Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
  • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
  • A61N5/0613—Apparatus adapted for a specific treatment
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
  • G02C11/00—Non-optical adjuncts; Attachment thereof
  • G02C11/04—Illuminating means
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
  • G02C7/00—Optical parts
  • G02C7/02—Lenses; Lens systems ; Methods of designing lenses
  • G02C7/04—Contact lenses for the eyes
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
  • G02C7/00—Optical parts
  • G02C7/14—Mirrors; Prisms
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
  • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
  • A61N2005/0626—Monitoring, verifying, controlling systems and methods
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
  • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
  • A61N2005/0635—Radiation therapy using light characterised by the body area to be irradiated
  • A61N2005/0643—Applicators, probes irradiating specific body areas in close proximity
  • A61N2005/0645—Applicators worn by the patient
  • A61N2005/0647—Applicators worn by the patient the applicator adapted to be worn on the head
  • A61N2005/0648—Applicators worn by the patient the applicator adapted to be worn on the head the light being directed to the eyes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
  • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
  • A61N2005/065—Light sources therefor
  • A61N2005/0651—Diodes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
  • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
  • A61N2005/065—Light sources therefor
  • A61N2005/0651—Diodes
  • A61N2005/0652—Arrays of diodes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
  • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
  • A61N2005/065—Light sources therefor
  • A61N2005/0651—Diodes
  • A61N2005/0653—Organic light emitting diodes
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
  • G02C2202/00—Generic optical aspects applicable to one or more of the subgroups of G02C7/00
  • G02C2202/24—Myopia progression prevention

Definitions

• Myopia or near-sightedness, is a refractive error in which far objects are focused anterior to the retina. This can be related to the axial length of the eye. In general, a 1.0 mm increase in axial length of the eye corresponds to an increase in myopia of 2.5 Diopters (“D”).
• D Diopters
• Spectacle lenses, contact lenses and refractive surgery can be used to treat refractive errors of the eye such as myopia. Although these approaches can be effective in treating myopia, the eye may continue to grow axially, such that the amount of myopia continues to increase. The relatively high prevalence of myopia has prompted studies to understand the underlying mechanisms of axial growth and the development of possible treatment directed to axial growth.
• myopia is known to have genetic causes, the dramatic increase in the incidence of myopia cannot be explained by genetic factors alone; rather, they must be interpreted simply as the remarkable ability of the visual system to adapt to altered environmental conditions, specifically a shift in visual habits from long to short distances and from open to enclosed spaces.
• a contact lens or a spectacle lens generally cannot generate an image shell that matches the optimum shape required for refractive correction that would stop the growth signal to the retina to become even more myopic.
• One approach has been to provide an aspheric lens that focuses light onto the peripheral regions of the aspheric retina.
• Previous refractive correction devices to prevent myopia progression may produce less than ideal results in at least some instances.
• the refractive correction to provide appropriate focus at the peripheral retina can require a highly aspheric image shell, that can be created by a highly aspheric optic.
• a highly aspheric optic can generate a central image with a substantial aberration, compromising far vision and reducing quality of vision of the wearer in at least some instances.
• One approach has been to limit the amount of asphericity to about 2 D or less in order to provide distance vision without significant aberrations to central vision, but this limitation on the amount of asphericity can also limit the amount of correction to peripheral portions of the retina, which can lead to a less than ideal treatment in some instances.
• a contact lens comprises a light source 30 and optics to form an image in front of the retina with one or more of an appropriate resolution, depth of focus or diffraction.
• the image formed in front of a region of the retina may comprise a resolution finer than the resolution of the retina at the region.
• the light beam can be directed to the region of the retina at an angle relative to the optical axis of the eye, so as to illuminate an outer portion of the retina with a resolution finer than the corresponding location of the retina.
• the depth of focus can be configured to illuminate the retina with an appropriate amount of blurring of the image on the retina, and the diffraction of the spot can be appropriately sized to provide resolution of the image formed in front of the retina finer than the resolution of the retina.
• a soft contact lens comprises micro displays located away from a center of the contact lens and toward a periphery of the contact lens, in which each of the micro-displays is coupled to a micro-lens array located posteriorly to the micro-display.
• the micro-displays may comprise an OLED (organic light emitting diode) or an array of micro-LEDs.
• the micro-lens arrays can be optically coupled with the displays to efficiently collect light from the micro-displays, and collimate the light and/or converge the light before projecting the light into the entrance pupil.
• the virtual images created by these displays can be myopically defocused and placed symmetrically in a plurality of regions on the retina, such as four sectors (nasal-inferior, nasal-superior, temporal-inferior and temporal-superior).
• the micro displays can be located away from the optical center of the lens by a distance within a range from 1.5 mm to 4.0 mm, such as 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm.
• the central optical zone 14 of the contact lens can be configured to provide emmetropic vision for the wear, and may have a diameter within a range 3.0 to 5.0 mm.
• Each micro-display can generate a retinal image with an appropriate shape, such as circular or arcuate and at an angle of about 20-60 degrees at the fovea.
• the retinal images are formed at the peripheral retina at an eccentricity in the range of 15 degrees to 40 degrees, for example within a range from 20 to 30 degrees.
• the contact lens may comprise an electronic control system mounted with the micro-displays on a flexible transparent sheet of material such as plastic and other components.
• the micro displays 12 may comprise OLEDs with pixel sizes within a range from 2.0 micrometers (microns) to 5.0 microns, with a pitch in the range of 2.0-10.0 microns.
• the micro-displays embedded in the contact lens comprise micro-LEDS illuminating an object, such as a thin film placed in front of it and toward the eye.
• the micro-displays may comprise polychromatic or monochromatic micro-displays.
• the polychromatic images can be formed by RGB pixels in the OLED or micro-LEDS of different colors, organized in arrays so as to form an RGB display.
• the wavelength for stimulation of change in axial length is within a range from about 450 nm to about 560 nm, and can be near 500 nm, the peak wavelength of stimulation of rods in the eye, although other wavelengths may be used.
• an optical configuration comprises one or more light sources coupled to a light processing structure that comprises one or more of collimating lenses, mirrors, lightguides, waveguides, or holographic mirrors.
• the light processing structure images the one or more light sources so as to a project an image of the light source in front of the peripheral retina, such that the focus of the image is in front of the retinal surface.
• the optic configuration is placed at or near the anterior surface of the contact lens, and rays from the micro-displays are focused by the contact lens.
• the contact lens can be configured to provide refractive correction to the wearer, and the display optics configured to provide additional focus to provide the defocused image of the micro-display on the retina.
• the amount defocus is in within a range from about 2.00 Diopter (D) to 6.00D, and can be within a range from about 2.0 D to 4.0D.
• Figure 1 shows a soft contact lens, in accordance with some embodiments
• Figure 2A shows OLED micro displays mounted on the inner surface of soft contact lens, optically coupled with micro lens arrays for projecting images with myopic defocus on the periphery of the retina of a wearer, in accordance with some embodiments;
• Figure 2B shows a soft contact lens comprising a plurality of light sources and optics and associated circuitry, in accordance with some embodiments;
• Figure 2C shows mechanical integration of the function of the components of the contact lens as in Figure 2B;
• Figure 3 shows an optical configuration in which the optical path length is increased by folding back the optical path using two mirrors, in accordance with some embodiments
• Figure 4 shows a ray tracing simulation of the optical configuration shown in Figure 3, in which the Liu Brennan eye model has been used to compute the retinal image, in accordance with some embodiments;
• Figures 5 A and 5B show analysis of retinal image quality generated by the optic configuration of Figure 3;
• Figure 6 shows analysis of depth of focus of the optic configuration shown in Figure 3;
• Figure 7 shows the MTF for the analysis of Figure 6.
