounding of the front edge corner.

Many meridians can be defined by the center of the lens. In a preferred embodiment, for maximum wearer comfort, from the end of the setting area 34 to the edge of the lens 3 6 (ie, in the peripheral area 2 4), the rate of change in the radial thickness of the lens, along any The warp is less than about 250 microns / mm. For example, outside of Figure 4a

0 '· 70 \ 70319-910823 pr o Page 19 550403 Amendment No. 90107707 V. Description of the invention (15) Figure, along any meridian and within the peripheral area 2 4 The rate of change in thickness is less-less than about 2 50 micron / mm. More preferably, the rate of change in the peripheral region 24 is less than about 200 microns / mm.

As measured around the lens in various ways, the edge of the lens close to the point of maximum thickness 36 is another example of a favorable interaction between the peripheral area 24 and an equal thickness. To illustrate this principle, Fig. 7 shows the meridians in degrees through the optical axis and around the lens, starting at the 3 o'clock position and moving counterclockwise. Of course, with an equal thickness of 26 in the inner region, the point of maximum thickness along any horizontal meridian corresponds to the thickness excluding the thickness of the optical region along the entire horizontal meridian. Therefore, the inner zone 26 and the point of maximum thickness are always located at the periphery of the setting along the start of any meridian 3 4. However, due to the better setting effect, the maximum thickness changes around the periphery of the setting object 3 4 ° —

It is provided for a lens with a trimmer according to the present invention, and the distance between the point of maximum thickness (for example, the periphery of the trimmer 3) and the edge 36 of the lens, regardless of the thickness, is not greater than about 2 5 5 ° along the meridian. 1. 4 mm. For any type of lens with a setting, the maximum thickness along a meridian of 2 5 °, according to the present invention, is between 2 0 _ 4 0 0 μm, preferably about 2 5 0 _ 3 5 0 μm In between, it is more preferably about 320 micrometers. Along the meridian of 270 °, the distance between the point of maximum thickness (such as the periphery 34 of the setting object) and the edge 36 of the lens, regardless of thickness, is not greater than about 1.8 mm, but at a thickness of about 320 microns Is better. For complete molding, there is a fixed lens (that is, molded in front and back), and along the 2 2 5 ° meridian, the distance between the point of maximum thickness (such as the periphery of the setting 3 4) and the periphery, 1mm。 For less than about 1.8 millimeters, Wada desirably is less than about 2.1 millimeters along the 270 ° meridian, with the distance between the point of maximum thickness and the periphery. Moreover, along a longitude of 180 °, the distance between the inner zone and the periphery is less than about

0 \ 70 '70319-910823.ptc Page 20 550403 Amendment No. 90107707 V. Description of the invention (16) 1.3 mm. Generally, the peripheral region 24 of the lens of the present invention is relatively narrow compared to the previous 1. The lens with a setting object is relatively narrow, but as mentioned above, because of the preferred thickness, the comfortable cone angle in the peripheral region 24 is relatively shallow. . However, the preferred lens of the present invention has smooth, rounded transitions between different parts thereon, but does not exclude individual boundaries or corners. For example, the transition between the perimeter 24 and the inner region 26 may be defined by rounded corners or discontinuities around the periphery 34 of the circular setting. See Fig. 3 for an example of transition along the meridian line Z-Z 'between the setting object area 26 and the surrounding area 24 (i.e., at 3 4). Figures 5a-5d illustrate several variations of the contact lens of the present invention, with different setting parts defined within the setting area. For the purpose of explanation, please refer back to the definition and definition of each part (ie, upper, middle, and lower) of the inner area 26 of Fig. 1. Fig. 5a shows a contact lens 70 with an upper portion 72 defined within the inner region. Moreover, the inner region is located between an optical region 74 and a peripheral region 76. Fig. 5b illustrates a contact lens 80 of the present invention having a setting portion 8 2 defined above and in the middle portion of the inner region. Fig. 5c shows a contact lens 90 having a setter portion 92 defined in the entire inner region through its upper, middle, and lower portions. Finally, Fig. 5d illustrates a contact lens 100 having a setting, and the portion 102 is defined only in the lower portion of the inner region. Other changes not shown include a complete set part that is completely defined in the middle or lower part of the inner zone, or in the middle and lower parts that do not include the upper part. Moreover, the setting part can be arranged around the optical zone into a so-called 'f-peripheral setting', or it can continue to pass through the optical zone into a so-called f 稜鏡 setting " configuration. Figures 6-6 d illustrate Several other contact lenses of the present invention have a cylindrical correction in front of them. More particularly, a toric optical region 110 is

