Flexible electro-active lens

(54) Title: FLEXIBLE ELECTROACTIVE LENSES (30) Unionist Priority: 22/01/2007 us 60 / 881,514 (73) Holder (s): E-Vision LLC (72) Inventor (s): John Hunkeler, Joshua N. Haddock , Ronald D. Blum, William Kokonaski (74) Attorney (s): Flávia Salim Lopes (57) Abstract: FLEXIBLE ELECTROACTIVE LENSES A lens that includes a flexible refractive optics that has a fixed retraction index, an electroactive element embedded in the flexible refractive optics, where the electroactive element has an adjustable retraction index, and a controller electrically connected to an electroactive element, where when power is applied to it, the retraction index of the electroactive element is changed.

(86) International Order: pct US2008051649 of 01/22/2008 (87) International Publication: wo 2008 / 09i859de 07/31/2008

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1/27

FLEXIBLE ELECTROACTIVE LENSES

Inventors

Ronald D. Blum, Joshua N. Haddock, William Kokonaski, and John Hunkeler

Related Order Data

The present invention claims priority from US Provisional Application number 60 / 881,514, filed on January 22, 2007, entitled Advanced Dynamic ElectroActive Intra-Ocular Lens; and is related to US Publication No. US 2006/0095128-A1, published on May 4, 2006; US Provisional Order No. 60 / 636,490, filed on December 17, 2004; US Provisional Application No. 60 / 623,947, filed on November 2, 2004; to US Interim Order No. 60 / 659,431, filed on March 9, 2005; US Provisional Application No. 60 / 669,403, filed on April 8, 2005; and US Provisional Order No. 60 / 960,607, filed on October 5, 2007, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Background of the Invention

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) can be used on the surface of an eye to restore vision function, for example, through implants for cataract surgery patients. IOLs include monofocal lenses, which provide a single focus or single optical power, multifocal lenses, which provide a multiple focus or multiple optical power, and accommodation lenses, which adjust the focus of a lens.

The IOL can be inserted in a folded state through a small incision of 3 mm or less in the eye. a

2/27 syringe-like device with a piston can be used to assist in the application and positioning of the IOL in the capsular bag, which previously housed the removed natural lens. Once in the eye, the IOL can be deployed to its natural state. When the incision size for insertion of an IOL in the eye is greater than 2 to 3 mm, unwanted astigmatic changes in the cornea occur. Therefore, ophthalmologists prefer to use the smallest possible incision to insert an IOL into the eye. So this makes a flexible and foldable IOL practically a necessity.

Corneal inlays, corneal onlays and single vision and bifocal contact lenses are also used to correct the patient's vision. In many cases, these are used to correct for the patient's needs for distant and near vision. Each of these is a very thin optical item and requires a curvature when applied on or in the eye.

At present, all known electroactive elements in an electroactive lens are made of rigid materials. In a certain previous modality of the inventors with respect to an electroactive contact lens, an electroactive element is housed in a flexible external host material. However, the electro-active element is rigid, and therefore can add some thickness to the contact lens.

Summary of the Invention

The modalities of the invention provide a flexible electroactive lens that includes a flexible refractive optical part having a fixed refractive index, an element

3/27 electroactive embedded in flexible refractive optics, where the electroactive element has a changeable refractive index, and a controller electrically connected to the electroactive element, where when a power is applied to it, the refractive index of the electroactive element is changed. The flexible electroactive lens can include one or more intraocular lenses, intraocular optics, eyeglass lenses, contact lenses, corneal onlays, corneal inlays and interocular lenses.

