Abstract: Device and methods for sealing and encapsulation for biocompatible energization elements are described. In some examples, the device and methods for sealing and encapsulation for biocompatible energization elements involve heat welding, laser welding, or both where a laminar structure is enclosed by a polymer film capable of sealing. In some examples, a field of use for the apparatus and methods may include any biocompatible device or product that requires energization elements.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing contact lenses are provided. In an embodiment, the method includes mixing a siloxane macromer represented by the following formula (I), a hydrophilic monomer, a crosslinking, agent or a siloxane macromer represented by the following formula (II), and an initiator to form a mixture. Then, the mixture is injected into a mold of contact lens and heated to form contact lenses. The formula (I) and the formula (II) are shown respectively as the following: wherein R1, R2 and R3 are independently C1-C4 alkyl groups, R4 is C1-C6 alkyl group, R5 is a residue obtained by removing NCO group from an aliphatic or aromatic diisoeyanate, R6 and R7 are independently alkylene groups, and n is an integer of 4-80, m is an integer of 3-40. wherein p is an integer of 4-80 and q is an integer of 3-40.

Abstract: A method of capacitive gaze detection for accommodation includes monitoring at least one capacitance value of a capacitive sensor system disposed within a contact lens. The at least one capacitance value varies in response to changes in a gazing direction of a cornea upon which the contact lens is removeably mounted. The changes in the gazing direction of the cornea are detected in real-time based upon changes in the at least one capacitance value. An accommodation actuator disposed within the contact lens is manipulated to automatically change an optical power of the contact lens in response to detecting changes in the gazing direction.

Abstract: An eye-mountable device includes an enclosure material, a capacitive sensor system, and a controller. The enclosure material has a concave surface and a convex surface. The concave surface is configured to be removeably mounted over a cornea and the convex surface is configured to be compatible with eyelid motion when the concave surface is so mounted. The capacitive sensor system is disposed within the enclosure material. The capacitive sensor system has at least one capacitance value that varies with changes in a gazing direction of the cornea. The controller is disposed within the enclosure material and electrically connected to the capacitive sensor system. The controller is configured to measure the capacitance value of the capacitive sensor system to detect the changes in the gazing direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for recognizing iris in an eye is provided. An image collecting unit collects an image of the eye. A control unit detects whether a user wears a contact lens, based on an edge component on the image of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. The variable optic insert may have surfaces within that have differing radii of curvature. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some embodiments, the liquid crystal layer may comprise polymer networked regions of interstitially located liquid crystal material. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. The variable optic insert may have surfaces within that have differing radii of curvature. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some embodiments, the liquid crystal layer may comprise polymer networked regions of interstitially located liquid crystal material. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. 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.

Abstract: An emitter-detector pair sensor may be incorporated into a powered or electronic ophthalmic lens. The emitter-detector pair sensor may be configured to determine the distance from the sensor to an object in its path. Based upon this information, a system controller of the ophthalmic lens may output a signal to an actuator of the ophthalmic lens to control a variable power optic of the ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an Ophthalmic Lens device with a programmable Media Insert. In some embodiments, a Media Insert may be programmable to allow for further customization of the energized Ophthalmic Lens. The programming may occur after the electrical components have been encapsulated in the programmable Media Insert. In some embodiments, the Media Insert may be programmed prior to or during the manufacturing process. Alternatively, the Media Insert may be programmable after manufacturing process, such as, for example, through use of a wireless programming apparatus or device. In some such embodiments, the programming device may comprise an overlay, wherein the overlay may program the Media Insert when placed in proximity to the Media Insert.

Abstract: This invention discloses various designs for rings that make up the functionalized layers in a functional layer insert. More specifically, design parameters for the rings for incorporation into an ophthalmic lens. Additionally, functional aspects of the rings and materials for encapsulating the functional insert into an area outside the optical zone of the ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing an ophthalmic lens with an insert using voxel-based lithography techniques, wherein at least a portion of one surface may be free-formed from a reactive mixture are set forth herein. An ophthalmic lens precursor may be formed on a substrate with an arcuate optical quality surface via a source of actinic radiation controllable to cure a definable portion of a volume of reactive mixture, wherein the control may be on a voxel by voxel basis.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. 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.