0 \ 70 \ 703l9-910823.ptc Page 21 550403 Amendment No. 90107707 V. Description of the invention (17) Each lens oriented along a long axis 1 2 is rotated relative to the -T ~ plane and axis of the lens. . Therefore, the lens obviously needs a proper setting effect to maintain a proper offset orientation of the axis 1 1 2. Fig. 6a shows a contact lens 1 2 0 with a setting part 1 2 2 starting at the upper part and continuing through the middle and lower parts of the inner area. Fig. 6b shows a contact lens 1 3 0, and a setting object portion 1 2 3 is located in the entire face portion below the inner region. Fig. 6c shows a contact lens 140 with a setting part 142 completely inside the middle part of the inner region. Finally, Fig. 6d shows a lens 150 with a setting part 15 2 only in the upper part of the inner area.

Fig. 8 shows the transition of each interval of a conventional technique of the CooperVision Frequency Xcel (Encore) toric lens. In particular, an optical region 200 is separated from a setting object region 202 by a substantially circular inner line 204, and the setting object region is separated from a peripheral region 2 0 6 by a generally circular outer line 2 0, while a line 2 0 4 As expected approximately centered on the optical axis 0 A, the outer line 2 0 8 is shifted upward along the vertical meridian 2 1 0. Therefore, the setting object region 202 is wider at the upper portion than at the lower portion. In particular, the radial width A above the setting object region 202 is significantly larger than the radial width B below. Indeed, the upper radial width A is more than twice the lower radial width B. In contrast, as seen in Fig. 1, the lens of the present invention has an inner region 26 which is actually toroidal and has a radial dimension A which is within about 300% of the radial width B. That is, the molded fixed lens belt is ring-shaped and maintains the relationship of 0.33 A $ B S A. Otherwise, for all lenses with a 稜鏡 setting, the endless belt is in the range of 0.55ASBSA. Please be aware that the present invention can be implemented in a lens having a changed optical power. For example, a contact lens of the present invention may have an optical power of about

0 \ 70 \ / 0319-910823 ptc Page 22 550403 Case No. 90107707 February 01> 3rd Amendment V. Description of the invention (18) Between -8 and about + 8 diopters, but this range is not considered a limitation. — In addition, the contact lens according to the present invention may also include other stable features other than the uniform thickness setting arrangement. For example, the peripheral region may include a leveling portion for dynamic stabilization, or the lens may incorporate a peripheral setting object stabilizing mechanism outside the central optical lens. Although the present invention has been described in terms of various specific examples and embodiments, please understand that the present invention is not limited thereto, and it can be implemented in various ways within the scope of the following patent applications.

0 '70 \ 70319-910823 ptc Page 23 550403 Amendment number 90107707 Brief description of component symbol description 20 Contact lens 22 Optical zone 24 Peripheral zone 26 Inner zone 30 Upper end 32 Lower end 34 Setting periphery 36 Lens edge 40 Above Part 42 vertical line 44 middle part 46 vertical line 48 lower part 50 horizontal column 52 vertical row 62 setting part 70 contact lens 72 setting part 74 optical area 76 peripheral area 80 shape glasses 90 barrier 1 isii * shape Glasses 92 Setting parts 100 Contact lenses

(j \ 70 \ 70319-910823 ptc Page 24 550403 Amendment No. 90107707 Simple description of the drawing 1 02 Setting part 110 Toric optical area 112 Long axis 1 20 Obstacle 1 Shape glasses 122 Setting part 130 Contact lens 132 Setting part 140 Contact lens 142 Setting part 150 Lens 152 Setting part 200 Optical zone 202 Setting 204 Circular inner line 206 Peripheral area 208 Circular outer line 210 Vertical warp

0 \ 70 \ 70319-910823.ptc Page 25

Claims (1)