Description of Drawings

A specific embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, where:

FIG. 1 shows a flexible electroactive lens 2 in a folded state having a flexible housing and a rigid electroactive element according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A shows a flexible electroactive lens 2 in a folded state having a flexible housing and a flexible electroactive element according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B shows an electroactive lens 2 in an unfolded state having a rigid housing and a flexible electroactive element according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A and 3B show an expanded and collapsed view, respectively, of a flexible electroactive lens 2 in an unfolded state having a diffractive surface relief pattern and a liquid crystal layer according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A shows flexible electroactive lens 2 in one

Folded state having a plurality of electroactive elements according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B shows the plurality of electroactive elements of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D each show a front view of the flexible electroactive lens 2 having an electroactive element, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows the eyes' rotation-rotation; FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B each show a front view of the flexible electroactive lens 2 having a geometric axis A and a cross-sectional view of the flexible electroactive lens 2 taken on the geometric axis A, according to an embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C each show the positioning of the electroactive lens 2 in an eye having a different pupil size, according to an embodiment of the invention.

The method and apparatus of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description of specific modalities and the accompanying figures, which exemplify these modalities.

Detailed Description of Specific Modalities

The preferred embodiments below as exemplified by the drawings are illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention, as encompassed by the claims of this application.

A flexible electroactive lens 2 is illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B,

5/27

FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C, FIG. 5D, FIG. 7A, and in FIG. 7B, according to different modalities of the present invention. Although the electroactive lens is described, the modalities of the invention can be used like other lenses, including, for example, intraocular lenses, eyeglass lenses, contact lenses, corneal onlays, corneal inlays and interocular lenses.

electroactive element (for example, described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C, Figure 5D, Figure 7A, and Figure 7B), the liquid crystal layer (for example, described with reference to Figure 4A and Figure 4B), and a whole pixelated element can be used for the description of materials having optical properties that can be changed by an electrical control. Although the changeable properties described here typically include refractive index and optical power, the embodiments of the invention can include an electroactive lens 2 having other changeable properties, such as, for example, prismatic power, tint and opacity. Material properties can be controlled electrically and / or optically.

<td>Such terms</td><td>as</td><td>hard,</td><td>hard,</td><td>inflexible,</td>

<td>inelastic and / or</td><td>not</td><td>folding</td><td>can be</td><td>all used</td>

<td>for description</td><td>in</td><td colspan="2">a material or</td><td>a structure</td>

adapted to withstand structural or shape changes when a force above a predetermined limit is applied. Terms such as flexible, soft, flexible, elastic and / or foldable can all be used to describe a material or structure adapted for changing structure or shape, when

6/27 a force above a predetermined limit is applied. Terms such as unfolded, unfolded, natural, flat and / or relaxed state can all be used to describe a material or structure in a relatively high entropy state (for example, as shown in FIG. 2B, FIG. 3A , Figure 3B, Figure 4B, Figure 5A, Figure 5B, Figure 5C, Figure 5D, Figure 7A, and Figure 7B). Terms such as folded, folded, curved and / or flexed can all be used to describe a material or structure in a relatively low entropy state (for example, as shown in FIG. IA, FIG. 2A and FIG 4A).

FIG. 1 shows a flexible electroactive lens 2 in a folded state that has a flexible housing 4 and a rigid electroactive element embedded in the housing. The rigid electroactive element 6 typically does not flex when the electroactive lens is folded. The rigid element can protect the elements contained there from compression, flexion due to an expansion or contraction of materials, or other forces internal or external to the element. The rigid element may include a rigid shell and may have elastic components, such as an electroactive material. Typically, the rigid element can be spaced from the peripheral edge of the electroactive lens to allow it to bend.

FIG. 2A shows a flexible electroactive lens 2 in a folded state having a flexible housing 4 and a flexible electroactive element 6 embedded in the housing. Since the flexible electroactive element typically does not prevent the electroactive lens from flexing, the flexible element

7/27 Electroactive can extend radially further towards the peripheral edge of the electroactive lens where folding typically occurs. For example, when the electroactive lens is bent, the flexible electroactive element can bend along the peripheral flexion of the folded lens. The flexible electro-active lens can be embedded in a rigid housing for use as an eyeglass lens.

FIG. 2B shows an electroactive lens 2 in an unfolded state having a rigid housing 4 and a flexible electroactive element 6 embedded in the housing. For example, the element can be minimally rigid to protect elements contained there from some internal or external forces and / or to orient the electroactive lens towards the unfolded state. The electroactive element may be less flexible than the electroactive lens.

