Abstract: A method of improving vision by reshaping the cornea to correct for abnormal surface curvature by measuring the surface topography of the cornea, providing a rigid contact lens to reshape the cornea into a more desirable configuration, wearing the contact lens for sufficient time to achieve the reshaping, removing the contact lens, applying an alcohol solution to the epithelial layer, applying a riboflavin solution to the cornea, and subjecting the cornea to UV light for sufficient time to induce cross-linking of collagen fibers within the cornea, whereby the cornea is stabilized in the reshaped desirable configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multifocal contact lens comprising a central contact lens area having a size, a position, and an optical power; an outer contact lens area having a size, a position, and an optical power; wherein the size, the position, and the optical power of the central contact lens area and the outer contact lens area are determined according to a measurement of the size of the pupil under a first light condition, a measurement of the reactivity of the pupil under a varying light condition or a varying focal demand, and a measurement of movement of the pupil under a varying light condition or a varying focal demand.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthokeratological contact lens to be worn on a patient's cornea and methods for prescribing the same. The contact lens comprises a parabolic lens having an inner surface configured to face an epithelium of the patient's cornea, wherein the parabolic lens is adapted to reshape the cornea by way of epithelium tissue growth. In a pre-treatment configuration, an outer surface of the epithelium does not conform to the contours of the inner surface of the parabolic lens such that there exits a gap comprising a hypertrophy volume that is disposed between the epithelium and the parabolic lens.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of fitting lenses that results in correction of not only low and high order ocular aberrations, but that additionally provides correction for the effects of cortical influences, or neuro-adaptive influences.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-deforming contact lens for keratoconus patients comprising a central zone having a displaced central zone. In particular, the central zone is displaced from the geometric center of the lens. The shape of the central zone is egg or spoon-shaped and is rotationally asymmetrical with one semi-meridian that is shorter than a corresponding semi-meridian. An intermediate transition zone is formed integral with the periphery of the central zone, and a peripheral zone is formed integral with the periphery of the intermediate transition zone, forming a round contact lens.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and data processing system for designing a contact lens. A sagittal image of an anterior portion of an eye having a sclera is measured. Measuring is performed using a digital imaging device. Measuring includes measuring the sclera. A sagittal image is formed. A shape of the eye is derived using the sagittal image, wherein the shape includes the sclera. The shape is converted to a curvature of a contact lens. The curvature is designed such that the contact lens, once manufactured, can be worn over a surface of the eye.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of designing a soft contact lens, the method comprising the steps of: (a) measuring or defining a wavefront generated by passage of light through a selected eye and using the wavefront to generate a computer model of the optical characteristics of the selected eye; (b) measuring or defining the topography of the cornea of the selected eye; (c) incorporating into the computer model a soft contact lens, the posterior surface topography of which is defined by the topography of the cornea, offset by an arbitrary amount intended to represent the tear layer thickness of the selected eye, said lens having a defined thickness at a selected locus on the anterior surface; (d) calculating a desired topography for the anterior surface of the lens such that the wavefront will be corrected to assume a desired pattern (for example, preferably planar, the plane of which is perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens) when passing through the computer model eye/lens combination; (e) remodeling the lens

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-deforming contact lens comprising a central zone and a peripheral zone, wherein the central zone has a radius of curvature approximately equivalent to a central curvature of an underlying cornea, wherein the central zone is progressively aspheric with an initial zone approximately elliptical and then progressing to a parabolic shape and then to a hyperbolic shape. The peripheral zone reverses the progressive asphericity of the central zone, and includes a terminating local radius that is shorter than a radius at a junction of the central zone and the peripheral zone.

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 an orthokeratological contact lens to be worn on a patient's cornea and methods for prescribing the same. The contact lens comprises a parabolic lens having an inner surface configured to face an epithelium of the patient's cornea, wherein the parabolic lens is adapted to reshape the cornea by way of epithelium and/or stromal tissue growth. In a pre-treatment configuration, an outer surface of the epithelium does not conform to the contours of the inner surface of the parabolic lens such that there exits a gap comprising a hypertrophy volume that is disposed between the epithelium and the parabolic lens.