Abstract: Contact lenses and methods of manufacturing contact lenses are provided. In one aspect, a method includes: forming a substrate having an uneven surface; providing a sensor at a first region of the substrate; providing a chip at a second region of the substrate; and encapsulating the substrate, sensor and chip in a polymer. The method also includes: patterning interconnections from the first region of the substrate to the second region of the substrate; and patterning metal pads proximate to the second region of the substrate. The chip can be provided on a metal pad. The uneven surface can be a sloped surface or one or more sloped channels in the substrate, and the channels can be wide enough to receive interconnections for the chip and to receive the chip. Further, the substrate can be ring-shaped and curved prior to encapsulation.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some examples, an alignment layer for the liquid crystal layer may be patterned in a cycloidally dependent manner. The patterning may allow for a polarization dependent lens in some examples. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some examples, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control optical characteristics.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some examples, an alignment layer for the liquid crystal layer may be patterned in a cycloidally dependent manner. The patterning may allow for a polarization dependent lens in some examples. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some examples, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control optical characteristics.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some embodiments, an alignment layer for the liquid crystal layer may be patterned in a radially dependent manner. The patterning may allow for the index of refraction of the optic device to vary in a gradient indexed or GRIN manner. At least a first layer of dielectric material that may vary in thickness at least across the optic zone of the device may aid in defining an electric field across the liquid crystal layer. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. 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 optical characteristics.

Abstract: A semi-finished blank for a varifocal lens, as well as a varifocal lens and varifocal eyeglasses, have power consumption reduced and avoid a decrease in commercial value. A first substrate has a first transparent conductive film that is produced on the front face of this first substrate. A second substrate that is opposite the first substrate has a second transparent conductive film that is produced on the back face of this second substrate. A varifocal portion is disposed between the front face of the first substrate and the back face of the second substrate. The first transparent conductive film is separated by laser into a first region that includes a region that is opposite the varifocal portion, and a region other than this first region.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus to form thin film nanocrystal integrated circuit transistors upon three dimensionally formed insert devices. In some embodiments, the present invention includes incorporating the three dimensional surfaces with thin film nanocrystal integrated circuit based thin film transistors, electrical interconnects and energization elements into an insert for incorporation into ophthalmic lenses. In some embodiments the formed insert may be directly used as an ophthalmic device or incorporated into an ophthalmic device.

Abstract: A contact lens having a thin silicon chip integrated therein is provided along with methods for assembling the silicon chip within the contact lens. In an aspect, a method includes creating a plurality of lens contact pads on a lens substrate and creating a plurality of chip contact pads on a chip. The method further involves applying assembly bonding material to the each of the plurality of lens contact pads or chip contact pads, aligning the plurality of lens contact pads with the plurality of chip contact pads, bonding the chip to the lens substrate via the assembly bonding material using flip chip bonding, and forming a contact lens with the lens substrate.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to systems and/or methods to restrict light entering an opening of an eye pupil by detecting pupil dilation, detecting incoming light intensity or direction, and adjusting light restricting properties of one or more light restricting regions of the contact lens based upon the detected pupil dilation parameters and incoming light intensity or direction.

Abstract: This invention discloses a media substrate for incorporation into ophthalmic lenses that has been formed by the stacking of multiple functionalized layers. Additionally, methods and apparatus for providing a stacked functional layer insert for incorporation into an ophthalmic lens are also provided. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast molded from a silicone hydrogel and the lens includes at least one stacked functional layer insert portion.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus to form organic semiconductor transistors upon three-dimensionally formed insert devices. In some embodiments, the present invention includes incorporating the three-dimensional surfaces with organic semiconductor-based thin film transistors, electrical interconnects, and energization elements into an insert for incorporation into ophthalmic lenses. In some embodiments, the formed insert may be directly used as an ophthalmic device or incorporated into an ophthalmic device.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for facilitating actuatable contact lenses are provided. In one aspect, the contact lens can include: a substrate comprised of a material that is actuatable to at least one of change a base curvature from a first curvature to a second curvature or change a thickness from a first thickness to a second thickness; and a control component, operably coupled to the material, that outputs actuation information to cause the material to actuate and at least one of change the base curvature of the material or change the thickness of the material. The contact lens can be actuated based on a condition associated with an environment surrounding the contact lens, a sensed prescription for an eye over which the contact lens is placed or based on a focal point of the eye. The material can include piezoelectric film, a shape memory alloy, hydrogel and/or silicone elastomer.