With reference to the flexible housing 4 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A, and with reference to the flexible electroactive element 6 in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, each of the flexible elements of the electroactive lens 2 can be adapted to move between a folded and an unfolded state. Each of the flexible housing and / or the flexible electroactive can be composed of a flexible material, such as, for example, polysulfones, polyetherimides and / or other thermoplastic materials. Polysulfones are a class of transparent dielectric polymers that are stable over a wide temperature range (for example, from -110 ° C to + 150 ° C) and a pH range (for example, from 2 to 13). Polysulfones are highly resistant to mineral acids, alkalis, electrolytes, acids and bases. Polysulfones are highly resistant to oxidizing agents, such as

8/27 the lens bleaches, which, for example, when electroactive is used as a contact lens can be applied to the flexible housing for cleaning the lens.

Referring again to FIG. 1, FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the housing may or may not have optical power. An optical powered housing can have a fixed optical power and can be a refractive or diffractive lens (for example, shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B). For example, a housing without optical power cannot focus light.

The electroactive element 6 can have an alterable index of refraction. The electroactive element can be arranged between the electrodes (for example, shown in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 5C, and FIG. 5D), which can be adapted to apply power to the element. The electroactive lens 2 can include a controller (for example, shown in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 5C, and FIG. 5D), which can be electrically connected to the electroactive element, for example, through the electrodes. 0 The controller can be adapted to electrically activate the electrodes for modulating the power applied to the electroactive element. When the power is applied to the element, for example, above a predetermined limit, the refractive index of the element is changed. The controller can include drive electronics, a power supply, such as a rechargeable battery and other elements for driving the electrodes.

Referring again to FIG. 2A, the electroactive lens 2 can be a flexible electroactive lens including a flexible housing 4 and a flexible electroactive element 6 embedded in the housing. 0 accommodation

Flexible 9/27 can have a fixed optical power. The electroactive element can have an optical power adapted to change in an optical power range from a minimum optical power up to a maximum optical power. The electrodes 10 can be electrically connected to the electroactive element to apply power to it. When power is applied to the element below a predetermined first limit, the element can have the minimum optical power. When power is applied to the element above a second predetermined limit, the element can have the maximum optical power. The fixed optical power can be greater than the maximum optical power. In this way, the fixed optical power can provide most of the optical power of the flexible electroactive lens.

In the present invention, for fail-safe operation, when no power is applied (for example, through the electrodes), the loss in optical power provided by the electroactive element can be minimal. For example, lens 2 can function as a static lens having a fixed optical power, for example, adapted for correction for distance, or, alternatively, for an intermediate distance or, alternatively, for close.

With reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3B, the housing 4 may include an anterior film and a posterior film for containing the electroactive element. For example, each of the films can be approximately 100 microns thick and the electroactive lens can be approximately less than or equal to 500 microns thick. With reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 3B, the electroactive lens can be, for example, approximately smaller than

10/27 that or equal to 200 microns thick in the unfolded state. The unfolded electroactive lens can be, for example, approximately 9 mm wide and the folded electroactive lens can be, for example, less than or equal to approximately 3 mm wide.

When used as a corneal inlay, the diameter of the electroactive lens should not exceed the diameter of the cornea. In some embodiments of the invention, the outer surface of the housing can be curved to substantially match the curvature of the cornea (when used in a corneal inlay) or the surface of the eye (when used in a contact lens).