550403 Case No. 90107707 & Year II VI. Application scope of patent 1. Convex area is thinner, the side is generalized, the inner part is less than one water on the upper face edge 2. Section 3 Line, a kind of contact lens, a contact lens lens in front of which is defined, the main body's demarcation edge is defined in the front and defined in the flat area, one in the surface and the bottom setting, perpendicular to the top, flat cross section The thickness of 30 is as small as the application. The application includes the inner area. The main body has a large surface and a perimeter on its surface. It has an upper edge and a lower edge between the front and the back. In the middle of many areas that are close to the front, the middle part of the vertical fixed part includes a part between the optical area and the surface part. It has no line across a middle 'and has a real meter or 20% change in patent scope. The absolute patent range and the peripheral line, and the included optical meridian, increase the thickness in the middle of the optical inner area and define the distance in the peripheral area, and the lower part is evenly thicker. A perimeter zone is added from the top; the area and the inner and lower sides of the spherical base surface area have a peripheral edge, and a peripheral edge of the lens gradually becomes a thickness, and is a non-axis opposite edge. A straight meridian defines a horizontal meridian; an inner region bounded by a border region, and a middle inner region including a setting object edge toward a lower edge, at least a portion of a region above an area; and one or more upper and optical distance components The highest degree, one of the thick areas along the vertical small dimension changes the lower surface of the lower surface, the upper part and the middle of the 20% absolute interval between the series of meridians, and the middle to the middle during the horizontal section measurement. The contact lens of item 1 of each of the larger values, at least one of which has a value of greater than 15 microns or 10%. The contact lens of item 1, wherein the distance along a 225 ° is less than 1.4 mm. O: \ 70 \ 70319-920711.ptc P.26 550403 _Case No. 90107707 ^ | > Amendment in September __ VI. Application for Patent Scope 4 · If you apply for contact lens No. 1 in the scope of patent, where For a 2 2 5 ° meridian, the change in thickness in the peripheral area of the cone is less than 250 μm / mm. 5. The contact lens according to item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the setting part is a prism setting. 6. The contact lens according to item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the setting part spans a distance along the vertical meridian, as measured along the vertical meridian, at least 5 of the minimum size of the upper, middle, and lower parts 0%. 7. The contact lens of item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the setting part is completely defined only in one of the upper, middle, and lower parts. 8. The contact lens of item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the setting part is completely defined only in the upper part, the middle part, and the lower part. 9. As for the contact lens of the scope of the patent application, the setting part is completely defined in all three upper, middle, and lower parts. 10. If the contact lens of item 1 of the patent application scope, the setting part spans a distance along the vertical meridian, as measured along the vertical meridian, at least the respective dimensions of the upper, middle, and lower parts 50%. 1 1. If the contact lens of item 10 of the patent application scope, the setting part spans a distance along the vertical meridian, as measured along the vertical meridian, at least the upper, middle, and lower parts respectively 100% of the size. 12. The contact lens according to item 11 of the patent application scope, wherein the setting part is provided in the entire inner area including the optical area. 13. The contact lens according to item 11 of the patent application scope, wherein the setting part is provided in the entire inner area except the optical area. 1 4. If you apply for the contact lens of item 1 of the patent scope, the other one O: \ 70 \ 70319-920711.ptc Page 27 550403 _Case No. 90107707 Qi > Year qmonth Π said Amendment __ Sixth, the scope of patent application or the subsequent cylindrical correction. 15. The contact lens according to item 14 of the patent application scope, wherein a cylindrical correction is provided at the back, and wherein the front optical region includes a spherical correction. 16. The contact lens according to item 1 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the inner region surrounds the periphery of the lens as the actual average radial width. 17. The contact lens according to item 16 of the patent application scope, wherein a band circumscribed by the peripheral region and surrounding the optical region is an actual ring, and a vertical meridian and an inner region define an The upper distance A and the lower distance B along the vertical meridian and from the optical zone to the peripheral zone are defined in the inner zone, and 0.25ASB $ A. 18. The contact lens according to item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the main body is a soft contact lens. 19. The contact lens according to item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the setting object is a peripheral setting object. 