Abstract: A method and a system for the selection and programming of an energized ophthalmic lens are disclosed. More specifically, the energized ophthalmic lens which can include a variable state arcuate shaped liquid meniscus lens capable of changing vision correction properties upon the receipt of an activation signal. According to some aspects of the disclosure, the system and method comprise vision simulation software configured to use patient's eye related data and product design options to select the ophthalmic lens and an operational protocol for the change of optical properties.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus to form Thin Film Nanocrystal Integrated Circuit transistors upon Three-dimensionally Formed Insert Pieces. In some embodiments, the present invention includes incorporating the Three-dimensional Surfaces with Thin Film Nanocrystal Integrated Circuit based thin film transistors, electrical interconnects, and energization elements into an Insert Piece for incorporation into Ophthalmic Device. In some embodiments, the Insert Piece may be directly used as a Media Insert or incorporated into an Ophthalmic Device.

Abstract: Ophthalmic lenses are described including an ophthalmic base, and a plurality of electro-active elements, such as dynamic micro-lenses or micro-prismatic apertures. Each electro-active element may be configured to dynamically change optical power. The ophthalmic lens may be configured such that an optical power of the ophthalmic lens focuses mostly one image at one time on the retina of the eye of the wearer. The ophthalmic lens may be, for example, a spectacle lens, other types of specialty lenses such as used for gaming and the like, a contact lens, an intra-ocular lens, and intra-ocular optic, etc. Each electro-active element may include liquid crystal, such as dichroic, non-dichroic, nematic, and/or cholesteric liquid crystal. The electro-active elements may comprise non-dichroic liquid crystal, and gaps between the electro-active elements may include a dichroic liquid crystal, or the electro-active elements may be shaped and arranged in a substantially conformal pattern.

Abstract: Systems, contact lenses and methods that facilitate antenna communication via sensor impedance modulation are provided. In one aspect, a system can include a contact lens and a radio frequency (RF) reader. The contact lens can include a substrate; an RF antenna, disposed on or within the substrate; and a sensing component, disposed on or within the substrate, and directly coupled to the RF antenna, wherein the RF antenna is configured to change impedance value as a sensed value of the sensing component changes. The RF reader is external to the contact lens, and configured to interrogate the RF antenna with an RF signal. The RF reader can receive a reflected RF signal from the RF antenna in response to the interrogation. The magnitude, phase and/or a frequency of the reflected RF signal can be based on the impedance value of the RF antenna.

Abstract: Antennas and antenna systems may be designed and configured for incorporation into mechanical devices, including medical devices, such as ophthalmic devices, including contact lenses. These antennas and antenna systems may be utilized to transmit data from the mechanical device to a receiver, to receive data from a transmitter, and/or to inductively charge an electromechanical cell or the like incorporated into the mechanical device.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may provide an electro-active lens. The electro-active lens may comprise a first substrate, a second substrate, and an electro-active element disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The electro-active element may be configured to alter the optical power of at least a portion of the electro-active lens. The first substrate may comprise a different material than the second substrate.

Abstract: A pupil position and convergence detection system for an ophthalmic lens comprising an electronic system is described herein. The pupil position and convergence detection system is part of an electronic system incorporated into the ophthalmic lens. The electronic system includes one or more batteries or other power sources, power management circuitry, one or more sensors, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry, and lens driver circuitry. The pupil position and convergence detection system is utilized to determine pupil position and use this information to control various aspects of the ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: An emitter-detector pair sensor may be incorporated into a powered or electronic ophthalmic lens. The emitter-detector pair sensor may be configured to determine the distance from the sensor to an object in its path. Based upon this information, a system controller of the ophthalmic lens may output a signal to an actuator of the ophthalmic lens to control a variable power optic of the ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: An electronic or powered ophthalmic lens includes one or more systems having one or more batteries or other power sources, power management circuitry, one or more sensors, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry, and lens driver circuitry. These systems may change the state of the powered ophthalmic lens. In systems having one or more sensors, a decision making process is required to substantially reduce the possibility of changing the state of the powered ophthalmic lens based upon inaccurate, incomplete or erroneous information supplied by the sensors, changing physiologic conditions , as well as noise and/or interference from internal and external sources.