FIG. 1 includes an example of the measurements of a lens

<td>folded electroactive 2</td><td>in</td><td>two</td><td>dimensions.</td><td>The dimension</td>

<td>horizontal of a</td><td colspan="3">electroactive lens</td><td>folded is</td>

<td>preferably smaller</td><td>of</td><td>that or</td><td>equal to 2.8</td><td>mm, though</td>

<td>other dimensions can</td><td>to be</td><td>used.</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>With reference to</td><td>FIG.</td><td>4A and</td><td>to FIG. 4B,</td><td>the element</td>

electroactive can liquid activated minimum and maximum optical powers.

include multiple layers of crystal individually for the provision of additional between optical powers

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show an expanded and collapsed view, respectively, of a flexible electroactive lens 2 in an unfolded state having a surface relief diffractive pattern and a liquid crystal layer according to another embodiment of the invention. The electroactive lens can be a flexible lens including a first flexible film 8a that has a diffractive pattern of surface relief 20 that varies with a depth, d,

11/27 a second flexible film 8b, a liquid crystal layer 22 having an electroactive material 16, electrodes 10, a controller 12, electrical connections 14 and alignment layers 18. The liquid crystal layer can be arranged between the first and second films, which can form a flexible housing 8 for wrapping the layer. The films can be composed, for example, of polysulfones, polyetherimides and / or other flexible materials.

The electrodes 10 can be electrically connected to the liquid crystal layer to apply power to it. The controller 12 can be adapted to electrically drive the electrodes to modulate the power applied to the layer. The liquid crystal layer may have an alterable refractive index. When a power is applied to the layer, for example, above a predetermined limit, the refractive index of the layer is changed.

The alignment layers 18 can guide the molecules of the electroactive material 16 towards the provision of an initial refractive index of the liquid crystal layer 22, when a power below a first predetermined limit is applied to it. An electric field having a power above a second predetermined limit can be applied (for example, through the electrodes) to align molecules of electroactive material to change the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer.

The refractive index of the first and second films is typically fixed. In one example, the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer can alternate between combining and

12/27 does not match the fixed refractive index of the first and second films.

In FIG. 3A and in FIG. 3B, for fail-safe operation, when no power is applied (for example, through the electrodes), the liquid crystal layer may have (for example only) a refractive index, n, (for example, 1 , 67 and a thickness (eg less than 10 µm) approximately equal to the film's surface relief diffractive pattern 20. In this embodiment, the material that constitutes the surface relief diffractive has an index of 1.67. When the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer matches the refractive index of the surface relief diffractive, the electroactive lens will have negligible optical power. When the liquid crystal index does not match that of the diffractive material, the electroactive lens will have an optical power like that created by the diffractive pattern.

FIG. 4A shows the flexible electroactive lens 2 in a folded state having a plurality of electroactive layers, and FIG. 4B shows the plurality of electroactive elements of FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4A, the electroactive lens can include a flexible housing 4 having a fixed refractive index, a plurality of electroactive elements 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d embedded therein, for example, arranged in a stacked configuration, and the electrodes independently electrically connected to each one of the electroactive elements. In FIG. 4B, electroactive 6a, 6b and 6c can include layers of electroactive material 16 separated by an insulating material 24, such as a flexible dielectric film. In FIG. 4A and FIG.

elements

13/27

4Β, the electroactive elements can be rigid, flexible or less flexible than the housing.

In FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, each of the electroactive elements can have an adjustable refractive index and can be individually activated. Since each electroactive element is isolated from another one, it is possible to selectively or in any combination activate an electroactive element or elements. In doing so, it is possible to have an additive combination of optical powers or to provide a unique optical power. This allows for the ability to tune the optical power of the lens or optics comprising an optically stacked multiple layer like that of electroactive elements after a surgical implantation.

The electroactive elements can be activated in response to a control signal from an external source for the electroactive lens. With reference to FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C, and FIG. 5D, the electroactive lens may include a receiver, such as a detection device, and / or a memory metal, for receiving control signals from a source external to the lens. The control signals can be used to modulate the power applied to each of the elements to remotely tune their optical power.

Referring again to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the electroactive elements can be stacked and can be individually activated to change the total optical power of the electroactive lens in any combination of the elements' changeable optical powers.

