Method and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including hybrid alignment layers and shaped liquid crystal layers

摘要

The present invention discloses 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, an alignment layer for the liquid crystal layer may be patterned in a hybrid manner. The patterning may allow for the lowering of the minimum electrical potential required to cause a shift in orientation of liquid crystal molecules within the ophthalmic device. 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.

主权项

1. An ophthalmic lens device with a variable optic insert positioned within at least a portion of an optical zone of the ophthalmic lens device, wherein the variable optic insert comprises:
a curved front surface and a curved back surface wherein the front surface and the back surface are configured to bound at least a portion of one chamber; an energy source embedded in the variable optic insert in at least a region comprising a non-optical zone; and a layer containing liquid crystal material positioned within the at least one chamber, wherein liquid crystal molecules within the layer containing liquid crystal material are aligned in a hybrid pattern wherein an alignment pattern of liquid crystal molecules proximate to the curved front surface differs from an alignment pattern of liquid crystal molecules proximate to the curved back surface.