• Figures 8A and 8B show an optical configuration comprising a lens to focus light onto the retina, in accordance with some embodiments
• Figure 9 shows analysis of retinal image quality generated by the optic configuration shown in Figures 8 and 8B, in accordance with some embodiments
• Figure 10 shows analysis of depth of focus of the optic configuration shown in Figures 8A and 8B.
• Figures 11 A and 11B show a light-pipe in order to increase the optical path length, in accordance with some embodiments
• Figure 12 shows soft contact lens with embedded light sources, optics and electronics, in accordance with some embodiments
• Figure 13 shows a ray tracing simulation of the peripheral retinal image formed by a combination of a microscopic light source and a micro-optic, in accordance with some embodiments
• Figure 14 shows four object points used to simulate image quality using ray tracing for a light source comprising four simulated object points, in accordance with some embodiments
• Figure 15 shows the quality of a peripheral image generated by a reflective optic, in which Modulation transfer functions (MTF) of all the object points are substantially coincident, in accordance with some embodiments;
• Figure 16 shows depth of focus of the peripheral image formed by the reflective optic, in accordance with some embodiments;
• Figure 17 shows the effect of myopic blur on image resolution of the peripheral retinal image formed by the reflective optic, as measured by change of the magnitude of MTF at a single spatial frequency (20/200 or 10 line pair per mm“lp/mm” or 10 arc min) as a function of the magnitude of myopic defocus for the reflective optical design, in accordance with some embodiments;
• Figure 18 shows MTF plots of the retinal image formed by the refractive optic for the four object points shown in Figure 14, in accordance with some embodiments;
• Figure 19 shows depth of focus of the image formed by the refractive optic, in accordance with some embodiments.
• Figure 20 shows MTF computed for a single spatial frequency (20/200 or 10 lp/mm, or 10 arc min) as a function of myopic defocus, in accordance with some embodiments;
• Figure 21 shows MTF plots of the four object points in Figure 14 for embodiments comprising a miniature lightguide, in which a substantial difference in image quality exists between sagittal and tangential planes, indicating non-symmetrical aberrations, in accordance with some embodiments;
• Figure 22 Depth of focus of the peripheral retinal image projected by the lightguide optic, in accordance with some embodiments.
• Figure 23 shows MTF plots at a single spatial frequency (20/200) plotted against the magnitude of myopic defocus of the peripheral image on the retina for embodiments with light guides;
• Figure 24 shows a comparison of depths of focus of the peripheral images generated by the three projection systems, comprising a refractive optic, a reflective optic and a lightguide optic, in accordance with some embodiments;
• Figure 25 shows depth of focus of the retinal image generated by a reflective optic design, in accordance with some embodiments.
• Figure 26 shows MTF values at a single spatial frequency plotted against magnitude of myopic defocus for the peripheral image created by the reflective optic design of Figure 25, in accordance with some embodiments.
• a soft contact lens comprises peripheral micro-displays, each of which is fronted eye side by a micro-lens array.
• the micro displays may comprise an OLED (organic light emitting diode) or an array of micro- LEDs. Light emitted by these displays is typically Lambertian.
• the micro-lens arrays are optically coupled with the displays, so that they can efficiently extract light from the micro-displays, collimate the light and focus it before projecting them into the entrance pupil.
• the virtual images created by these displays will be myopically defocused and will be placed symmetrically in the four sectors (nasal-inferior, nasal-superior, temporal- inferior and temporal-superior), in some embodiments.
• the micro displays will be located away from the optical center of the lens by a distance within a range from 1.5 mm to 4.0 mm, preferably 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm, in some embodiments.
• the central optic of the contact lens can be selected to bring the wearer as close to emmetropia as possible, and may have a diameter within a range 3.0 to 5.0 mm.
• Each micro-display will be circular, rectangular or arcuate in shape and will each have an area within a range from 0.01 mm 2 to 8.0 mm 2 , for example within a range from 0.04 mm 2 to 8.0 mm 2 , for example within a range from 1 mm 2 to 8 mm 2 , or preferably within a range from 1.0 mm 2 to 4.0 mm 2 , in some embodiments.
• each of the plurality of micro-displays comprises the light source, the back plane and associated electronics with the dimensions and shapes as described herein.
• the contact lens will have an electronic control system as well as the micro-displays mounted on a flexible transparent sheet of plastic.
• the electronic system may comprise an ASIC or a microcontroller, a rechargeable Lithium ion solid state battery, a voltage ramping module e.g., a buck boost converter, a flash memory and an EEPROM, an RFID module to provide wireless recharging, or an antenna preferably disposed radially along the edge of the contact lens, and any combination thereof.
• the contact lens comprises a biocompatible material, such as a soft hydrogel or silicone hydrogel material, and may comprise any material composition that has proven to be compatible with sustained wear on the eye as a contact lens.
• virtual images focused at a target distance from the peripheral retina equivalent to a myopic defocus. Rays forming these images do not come from outside environment but from the micro-displays themselves, so the optics of the micro-lens arrays can be solely designed to process the rays emanating from the micro displays. The area of each of these micro-displays and micro-lens arrays in front of each is small, so the obscuration of the real image is small, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. [0046]
• the device as described herein can give each caregiver substantial flexibility in setting and testing such parameters for an individual patient, then refining the preferred parameters of treatment based on observations of patient response.
• Some embodiments comprise a contact lens of diameter 14.0 mm, with an edge zone of 1.0 mm and a peripheral zone 16 whose inner diameter is 6.0 mm and outer diameter is 12.0 mm.
• the overall diameter of the lens may be in the range of 13.0 mm and 14.5 mm, preferably 13.5 and 14.5 mm.
• the central optical zone 14 is designed to cover the pupil of all wearers under all illumination conditions, and should therefore have a diameter in the range of 5.0 mm and 8.0 mm.
• the peripheral or the blend zone is primarily designed to provide a good fit to the cornea, including good centration and minimum decentration.
• the central optical zone 14 is designed to provide emmetropic correction to the wearer and may be provided with both spherical and astigmatic correction ( Figure 1).
• the inner surface of the contact lens is embedded with a set of four micro-displays coupled eye side with micro-lens arrays of the same size.
• the function of the micro-lens arrays is to collimate the light being emitted by the micro displays, collimate it, and focus it at a focus that is designed to be in the front of the eye, to provide hyperopic defocus.
• the micro-displays can be sized in many ways, and each of these micro-displays is only about 0.04 mm 2 to 2 mm 2 in area, for example from 1 mm 2 to 2 mm 2 in area, so that these displays cover less than 1% of the contact lens optic, in some embodiments.
• Each of the displays will generate about 30-50 cd/m 2 or greater of illumination, quite sufficient for forming a relatively bright image at the focus of each of these micro-displays.
• the focused images will appear approximately 1.5-2.5 mm in front of the peripheral retina, since they will be designed to be myopic by about 2.0D to 5.0D, for example 2.0D to 4.0D, or preferably 2.5D to 3.5D, for example.
• the micro displays may be OLEDs with pixel size of 2.0- 5.0 microns, with a pitch in the range of 2.0-10.0 microns.
