Electro-optic lens with integrated components for varying refractive properties

Abstract

A lens for dynamically correcting refractive error is disclosed, the lens system comprising: a lens having at least one electro-active element having a refractive property that is alterable, the lens being capable of being shaped to fit a housing without hindering performance of the electro-active element, a controller in communication with each of the at least one electro-active element thereto, and an input generator adapted for generating an input signal and transmitting the input signal to the controller, the input signal being generated based at least in part on an input parameter.

1 . A lens system, comprising:
 a multifocal region having two or more optical powers; and   an electro-active element in optical communication therewith for providing at least one combined optical power, wherein when electrical power above a first predetermined threshold is applied to said electro-active element said electro-active element causes said combined optical power to alter and when electrical power below a second predetermined threshold is applied to said electro-active element said combined optical power is not altered and is substantially equal to said optical powers of said multifocal region.   
   
   
       2 . The lens system of  claim 1 , wherein said first predetermined threshold is approximately the same as said second predetermined threshold. 
   
   
       3 . The lens system of  claim 1 , wherein said first predetermined threshold is greater than said second predetermined threshold. 
   
   
       4 . The lens system of  claim 1 , wherein said combined optical power provides the wearer with substantially clear vision for far distance viewing. 
   
   
       5 . The lens system of  claim 1 , wherein said combined optical power provides the wearer with substantially clear vision for intermediate distance viewing. 
   
   
       6 . The lens system of  claim 1 , wherein said combined optical power provides the wearer with substantially clear vision for near distance viewing. 
   
   
       7 . The lens system of  claim 1 , wherein said electro-active element has two surfaces and an electro-active material therebetween for altering said combined optical power, wherein said surfaces have a substantially constant space therebetween. 
   
   
       8 . The lens system of  claim 7 , wherein said lens system has a peripheral edge and wherein said electro-active material is spaced from said peripheral edge. 
   
   
       9 . The lens system of  claim 7 , wherein said two surfaces are substantially flat and parallel. 
   
   
       10 . The lens system of  claim 7 , wherein said two surfaces have substantially concentric curvature. 
   
   
       11 . The lens system of  claim 1 , wherein said lens system has a peripheral edge and wherein when electrical power above said first predetermined threshold is applied to said electro-active element said electro-active element has a blended zone so that so that there is a substantially continuous change in optical power radially towards the peripheral edge. 
   
   
       12 . The lens system of  claim 1 , wherein said combined optical power of the lens system radially exterior to the radial edge of the electro-active element is substantially similar to the optical power of the remainder of the lens system radially interior to the radial edge of said electro-active element. 
   
   
       13 . The lens system of  claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of said electro-active element is comprised of a material different from the remainder of the lens system. 
   
   
       14 . The lens system of  claim 1 , wherein said lens system has a periphery and wherein said electro-active element contains an electrode, wherein said electrode is substantially optically transparent and spaced from the inner surface of the periphery closest to said electrode. 
   
   
       15 . The lens system of  claim 1 , wherein said electro-active element is diffractive. 
   
   
       16 . The lens system of  claim 1 , wherein said electro-active element is pixilated. 
   
   
       17 . The lens system of  claim 1 , wherein said electro-active element comprises a surface relief diffractive component. 
   
   
       18 . The lens system of  claim 1 , wherein said electro-active element comprises a diffractive component having a diffractive surface topography. 
   
   
       19 . The lens system of  claim 1 , wherein said multifocal region comprises a progressive addition region. 
   
   
       20 . The lens system of  claim 1 , wherein said electro-active element comprises electro-active material that includes liquid crystalline material. 
   
   
       21 . The lens system of  claim 20 , wherein said liquid crystalline material includes nematic liquid crystals. 
   
   
       22 . The lens system of  claim 20 , wherein said liquid crystalline material includes cholesteric liquid crystals. 
   
   
       23 . The lens system of  claim 20 , wherein said liquid crystalline material includes polymer dispersed liquid crystals.