Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide multiple-layer (multi-layer) composite lenses comprising two or more materials and methods for making the same. A multi-layer composite lens of the present invention can use multiple surfaces (internal or external) to form optical elements that can contribute to a total desired add power. The multiple contributing optical elements can be aligned so as to be in optical communication to form multiple stable vision zones to enhance optical performance and the vision experience of the wearer. Distributing the total desired add power across multiple appropriately aligned optical elements that are in optical communication with one another can reduce the total distortion of the lens, minimize the number of optical discontinuities introduced, can reduce optical power jump as experienced by the wearer's eye when traversing any discontinuity, and can reduce the visibility of any introduced optical discontinuity as perceived by an observer looking at the wearer.

Abstract: An adapter for a spectacle frame is disclosed which is configured for enabling the spectacle frame to operate and control electro-active lenses housed therein. In particular, the spectacle frame may allow electro-active lenses housed therein to focus and be controlled both automatically and manually with heretofore unrealized results.

Abstract: An adapter for a spectacle frame is disclosed which is configured for enabling the spectacle frame to operate and control electro-active lenses housed therein. In particular, the spectacle frame may allow electro-active lenses housed therein to focus and be controlled both automatically and manually with heretofore unrealized results.

Abstract: A nose bridge for a fashion spectacle lens frame adapted for housing electro-active lenses is presented. The nose bridge may include a body which may further include electronic components. The nose bridge may further include a connecting element for connecting the electronic components with the electro-active lenses for altering optical properties of the electro-active lenses. The nose bridge may be adapted to fit a variety of frame sizes, shapes, and styles as well as lenses of a variety of sizes and shapes.

Abstract: An ophthalmic system is provided. The system includes an ophthalmic material doped with a dye that absorbs light in a wavelength range and a layer that corrects a color imbalance caused by absorption of light by the dye. The dye can absorb light in a harmful spectral region, such as a narrow blue region. The color balancing layer may allow a user to have a color neutral view when using the system.

Abstract: An alignment layer may align molecules of a liquid crystalline material to a surface of a substrate having a diffractive optical power region using a nonlinear alignment. The alignment layer may align the molecules of the liquid crystalline material in one of a tangential alignment, a piecewise tangential alignment, a perpendicular alignment, a piecewise perpendicular alignment, a continuous intra-zone alignment, or a piecewise continuous intra-zone alignment. The nonlinear alignment may result in optimal or near optimal alignment of the liquid crystalline material thereby resulting in improved optics and fewer vision compromises.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide multi-focal electro-active lenses having one or more multi-focal electro-active inserts. The electro-active inserts can provide multiple optical power regions each capable of providing a desired optical power. An electro-active power region of the insert is capable of providing a variable optical power upon application of an electrical signal such as a time-varying voltage waveform. Electro-active inserts can be fabricated from any type of material and can be inserted into any type of bulk lens material. The electro-active inserts can be thin and flexible and can function independently of other optical components of the overall electro-active lens. Consequently, the electro-active inserts can be fabricated according to a uniform design using uniform materials, independent of the supplementing portions of the final lens. Index matching layers of the present invention can be used to reduce reflection losses between bulk lens material and electro-active insert interfaces.

Abstract: A lens system is presented having a diffractive optical power region. The diffractive optical power region has a plurality of concentric surface relief diffractive structures. A greater portion of light incident on a diffractive structure near the center point contributes to the optical power than light incident on a diffractive structure peripherally spaced therefrom.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electro-active element having a dynamic aperture. The electro-active element provides increased depth of field and may be used in a non-focusing ophthalmic device that that is spaced apart from but in optical communication with an intraocular lens, a corneal inlay, a corneal onlay, a contact lens, or a spectacle lens that provide an optical power. The electro-active element provides increased depth of field and may also be used in a focusing or non-focusing device such as an intraocular optic, an intraocular lens, a corneal inlay, a corneal onlay, or a contact lens which may or may not have an optical power. By changing the diameter of dynamic aperture either increased depth of field or increased light reaching the retina may be achieved.

Abstract: A lens system is presented having a lens having an electro-active element, a sensor for sensing a change in ambient light, a controller in operative communication with the sensor, and a plurality of electrode rings electrically connected to the controller. The electrode rings may be concentric. The controller applies a voltage to the plurality of electrode rings when the sensor senses a change in ambient light. The application of voltage causes a change in the refractive index of the electro-active element for correcting a spherical aberration of the eye due to the sensed change in ambient light.