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 preformed 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 invention provides methods for fitting multifocal contact lenses that are less time consuming and result in more successful fittings than conventional methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthokeratological contact lens to be worn on a patient's cornea and methods for prescribing the same. The contact lens comprises a parabolic lens having an inner surface configured to face an epithelium of the patient's cornea, wherein the parabolic lens is adapted to reshape the cornea by way of epithelium tissue growth. In a pre-treatment configuration, an outer surface of the epithelium does not conform to the contours of the inner surface of the parabolic lens such that there exits a gap comprising a hypertrophy volume that is disposed between the epithelium and the parabolic lens.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems for improving and enhancing vision are disclosed. Adjustable lenses or optical systems may be used to provide adaptive vision modification. In some embodiments, vision modification may be responsive to the current state of the user's visual system. Certain embodiments provide correction of the subject's near and far vision. Other embodiments provide enhancement of vision beyond the physiological ranges of focal length or magnification.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating and/or diagnosing a patient's eye. A light source produces fixation light and procedure light. A scanning device deflects the fixation light to produce a fixation pattern of the fixation light on the eye, and deflects the procedure light to produce a procedure pattern of the procedure light on the eye. A controller controls the scanning device such that the fixation and procedure patterns move relative to each other, and/or the fixation pattern dynamically changes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of fitting lenses that results in correction of not only low and high order ocular aberrations, but that additionally provides correction for the effects of cortical influences, or neuro-adaptive influences.

Abstract: A device for measuring eye characteristics, an operation device, and the coordinate origin and the coordinate axes of each eye are sufficiently related with one another. A measuring unit (111) measures eye optical characteristics based on a first light receiving signal from a first light receiving unit (23), and measures a cornea topography based on a second light receiving signal from a second light receiving unit (35). The measuring unit (111) also computes an ablation amount based on an aberration result.

Abstract: An improved sequential scanning method and apparatus for measuring wavefront aberration involves angularly displacing a measurement beam from a parallel beam striking the corneal surface at a desired location and using the displacement of an image on a detector between the angularly displaced beam and a reference beam to obtain a more accurate wavefront measurement than provided by the displacement between the parallel beam and a reference beam conventionally used for such wavefront aberration measurement. A method and related apparatus for determining a retinal topography relies on using the improved measurement method and apparatus in conjunction with other ocular data to determine changes in the bulbous length of the eye based upon retinal image displacement.

Abstract: An eye characteristic measuring apparatus can effectively and properly measure and display wavefront aberration of an eye regardless of the eye state. A first illumination optical system (200A) illuminates a small area on a retina of the eye by a first light flux from a first light source unit (100). A first reception light optical system (300A) leads a part of light flux reflected from the retina (61) to a first light reception unit (510) via a first conversion member (400) for converting the reflected light flux into at least 17 beams. A measurement data judgment unit, for example, judges whether the measurement data is appropriate for calculating the wavefront aberration according to a first signal from the first light reception unit (510). For example, when the measurement data judgment unit judges that the measurement data is not appropriate, a first correction unit causes to display a check correction screen which will be detailed later and corrects the data into appropriate measurement data.

Abstract: A hybrid hard-soft contact lens is provided. Several embodiments of the invention include methods of coupling the hard and soft sections of the contact lens. Other embodiments of the invention include contact lens materials and coatings that increase oxygen transmission though the lens. Yet other embodiments of the invention are directed to cost-effective manufacturing methods of a hybrid hard-soft contact lens. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention provides new methods and systems for treating myopia progression in myopic patients who also exhibit near point esophoria, esophoria at near, eso fixation disparity, or eso associated phoria by selectively prescribing bifocal contact lenses to such patients. Near point eso fixation disparity may include esophores, low exophores, and orthophores. One method for controlling myopia progression comprises identifying a near point esophoric myopic patient, measuring an amount of fixation disparity, and prescribing a bifocal contact lens add power prescription. The bifocal add power prescription is based on the fixation disparity measurement and a distance prescription for the patient's eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides a myopia and/or astigmatism-correcting contact lens for correcting myopia and/or astigmatism based on the alteration in the shape of a patient's cornea. The myopia and/or astigmatism-correcting contact lens comprises a pressure zone having a first surface defined by the inner surface of the contact lens located on the side of the patient's cornea and positioned at the center of the contact lens. The first surface is formed in a concave shape having a curvature less than that of the central surface of the patient's cornea. The contact lens further includes a relief zone having a concave-shaped second surface defined by the inner surface of the contact lens located on the side of the patient's cornea and positioned at the periphery of the pressure zone, and an anchor zone having a concave-shaped third surface defined by the inner surface of the contact lens on the side of the patient's cornea and positioned at the periphery of the relief zone.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for observing a body, in particular a viewer, comprising means for illuminating (12) the body (5), means for sampling (400, 450, 500, 700) light coming from an illuminated site (01) of the body and compensating means (20) for measuring a deformation of the wave front of a beam coming from a point of the body (5) and for applying to the light sampled by the sampling means (400, 450, 500, 700) a correction calculated on the basis of said measured deformation.