20. The contact lens according to item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the lens is further incorporated into a dynamic stabilization mechanism. 2 1. The contact lens according to item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the lens further incorporates a negative spherical power distance correction. 2 2. A contact lens comprising: a contact lens body having a substantially spherical base curvature, a convex front surface, a concave rear surface, and a peripheral edge therebetween, and a peripheral area defined as being close to the peripheral edge of the lens, which It gradually becomes thinner toward the periphery of the lens, and the main body has a thickness between the front and the back, and is a non-axis pair O: \ 70 \ 70319-920711.ptc page 28 550403 Year, month and month amended case number 90107707 6. The scope of the patent application states that 俾 defines an upper edge and a lower edge, and defines a vertical meridian from the upper edge to the lower edge, and a horizontal meridian perpendicular to it; A number of regions are defined thereon, including an inner region bounded by the peripheral region and having a set of setting objects thereon, and an optical region generally defined in the middle of the inner region, which is parallel to the vertical meridian and from the upper edge To the lower edge, the thickness of at least the setting part of the inner area increases; and the distance between the inner area and the peripheral edge is less than 1.4 mm along a meridian of 25 °. 2 3. The contact lens according to item 22 of the patent application scope, wherein the thickness change rate in the peripheral region of the cone along the meridian of 25 ° is less than 250 micrometers / mm. 24. The contact lens according to item 23 of the patent application scope, wherein the thickness change rate in the peripheral area of the cone along the meridian of 25 ° is less than 200 microns / mm. 25. The contact lens according to item 22 of the scope of patent application, wherein the maximum thickness of the 225 ° meridian along the lens is between 200 and 400 microns. 26. The contact lens according to item 25 of the patent application scope, wherein the maximum thickness along the meridian of 25 ° is between 250 and 350 micrometers. 2 7. The contact lens according to item 22 of the patent application range, wherein the inner region includes an upper portion between the optical region and the upper region of the inner region, and a lower portion between the optical region and the lower region of the inner region. , And an intermediate part between the upper and lower parts, and where the chirped setting part is defined in one or more of the upper, middle, and lower parts, and has a series of continuous horizontal sections in the surrounding area, And the optical area spans a distance along the vertical meridian, as measured along the vertical meridian, at least 20% of the minimum size of the upper, middle, and lower portions, where each horizontal section has a practically uniform thickness, and the thickness varies O: \ 70 \ 70319-920711.ptc page 29 550403 _ case number 90107707 gas > year & month (丨 said amendment __ VI. The larger value of the absolute term of the scope of patent application does not exceed 30 microns or 20% 2 8. If the contact lens of item 22 of the patent application scope, which is 270 ° meridian, the distance between the inner area and the peripheral edge is less than 1.8 mm. 2 9.-A kind of molded contact lens, Contains: A fully molded contact lens body with a generally spherical base curvature, a convex front, a concave back, and a perimeter therebetween, and a perimeter area defined as close to the perimeter of the lens, which gradually moves towards the perimeter of the lens It becomes thinner, the main body has a thickness between the front and the back, and is non-axis symmetrical. It defines an upper edge and a lower edge, and defines a vertical meridian from the upper edge to the lower edge, and horizontally with it. Meridian; where a number of regions are previously defined, including an inner region bounded by a peripheral region with a set of fixed objects thereon, and an optical region generally defined in the middle of the inner region, where parallel to the vertical meridian Line, since The upper edge increases toward the lower edge, and at least the thickness of the setter in the inner region is increased; and the distance between the inner region and the periphery is less than 1.8 mm along a meridian of 25 °. 3 0. For example, the contact lens of item 29 in the patent application range, in which the maximum thickness is between 200-400 microns along the meridian of 25 °. 3 1. The contact lens of item 29 in the patent application area, wherein the inner area Contains an upper portion between the upper range of the optical region and the inner region, a lower portion between the lower region of the optical region and the inner region, and a middle portion between the upper and lower region, and the edge thereof The mirror setting part is defined in one or more of the upper, middle, and lower parts, and does not include one of the surrounding areas O: \ 70 \ 70319-920711.ptc page 30 550403 _ case number 90107707 1 > September (I a amendment __ VI. Patent application scope! A series of continuous horizontal sections, and the optical area spans along the vertical meridian A distance, as measured along the vertical meridian, is at least 20% of the minimum dimensions of the upper, middle, and lower portions, where each horizontal section has a practically uniform thickness, and the absolute value of the thickness change is greater than 3 0 micron or 20%. 