• the micro-displays embedded in the contact lens as described herein will consist of micro- LEDS illuminating an object, such as a thin film placed in front of it, eye side.
• the micro displays may be polychromatic or they may be monochromatic.
• the polychromatic images are formed by RGB pixels in the OLED or micro-LEDS of different colors, organized in arrays so as to form an RGB display. Data on wavelength dependence of axial length alteration of the projected hyperopic or myopic image at the peripheral retina are lacking.
• a preferred wavelength for stimulation of change in axial length is 500 nm, the peak wavelength of stimulation of rods in the eye, although other wavelengths may be used.
• the amounts and location of illumination on outer locations of the retina to provide a therapeutic benefit can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.
• the length and duration of peripheral stimulation can be determined, for example optimized, based on available preclinical data in animal models. For example, some studies suggest that changes in axial length in animal models can be obtained on repeated application of defocus stimuli, in preference to a single sustained period of equivalent duration of imposed defocus.
• Examples of studies with information on illumination changes in axial length suitable for incorporation in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein include: Wallman, I, et al,“ Homeostatis of eye growth and the question of myopia”, in Neuron, 2004; 43: pp 447; Benavente-Perez, A, et al,“Axial Eye Growth and Refractive Error Development Can Be Modified by Exposing the Peripheral Retina to Relative Myopic or Hyperopic Defocus” In IOVS 2014; 55: pp 6767; and Hammond, D.S., et al, “Dynamics of active emmetropisation in young chicks - influence of sign and magnitude of imposed defocus” in Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2013; 33: pp 215-222.
• An embodiment comprises a
• This embodiment also enables the caregiver to test whether nocturnal stimulation (sustained or repeated sequence of short pulses) has an efficacy for certain individuals.
• the electronic components are populated on a flexible thin film on which interconnects and electrical bus are deposited by means of vapor deposition or a 3D printing process.
• the electronics and the micro-displays are further coated with a flexible stack of thin barrier film, such as a stack of Paralyne C and SiOx film of total thickness 5-10 microns, developed by Coat-X, a corporation located in Neuchatel, Switzerland.
• Some embodiments of the device deploy a set of one to eight micro-displays, each circular or arcuate in shape, and they are disposed radially on the inner surface of the contact lens, all at the same distance from the optical center of the lens. In one embodiment, they may be monochromatic. In another embodiment they may be designed to provide white light output. In a third embodiment, they may be designed to output illumination matched to the retinal sensitivity.
• MCU reprogrammable microcontroller
• ASIC application specific integrated circuit
• the contact lens is worn during sleep, and the micro displays are programmed to operate only when the wearer is asleep.
• Such a programmed stimulation of reduction of the axial length will interfere minimally with daily activities, including reading and computer work.
• the contact lens may even be removed during daytime activities, while it is fit on the cornea just before going to sleep.
• Other embodiments may utilize other programming algorithms, for example a combination of daytime and nighttime stimulations.
• the contact lens may be a daily disposable lens, obviating the need for disinfecting and cleaning the lens or recharging it.
• Another embodiment consists of a contact lens of planned replacement modality.
• each micro-display (1 mm 2 to 4 mm 2 ) will consume about 10 microwatts of electrical energy.
• a set of four micro-displays may use about 125 microwatt-hours of electricity for 2 hours of operation, so that the total daily energy consumption for this design will be expected to be 0.2 milliwatt-hour.
• each micro-display comprises a cross-sectional area within a range from about 0.04 mm 2 to 4 mm 2 and consumes about 10 microwatts of electrical energy.
• the electrical power is supplied by a rechargeable, solid state lithium ion battery.
• a bare die solid state rechargeable lithium ion battery may be populated on the same flexible substrate as the electronics of the lens.
• a 50 uAH rechargeable lithium ion solid film battery has dimensions of 5.7 x 6.1 mm x 0.200 mm (Cymbet Corporation CBC050).
• the battery comprises sufficient mass to stabilize the contact lens.
• the battery can be located on an inferior position of the lens in order to stabilize the lens with gravity.
• the inferiorly located battery may comprise a mass sufficient to decrease rotational movement such as spinning when the wearer blinks.
• an electronic contact lens projects a 2.0-5.0 D myopically defocused image at the retinal periphery, while maintaining excellent vision at the center.
• the electronic soft contact lens comprises microscopic light sources and microscale optics embedded at the periphery of the lens optic.
• the contact lens optic can be designed to provide excellent vision at the central retina, while the outer light sources project images at the outer portions of the retina that are myopically defocused.
• the light sources comprise micro displays.
• the outer images formed anterior to the retina may to stimulate the retina to move forward, reducing the axial length and deepening the vitreous compartment.
• the contact lens is configured to one or more of decrease myopia progression, substantially stop myopia progression, or reverse myopia in the eye wearing the lens.
• the contact lens can be configured for extended wear and replaced once a month, for example. The contact lens can be replaced more frequently or less frequently, for example, once a week, or once every three months.
• the contact lens is designed to be worn by teens and young adults, who can be at greater risk of myopia progression than people of other ages.
• the amount of myopic defocus of the peripheral image is within a range from about 2.0D to about 5.0D, for example from about 2.5D to about 5D.
• a person of ordinary skill in the art can conduct studies such as clinical studies to determine appropriate amounts of defocus, illumination intensities and times of illumination.
• one or more of the amount of defocus, the retinal locations of the retinal illumination or the times of illumination can be customized to an individual, for example in response to physiological characteristics of the individual patient.
• the duration of treatment can be within a range from 1 to 3 years, for example about 2 years.
• the treatment is performed with a number of lenses within a range from about 10 lenses to about 40 lenses, for example from about 10 lenses to about 30 lenses.
• the prescription of the optical zone 14 comprising the central lens optic may change with time during treatment, and the prescription of the contact lens can be changed is appropriate.
• the contact lenses as disclosed herein may also be subsequently worn as needed, for example if myopia progression returns.
• the electronic contact lens can be configured in many ways to correct refractive error of the wearer.
• the contact lens comprises a plurality of micro displays that emit light near a periphery of the optical zone 14 of the contact lens, a plurality of micro-optics to collect, collimate and focus the light rays emanating from the light sources, a miniaturized rechargeable solid state battery to provide power to the light sources (e.g. a Lithium ion solid state battery), an antenna to wirelessly receive power to recharge the battery, and a micro-controller to control actuating and controlling functions, and a memory to store data or software instructions.
• the outer image comprises a peripheral image located outside the macula, for example within a range from about 20 degrees to about 30 degrees eccentric to the fovea.
• the contact lens can be configured in many ways with a plurality of optics such as micro-optics to collect light from a plurality of light sources (e.g. microscope light sources) and form an image anterior to an outer portion of the retina such as anterior to a peripheral portion of the retina.
• the plurality of optics comprises one or more of a light-pipe and a reflective component, such as mirrors, for example microscopic mirrors.
• the device as described herein can be used to treat advancement of refractive error such as myopia.
• each caregiver has substantial flexibility in setting and testing parameters for an individual patient, then refining the preferred parameters of treatment based on observations of patient response.
• the optical design of the refractive properties of the contact lens substantially unaltered and can be configured in many ways.
• the central optical zone 14 of the contact lens can be optimized for best correction of the far image at the fovea, while providing images at the periphery of the retina that are anterior to the image shell of the contact lens optic, so as to decrease the advancement of refractive error.
