Method and apparatus for encapsulating a rigid insert in a contact lens for correcting vision in astigmatic patients

Abstract

The present invention, as described above and as further defined by the claims below, provides methods for forming an Ophthalmic Lens that encapsulates a Rigid Insert, wherein the Rigid Insert may be tailored to correct specific astigmatic characteristics of an eye and apparatus for implementing such methods, as well as Ophthalmic Lenses formed with the Rigid Inserts.

1 . An ophthalmic lens device for placement on an eye comprising:
 a lens comprising a biocompatible material; and   a rigid insert having a three-dimensional topography encapsulated within said lens.   
     
     
         2 . The ophthalmic lens device of  claim 1 , wherein said three-dimensional topography provides correction for astigmatic vision. 
     
     
         3 . The ophthalmic lens device of  claim 2 , wherein said rigid insert comprises a plurality of zones. 
     
     
         4 . The ophthalmic lens device of  claim 3 , wherein each zone is capable of mirroring an astigmatic characteristic of the eye. 
     
     
         5 . The ophthalmic lens device of  claim 2 , wherein said three-dimensional topography substantially mirrors the astigmatic characteristics of the eye. 
     
     
         6 . The ophthalmic lens device of  claim 1 , wherein said lens has a three-dimensional topography. 
     
     
         7 . The ophthalmic lens device of  claim 6 , wherein the three-dimensional topography of the lens enhances a corrective property of the rigid insert. 
     
     
         8 . The ophthalmic lens device of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one stabilizing feature for orienting the lens device on the eye. 
     
     
         9 . The ophthalmic lens device of  claim 8 , wherein said stabilizing feature orients the lens device to align the three-dimensional topography of the rigid insert with the astigmatic vision characteristics of the eye. 
     
     
         10 . The ophthalmic lens device of  claim 9 , wherein the stabilizing feature alters the front curve surface of the lens. 
     
     
         11 . The ophthalmic lens device of  claim 10 , wherein the stabilizing feature projects from the front curve surface of the lens. 
     
     
         12 . The ophthalmic lens device of  claim 9 , wherein the stabilizing feature adds sufficient mass to ballast the ophthalmic lens device. 
     
     
         13 . The ophthalmic lens device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the rigid insert and lens provide polarization. 
     
     
         14 . The ophthalmic lens device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the rigid insert and lens comprises a region of coloration. 
     
     
         15 . The ophthalmic lens device of  claim 1 , wherein said rigid insert further comprises an active agent. 
     
     
         16 . The ophthalmic lens device of  claim 3 , wherein said zones comprise materials of different density. 
     
     
         17 . The ophthalmic lens device of  claim 3 , wherein said zones comprise areas of differing refractive index.