Variable focus liquid filled lens apparatus

Abstract

A variable focus lens apparatus includes at least one rigid optical disc, at least one flexible optical membrane and at least one layer of a transparent fluid that is in communication with a fluid channel and a reservoir. When incorporated in a spectacle lens, the lens system enables wearers to adjust the power of each lens individually, so as to achieve the preferred binocular visual performance, consistent with maximum stereopsis and binocular fusion at any desired object plane.

1 . A variable focus optical apparatus, comprising:
 a rigid, curved, transparent optical component,   at least one transparent, distensible membrane attached to a periphery of said rigid optical component to define a cavity therebetween,   a variable amount of fluid filling said cavity, and   a reservoir containing additional fluid and in fluid communication with said cavity, said reservoir being operable to provide injection of fluid into said cavity or withdrawal of fluid out of said cavity in response to a force or an impulse.   
     
     
         2 . The variable focus optical apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a communication channel providing fluid communication between said reservoir and said cavity. 
     
     
         3 . The variable focus optical apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said cavity, said reservoir and said communication channel comprise a sealed system. 
     
     
         4 . The variable focus optical apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said membrane is attached to the periphery of said rigid optical component at least in part by adhesive seal or laser welding. 
     
     
         5 . The variable focus optical apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said membrane is at least in part bonded to a support element that is in turn bonded to the periphery of said rigid optical component. 
     
     
         6 . The variable focus optical apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said membrane is at least in part seated with the periphery of said rigid optical component within a ring to provide attachment thereto. 
     
     
         7 . The variable focus optical apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said ring comprises a communication channel providing fluid communication between said reservoir and said cavity. 
     
     
         8 . The variable focus optical apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said rigid optical component is curved into a meniscus shape. 
     
     
         9 . The variable focus optical apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the anterior surface of said rigid optical component has an aspheric geometry. 
     
     
         10 . The variable focus optical apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said rigid optical component has an optical power that is at or below a minimum of the power range designed to be provided by the variable focus optical apparatus. 
     
     
         11 . The variable focus optical apparatus of  claim 1  comprising:
 two transparent, distensible membranes attached to a periphery of said rigid optical component to define two cavities, a first cavity between said rigid optical component and a first membrane and a second cavity between said first membrane and a second membrane, and   a variable amount of fluid filling each of said cavities,   wherein said reservoir is in fluid communication with one of said cavities.   
     
     
         12 . A set of eyeglasses designed for ophthalmic applications comprising at least one variable focus optical apparatus of  claim 1 , an actuator and a frame. 
     
     
         13 . The set of eyeglasses of  claim 12  wherein the optical power of at least one of the lenses thereof is separately adjustable by the wearer. 
     
     
         14 . The set of eyeglasses of  claim 12  wherein said reservoir is situated in said frame and is operable by said actuator. 
     
     
         15 . The set of eyeglasses of  claim 14  wherein the optical power of at least one of the lenses is adjustable by the actuator dispenser and thereafter altered to prevent further adjustment. 
     
     
         16 . The set of eyeglasses of  claim 14  further comprising a communication channel within said frame providing fluid communication between said reservoir and said cavity. 
     
     
         17 . The variable focus optical apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said rigid optical component is made of an impact resistant polymer, a scratch resistant coating, or an antireflective coating.