• the light sources may comprise a surface area of no more than 2 mm 2 of the optical surface, and the size of the optical surface to correct refractive error can be within a range from about 25 mm 2 to about 50 mm 2 , which can decrease the effect of the light source on vision.
• An intensity of the peripheral image that can be provided independently of the level of ambient illumination, and the intensity of the light sources can be adjusted over several orders of magnitude by selecting light sources of appropriate power.
• the soft contact lens can be configured to provide appropriate amounts of illumination response to input from the wearer or a health care provider.
• Figure 1 shows micro-displays 12 embedded in the contact lens 10
• the soft contact lens 10 comprises an optical zone 14 configured to provide far vision correction to the wearer, for example with a visual acuity of 20/20 or better.
• the micro-displays 12 can be configured to provide the images in front of the peripheral portion of the retina as described herein. This configuration can allow the user to have good visual acuity while receiving therapy from the images focused in front of the retina as described herein.
• the micro-displays 12 may comprise micro-LEDS illuminating an object, such as a thin film placed in front of it, eye side.
• the light emitted by these micro-displays 12 can be Lambertian and directed to an optical element such as a lens to direct the light beam toward the retina.
• the contact lens 10 comprises a diameter suitable for placement on an eye.
• the contact lens 10 may comprise a diameter within a range from about 10 mm to 15 mm, for example 14.0 mm.
• the contact lens 10 may comprise a plurality of embedded micro-displays 12.
• Each of the plurality of micro-display 12 can be optically coupled to an optical configuration that collects light emitted by the micro display 12 and projects an image on or in front of the retina of the wearer at a specified eccentricity.
• Each of the displays 12 can generate an illumination within a range from about 1 cd/m 2 to about 50 cd/m 2 . The amount of illumination can be sufficient for forming a relatively bright image at the focus of each of these micro-displays 12.
• the amount of illuminance is intermediate between photopic and mesopic levels of illumination and intermediate levels of sensitivity of rods and cones.
• the preferred amount of illumination can be within a range from about 0.1 cd/m 2 to about 10 cd/m 2 , preferably between 0.5 cd/m 2 to 5 cd/m 2 at the pupil plane.
• This amount of illuminance may correspond to an amount of light between moonlight and indoor lighting, for example.
• the amount of illumination corresponds to mesopic vision.
• the micro-displays 12 can comprise light sources that emit polychromatic light composed of light of different wavelengths. In other words,
• the light sources emit monochromatic light.
• the wavelength of the monochromatic illumination can be in the range of 500 nm to 560 nm, preferably from 500 nm to 530 nm, more preferably from 500 nm to 510 nm.
• the polychromatic light sources provide chromatic cues to the peripheral retina.
• the chromatic cues may comprise negative chromatic aberration.
• a poly chromatic light beam is focused anterior to the retina, in which the polychromatic light beam comprises a positive chromatic aberration prior to an image plane 35 or a focal plane and a negative chromatic aberration after the image plane 35 or focal plane so as to illuminate the retina with a negative chromatic aberration.
• the polychromatic illumination can be configured in many ways, in some embodiments, the polychromatic illumination comprises red illumination, blue illumination and green illumination, although other wavelengths of light may be used.
• the projected images appear approximately 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm in front of the peripheral retina, since they will be designed to be myopic by about 2.0D to 4.0D, preferably 2.5D to 3.5D.
• 1 mm in front of the retina corresponds to about 2.5 D of myopia, for example about 2.7 D of myopia.
• This approach of peripheral stimulation of change in axial length through thickening or thinning of the choroid can be based on repeated and confirmed observations of the efficacy of application localized hyperopic or myopic defocus in stimulating change in the axial length of the eye 11.
• the length and duration of peripheral stimulation can be based on available preclinical data in animal models as is known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
• the rate of change in axial length can obtained on repeated application of defocus stimuli, in preference to a single sustained period of equivalent duration of imposed defocus.
• the duration and distribution of application of peripheral myopic defocus depends on individual physiology and the shape of the retina.
• the contact lens 10 comprises a programmable processor such as a microcontroller unit (MCU) or application specific integrated circuity (ASIC) for controlling the operation of the micro-displays 12.
• the contact lens 10 may comprise a real time clock to adjust the treatment duration and periodicity by the caregiver, and the treatment duration and periodicity may be provided throughout the treatment.
• the caregiver tests whether nocturnal stimulation (sustained or repeated sequence of short pulses) has an efficacy for certain individuals.
• Figure 2A shows OLED micro displays 12 mounted on the inner surface of soft contact lens 10, optically coupled with micro lens arrays for projecting images with myopic defocus on the periphery of the retina of a wearer.
• FIG. 2B shows a soft contact lens 10 comprising a plurality of light sources and optics and associated circuitry, in accordance with some embodiments.
• the contact lens 10 comprises a plurality of projection units 18.
• Each of the plurality of projection units 18 comprises a light source and one or more optics to focus light in front of the retina as described herein.
• Each of the optics may comprise one or more of a mirror, a plurality of mirrors, a lens, a plurality of lenses, a diffractive optic, a Fresnel lens, a light pipe or a wave guide.
• the contact lens 10 may comprise a battery 20 and a sensor 22.
• the contact lens 10 may comprise a flex printed circuit board (PCB) 24, and a processor can be mounted on the PCB 24.
• PCB flex printed circuit board
• the processor can be mounted on the PCB 24 and coupled to the sensor 22 and the plurality of light sources 30.
• the soft contact lens 10 may also comprise wireless communication circuitry and an antenna for inductively charging the contact lens 10.
• the contact lens 10 may comprise any suitable energy storage device.
• the soft contact lens 10 may comprise a lens body composed of any suitable material such as a hydrogel. The hydrogel can encapsulate the components of the soft contact lens 10.
• the processor can be configured with instructions to illuminate the retina with the plurality of light sources 30.
• the processor can be programmed in many ways, for example with instructions received with the wireless communication circuitry.
• the processor can receive instructions for a user mobile device.
• the sensor 22 can be coupled to the processor to allow the user to control the contact lens 10.
• the sensor 22 can be configured to respond to pressure, such as pressure from an eyelid.
• the processor can be coupled to the sensor 22 to detect user commands.
• the electronic control system may comprise a processor such as an ASIC or a microcontroller, a rechargeable Lithium ion solid state battery, a voltage ramping module e.g., a buck boost converter, a flash memory and an EEPROM, an RFID module to provide wireless recharging, or an antenna preferably disposed radially near an edge of the contact lens 10, and any combination thereof.
• the contact lens 10 may comprise a biocompatible material, such as a soft hydrogel or silicone hydrogel material, and may comprise any material composition that has proven to be compatible with sustained wear on the eye 11 as a contact lens 10.
• Figure 2C shows mechanical integration of the function of the components of the contact lens 10 as in Figure 2B. These components can be supported with the PCB 24.
• the power source such as a battery 20 can be mounted on the PCB 24 and coupled to other components to provide a power source function 21.
• the sensor 22 can be configured to provide an activation function 23.
• the sensor 22 can be coupled to a processor mounted on the PCB 24 to provide a control function 25 of the contact lens 10.
• the control function 25 may comprise a light intensity setting 27 and a light switch 29.
• the processor can be configured to detect signal from the sensor 22 corresponding to an increase in intensity, a decrease in intensity, or an on/off signal from the sensor 22, for example with a coded sequence of signals from the sensor 22.
