Hybrid contact lens system and method

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.

1 - 43 . (canceled)  
   
   
       44 . A hybrid contact lens, comprising: 
 a substantially rigid portion; and    a substantially flexible portion coupled to the substantially rigid portion, wherein the hybrid contact lens includes a surface treatment that creates a substantially uniform tear film when the hybrid contact lens is positioned on an eye.    
   
   
       45 . The hybrid contact lens of  claim 44 , wherein the surface treatment comprises OH chemical groups and NH chemical groups.  
   
   
       46 . The hybrid contact lens of  claim 44 , wherein the surface treatment is an ionic surfactant.  
   
   
       47 . The hybrid contact lens of  claim 46 , wherein the ionic surfactant is selected from a group consisting of: sodium dodecyl sulfide, lauryl sulfonic acid, a combination of sodium dodecyl sulfide and lauryl sulfonic acid, and a substrate comprised of a combination of sodium dodecyl sulfide and lauryl sulfonic acid.  
   
   
       48 . The hybrid contact lens of  claim 44 , wherein the surface treatment is a non-ionic surfactant.  
   
   
       49 . The hybrid contact lens of  claim 48 , wherein the non-ionic surfactant is an ethylene glycol.  
   
   
       50 . The hybrid contact lens of  claim 44 , wherein the surface treatment comprises a polymer.  
   
   
       51 . The hybrid contact lens of  claim 50 , wherein the polymer is selected from a group consisting of: TEFLON and HEMA.