Abstract: The invention is directed to a contact lens design and methods of manufacturing, fitting and using such lenses. The contact lens may be designed for use in a corneal refractive therapy (CRT) program. The lens provides a design which allows proper fitting of a patient, whether for corrective contact lenses or for a CRT program. Due to the rational design of the lenses according to the present invention, a minimal number of lens parameter increments can be identified to cover the range of common corneas. It is therefore possible to provide pre-formed lens buttons or blanks which are easily formed into a final design, thereby simplifying and speeding up the treatment process. Further, any adjustment of the lens design which may be required based upon trial fitting or the like, is easily envisioned and implemented by the fitter.

Abstract: A hybrid contact lens comprises a central zone comprising a substantially rigid, gas permeable material having a DK of at least 30, a relatively soft peripheral zone and an intermediate zone comprising a film or coating that is created around the central zone, and then cured. The film facilitates chemical bonding between the central zone and the peripheral zone, and also provides a protective barrier to prevent modification of the physical characteristics of the central zone. The film may be created by soaking the central zone in a chemical solution for a predetermined amount of soaking time.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery system and method for treating presbyopia by performing ablative photodecomposition of the corneal surface. The offset image of a variable aperture, such as a variable width slit and variable diameter iris diaphragm, is scanned in a preselected pattern to perform ablative sculpting of predetermined portions of a corneal surface. The scanning is performed to ablate an optical zone sized to match the patient pupil with a peripheral transition zone outside the pupil. The shape of the ablated optical zone is different from the shape of the final optical correction on the anterior surface of the cornea. The optical zone corrects for near-vision centrally and far-vision peripherally. A movable image displacement mechanism enables radial displacement and angular rotation of the profiled beam exiting from the variable aperture.

Abstract: A hybrid contact lens comprises a substantially rigid zone having a base curve and a substantially flexible hydrophilic portion coupled to the substantially rigid zone, wherein the substantially flexible portion has one of a plurality of radii.

Abstract: A hybrid contact lens comprises a substantially rigid zone having a base curve with a first curved section defined by an apical radius and an aspheric section defined by a conic constant. A substantially flexible hydrophilic peripheral portion is coupled to the substantially rigid zone, the peripheral portion having one of a plurality of radii, wherein a conic constant of the aspheric section varies with apical radius, so as to provide a nearly constant deviation between the aspheric shape of the aspheric section and a sphere having a radius equal to the apical radius, regardless of the length of the apical radius.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a contact lens design and methods of manufacturing, fitting and using such lenses. The contact lens may be designed for use in a corneal refractive therapy (CRT) program. The lens provides a design which allows proper fitting of a patient, whether for corrective contact lenses or for a CRT program. Due to the rational design of the lenses according to the present invention, a minimal number of lens parameter increments can be identified to cover the range of common corneas. It is therefore possible to provide pre-formed lens buttons or blanks which are easily formed into a final design, thereby simplifying and speeding up the treatment process. Further, any adjustment of the lens design which may be required based upon trial fitting or the like, is easily envisioned and implemented by the fitter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for reducing or eliminating the progression of myopia, including a lens having an intentionally created aberration pattern for reducing or eliminating the progression of myopia. The aberration pattern may comprise a positive spherical aberration that produces a wavefront error in which the paracentral wavefront is disposed in front of the retina, thereby producing a signal that counters axial length growth of the eye and preventing the progression of myopia.

Abstract: A hybrid contact lens comprises a substantially rigid zone having an aspheric base curve with a given apical radius and a substantially flexible hydrophilic peripheral portion coupled to the substantially rigid zone, the peripheral portion having one of a plurality of radii, wherein a conic constant of the substantially rigid zone varies with apical radius, so as to provide a nearly constant deviation between the aspheric shape of the base curve and a sphere having a radius equal to the apical radius, regardless of the length of the apical radius.

Abstract: A hybrid contact lens includes a substantially rigid center portion having a flexural deformation of about 10% at an applied load of at least about 50 grams and a Dk of at least about 30×10?11 (cm2/sec) (mL O2)/(mL mm Hg). The hybrid contact lens also includes a substantially flexible skirt portion connected to the center portion. A method of designing a hybrid contact lens includes determining the applied load that results in a selected flexural deformation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to contact lenses manufactured using a gas permeable material with improved hydrophilicity. A method for improving the hydrophilicity of the contact lens includes providing a contact lens comprising a gas permeable contact lens material and exposing the material to a treatment solution comprising a chemical agent under conditions that are effective to significantly reduce the contact angle of the contact lens for a period of at least about two months. In another embodiment, the method includes irradiating the contact lens to sterilize the contact lens material. A contact lens manufactured using this method includes a substantially rigid portion comprising a polymeric material, the polymeric material comprising a hydrophilic surface having a contact angle of about 65 degrees or less.