Abstract: A gaze direction tracking system for an ophthalmic lens comprising an electronic system is described herein. The gaze direction tracking system is part of an electronic system incorporated into the ophthalmic lens. The electronic system includes one or more batteries or other power sources, power management circuitry, one or more sensors, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry, and lens driver circuitry. The gaze direction tracking system is utilized to determine pupil position and use this information to control various aspects of the ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: An dynamic multiple focus contact lens has two transparent layers, each with a first annular electromagnet and a second annular electromagnet, a transparent pupil allowing passage of light through the layers, a core between the two layers, at least one loop antenna in communication with the electromagnets, and a transmitter for activating the electromagnets. The layers have a first shape similar to a circular segment that follows the surface of the cornea. The first shape has a first focal length, or power. Upon initiation by a user, a transmitter signals the loop antenna which energizes the electromagnets to mutually attract causing the layers to deflect and the central portion of the first layer to deform outwardly forming the layer into a second shape. The second shape has a second power, stronger than the first shape.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods employing contact lenses having one or more sensor that sense an analyte in tear fluid and one or more recesses that collect the tear fluid. In some aspects, a contact lens includes a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the contact lens and a recess formed within the substrate configured to collect tear fluid when the contact lens is worn. The contact lens further includes at least one sensor disposed within the substrate configured to sense presence of an analyte in the collected tear fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a contact lens manufactured at least partially from an intelligent polymer, the lens having a relaxed state which, upon application of a first stimulus forms a first corrective shape and which, upon application of a second stimulus, forms a second corrective shape, wherein the corrective effect provided by the lens in the relaxed state is intermediate to the corrective visual effects provided by the first and second corrective shapes.

Abstract: An electro-active ophthalmic lens includes an electromyography sensor, a processor, and an electro-active optical element. The electromyography sensor is configured to detect an electric field in a ciliary muscle of the eye that is proportional to a force exerted by the ciliary muscle and to generate a sensor signal indicative of the electric field. The processor is operable to receive the signal from the electromyography sensor and to determine, based on the sensor signal, an adjustment to optical power for an electro-active optical element and to generate a control signal for the electro-active optical element. The electro-active optical element is operable to receive the control signal and to change an optical power of the electro-active optical element in response to the control signal.

Abstract: Ophthalmic lenses, including contact lenses may be enhanced through the incorporation of both active and passive electrical components. Electrical interconnects and die attachment configurations are required to ensure electrical connectivity between the components and the optic portion of the lens as well as providing a means for mounting planar devices on spherical surfaces. Electrical interconnects and die attachment for powered ophthalmic devices, including contact lenses includes realizing conductive traces on optical plastic, attaching planar dies to spherical surfaces and underfilling, overmolding and light blocking to complete the lens.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods employing contact lens sensors are provided. In some aspects, a contact lens includes a substrate and a circuit. The circuit can include: one or more sensors disposed on or within the substrate, that sense a feature associated with a wearer of the contact lens; and a compensation circuit disposed on or within the substrate, coupled to the sensor(s) and that outputs information to adjust an output of the sensor(s). The compensation circuit can include: a temperature component that senses the temperature of the sensor(s); and a communication component that outputs information indicative of the temperature of the sensor(s), and receives information associated with adjusting the output of the sensor(s). In other aspects, a contact lens includes a circuit that senses the body temperature, or ambient temperature outside of the body, of the contact lens wearer. Sensor fusion and/or calibration can be performed based on the information.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods employing a contact lens that generates information indicative of a hydration level of an eye in which the lens is worn, are provided. In some aspects, a contact lens includes a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the contact lens and a hydration component that generates information associated with a hydration level of an eye in which the contact lens is worn.

