Abstract: A computer-implemented method of designing an iris region of a colored contact lens including providing an annular digital image representing at least a portion of an iris region of the eye. Applying a gradient fill algorithm to the digital image. And applying a halftoning algorithm to the digital image.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of designing an iris region of a colored contact lens including providing an annular digital image representing at least a portion of an iris region of the eye. Applying a gradient fill algorithm to the digital image. And applying a halftoning algorithm to the digital image.

Abstract: A colored contact lens including a non-opaque pupil region and a generally annular-shaped iris region surrounding the pupil region. The iris region is adapted to cover some of a wearer's iris when the wearer is wearing the contact lens and includes at least one pattern formed by an arrangement of discrete color elements having varying sizes. Typically, two or more patterns formed by the discrete color elements are overlaid on each other to form the iris region and give the iris region a more tonal and natural appearance.

Abstract: A colored contact lens including a non-opaque pupil region and a generally annular-shaped iris region surrounding the pupil region. The iris region is adapted to cover some of a wearer's iris when the wearer is wearing the contact lens and includes at least one pattern formed by an arrangement of discrete color elements having varying sizes. Typically, two or more patterns formed by the discrete color elements are overlaid on each other to form the iris region and give the iris region a more tonal and natural appearance.

Abstract: A colored contact lens comprising a generally uncolored pupil region, a generally annular-shaped iris region and a multicolored pattern on the iris region. The multicolored pattern is sufficiently colored to change the apparent color of an iris of a person wearing the contact lens and comprises a plurality of color elements. The multicolored pattern further comprising a collarette region that comprises at least some of the color elements and a collarette band at least substantially surrounding the pupil region that has generally jagged inner and outer peripheries. The collarette band including at least a first portion spaced less than 4 mm from the center of the pupil region and a second portion spaced at least 6.5 mm from the center of the pupil region.

Abstract: A colored contact lens comprising a generally uncolored pupil region, a generally annular-shaped iris region and a multicolored pattern on the iris region. The multicolored pattern is sufficiently colored to change the apparent color of an iris of a person wearing the contact lens and comprises a plurality of color elements. The multicolored pattern further comprising a collarette region that comprises at least some of the color elements and a collarette band at least substantially surrounding the pupil region that has generally jagged inner and outer peripheries. The collarette band including at least a first portion spaced less than 4 mm from the center of the pupil region and a second portion spaced at least 6.5 mm from the center of the pupil region.

Abstract: A method coloring a contact lens. The method comprises providing a contact lens having a pupil region and a generally annular-shaped iris region surrounding the pupil region. The iris region is adapted to at least partially cover a wearer's iris when the wearer is wearing the contact lens. The method further comprises providing a printer assembly having an inkjet print head, and using the printer assembly to deposit at least one colorant on the iris region of the contact lens in a manner to alter the appearance of the iris of the wearer when the wearer is wearing the contact lens.

Abstract: A colored contact lens comprising a generally uncolored pupil region, a generally annular-shaped iris region and a multicolored pattern on the iris region. The multicolored pattern is sufficiently colored to change the apparent color of an iris of a person wearing the contact lens and comprises a plurality of color elements. The lens further comprises more than 1000 discrete generally uncolored regions defined by the color elements. At least 1000 of the discrete generally uncolored regions are sufficiently small such that an ordinary viewer viewing the contact lens from a distance of sixteen inches cannot detect the presence of any of the at least 1000 generally uncolored regions when the wearer is wearing the contact lens.

Abstract: A tinted contact lens for insertion into an eye comprises a contact lens substrate and an iris-simulating pattern on the lens substrate. The iris simulating pattern comprises at least four distinctly colored colorants. A method for making a tinted contact lens for insertion into an eye comprises providing a plate having a surface, and lasing the plate to form at least one depression in the surface of the plate. The depression is of a shape constituting an iris portion pattern. A fluent colorant is introduced into the depression. The colorant is then transferred from the depression to a lens substrate in a manner so that the colorant colors the lens substrate in a colorant pattern of substantially the same shape as the iris portion pattern of the depression.

Abstract: A tinted contact lens for insertion into an eye comprises a contact lens substrate and an iris-simulating pattern on the lens substrate. The iris simulating pattern comprises at least four distinctly colored colorants. A method for making a tinted contact lens for insertion into an eye comprises providing a plate having a surface, and lasing the plate to form at least one depression in the surface of the plate. The depression is of a shape constituting an iris portion pattern. A fluent colorant is introduced into the depression. The colorant is then transferred from the depression to a lens substrate in a manner so that the colorant colors the lens substrate in a colorant pattern of substantially the same shape as the iris portion pattern of the depression.

