Abstract: The marked contact lens has at least one microlens optical marking element integrally formed on the surface of the contact lens in a peripheral area thereof. The microlens marking elements are of shallow depth, yet focus light to appear as relatively bright (or dark) marking objects. The marking elements may be spherical or cylindrical microlens formations. The dimensions of the microlenses are chosen so as to avoid any irritation when worn by the user. The marking objects identify the lens source, proper orientation or, in the case of soft lenses, inversion.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens has front and rear optical surfaces, a central optical axis substantially perpendicular to the lens and comprises a plurality of concentric, contiguous circular refractive bands provided on at least one of the front and rear optical surfaces. The bands have a continuous cross-section in the shape of a segment of an ellipse having a given major axis length and eccentricity. The bands are of a given optical power to focus light on the focal plane. The major or the minor axis of each ellipse segment intersects the central optical axis and the focal plane. The bands are continuous at their boundaries between neighboring ones of the bands. The entire optical surface of the lens may be used with minimal distortion caused by the intersections of the continuous bands.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens has front and rear optical surfaces, a central optical axis substantially perpendicular to the lens and comprises a plurality of concentric, contiguous circular refractive bands provided on at least one of the front and rear optical surfaces. The bands have a continuous cross-section in the shape of a segment of an ellipse having a given major axis length and eccentricity. The bands are of alternating optical power to focus light on at least two focal planes to provide simultaneous multifocal vision. The major axis of each ellipse segment intersects the central optical axis and a respective one of the at least two focal planes. The bands are continuous at their boundaries between neighboring ones of the bands. The entire optical surface of the lens may be used with minimal distortion caused by the intersections of the continuous bands.

Abstract: The marked contact lens has at least one microlens optical marking element integrally formed on the surface of the contact lens in a peripheral area thereof. The microlens marking elements are of shallow depth, yet focus light to appear as relatively bright (or dark) marking objects. The marking elements may be spherical or cylindrical microlens formations. The dimensions of the microlenses are chosen so as to avoid any irritation when worn by the user. The marking objects identify the lens source, proper orientation or, in the case of soft lenses, inversion.