In FIG. 4B, the electroactive lens includes the electroactive elements 6a, 6b and 6c which, when activated, have

14/27 example optical powers of +0.25 D or -0.25 D, +0.50 D or - 0.50 D, and +2.50 D or +1.25 D, respectively. For example, the elements can be activated in various combinations to provide a total optical power in a range from a minimum optical power of +0.25 D or -0.25 D as an example only, by activating a + 0.25 D and / or a -0.25 D, as needed for a maximum optical power of +4.50 D as an example only, by activating a combination of a +25 D, a + 50 D, a +2.50 D, and a +1.25 D. In this example, the electroactive lens can have optical powers in each increment of 0.25 D (positive or negative) between the minimum and maximum powers. When each of the elements is individually activated in suitable combinations, the element can provide an increment of change in the optical power and the total optical power of the electroactive lens can be tuned to the desired optical powers. 0 The increment of change in optical power in this example is 0.25 D, but in certain other modalities it is 0.12 D. The elements can be adapted to provide a correction for near, intermediate distance and / or far. It can be appreciated that the values ​​used here are intended for demonstration and different optical powers, increments of change in optical power and / or numbers of electroactive elements (for example, limited in size for adaptation to the eye) can be used.

In the present invention, one or more of the elements 6c can be pixelated. The electrodes can apply power to the pixelated elements. By bypassing certain electrodes, it is possible to provide approximately 50% of the

15/27 maximum optical power of the elements. In the example above, element 6c can provide a maximum optical power of +2.50 D and an optical power reduced to 50% of +1.25 D.

One or more of the electroactive elements can comprise a modal element. Modal elements can change optical power when an electric power gradient is applied to a modal lens with variable focus. Modal elements can create a refractive optics using, for example, a liquid crystal.

Referring again to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the electroactive elements 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d may include a combination of polymer dispersed liquid crystals and bistable liquid crystals. When sufficient power is applied to each of the elements (for example, through the electrodes), the bistable crystals can be tuned to obtain a desired optical power, while the liquid crystals dispersed in polymer can be remotely cured or fixed on the element, once the desired optical power is fixed. The cure of the crystals can fix the orientation of the molecules to guarantee the tuned optical power, while the electroactive lens is positioned or embedded in the eye. An electromagnetic signal (for example, a laser) having a safe wavelength (s) for the eye (for example, a wavelength of 1.5 µm) can be used for the remote healing of crystals, for example, using an initiator that is sensitive to the wavelength (s) of the electromagnetic signal. Liquid crystals dispersed in polymer may include, for example, a mixture of a mixture of E7 nematic liquid crystal (produced by Merck) and an optical adhesive

16/27 UV cured NOA65 (produced by Norland Products). In one embodiment, the bistable liquid crystal can be remotely tuned and the polymer can be remotely cured using devices positioned external to the eye, while the electroactive lens is embedded in the eye.

The bistable liquid crystal material can be used to reduce the amount of electrical power consumption required over time to activate the electroactive lens. By applying an appropriate first voltage to a predetermined first limit, the general orientation of each of the individual bistable liquid crystals can retain an orientation induced by the first voltage, once the voltage is removed. They can be returned to their original state by applying a second voltage below a predetermined second limit. Bistable liquid crystals may include, for example, a bistable ferroelectric liquid crystal (SSFLF), which is a smectic liquid crystal. The use of a bistable liquid crystal can reduce the consumption of electrical power, because the voltage can be used to just switch the device between its states and, typically, does not maintain the operating states.

FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D each show a front view of a flexible electroactive lens having a flexible electroactive element 6. The flexible electroactive lens includes a flexible film 4 in which the electroactive element is embedded, a power source 26, electrodes 10 and a material memory metal 28. The memory metal material can orient the lens

17/27 electroactive to its unfolded state. For example, the electro-active lens can be folded for insertion into an incision in the eye. Once the electroactive lens is released into the eye, the memory metal material can unfold the lens to its unfolded state for operation on the eye.

With reference to FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D, the electroactive lens can include a controller and / or drive electronics 12 and electrical connections 14.

The electrodes 10 can be electrically connected to the electroactive element to apply power to it. With reference to FIG. 3A, at least one of the electrodes can form a relief pattern, conforming to the surface relief diffractive pattern 20 of the first film 8a.