Abstract: A tinted contact lens for insertion into an eye comprises a contact lens substrate and an iris-simulating pattern on the lens substrate. The iris simulating pattern comprises at least four distinctly colored colorants. A method for making a tinted contact lens for insertion into an eye comprises providing a plate having a surface, and lasing the plate to form at least one depression in the surface of the plate. The depression is of a shape constituting an iris portion pattern. A fluent colorant is introduced into the depression. The colorant is then transferred from the depression to a lens substrate in a manner so that the colorant colors the lens substrate in a colorant pattern of substantially the same shape as the iris portion pattern of the depression.

Abstract: A method for coloring a contact lens. The method comprises providing a contact lens having a pupil region and a generally annular-shaped iris region surrounding the pupil region. The iris region is adapted to at least partially cover a wearer's iris when the wearer is wearing the contact lens. The method further comprises providing a printer assembly having an inkjet print head, and using the printer assembly to deposit at least one colorant on the iris region of the contact lens in a manner to alter the appearance of the iris of the wearer when the wearer is wearing the contact lens.

Abstract: A colored contact lens comprises a generally uncolored pupil region, a generally annular-shaped iris region surrounding the pupil region and adapted to cover at least 80% of a wearer's iris, a multicolored pattern on the iris region, and at least one generally uncolored region. The multicolored pattern is sufficiently colored to change the apparent color of an iris of a person wearing the contact lens and comprises a plurality of color elements. The generally uncolored region is defined by one or more of the colored elements. The generally uncolored region comprises at least one generally uncolored segment. The segment has a length of at least 30 microns and a width of no greater than 60 microns.

Abstract: A method for coloring contact lenses comprises storing a generally annular-shaped initial iris image in a computer. The initial iris image comprises a plurality of color elements. The method further comprises applying a filtering process to the initial iris image in a manner to replace at least portions of at least some of the color elements with generally uncolored regions to form a filtered iris image, and using a printer apparatus, in communication with the computer, in a manner to print the filtered iris image on a contact lens substrate.

Abstract: A tinted contact lens for insertion into an eye comprises a contact lens substrate and an iris-simulating pattern on the lens substrate. The iris simulating pattern comprises at least four distinctly colored colorants. A method for making a tinted contact lens for insertion into an eye comprises providing a plate having a surface, and lasing the plate to form at least one depression in the surface of the plate. The depression is of a shape constituting an iris portion pattern. A fluent colorant is introduced into the depression. The colorant is then transferred from the depression to a lens substrate in a manner so that the colorant colors the lens substrate in a colorant pattern of substantially the same shape as the iris portion pattern of the depression.

Abstract: A method for coloring contact lenses comprises storing a generally annular-shaped initial iris image in a computer. The initial iris image comprises a plurality of color elements. The method further comprises applying a filtering process to the initial iris image in a manner to replace at least portions of at least some of the color elements with generally uncolored regions to form a filtered iris image, and using a printer apparatus, in communication with the computer, in a manner to print the filtered iris image on a contact lens substrate.

Abstract: A colored contact lens comprises a generally uncolored pupil region, a generally annular-shaped iris region surrounding the pupil region and adapted to cover at least 80% of a wearer's iris, a multicolored pattern on the iris region, and at least one generally uncolored region. The multicolored pattern is sufficiently colored to change the apparent color of an iris of a person wearing the contact lens and comprises a plurality of color elements. The generally uncolored region is defined by one or more of the colored elements. The generally uncolored region comprises at least one generally uncolored segment. The segment has a length of at least 30 microns and a width of no greater than 60 microns.

Abstract: A tinted contact lens for insertion into an eye comprises a contact lens substrate and an iris-simulating pattern on the lens substrate. The iris simulating pattern comprises at least four distinctly colored colorants. A method for making a tinted contact lens for insertion into an eye comprises providing a plate having a surface, and lasing the plate to form at least one depression in the surface of the plate. The depression is of a shape constituting an iris portion pattern. A fluent colorant is introduced into the depression. The colorant is then transferred from the depression to a lens substrate in a manner so that the colorant colors the lens substrate in a colorant pattern of substantially the same shape as the iris portion pattern of the depression.

Abstract: A tinted contact lens for insertion into an eye comprises a contact lens substrate and an iris-simulating pattern on the lens substrate. The iris simulating pattern comprises at least four distinctly colored colorants. A method for making a tinted contact lens for insertion into an eye comprises providing a plate having a surface, and lasing the plate to form at least one depression in the surface of the plate. The depression is of a shape constituting an iris portion pattern. A fluent colorant is introduced into the depression. The colorant is then transferred from the depression to a lens substrate in a manner so that the colorant colors the lens substrate in a colorant pattern of substantially the same shape as the iris portion pattern of the depression.

Abstract: Methods for producing contact lenses for are provided including transferring an iris-simulating pattern to a contact lens substrate. The iris-simulating pattern is obtained from a digitized image of an iris of an eye. Contact lenses including such iris-simulating patterns are also provided.