3 2. The contact lens according to item 29 of the patent application scope, wherein the distance between the inner zone and the periphery is less than 2.1 mm along a 270 ° meridian. 3 3 . If the contact lens of item 29 of the patent application scope, along a 180 ° meridian, the distance between the inner area and the peripheral edge is less than 1.3 mm. 3 4. —A kind of molded contact lens, including : A fully molded contact lens with a substantially spherical base curvature, a convex front, a concave back, and a perimeter therebetween, and a peripheral area defined as being close to the perimeter of the lens, which gradually changes towards the perimeter of the lens Thinner, the body has a thickness between the front and back , And is non-axis symmetrical, 俾 defines an upper edge and a lower edge, and from the upper edge to the lower edge, a vertical meridian, and a horizontal meridian perpendicular to it; where the front defines a number of regions, including a An inner region bounded by a peripheral region and having a set of setting objects thereon, and an optical region generally defined in the middle of the inner region, which is parallel to the vertical meridian, from the upper edge to the lower edge, at least the inner region稜鏡 The thickness of the setting part is increased; and the distance between the inner area and the periphery along a 180 ° meridian is less than 1.3 mm. 3 5. The contact lens according to item 34 of the scope of patent application Among them, the distance between the inner zone and the periphery is less than 2.1 mm along a meridian of 270 °. 36. If the contact lens of the scope of patent application No. 34, the inner zone contains O: \ 70 \ 70319-920711.ptc Page 31 550403 Amendment No. 90107707 6. The scope of the patent application is between the upper part of the optical area and the upper area of the inner area, and the lower part of the optical area The lower part, and an intermediate part between the upper and lower parts, and the part of the setter are defined on one or more of the upper, middle, and lower parts, and there is no surrounding area. A series of continuous horizontal sections, and the optical area spans a distance along the vertical meridian, as measured along the vertical meridian, at least 20% of the minimum size of the upper, middle, and lower portions, each of which has a horizontal section Actual uniform thickness, the larger value of the absolute term of thickness variation does not exceed 30 microns or 20%. 3 7. A contact lens comprising: a contact lens main body having a substantially spherical base curvature, a convex front surface, a concave rear surface, and a peripheral edge therebetween, and a peripheral area is defined as a peripheral edge close to the lens, and its direction The peripheral edge of the lens gradually becomes thinner, the main body has a thickness between the front and the back, and is non-axis symmetrical. 俾 defines an upper edge and a lower edge, and defines a vertical meridian from the upper edge to the lower edge, A horizontal meridian is defined with the vertical; among them, a number of regions are defined on the front, including an inner region bounded by a peripheral region and having a setting part thereon, and an optical region generally defined in the middle of the inner region, where parallel At the vertical meridian, from the upper edge to the lower edge, at least the thickness of the setting part in the inner region increases; and one of the bands that is surrounded by the peripheral region and surrounds the optical region is actually annular, and along the vertical meridian and in the inner region An inner distance A is defined from the optical region to the peripheral region, and a lower distance B is defined from the optical region to the peripheral region along the vertical meridian and within the inner region, and Medium 0.55ASB-A. 3 8. — A type of molded contact lens, including: O: \ 70 \ 70319-920711.ptc page 32 550403 _ case number 90107707 γ year ^ month said correction__ VI. Patent application scope 'A contact lens main body, which has a substantially spherical base curvature, has a convex front surface and a concave rear surface And a perimeter in between, and a peripheral area is defined as the perimeter near the lens, which gradually becomes thinner toward the perimeter of the lens, the body has a thickness between the front and back, and is non-symmetrical to the axis. 俾 defines a An upper edge and a lower edge, and a vertical meridian is defined from the upper edge to the lower edge, and a horizontal meridian is defined perpendicularly to the upper edge and the lower edge; wherein the front defines a plurality of regions thereon, including a region surrounded by the peripheral region and having a pattern thereon Control the inner area of the setting part, and an optical area generally defined in the middle of the inner area, where the thickness of at least the setting part of the inner area increases parallel to the vertical meridian from the upper edge to the lower edge; and One of the bands that is circumscribed by the peripheral zone and surrounds the optical zone is actually circular, and along the vertical meridian and in the inner zone, an upper distance A is defined from the optical zone to the peripheral zone, and along the vertical Warp and the inner zone from the optical zone to the peripheral surface region define what distance B, and wherein 0.33ASBSA. O: \ 70 \ 70319-920711.ptc Page 33