Referring again to FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D, the electrodes can include a plurality of concentric electrode rings. When the electrodes apply electrical power to the electroactive element having these rings, the element can thus be provided with diffractive optical properties.

In the present invention, the electrodes can be switched on and off in less than one (1) second application. The electrodes can be composed of a conductive or metal material, such as aluminum, an optically transparent material, such as indium and tin oxide (ITO), a conductive organic material, such as poly (styrenesulfonate) of poly (3,4) -ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT: PSS) and / or carbon nanotubes. The electrodes can coat and surround the liquid crystal material. The transparent material can include fine traces of metals,

18/27 such as silver or aluminum for increased conductivity. The power can be applied through the transparent electrodes to change the optical properties of the electroactive lens, as described here. The thickness of the electrode layer can be, for example, less than 1 µm, but is preferably less than 0.1 µm. The controller and / or drive electronics 12, the power source 26, the memory metal material 28 and the other electronic components can be connected to the electrodes via electrical connections 14. Electrical connections may include small wires or dashes, the which can also be transparent. The electrodes and electrical connections can be flexible.

With reference to FIG. 5B and FIG. 5D, the electroactive lens may include a kinetic energy 50 electrically connected to the electroactive element for converting the movement of the eye into electrical power to provide the electroactive element of the electrical power. The kinetic energy driver may include a conductor and permanent magnets located on the driver. When the conductor moves in relation to a magnetic field produced by permanent magnets, electrical power is generated. These triggers are well known in the art and are typically used for wristwatches powered without a battery. For example, eye movements, such as rapid eye movements (REM) can charge the power source 26 (for example, during sleep and / or awake cycles).

With reference to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the electroactive lens may include a piezoelectric film 48 for generating electrical power. Piezoelectric film can

19/27 be adapted to connect the electroactive lens to an eye structure. The traction of the piezoelectric film can be changed by the movement of the eye. The film can transduce the change in traction into electrical power. For example, when the piezoelectric film can be affixed to the ciliary body, the iris, near or to the pupil, and the pupil expands and / or contracts, the piezoelectric film would be stretched and relaxed, thereby producing electrical power.

With reference to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5C, electrical power can be generated using a photovoltaic cell of detection device 32. The photovoltaic cell converts solar power into electrical power, as is known in the art. The photovoltaic cell can be adapted for charging using a 1.5 pm infrared laser source (not shown), for example, positioned external to the electroactive lens. The laser can be mounted, for example, on a pair of glasses adapted for recharging the power source, when used by a user.

In each of these modalities, the generated electrical power can be stored in the power source 26. The power source can include a battery, such as a thin film battery, which can be rechargeable and / or flexible. The thin film battery can be charged inductively by remote charging. In one embodiment, an inductive-enabled pillow (not shown) provides an inductive charge while the user of an electroactive lens like this is sleeping.

In one embodiment, the memory metal material 28 can be used to orient the electroactive lens in

20/27 towards the unfolded state.

In another embodiment, the memory metal material can be used to receive control signals from a source external to the electroactive lens. The controller 12 can use the control signals for the power modulation applied to the electroactive element. The metal memory material can be electrically connected to the controller and the electroactive element. For example, the memory metal material can function as an antenna, a capacitor, an inductive coil or the like.

In another embodiment, the metal memory material can be used to charge the power source 26. The memory material can form a coil and / or an antenna and can be adapted to inductively charge the power source using if electrical power transmitted wirelessly from a device external to the electroactive lens.

<td>Still in</td><td>another modality, the</td><td colspan="2">metal material of</td>

<td>memory can</td><td>be used for</td><td>programming and / or</td><td>The</td>

<td>reprogramming</td><td>controller and / or</td><td>of electronics</td><td>in</td>

<td>drive.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

The memory metal material can be composed, for example, of titanium - palladium - nickel, nickel - titanium copper, gold - cadmium, iron - zinc - copper - aluminum, titanium - niobium - aluminum, hafnium - titanium - nickel, nickel - titanium - copper, gold - cadmium, iron - zinc copper - aluminum, nickel - titanium and / or iron - manganese silicon, or any combination thereof.

