Methods for forming variable optic ophthalmic devices including shaped liquid crystal elements
AssigneeJohnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
InventorsRandall B. Pugh, Frederick A. Flitsch
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing an ophthalmic lens of variable optical power. The variable optic insert may have surfaces within that have differing radii of curvature. The variable optic insert may also comprise polarizing elements. In some examples, an intermediate optic piece may be formed to comprise a UV absorbing dye, allowing differential processing of regions on either side of the intermediate optic piece. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control refractive characteristics.
Claims15
A method of forming a variable optic insert for an ophthalmic lens device comprising:
- forming a front optic piece;
- forming an intermediate optic piece, wherein the intermediate optic piece comprises a UV absorbing dye;
- forming a back optic piece;
- adding a photosensitive alignment layer to surfaces of the front optic piece, the intermediate optic piece, and the back optic piece;
- placing the intermediate optic piece upon the back optic piece;
- placing the front optic piece upon the intermediate optic piece, wherein a combination of the front optic piece, the intermediate optic piece and the back optic piece form a stack;
- exposing the photosensitive alignment layers underneath the intermediate optic piece with a first polarized irradiation source in a first polarization pattern, wherein a wavelength of the irradiation is absorbed at least in part by the UV absorbing dye;
- and
- exposing the photosensitive alignment layers above the intermediate optic piece with a second polarized irradiation source in a second polarization pattern, wherein a wavelength of the irradiation is absorbed at least in part by the UV absorbing dye.
A method of forming a variable optic insert for an ophthalmic lens device comprising:
- forming a front optic piece;
- forming an intermediate optic piece, wherein the intermediate optic piece comprises a UV absorbing dye;
- forming a back optic piece;
- adding a photosensitive alignment layer to surfaces of the front optic piece, the intermediate optic piece, and the back optic piece;
- placing the intermediate optic piece upon the back optic piece;
- placing the front optic piece upon the intermediate optic piece, wherein a combination of the front optic piece, the intermediate optic piece and the back optic piece form a stack;
- exposing the photosensitive alignment layers underneath the intermediate optic piece with a first polarization pattern;
- exposing the photosensitive alignment layers above the intermediate optic piece with a second polarization pattern;
- filling a first chamber between the front optic piece with a liquid crystal containing monomer mixture;
- filing a second chamber between the intermediate optic piece and the back optic piece with a liquid crystal containing monomer mixture;
- measuring optical characteristics of the stack with a first polarized incident light source;
- measuring optical characteristics of the stack with a second polarized incident light source:
- adjusting an orientation of one or both of the front optic piece and the back optic piece;
- polymerizing the liquid crystal containing monomer mixture in the first chamber;
- and
- polymerizing the liquid crystal containing monomer mixture in the second chamber.
A method for forming a multi-cavity insert for an ophthalmic device, the method comprising:
- forming a front optic piece;
- forming a back optic piece;
- forming an intermediate optic piece, wherein a composition of the intermediate optic piece blocks more than 90% of UV light in a first band of UV light;
- stacking the front optic piece upon the intermediate optic piece upon the back optic piece, wherein a first cavity is formed between the front optic piece and the intermediate optic piece and a second cavity is formed between the intermediate optic piece and the back optic piece;
- irradiating an extent of the first cavity with a source of UV light from a first direction which traverses the front optic piece, wherein the source of UV light emits light within the first band of UV light, and wherein the irradiation is incident upon materials within the first cavity;
- and
- irradiating an extent of the second cavity with a source of UV light from a second direction which traverses the back optic piece, wherein the source of UV light emits light within the first band of UV light, and wherein the irradiation is incident upon materials within the second cavity.
A contact lens comprising:
- an insert comprising:
- a first optic piece;
- a second optic piece;
- an intermediate optic piece, wherein the intermediate optic piece comprises a UV blocker;
- an energy source;
- at least a first and second layer of polymerized material comprising liquid crystal molecules;
- and
- an electronic circuit;
- and
- a hydrogel skirt which encapsulates the insert.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.