Nonprogressive multi-focal ophthalmic lens

• US 5,953,099 A
• Filed: 10/22/1997
• Issued: 09/14/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 10/22/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Michael Walach
• Original Assignee: Michael Walach
• Inventors: Walach, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Sugarman, Scott J.
• Application Number:
  US08/955,550
• Time in Patent Office: 692 Days
• Field of Search: 351/168, 351/169, 351/159, 351/171
• US Class Current: 351/168
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/06 bifocal; multifocal ; progressive G02C7/041 takes precedence

Abstract

A non-progressive multi-focal ophthalmic lens having a first arcuate area for distance viewing and a second arcuate segment, whereby the first area and second segment share a seamless transition corridor that does not obstruct or distort vision when shifting the eyes between the first area and second segment. The second segment is substantially C-shaped and defines the transition corridor at its top end. The second segment has a smaller radius of curvature than the first area and shares a common tangential component with the first area. The first area and reading segment are designed and manufactured in a way that eliminates the dividing line, image jump and distortion when moving the eyes between distance and near vision areas and obstructions to peripheral and downward vision.

Claims

1. A non-progressive, multi-focal ophthalmic lens for simultaneously providing enhanced distance vision and near-viewing vision without obstruction from a dividing line as a patient moves its eyes between a distance viewing line of sight and a near viewing line of sight, said lens comprising:

a first arcuate transparent area for distance viewing having a first radius of curvature;

a second arcuate transparent area for near viewing having a second radius of curvature, said second area radius of curvature being shorter than said first area radius of curvature, said first area surrounding said second area, said second area having a top edge joining said second area and said first area, said second area being oriented in substantial alignment with the near viewing line of sight; and

a non-obstructive, invisible transition corridor defined by a tangential component common to said first area and said second area,

said first area and said second area sharing a common arc at a co-existing tangent, the optical center for the near viewing lens being located at the top of the near viewing lens area, said transition corridor preventing image jump, loss of image, and viewing distortion.

2. A lens as recited in claim 1, wherein said second area appears substantially "C" shaped when rotated approximately ninety degrees.

3. A lens as recited in claim 1, wherein said second area appears substantially U-shaped when joined to said first area, said transition corridor being proximal the open end of said U shape.

4. A lens as recited in claim 3, wherein said second area defines a predetermined area.

5. A lens as recited in claim 4, wherein said second area has a width of less than 28 mm.

6. A lens as recited in claim 4, further comprising a tint for enhancing the absorption of ultraviolet light.

7. A lens as recited in claim 4, further comprising a scratch-resistant coating.

8. A lens as recited in claim 4, wherein said lens is manufactured from hard resin.

9. A lens as recited in claim 4, wherein said second area has a predetermined depth.

10. A lens as recited in claim 4, wherein said lens is manufactured from glass.

11. A lens as recited in claim 9, wherein said transition corridor exist because of said tangential component.