Referring again to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5C, the electroactive lens may include a detection device

21/27 for the detection of sensory information. 0 detection device can include, for example, one or more of the following devices: a photovoltaic or photosensitive UV cell, a rocker switch, a light sensor, a passive range detection device, a flight time range detection device, an eye tracker, a vision detector, which detects for where a user may be looking, an accelerometer, a proximity switch, a physical switch, a manual suppression control, a capacitive switch, which switches when a user touches the bridge of the nose or similar.

The detection device may include two or more photodetector arrays with a focusing lens positioned over each array for measuring distances. A difference sum algorithm can be used to determine which array has the highest contrast ratio for determining the distance an object is positioned from the electroactive lens.

The detection device may include a range finder for detecting distances for focusing the electroactive lens and / or a solar cell for detecting ambient light and / or incident on the electroactive lens.

The detection device may include a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) gyroscope adapted for detecting head tilts or encyclo-rotation of the eye, an illustration of which is shown in FIG. 6. In addition, the detection device may include a timing mechanism that can be used in combination with the gyroscope to distinguish a change in distance

22/27 seen from the effects of bending or other movements.

In response to detection, the detection device can trigger the activation and / or deactivation of one or more of the elements mentioned above of the electroactive lens, for example, by changing the electrical power applied to it. The detection device can be coupled directly or indirectly to the electronic and / or electrical connections for electrically activating the electrodes. In one embodiment, the detection device can detect the focusing distance at which a user is viewing and can change or maintain the optical power of the electroactive element accordingly. In one example, if the detection device detects that the user is focusing on the near range, the optical power of the element can be changed so that the electro-active lens provides a correction for near vision.

In the present invention, the electroactive lens can further include a remote suppression switch (not shown) for manually suppressing and switching the optical states of the electroactive lens. For example, the remote switch can activate, deactivate or regulate a desired optical power. When the remote switch is activated, a remote switching signal can be sent to the electroactive lens via an antenna formed from the memory metal material 28.

Referring again to FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D, the electroactive lens may include apertures 34 to allow nutrient and cellular waste products produced by the body to pass through the electroactive lens. The openings can be semipermeable membranes that

23/27 allow materials to pass through there, based on the size of the material molecules. The openings and / or pores can be drilled, machined or printed. Typically, the openings and pores may be located in non-electrical or otherwise non-critical areas of the electroactive lens, such as near the pupil geometric axis, where the electrodes do not extend or apply power. Such openings are well known in the art with respect to non-electroactive corneal inlays.

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B each show a front view of the flexible electroactive lens 2 having a geometric axis A and a cross-sectional view AA of the flexible electroactive lens 2 taken on the geometric axis A. The electroactive lens includes a flexible film 4 and an electroactive element 6 embedded in the film. FIG. 7A includes a wrap 36 disposed between the flexible film and the electroactive element. Thus, the element is surrounded by the envelope, which, in turn, is surrounded by the flexible housing. The wrap can be a water-repellent protective barrier composed, for example, of a hydrophilic acrylic material. In one embodiment, the flexible housing can be composed, for example, of silicone or a hydrophobic acrylic material. Typically, hydrophilic acrylic materials have relatively low refractive indexes and are moderately rigid. Typically, hydrophobic acrylic materials have relatively higher refractive indices and are flexible.

The housing 4 may consist of a semipermeable membrane. The housing can be lined with

24/27 materials that are biocompatible with anatomical objects in the eye. Biocompatible materials can include, for example, polyvinylidene fluoride or a non-hydrogel microporous perfluoroether. The housing can optionally be coated with a sealant to prevent or delay the leaching of materials from the electroactive lens. The flexible housing 4 can be a semipermeable substance. The electro-active liquid crystal element and associated electronics can be hermetically sealed to prevent leaching to the eye over time.

