METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPHTHALMIC DEVICES INCLUDING GRADIENT-INDEXED LIQUID CRYSTAL LAYERS AND SHAPED DIELECTRIC LAYERS

摘要

According to the present invention, disclosed are a method and an apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. 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 radially dependent manner. The patterning allows the index of refraction of the optic device to vary in a gradient indexed or GRIN manner. At least a first layer of dielectric material that may vary in thickness by crossing the optic zone of the device may aid in defining an electric field by acrossing the liquid crystal layer. An energy source can supply power to 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.