Abstract: A multi-focal spectacle lens is presented having far distance, intermediate distance, and near distance vision correction, in which the lens includes a progressive addition surface with a progression of optical power. The lens further includes a multi-order diffractive surface relief structure with an optical add power. The multi-order diffractive structure reduces chromatic aberration as compared to a conventional diffractive structure of equivalent optical power. The lens may also include a wavefront splitting device diffractive structure for generating multiple optical powers simultaneously. When the progressive addition surface and the multi-order diffractive surface relief structure are in optical communication an overall progression of optical add power may be provided by the combination of the progressive addition surface with the multi-order surface relief diffractive structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a multifocal lens having a diffractive optical power region and a progressive optical power region. Embodiments of the present invention provide for the proper alignment and positioning of each of these regions, the amount of optical power provided by each of the regions, the optical design of the progressive optical power region, and the size and shape of each of the regions. The combination of these design parameters allows for an optical design having less unwanted astigmatism and distortion as well as both a wider channel width and a shorter channel length compared to conventional PALs. Embodiments of the present invention may also provide a new, inventive far-intermediate distance zone and may further provide for increased vertical stability of vision within a zone of the lens.

Abstract: Techniques and assemblies for steering light rays are described. An electro-optic prism configured to provide controllable steering of solar rays includes a first electrode including multiple substantially parallel linear electrodes positioned on a first substrate and a reference electrode positioned on a second substrate. An electro-optic material is positioned between the first electrode and the reference electrode. In one implementation, a wavelength selective filter is in optical communication with the electro-optic prism. The wavelength selective filter is configured to substantially eliminate selected wavelengths from solar rays before the solar rays are received by the electro-optic prism. In another implementation, a chemical compound is configured in the assembly to convert ultra-violet photons included in the solar rays into visible photons.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to integrating electronic components into an electro-active frame for driving electro-active focusing lenses. This is accomplished in a cosmetically pleasing manner that allows a platform of frame systems to be built from a single electronic module. Specifically, the present invention discloses controlling an electro-active lens in a deliberate, hands free manner that gives the user control of the electro-active lens.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a multifocal lens having a mostly spherical power region and a progressive optical power region. Embodiments of the present invention provide for the proper alignment and positioning of each of these regions, the amount of optical power provided by each of the regions, the optical design of the progressive optical power region, and the size and shape of each of the regions. The combination of these design parameters allows for an optical design having less unwanted astigmatism and distortion as well as both a wider channel width and a shorter channel length compared to conventional PALs. Embodiments of the present invention may also provide a new, inventive far-intermediate distance zone and may further provide for increased vertical stability of vision within a zone of the lens.

Abstract: A lens including a flexible refractive optic having a fixed refractive index, an electro-active element embedded within the flexible refractive optic, wherein the electro-active element has an alterable refractive index, and a controller electrically connected to the electro-active element wherein when power is applied thereto the refractive index of the electro-active element is altered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ophthalmic systems comprising a selective light wavelength filter, wherein said selective filter provides improved contrast sensitivity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a cholesteric liquid crystalline material which may be usable in an electro-active element for providing fail safe operation, polarization insensitivity, low electrical power consumption requirements, and a small number of electrical connections. The cholesteric liquid crystalline material may be usable in an electro-active element for providing a diffractive efficiency or focusing efficiency above 90% in an activated state of the electro-active element and a diffractive efficiency or focusing efficiency below 10% in a deactivated state of the electro-active element.

Abstract: An adapter for a spectacle frame is disclosed which is configured for enabling the spectacle frame to operate and control electro-active lenses housed therein. In particular, the spectacle frame may allow electro-active lenses housed therein to focus and be controlled both automatically and manually with heretofore unrealized results.

Abstract: Several devices for determining a distance of an object a user of an electro-active lens is looking at are presented. Once the distance is determined, the devices may alter the optical power of the electro-active lens to ensure that the object is correctly focused. Optical range finding is a possible means for carrying out this task. An active rangefinder may emit optical radiation from a transmitter directed at the object. The optical radiation may then be reflected off the object. The reflected optical radiation may then be received with an appropriate receiver. The received optical radiation may then be processed by appropriate circuitry to determine a distance to the object. A passive rangefinder works without a transmitter. Instead, an appropriate receiver receives ambient sources of light from the object. The received light may then be processed by appropriate circuitry to determine a distance to the object.