Referring again to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the electroactive lens may include haptics 30 for stabilizing the lens at a desired location in the eye, as is well known in the art. The haptics may also include an antenna and / or charging loops for receiving control signals from a device external to the electroactive lens.

The electroactive lens can include intraocular lenses, which can be implanted with the greatest possible centralization (an alignment of a center axis of the lens with a center axis of the eye or the pupillary axis of the eye), to provide the best results optical. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electroactive lens or a capsular bag housing the electroactive lens must be implanted directly behind the pupil with the greatest possible centering. The haptic 30 can be used to center the electroactive lens inside the capsular bag. Alternatively, the haptic can be affixed directly to the eye, for example, in the ciliary muscle,

25/27 extending out of the capsular bag. Due to anatomical asymmetry in the eye, the electroactive lens can be implanted off-center in relation to the pupillary geometric axis. Additional decentralization can be found within the capsular bag (for example, in a misalignment of a center axis of the capsular bag with a center axis of the electroactive lens inserted there) and with an misaligned pupil (having a curved pupil geometric axis or misaligned). The eye is typically tolerant of moderate amounts of decentralization. Due to anatomical asymmetry, a natural, unchanged eye can have approximately 0.1 or 0.2 mm of decentralization. The electroactive lens can preferably accommodate at least 1 mm of decentralization.

The electroactive lens can be implanted in an eye already having a lens implant to correct an optical dysfunction provided by the existing lens implant (not shown). This technique can be referred to as a lens implant in the back. The electroactive lens can be implanted in front of the existing lens implant (for example, closer to the exposed surface of the eye), for example, to the posterior chamber in the ciliary sulcus. In other embodiments, the electroactive lens can be implanted behind the existing lens implant (for example, further away from the exposed surface of the eye). In any of the above embodiments, the electroactive lens can be used in combination with another, for example, fixed crystalline lens. The lens can be positioned in the anterior or posterior chamber of the ciliary sulcus.

When the modalities described here are used as

26/27 a contact lens, the lens may include a soft hydrophilic jacket affixed to or near the lens periphery for stabilizing the lens in the desired centered position. The contact lens can also be stabilized by having a heavy orientation region or a truncated display surface. The contact lens can be charged inductively by a contact lens case (not shown), for example, when the lens is located in the case. The contact lens detection device 32 (for example, a photodetector) may be located on or on the surface of the attached contact lens or shirt, at a location spaced from the pupillary axis so as not to interfere with a user's vision. In one embodiment, the parameters and / or components of dimension adaptation can be customized, according to the anatomical needs and / or preferences of a user.

FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C each show the positioning of the electroactive lens 2 in an eye 3 8 having different pupil sizes. FIG. 8A shows an enlarged pupil having a relatively large size. FIG. 8B shows a pupil that is relatively moderate in size. FIG. 8C shows a pupil that is relatively small in size. FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C each show the relative locations of pupil 40, iris 42, limbus 44 and sclera 46 in the eye. The electroactive lens may include a flexible housing 4 and an electroactive element 6. As the size of the pupil decreases, the lens covers an increased percentage of pupil 40 or the opening of the eye.

In many of the above modalities, a material

27/27 liquid crystalline can be used. Liquid crystals include a state of aggregation that is intermediate between a crystalline solid and an amorphous liquid. Many liquid crystals are composed of rod-like molecules and widely classified as: nematic, cholesteric and smectic.

The electroactive lens can be used to correct refractive errors in the eye, including presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and higher order aberrations.

When used here, a close-up viewing distance can describe distances from 18 inches (45.72 centimeters) to up to approximately 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) from a point of view; an intermediate viewing distance can describe distances greater than 18 inches (45.72 centimeters) to 29 inches (73.66 centimeters), and a distance viewing distance can describe distances greater than approximately 29 inches (73.66 centimeters) ) from someone's face.

Although the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of modalities, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention can be made. It will be appreciated by people versed in the technique that the attached claims are intended to cover all these modifications and changes, as they fall into the true spirit of the invention.

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