Abstract: The present invention provides new methods and systems for treating myopia progression in myopic patients who also exhibit near point esophoria, esophoria at near, eso fixation disparity, or eso associated phoria by selectively prescribing bifocal contact lenses to such patients. Near point eso fixation disparity may include esophores, low exophores, and orthophores. One method for controlling myopia progression comprises identifying a near point esophoric myopic patient, measuring an amount of fixation disparity, and prescribing a bifocal contact lens add power prescription. The bifocal add power prescription is based on the fixation disparity measurement and a distance prescription for the patient's eye.

Abstract: The present provides lenses in which the one surface incorporates wavefront aberration correction as well as corneal topographic data. Additionally, the invention provides methods for manufacturing such lenses.

Abstract: A method of determining the shape of an ophthalmic contact lens for correcting optical aberrations of the eye beyond defocusing or astigmatism includes the steps of measuring the optical aberrations of the eye to be corrected, determining the shape of the rear face of the lens from the measured topography of the cornea in order to obtain a predetermined mechanical behavior of the lens when it is placed on the eye, measuring the optical aberrations of the eye to be corrected, and determining the shape of the front face of the lens from the measured optical aberrations of the eye to be corrected combined with data relating to the shape determined for the rear face of the lens in order to correct the aberrations. The system includes measurement units for measuring the topography and the aberrations of the eye and an electronic calculator unit.

Abstract: A system and method improves a quality of sensor image data from a wavefront emanating from an eye. The sensor image data include a pixel array of intensities. A filter array is populated with a coefficient at each position of the array and the filter array is applied to each position in the pixel array. The system includes a processor and a software package adapted to perform the above method steps.

Abstract: In an inventive method for mapping the topography of an eye, elevation measurements of the eye are collected using a slit beam diffuse reflection system, such as an ORBSCAN.TM. device. An approximating b-spline surface is then fitted to the elevation measurements. Slope measurements of the eye are collected using a Placido-based reflective system, but the slope measurements are referenced to points on the b-spline surface, rather than to points approximated using the conventional constant curvature method, so the measurements have substantially improved accuracy. The elevation and slope measurements are then blended using weighted least squares fitting techniques. A new b-spline surface is fitted to the blended measurements, with the new surface having substantially improved accuracy in depicting the actual topography of the eye as a result of the elevation-improved accuracy of the slope measurements.

Abstract: A videokeratograph has a placido disc with rings concentric about a central axis, a center positioned on the central axis, and an observation opening at the center. A plurality of fixation points are positioned in the placido disc spaced from the center opening and distributed circumferentially around the central axis, whereby rings on the placido disc spaced from the center are reflected from the central zone of the cornea. A video camera positioned on the center axis behind the placido disc observes an image of the placido disc reflected from the cornea. A processor coupled to the video camera determines the shape of the central zone of the cornea.

Abstract: In an inventive method for mapping the topography of an eye, elevation measurements of the eye are collected using a slit beam diffuse reflection system, such as an ORBSCAN.TM. device. An approximating b-spline surface is then fitted to the elevation measurements. Slope measurements of the eye are collected using a Placido-based reflective system, but the slope measurements are referenced to points on the b-spline surface, rather than to points approximated using the conventional constant curvature method, so the measurements have substantially improved accuracy. The elevation and slope measurements are then blended using weighted least squares fitting techniques. A new b-spline surface is fitted to the blended measurements, with the new surface having substantially improved accuracy in depicting the actual topography of the eye as a result of the elevation-improved accuracy of the slope measurements.

Abstract: In a process for fitting a contact lens to a human eye, the geometry of the eyeball and the back surface geometry of the lens, and the required optical corrections for the distant and near vision of the eye to be corrected are determined. The measurement for fitting the contact lens takes place with a measuring lens that enables determination of relative pupil motion with respect to a reference system on or near the eye on changing from far vision to near vision. The measuring lens to be used for this measurement process has a substantially spherical lens body that has a substantially convex outer surface and a substantially concave inner surface. This measuring lens preferably serves for fitting multifocal contact lenses. To facilitate the measuring process, arrangements for determining the relative movement of a human pupil with respect to the surface of the measuring lens is provided on the measuring lens.

Abstract: An image acquisition unit provides true color high resolution digital images of the retina of the eye to a computer network (14, 16, 18) which interfaces with a central record library and displays the images at a remote work station (20A and 20B) for diagnostic examination. The computer network (14, 16, 18) is also interfaced with a unit for entering medical history information, and the diagnostic data, stereo images and medical records are linked in a relational database allowing all text and image records of the patient to reside on a work station/display (20A and 20B) for review or consultation. A telecommunications link (22) interconnects the computer network and image examination stations with the image acquisition station where the patient is actually examined, so that stereo fundus images may be made available through the computer without degradation for viewing on the examination displays remotely from the room, building, or city where the images are acquired from the patient.