• the processor is coupled to the light projection units 18 which can comprise a light source 30 and optics 32 to provide the projection function 31.
• the processor can be coupled to the plurality of light sources 30 to control each of the light sources 30 in response to user input to the sensor 22.
• the optic configuration 32 comprises a plurality of mirrors configured to collect light emitted by the micro-displays 12, then direct the light beam to the pupil of the eye 11, in order to form an eccentric retinal image, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.
• the mirrors may collimate the light beam, or direct the light beam toward the retina 33 with a suitable vergence so as to focus the light beam onto the retina 33.
• three performance attributes of the optic configuration include one or more of:
• the mirror assembly shown in Figure 3 achieves a depth of focus that is less than 1D, enabling the applied defocus of 2.0-4.0D to be clearly perceived by the peripheral retina 33 at the specified eccentricity (20-30 degrees).
• the spots size of the image focused in front of the retina 33 comprises a resolution finer than the resolution of the retina 33.
• Retinal resolution generally decreases as a function of eccentricity. For example, at an angle of 0 degrees of eccentricity, retinal resolution is approximately 10 micrometers. At 5 degrees of eccentricity, the retinal resolution is approximately 30 micrometers. At 20 degrees of eccentricity, the resolution is approximately 100 micrometers and at 30 degrees the retinal resolution is approximately 150 micrometers.
• Figures 5 A and 5B show analysis of retinal image quality generated by the optic configuration of Figure 3. Images formed by three of the four light sources 30 have been simulated. The temporal point has been omitted because it is symmetrical to the nasal point. The analysis shows that the image quality exceeds the resolving power of the retina 33 at 27 degrees eccentricity. The modulation transfer function of the retinal image created by the mirror assembly of Figure 3 is diffraction limited, indicating that aberrations of the optical elements deployed are not causing significant deterioration of image quality, in accordance with this embodiment. Furthermore, the spatial resolution of the optics exceeds the resolution of the retina 33 at the preferred image location.
• Figure 6 shows analysis of depth of focus of the optic configuration shown in Figure 3. Each millimeter of distance from the retina 33 represents a defocus of 2.7D. This analysis shows that the depth of focus is sufficiently small that a defocus of 0.5 mm (1.35D) is perceivable by the retina 33 at the point of incidence of the image (27 degrees eccentricity). Depth of focus depends on effective path length of the stimulating beam.
• Figure 7 shows the plot of MTF values against defocus shows the depth of focus of image created by each of the light sources (object).
• a second embodiment comprises optics 32 comprising a converging or collimating lens in optical coupling with light source 30, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B.
• a lens 34 which may comprise a single lens, is used to collimate the light output from the stimulation source and direct it to the cornea 37 through the contact lens 10.
• the effectiveness of the collimating lens 34 depends on its refractive index and should be sufficiently high in order to create a substantial difference in refractive indices between the lens material and the material of the contact lens 10 that functions as the substrate.
• the refractive index of the embedded lens 34 has been assumed to be 2.02 (e.g., refractive index of a lanthanum fluorosilicate glass LaSFs), although other materials may be used.
• FIG. 9 Optical performance of the embodiment of Figures 8A and 8B is shown in Figures 9 and 10. Images formed by three of the four light sources 30 have been simulated. The temporal point has been omitted because it is symmetrical to the nasal point. Each millimeter of distance from the retina 33 represents a defocus of 2.7D. This analysis shows that the depth of focus is substantially higher than 1D, so that image blur caused by a defocus of 0.5 mm (1.35D) may not be perceivable by the retina 33 at the point of incidence of the image (27 degrees eccentricity).
• the depth of focus is greater than 1.0 D, indicating that changes in image resolution as a function of defocus may not be easily perceivable by the peripheral retina 33, especially since the resolution capability of the retina 33 at that eccentricity (20-30 degrees), derived mainly from rods is relatively poor as described herein.
• a third embodiment comprises a light-pipe 36 in order to increase the optical path length, as shown in Figures 11 A and 11B.
• the light-pipe 36 can provide an increased optical path length to decrease image magnification and retinal image size.
• depth of focus is relatively large, and the resolution is relatively coarse (15 lp/mm at 50% MTF).
• optical configurations including the use of a micro-lens array with a point source, use of diffractive optics in order to use a thinner lens, generation of multiple retinal images using a single point source and an optical processing unit.
• the three characteristics listed above may be used as metrics in order to evaluate the suitability of a particular design.
• the presently disclosed methods and apparatus are well suited for combination with many types of lenses, such as one or more of: smart contact lenses, contact lenses with antennas and sensors, contact lenses with integrated pulse oximeters, contact lenses with phase map displays, electro-optic contact lenses, contact lenses with flexible conductors, autonomous eye tracking contact lenses, electrochromic contact lenses, dynamic diffractive liquid crystal lenses, automatic accommodation lenses, image display lenses with programmable phase maps, lenses with tear activated micro batteries, tear film sensing contact lenses, lenses with multi-colored LED arrays, contact lenses with capacitive sensing, lenses to detect overlap of an ophthalmic device by an eyelid, lenses with active accommodation, lenses with electrochemical sensors, lenses with enzymes and sensors, lenses including dynamic visual field modulation, lenses for measuring pyruvate, lenses for measuring urea, lenses for measuring glucose, lenses with tear fluid
• a soft contact lens 10 is shown in Figure 12.
• This contact lens 10 comprises a base or carrier contact lens comprising embedded electronics and optics.
• the base soft contact lens 10 is made of a biocompatible material such as a hydrogel or a silicone hydrogel polymer designed to be comfortable for sustained wear.
• the contact lens 10 has a central optical zone 14 of diameter within a range from 6 mm to 9 mm, for example within a range from 7.0 mm to 8.0 mm.
• the central optical zone 14 is circumscribed by an outer annular zone, such as a peripheral zone 16 of width in a range 2.5 mm to 3.0 mm.
• the outer annular zone is surrounded by an outermost edge zone 18 of width in the range from 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm.
• the optical zone 14 is configured to provide refractive correction and can be spherical, toric or multifocal in design, for example.
• the outer annular zone peripheral to the optical zone 14 is configured to fit the comeal curvature and may comprise rotational stabilization zones for translational and rotational stability, while allowing movement of the contact lens 10 on the eye 11 following blinks.
• the edge zone 18 may comprise a thickness within a range from 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm and may end in a wedge shape.
• the overall diameter of the soft contact lens 10 can be within a range from 12.5 mm to 15.0 mm, for example within a range from 13.5 mm to 14.8 mm.
• the embedded light sources 30 and the electronics are preferably located in the outer annular zone of the contact lens 10, as shown in Figure 12.
• the central optical zone 14 is preferably free from electronics and light sources 30 in order to not compromise the quality of central foveal or macular vision, in accordance with some embodiments.
• the edge zone 18 does not comprise circuitry in order to maintain contact with the comeal surface and provide comfort.
• the light sources can be arranged in many ways on the contact lens.
• the light sources can be arranged in a substantially continuous ring around the central optical zone.
• the plurality of light sources and the plurality of optics are coupled together to form a continuous ring of illumination.
• the contact lens 10 of Figure 12 comprises of a body composed of a soft biocompatible polymer with high oxygen permeability embedded with a transparent film populated with all the electronic and optical components. This transparent film may comprise a transparent printed circuit board (“PCB”) substrate.