Abstract: A hybrid contact lens comprises a central zone comprising a substantially rigid, gas permeable material having a DK of at least 30, a relatively soft peripheral zone and an intermediate zone comprising a film or coating that is created around the central zone, and then cured. The film facilitates chemical bonding between the central zone and the peripheral zone, and also provides a protective barrier to prevent modification of the physical characteristics of the central zone. The film may be created by soaking the central zone in a chemical solution for a predetermined amount of soaking time.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a contact lens design and methods of manufacturing, fitting and using such lenses. The contact lens may be designed for use in a corneal refractive therapy (CRT) program. The lens provides a design which allows proper fitting of a patient, whether for corrective contact lenses or for a CRT program. Due to the rational design of the lenses according to the present invention, a minimal number of lens parameter increments can be identified to cover the range of common corneas. It is therefore possible to provide pre-formed lens buttons or blanks which are easily formed into a final design, thereby simplifying and speeding up the treatment process. Further, any adjustment of the lens design which may be required based upon trial fitting or the like, is easily envisioned and implemented by the fitter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a contact lens comprising a central portion including an optical zone, a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion and at least two areas of unequal size located on the peripheral portion, wherein the areas of unequal size have a thickness that is less than a thickness of the peripheral portion. According to some embodiments, the contact lens comprises a hybrid contact lens having a substantially rigid center portion and a substantially flexible peripheral portion.

Abstract: A hybrid contact lens comprises a substantially rigid zone having a base curve with a first curved section defined by an apical radius and an aspheric section defined by a conic constant. A substantially flexible hydrophilic peripheral portion is coupled to the substantially rigid zone, the peripheral portion having one of a plurality of radii, wherein a conic constant of the aspheric section varies with apical radius, so as to provide a nearly constant deviation between the aspheric shape of the aspheric section and a sphere having a radius equal to the apical radius, regardless of the length of the apical radius.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a contact lens design and methods of manufacturing, fitting and using such lenses. The contact lens may be designed for use in a corneal refractive therapy (CRT) program. The lens provides a design which allows proper fitting of a patient, whether for corrective contact lenses or for a CRT program. Due to the rational design of the lenses according to the present invention, a minimal number of lens parameter increments can be identified to cover the range of common corneas. It is therefore possible to provide pre-formed lens buttons or blanks which are easily formed into a final design, thereby simplifying and speeding up the treatment process. Further, any adjustment of the lens design which may be required based upon trial fitting or the like, is easily envisioned and implemented by the fitter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a contact lens design and methods of manufacturing, fitting and using such lenses. As an example, the contact lens may be designed to be used in an orthokeratology treatment program. The contact lens according to the invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art, and provides a design which allows proper fitting of a patient, whether for corrective contact lenses or for use in an orthokeratology treatment program. The ability to properly fit a patient will alleviate, at least to a great degree, corneal abrasions from poorly distributed bearing, corneal warpage from decentered lenses, edema from tight fitting lenses and discomfort. The design allows a great deal of flexibility to the fitter to enhance the functionality of the lens. The lens of the present invention includes a central zone and first annular zone located adjacent to and concentrically around the central zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to contact lenses manufactured using a gas permeable material with improved hydrophilicity. A method for improving the hydrophilicity of the contact lens includes providing a contact lens comprising a gas permeable contact lens material and exposing the material to a treatment solution comprising a chemical agent under conditions that are effective to significantly reduce the contact angle of the contact lens for a period of at least about two months. In another embodiment, the method includes irradiating the contact lens to sterilize the contact lens material. A contact lens manufactured using this method includes a substantially rigid portion comprising a polymeric material, the polymeric material comprising a hydrophilic surface having a contact angle of about 65 degrees or less.

Abstract: A hybrid contact lens comprises a substantially rigid zone having an aspheric base curve with a given apical radius and a substantially flexible hydrophilic peripheral portion coupled to the substantially rigid zone, the peripheral portion having one of a plurality of radii, wherein a conic constant of the substantially rigid zone varies with apical radius, so as to provide a nearly constant deviation between the aspheric shape of the base curve and a sphere having a radius equal to the apical radius, regardless of the length of the apical radius.

Abstract: A hybrid contact lens comprises a central zone comprising a substantially rigid, gas permeable material having a DK of at least 30, a relatively soft peripheral zone and an intermediate zone comprising a film or coating that is created around the central zone, and then cured. The film facilitates chemical bonding between the central zone and the peripheral zone, and also provides a protective barrier to prevent modification of the physical characteristics of the central zone. The film may be created by soaking the central zone in a chemical solution for a predetermined amount of soaking time.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing hybrid contact lenses using a mold are provided. The methods include pouring liquefied resin of a substantially rigid material within an inner section, curing the substantially rigid material, pouring liquefied resin of a substantially flexible material within an outer section and curing the substantially flexible material. In some embodiments, a wall disposed between the rigid and flexible materials is angled and/or bent to increase bonding strength between the rigid and flexible sections. The curing steps involve the application of heat, UV light, or a combination of both heat and UV light.