Abstract: A method for transferring a lens-shaped article from a first support to a centered position on a second support employs a transfer tool having a slideable plunger and plunger sleeve that cooperates with the first and second support to ensure that the article is oriented in a desired manner when transferred.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately observing a toric contact lens rotation for determining the prescription of a contact lens on an astigmatic eye, by providing a lens line guide alignment plate having a gravity responsive pivotal indicator, angle indicia arranged about the indicator, and a guide edge spaced from the indicator, a contact lens having at least one indicator marking, a slit lamp or other device for projecting a slit light beam on the lens to bisect the lens, rotationally orienting the slit light beam into alignment with the contact lens indicator marking, angularly orienting the guide edge to be in alignment with the rotated slit light beam, and reading the angle of the pivotal indicator relative to the indicia to ultimately determine the toric lens prescription.

Abstract: A method for testing the visual capacity of a test subject, the method including the steps of positioning the test subject relative to a visual display; exhibiting to the test subject at least one visual target in the visual display; and monitoring the reaction of the test subject in response to the visual target.

Abstract: By localizing a location D on an optical axis, a virtual image is determined and compared with a measured virtual image. Using an iterative method, a location D can be shifted until the calculated and measured virtual images coincide and these data can then be used to determine an absolute spatial co-ordinate for a point on the surface. This method can be used, for example, in charting the surface of the cornea of an eye which has a reflecting film of tears.

Abstract: This invention relates to certain improvements in the art of keratometry and, more particularly, to the use of television techniques to determine the shape of the corneal surface of an eye in essentially real-time. Paired television images of diffuse reflections from the cornea are produced by projecting an infra-red illuminated pattern onto the cornea. These diffuse reflections are compared by triangulation to define the corneal contour. The resultant data are processed by a conventional microcomputer to derive surface contour for display, the shape data so generated in a form for instant use. Compensation for image brightness at each location is provided by altering projected image brightness to compensate for inherent non-linearity of diffuse image brightness versus position in the image plane. The liberalization reduces the complexity of the digital signal processing required for producing a contour map of the cornea.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the topography of a surface of an ophthalmic object comprising a projection branch for projecting along a first optical axis a projected structured light pattern onto the surface of the ophthalmic object. The projected structured light pattern has light and dark regions that form an array comprised of horizontal features and non-horizontal edges, an algorithm in the computer establishes at least one projected virtual point for the projected structured light pattern by fitting a first function to a non-horizontal edge and fitting a second function to a horizontal feature to establish an intersection and the coordinates of the projected virtual point. An imaging branch provides a pattern image of the projected structured light pattern along a second optical axis angled with respect to the first optical axis of the projected structured light pattern.

Abstract: A method for analysis of the curvature of the surface of a cornea using a checkered placido comprises, projecting the image of the checkered placido onto a patient's cornea, detecting the image of the checkered placido reflected off of the cornea, detecting a plurality of nodal points from the reflected image, determining the mean curvature at a plurality of nodal points and analyzing the mean curvature at a plurality of nodal points in order to produce a graphic display of the estimated actual curvature of the cornea.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic curvature measuring device measures the shape of a central portion and the shape of a peripheral portion of a curved surface such as a cornea of the eye or contact lenses. The measuring device has a small size and is capable of being hand held during measurement. A plurality of light beams are first projected onto the cornea and corneal periphery of the eye. A first projection unit then projects a first mark onto a first region of the subject eye while a second projection unit projects a pair of second marks onto a second region of the subject eye. An objective lens transmits reflected images of the first and the second marks to a measurement unit which measures the second marks at first and second timings.

Abstract: An eyeball detection apparatus has a light-receiving device, a first determination circuit, and a second determination circuit. The light-receiving device receives a reflection image from the cornea of an eyeball of a user or a person being tested. The first determination circuit determines whether the signal of the reflection image from the cornea received by the light-receiving device exceeds a specified level. The second determination circuit determines whether the size of the reflection image from the cornea received by the light-receiving device falls in a specified range only when the first determination circuit determines that the signal of the reflection image from the cornea received by the light-receiving device exceeds the specified level.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for improving vision and the resolution of retinal images is described in which a point source produced on the retina of a living eye by a laser beam is reflected from the retina and received at a lenslet array of a Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor such that each of the lenslets in the lenslet array forms an aerial image of the retinal point source on a CCD camera located adjacent to the lenslet array. The output signal from the CCD camera is acquired by a computer which processes the signal and produces a correction signal which may be used to control a compensating optical or wavefront compensation device such as a deformable mirror. It may also be used to fabricate a contact lens or intraocular lens, or to guide a surgical procedure to correct the aberrations of the eye. Any of these methods could correct aberrations beyond defocus and astigmatism, allowing improved vision and improved imaging of the inside of the eye.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens screening method suited for extended-wear for periods of at least one day on the eye without a clinically significant amount of corneal swelling and without substantial wearer discomfort. The lens has a balance of oxygen permeability and ion or water permeability, with the ion or water permeability being sufficient to provide good on-eye movement, such that a good tear exchange occurs between the lens and the eye. A preferred lens is a copolymerization product of a oxyperm macromer and an ionoperm monomer. The invention encompasses extended wear contact lenses, which include a core having oxygen transmission and ion transmission pathways extending from the inner surface to the outer surface.