• PCB transparent printed circuit board
• the thickness of the PCB can be within a range from about 5 microns to50 microns and may comprise a plurality of layers of the film in order to utilize both surfaces of the PCB substrate for population of electronics.
• the PCB substrate can be curved to conform to the geometry of the base contact lens 10, with a curvature within a range about 7.5 mm to about 10.0 mm, for example within a range from about 8.0 mm to about 9.5 mm, for example.
• the PCB substrate can be configured for suitable oxygen permeability.
• the PCB is perforated to improve permeability of oxygen, tear fluid, nutrients and carbon dioxide through it.
• the PCB has a low tensile modulus, for example within a range from about lMPa to about 50 MPa, although stiffer films may also be used for example.
• a preferred material for a transparent flexible PCB substrate comprises a polyimide that is cast from a liquid or a solution, and may be in the form of a polyamic acid when spin cast on a flat substrate, subsequently cured thermally to form a polyimide such as KaptonTM.
• the contact lens 10 may comprise one or more components shown in Figure 12.
• the architecture of the electronic system, shown in Figure 12 comprises a plurality of light sources 30 mounted on a bus, a microcontroller 38 that comprises a power and data management system, an onboard memory and an RFID module, a sensor that is designed to detect a physical or physiological trigger and issue a signal that turns the light sources 30 ON or OFF, an antenna 41 for wireless exchange of data that also functions as a wireless receiver of power, operating on a single or multiple frequency bands for transmission of data and power and a rechargeable solid state Lithium ion battery 20.
• the microcontroller 38 comprises an application specific integrated circuity (“ASIC”).
• the plurality of light sources 30 may comprise microscopic light sources 30 as described herein.
• the light sources 30 can be positioned along a circumference of diameter in the range 1.5 mm to 5.0 mm from the center.
• Figure 13 shows a ray tracing analysis of the image of a light source 30 formed on an outer region of the retina 33 such as the peripheral retina 33.
• the anterior chamber depth is assumed to be 4.1 mm, typically between 2.9 mm and 5.0 mm for human subjects, the axial length has been assumed to be 25.0 mm, and the contact lens 10 is positioned on the cornea.
• the microscopic light source 30 is placed 1.9 mm away from the center of the contact lens 10, leaving a central optical zone 14 of 3.8 mm in diameter that is clear.
• a combination of a light source 30 and a lens such as a micro-lens can be used to direct light to an outer region of the retina 33.
• the micro-lens can be configured to collect light emitted by the light source 30.
• the collected light can be one or more of collimated or focused and directed to the pupil of the eye 11.
• a projection system comprises the combination of the microlight source 30 and the image forming optics 32.
• the light source 30 may comprise one or more of an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a quantum dot light emitting diode (QLED), a transparent light emitting diode (TOLED), an inorganic light emitting diode (i-LED) or a CRT display.
• the light source 30 may comprise one or more pixels, populated on a transparent or opaque substrate.
• the light source 30 may comprise one or more display components such as a passive matrix or an active matrix, for example.
• a size of individual pixels is within a range from 1 tolO microns, for example within a range from 2 to5 microns.
• the brightness of each of the plurality of pixels when turned ON can be more than 500 nits (Cd/m 2 ), more than 5000 nits, or within a range from 10,000 to 25,000 nits.
• the resolving power of the retina 33 is highest at the center, the fovea. Healthy young persons are capable of angular resolution of 0.6 arc minute, equivalent to 20/12 in Snellen terminology. Resolution capability is typically reduced to 20/200 (10 arc minute) at 25 degrees eccentricity. There are few if any cones at this eccentricity, and the population of rods is also much diminished.
• the image delivery system provides an image resolution equal or exceeding the level of retinal image resolution. In some embodiments, there is no additional benefit can be expected if the projected image resolution exceeds the resolution capability of the retina 33 at the location of the image. In some embodiments, the spot size of the image at the retinal periphery is therefore 150 microns or less.
• the wavelengths of light emitted by the light source 30 can be configured in many ways.
• the wavelength of light emitted by the light source 30 can be determined by clinical studies in accordance with the present disclosure.
• the wavelength of the light source 30 comprises light that corresponds to the peak sensitivity of retinal photoreceptors at the desired eccentricity, e.g. substantially matches the peak sensitivity.
• light is projected at an eccentricity of 20-30 degrees where rods are predominant, and the light from the source comprises wavelengths within a range from about from about 420 nm to 600 nm, for example from about 490 nm to 530 nm, for example within a range from about 500 to 520 nm, for example from about 502 to 512 nm.
• wavelength simulations disclosed herein 507 nm light is used as the input wavelength parameter.
• the optical designs disclosed herein are applicable to all wavelengths, even though the precise results of optimized design parameters may change with wavelength, due to chromatic dispersion of the material comprising the projection unit.
• the projection unit 18 Dimensions of the projection unit 18, so that they can be embedded into the contact lens 10 without the lens thickness being too high.
• the maximum lens thickness in the outer annular zone is 400 microns, which is consistent with current soft contact lenses for refractive corrections.
• Optical path length between the microscopic light source 30 and the image forming system This is related to control of image magnification and magnitude of image blur caused by diffraction, which can be quantified as the Airy Disk diameter.
• Image magnification is given by the ratio of the focal length of the image projection unit to the focal length of the eye 11, which is generally assumed to be 17 mm for first order estimates. In some embodiments, it is specific to the individual eye. In some
• the Airy disk diameter (2.44 X l (in microns) X f/1) is no more than the retinal resolution limit at image location.
• the minimum spot size at eccentricity of 25 degrees is 150 microns, so the Airy Disk diameter should not exceed 150 microns and can be less than 150 microns. Since the focal length of the eye 11 is fixed, the aperture of the projection optic controls the Airy Disk diameter at any wavelength.
• size of the Airy Disk of the collection optics and light sources 30 and associated image as described herein is related to the retinal image resolution. For example, at 30 degrees, 25 degrees, 20 degrees, 15 degrees and 10 degrees, the Airy Disk size may be no more than about 150 micro-meters (“microns”, “um”) about 125 um, about 100 um, about 75 um, and about 60 um, respectively.
• the image forming system can be configured in many ways including without limitation, diffractive optical elements, Fresnel lenses, refractive optics or reflective optics.
• the area covered by the overall image is preferably an arcuate segment of 5-10 degrees by 30-45 degrees, or 150-450 degree 2 for every light source, or about 3.0-6.0 mm 2 in area.
• four such light sources 30 at each quadrant of the contact lens 10 deliver four such peripheral images for optimum neurostimulation to the retina 33.
• An embodiment in accordance with the second simulations of the image delivery system is shown in Figure 3.
• a system of convex 26 and concave 28 micro-mirrors is used to increase optical path length and thereby image magnification of the peripheral retinal image.
• Figure 4 shows the light path of the peripheral image through the eye 11 for this embodiment.
• An exemplary light source 30 can be defined, assuming that the diameter of the light source 30 is 10 pm, and thickness is 100 pm.
• Four object points 40 can be specified to simulate the image quality, as shown in Figure 14. With reference to Figure 14, the simulated light source 30 is shown with the dashed circle of lOpm and the simulated object points 40 includes the smaller circles and the center points of each of the smaller circles.
• Table 2 shows the input parameters of the simulation.