Abstract: Contact lenses and methods of manufacture are provided. In one aspect, a method includes: positioning components in predefined locations on a first surface; applying pressure on the components employing a second surface; providing molten material between the first surface and the second surface and around the components; embedding the components in a substrate by cooling the molten material and causing the molten material to harden, the substrate being a substantially solid form of molten material; and removing the first surface and the second surface after embedding the components in the substrate. The method can also include: providing, on or within a contact lens, one of the components and the substrate into which the component is embedded. The first surface can include molds sized to receive and maintain the components at the predefined locations. The first surface and/or the second surface can be pre-treated with a non-stick coating such as Polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens is presented in which the lens includes a progressive addition region and a dynamic optic. The dynamic optic and the progressive addition region are in optical communication. The progressive addition region has an add power which is less than a user's near viewing distance add power. The dynamic optic, when activated, provides the additional needed optical power for the wearer to see clearly at a near distance. This combination leads to the unexpected result that not only does the wearer have the ability to see clearly at intermediate and near distances, but the level of unwanted astigmatism, distortion, and vision compromise are reduced significantly.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a lens with variable refraction power as well as an optical system for the use as, preferably accommodating, visual aid. The lens is designed as an intraocular lens or as a contact lens. The general idea of the invention is to determine the accommodation requirement from the position of the eyes relative to one another. This is possible, since the accommodation requirement and the eyes' motor activity are closely related.

Abstract: A variable-optic powered or electronic ophthalmic lens may be utilized to augment the eye's natural ability to refract light or focus. The variable-optic powered lens comprises an electronic system that includes a power source, power management circuitry, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry and lens driver circuitry. The ophthalmic lens may also comprise one or more sensors configured to detect ciliary muscle signals and adjust the optics of the lens accordingly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to form energization elements upon electrical interconnects on three-dimensional surfaces are described. In some embodiments, the present invention includes incorporating the three-dimensional surfaces with electrical interconnects and energization elements into an insert for incorporation into ophthalmic lenses. In some embodiments, the formed insert may be directly used as an ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: A contact lens having an integrated glucose sensor is provided. The contact lens includes an electrochemical sensor configured to measure the level of glucose in the tear fluid of the eye of the user wearing the contact lens. The electrochemical sensor is powered by radiation off-lens, through an RF antenna or a photovoltaic device mounted on the periphery of the contact lens. The power provided to the contact lens also enables transmission of data from the electrochemical sensor, for example by backscatter communications or optically by an LED mounted to the lens.

Abstract: Solar cells attached to a contact lens are provided, as well as methods for making the solar cells and contact lenses. The solar cells have electrodes on only one side of the device, which facilitates attachment of the solar cell to a contact lens. In one embodiment, the solar cells are made using a “two sided” process. By using the two-sided process, solar cells of only a few microns in thickness can be fabricated. Such relatively thin solar cells can be incorporated into a contact lens without discomfort to the wearer. By providing an infinitely renewable power source on a contact lens, the solar cells enable the use of electronic components on the contact lens while eliminating the recharging or replacing issues that arise with batteries.

Abstract: Techniques, systems and apparatus are described for implementing a telescopic contact lens. In one aspect, a telescopic contact lens includes an inner lens including optical apertures and aspheric reflectors, an outer lens of a biocompatible material, and a switching device that rapidly switches between normal and telescopic vision. The optical apertures of the inner lens includes a center aperture that allows light to pass through for normal vision and an annular aperture located on the periphery of the inner lens that allows light to enter for telescopic vision, The aspheric reflectors are configured between the annular aperture and the center aperture to reflect the light and magnify a visual image for telescopic vision.

Abstract: A lens driver or lens driver circuitry for an ophthalmic apparatus comprising an electronic system which actuates a variable-focus optic is disclosed herein. The lens driver is part of an electronic system incorporated into the ophthalmic apparatus. The electronic system includes one or more batteries or other power sources, power management circuitry, one or more sensors, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry, and lens driver circuitry. The lens driver circuitry includes one or more power sources, one or more high voltage generators and one or more switching circuits.

Abstract: A soft contact lens for fitting to a cornea includes a lens main body made of a light permeable member. The lens main body has a diameter larger than that of a light-shielding portion which shields incident light incident to the cornea. The light-shielding portion includes a main body constituting a light-shielding member, an aperture that allows incident light to be transmitted, the aperture being positioned on a position of the main body of the light-shielding portion, and multiple holes that maintain a scotopic vision and a night vision, the holes being provided around the aperture in the main body of the light-shielding portion and each of the holes having a diameter smaller than that of the aperture.