Abstract: An experimental instrument for examining permeability of a flowing cornea is used for imitating a lacrimal layer in the front part of a cornea or the back part of the cornea (an aqueous humor) by means of storing a various kinds of solutions comprises a cell body including a stirring part of a cylindrical wall and a bottom surface at a bottom part thereof, a constant temperature tank which surrounds the cell body all around a sample membrane setting part which is protrusively arranged at an outer surface of the call body and can set a sample membrane such as a contact lens used as a cornea or a corneal model, an outflow tube which is protrusively arranged at an outer surface of the stirring part and makes a solution in the cell body discharge, an inflow tube which is protrusively arranged at an upper part of the cell body and makes the solution flow inside of the cell body, a magnet rotator which is arranged inside the stirring part of the cell body, and a magnet stirrer which makes the magnet rotator inside

Abstract: A device of the present invention includes: apparatus for photographing an anterior eye segment of a subject; a first display device for displaying an image of the anterior eye segment; a device for processing the displayed image to detect the relative positions of a pupil and a contact lens, respectively; a calculating apparatus for obtaining the relationship of relative positions between them by calculating; and a second display device for displaying the obtained relationship of the relative positions. The described arrangement is particularly useful for inspecting a condition for the putting on of the contact lens by measuring the relationship of the relative positions between the contact lens at the time of being put on and the pupil of the concerned eye segment.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus for measuring the shape of the cornea of the eye, capable of measuring the pupil in a natural state of vision is provided. An illuminating light source illuminates a cornea shape measuring pattern with red or infrared light to project an image of the cornea shape measuring pattern on the cornea of the eye, and a CCD camera picks up the image of the cornea shape measuring pattern formed on the cornea. A computer analyzes the image of the cornea shape measuring pattern to obtain data of the shape of the cornea and processes the data to calculate the regional curvatures of regions of the cornea. An intraocular illuminating light source illuminates the interior of the eye with red or infrared light, and the CCD camera picks up an image of a pupillary region illuminated by the light emitted by the intraocular illuminating light source and reflected by the interior of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention is biocompatible polymer containing the copolymerization product of a mixture of hydrophobic and hydrophilic acrylic and/or allelic monomers, graft-polymerized with telo-collagen. The present material is useful in the production of deformable lenses, for example, intraocular lenses, refractive intraocular contact lenses, and standard contact lenses useful, for example, for correcting aphekia, myopia and hypermetropia.

Abstract: In a pupil center detection method and a pupil ring portion detection method, which can obtain a pupil center and a pupil ring portion necessary for calculating a sight axis of an eyeball from specific points on the basis of a light beam reflected by the eyeball, when the position of the pupil center of the eyeball is detected by utilizing an image based on a light beam radiated from a projection device onto the eyeball and reflected by the eyeball, a large number of pupil ring portion positions are obtained, an average value and a standard deviation of the large number of pupil ring portion positions are obtained, and the pupil center is detected using values within a range defined by the average value and the standard deviation.

Abstract: The present invention is biocompatible polymer containing the copolymerization product of a mixture of hydrophobic and hydrophilic acrylic and/or allelic monomers, graft-polymerized with telo-collagen. The present material is useful in the production of deformable lenses, for example, intraocular lenses, refractive intraocular contact lenses, and standard contact lenses useful, for example, for correcting aphekia, myopia and hypermetropia.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining a prescription for contact lenses, comprising in cooperative combination a refractometer and a keratometer, both hooked up to a computer, comprising a program for processing the results obtained from said meters in any desired sequence, optionally supplemented with personal data and the results of a tono-meter and/or vertexmeter in optional sequence. The apparatus and method are also suitable for detecting any requirement for readjustment of the lenses after a period of time of use, comparing the new data with the data stored in the memory of the computer, and providing any readjustment required.