• Output of the simulation are: Image magnification and size, Image quality and Depth of focus. The same input and output parameters were used to simulate all the preferred embodiments. Image size of the first preferred embodiment was found to be 200 microns, image magnification being 20X. Results of simulation of image quality is shown in Figure 15 for this simulation. All MTF plots are virtually coincident. The MTF plots indicate that the resolution of the peripheral image is substantially better than the limits of retinal resolution at this eccentricity.
• the depth of focus of the peripheral image was also simulated for the reflective optic in the second simulations and is shown in Figure 16.
• the image is optimally formed at a distance of 2.0 mm in front of the retina 33, causing it to be myopically defocused on the retina 33.
• the blur induced by this myopic defocus overcomes the effect of depth of focus, so that the retina 33 perceives a blurred image for it to perceive a neurostimulation to move forward, reducing the axial length of the eye 11.
• the neural stimulation is sufficient to decrease axial growth of the eye 11.
• Figure 17 shows the effect of image blur caused by myopic defocus in the form of loss of contrast or the modulus of simulated MTF plots shown for a particular spatial frequency (20/200 or 10 arc minutes) for the second simulations.
• the increase in spot size shown in Figure 16 is reflected in and consistent with the loss of the magnitude of the MTF plots as a function of the magnitude of myopic defocus.
• the second simulations indicate that the focal length of the projection unit is 0.85 mm with an image size 200 microns and an image magnification is 20X.
• the Airy disk diameter is computed to be 8.9 microns, while the Raleigh criterion is 10.9 microns.
• FIGS 10A and 1 show a lens to collect light from the light source 30 and direct light toward the retina 33, and the path of light along the eye 11, respectively.
• the light source 30 faces a refractive lens that approximately collimates the light which is finally projected in front of the peripheral retina 33, creating a myopic defocus of the peripheral image.
• a refractive lens other lenses can be used such as diffractive optics and gradient index (GRIN) lenses.
• Table 3 shows the design parameters of the refractive lens used for the third simulations of the peripheral image. Table 3. Design input parameters of the third simulations.
• the results of these simulations show that the image size is 1100 microns with an image magnification of 110.
• the MTF plots are shown in Figure 18 for the four object points 40 shown in Figure 14.
• the magnitude of MTF plots at high spatial frequencies are substantially lower than those for the reflective optic.
• the MTF plots show that image resolution is adequate for image of eccentricity 27 degrees.
• the optical design of the second preferred embodiment leads to a much greater depth of focus, as shown in Figure 19. This means that in some embodiments the effective image blur is much less for a myopic defocus in the range of 2D to 5D, relative to the reflective optic, in accordance with the first and second simulations.
• the increased depth of focus is reflected in the MTF plots shown in Figure 20, which may have a lesser dependence on the magnitude of myopic defocus relative to the reflective optic configuration, shown in Figures 3 and 4.
• the third optical simulations show that the refractive optic may successfully project a peripheral retinal image with an acceptable image size and image magnification and depth of focus. Although the image size, magnification and depth of focus may be somewhat larger than for the reflective configuration of the second simulations.
• the focusing lens is located at the end (exit aperture) of the light pipe.
• the light pipe comprises a curved lens surface on the end to focus light.
• the projection optic comprises a light guide comprising a mirror and a lens.
• the light source 30 is placed in an outer portion of the contact lens 10, e.g. near the periphery, and light from the source is guided to a mirror that collects the light and deflects the light towards the eye 11 to generate an image in front of the peripheral retina 33 with a myopic defocus as described herein.
• the function of the light guide is to increase the length of the light path, so as to reduce image magnification and increase resolution of the image formed anterior to the retina 33.
• Table 4 gives the properties of the projection system used in the fourth simulations of peripheral retinal image quality formed by light guide embodiments.
• Image magnification was 14 with an image size of 140 microns. These simulations reveal that the image magnification is acceptable, the depth of focus is not as large as the refractive optic, but larger than the reflective optic.
• the fourth simulations indicate that the focal length of the projection unit is 1.21 mm with an image size of 140 microns and a magnification of 14X.
• the Airy disk diameter is computed to be 34.8 microns, while the Raleigh criterion is 42.6 microns.
• the three embodiments also differ considerably in terms of the diameter of the optic, as shown in table 5.
• the reflective optic and light source 30 can be configured in many ways, and additional simulations can be conducted to determine appropriate configurations in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein. For example, clarity at the central object point shown in Figure 14 can be disregarded because its contribution to the
• computing devices and systems described and/or illustrated herein broadly represent any type or form of computing device or system capable of executing computer-readable instructions, such as those contained within the modules described herein.
• these computing device(s) may each comprise at least one memory device and at least one physical processor.
• memory or“memory device,” as used herein, generally represents any type or form of volatile or non-volatile storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or computer-readable instructions.
• a memory device may store, load, and/or maintain one or more of the modules described herein.
• Examples of memory devices comprise, without limitation, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid-State Drives (SSDs), optical disk drives, caches, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable storage memory.
• processor or“physical processor,” as used herein, generally refers to any type or form of hardware-implemented processing unit capable of interpreting and/or executing computer-readable instructions.
• a physical processor may access and/or modify one or more modules stored in the above-described memory device.
• Examples of physical processors comprise, without limitation, microprocessors, microcontrollers, Central Processing Units (CPUs), Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that implement softcore processors, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), portions of one or more of the same, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable physical processor.
• the method steps described and/or illustrated herein may represent portions of a single application.
• one or more of these steps may represent or correspond to one or more software applications or programs that, when executed by a computing device, may cause the computing device to perform one or more tasks, such as the method step.
• one or more of the devices described herein may transform data, physical devices, and/or representations of physical devices from one form to another.
• one or more of the devices recited herein may receive image data of a sample to be transformed, transform the image data, output a result of the transformation to determine a 3D process, use the result of the transformation to perform the 3D process, and store the result of the transformation to produce an output image of the sample.
• one or more of the modules recited herein may transform a processor, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and/or any other portion of a physical computing device from one form of computing device to another form of computing device by executing on the computing device, storing data on the computing device, and/or otherwise interacting with the computing device.
• computer-readable medium generally refers to any form of device, carrier, or medium capable of storing or carrying computer-readable instructions.
• Examples of computer-readable media comprise, without limitation, transmission-type media, such as carrier waves, and non-transitory-type media, such as magnetic-storage media (e.g., hard disk drives, tape drives, and floppy disks), optical- storage media (e.g., Compact Disks (CDs), Digital Video Disks (DVDs), and BLU-RAY disks), electronic-storage media (e.g., solid-state drives and flash media), and other distribution systems.
• transmission-type media such as carrier waves
• non-transitory-type media such as magnetic-storage media (e.g., hard disk drives, tape drives, and floppy disks), optical- storage media (e.g., Compact Disks (CDs), Digital Video Disks (DVDs), and BLU-RAY disks), electronic-storage media (e.g., solid-state drives and flash media), and other
• the processor as disclosed herein can be configured with instructions to perform any one or more steps of any method as disclosed herein.
• An electronic contact lens to treat myopia of an eye having a retina comprising:
• a plurality of projection optics coupled to the plurality of light sources to project a plurality of images anterior to the retina decrease a progression of myopia of the eye.
• Clause 3 The electronic contact lens of clause 1, wherein said plurality of projection optics is arranged to project the plurality of images of the plurality of light sources at a plurality of outer regions of the retina of the eye with an eccentricity within a range from 15 degrees to 30 degrees with respect to a fovea of the eye.
• each of said plurality of projection optics is arranged to project an image myopically defocused with respect to a retinal surface, wherein an amount of said defocus is within a range from 2.0D to 5.0D.
• Clause 5. The electronic contact lens of clause 1, wherein each of said plurality of projection optics is located 1.5 mm to 5.0 mm from a center of said contact lens and optionally wherein the plurality of projection optics is located along the circumference of a circle.
• Clause 6 The electronic contact lens of clause 1, wherein said plurality of projection optics comprises a plurality of image forming optics optically coupled to said plurality of light sources to project the plurality of images anterior to the surface of the retina.
• each of said plurality of light sources has a maximum distance across not exceeding 26 microns and optionally no more than 10 microns and optionally wherein said maximum distance across comprises a diameter.
• each of the plurality of projection optics comprises one or more of a mirror, a lens, or a lightguide.
• each of the plurality of image forming optics comprising one or more of a diffractive element, a Fresnel lens, or a compound Gabor lens.
• each of the plurality of image forming optic has a maximum distance across within a range from 1.5 mm to 200 microns and optionally wherein said maximum distance across comprises a diameter.
• each of the plurality of image forming optics is aspheric and corrected for image aberrations.
• each of the plurality of image forming optics comprises a combination of convex and concave mirrors.
• Clause 13 The electronic contact lens of clause 11, wherein said each of the plurality of image forming optic forms an image anterior to an outer portion of the retina at an eccentricity within a range from 15 degrees to 30 degrees from a fovea and optionally within a range from 25 degrees to 30 degrees from the fovea.
• Clause 14 The electronic contact lens of clause 11, wherein said each of the plurality of image forming optics creates an image anterior to the retina with an image of magnification within a range from 25 to 100.
• Clause 15 The electronic contact lens of clause 1, wherein the image anterior to the outer portion of the retina comprises magnitude of modulation transfer function of no less than 0.75 at a spatial frequency of 10 lp/mm, and no less than 0.40 at a spatial frequency of 50 lp/mm.
• each of the plurality of projection optics comprises an image forming optic comprising a collimating optic configured to form the image anterior to the retina.
• Clause 18 The electronic contact lens of clause 8, wherein said projection optic comprises an image forming optic to create an image anterior to an outer portion of the retina with eccentricity no more than 30 degrees and a depth of focus of no more than 1.0D.
• Clause 19 The electronic contact lens of clause 17, wherein said optic creates the image anterior to an outer portion of the retain with an eccentricity no more than 30 degrees, wherein a modulation transfer function of said image decreases by a minimum of 0.1 units for a defocus of 1.0 diopters.
• a soft contact lens comprising:
• each of said plurality of optical elements generates an image focused in front of a peripheral retina of a wearer.
• Clause 21 The soft contact lens of clause 20, wherein the plurality of light sources comprises a plurality of micro-displays.
• each of said plurality of optical elements comprises a mirror assembly that collimates light emitted by a corresponding micro-display and directs a resulting light beam into the pupil of the eye, wherein said light beam is focused to form the peripheral image in front of the retina.
• each of said plurality of optical elements comprise a lens that receives light emitted by a corresponding micro display and directs a resulting light beam into the pupil of the eye, wherein said light beam is focused to form an image in front of the retina.
• Clause 25 The soft contact lens of clause 20, wherein said the plurality of light sources generates a polychromatic illumination and optionally wherein the plurality of light sources comprises a plurality of micro-displays generating polychromatic illumination.
• Clause 26 The soft contact lens of clause 20, wherein said image is about 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm in front of the retina.
• Clause 27 The soft contact lens of clause 20, wherein said image has a resolution of at least 30 lp/mm.
• Clause 28 The soft contact lens of clause 20, wherein said image has a magnification of no more than 100X.
• Clause 30 The soft contact lens of clause 20, wherein said image is projected at an eccentricity in the within a range from about 15 degrees to about 45 degrees.
• Clause 31 The soft contact lens of clause 30, wherein said range is from about 25 degrees to about 30 degrees.
• Clause 32 The soft contact lens of clause 20, wherein said micro-display illuminates the pupil with an illuminance within a range from about 0.1 cd/m 2 to 10 cd/m 2 .
• Clause 37 The soft contact lens of any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising wireless communication circuitry operatively coupled to a mobile device for the wearer to control illumination of the plurality of light sources.
• Clause 38 The soft contact lens of any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising wireless communication circuitry operatively coupled to a processor for a health care provider to program illumination cycles and intensities of the plurality of light sources.
• Clause 40 The lens of clause 39, wherein said lens provides best refractive correction to refractive errors of the wearer.
• Clause 42 The lens of clause 39, wherein it comprises a set of 4 to 8 micro displays, disposed evenly along an arc of said lens, each being displaced equally from the optical center of said lens.
• Clause 43 The lens of clause 39, wherein said image is focused 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm in front of the retina.
• Clause 49 The lens of any one of clauses 39 or 45, wherein said arrays have dimensions ranging from 1 mm 2 to 8 mm 2 and optionally from 1 mm 2 to 8 mm 2 .
• Clause 50 The lens of clause 39, wherein the duration of said image of clause 1 is programmable when the lens is on eye.
• Clause 51 The lens of clause 47, wherein said image is projected continuously for about 1 hour to about 12 hours per day.
• Clause 52 The lens of clause 47, wherein said image is projected episodically, several times a day, with the total duration of projection ranging from 1 hour to 12 hours per day.
• Clause 53 The lens of clause 39, wherein said image is projected when the wearer is asleep.
• Clause 55 The lens of clause 39, wherein said image is polychromatic, with a wavelength distribution that preferably matches the retinal response to visible light.

Landscapes

• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Ophthalmology & Optometry (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Optics & Photonics (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Biomedical Technology (AREA)
• Pathology (AREA)
• Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
• Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Eyeglasses (AREA)
• Control And Other Processes For Unpacking Of Materials (AREA)
• Sink And Installation For Waste Water (AREA)
• Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)

Priority Applications (13)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Related Child Applications (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=69230580

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (9)

Cited By (20)

Families Citing this family (11)

Citations (7)

Family Cites Families (230)

• 2019
  • 2019-07-26 CN CN201980061983.0A patent/CN112740099B/zh active Active
  • 2019-07-26 US US17/250,507 patent/US11402662B2/en active Active
  • 2019-07-26 EP EP19843382.3A patent/EP3830636A4/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2019-07-26 AU AU2019314262A patent/AU2019314262B2/en active Active
  • 2019-07-26 CA CA3107824A patent/CA3107824A1/en active Pending
  • 2019-07-26 WO PCT/US2019/043692 patent/WO2020028177A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2019-07-26 JP JP2021504760A patent/JP7599155B2/ja active Active
  • 2019-07-26 KR KR1020217006230A patent/KR102786693B1/ko active Active
  • 2019-07-26 CN CN202410561694.XA patent/CN118403291A/zh active Pending
  • 2019-07-30 TW TW108127072A patent/TWI821346B/zh active
• 2022
  • 2022-06-10 US US17/806,326 patent/US11619831B2/en active Active
• 2023
  • 2023-01-26 US US18/160,200 patent/US12210225B2/en active Active
• 2024
  • 2024-05-30 JP JP2024088165A patent/JP2024103650A/ja not_active Withdrawn
  • 2024-11-19 US US18/952,067 patent/US20250076682A1/en active Pending

Patent Citations (7)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events