System and method for increasing the depth of focus of the human eye
A method and apparatus for increasing the depth of focus of the human eye is comprised of a lens body, an optic in the lens body configured to produce light interference, and a pinhole-like optical aperture substantially in the center of the optic. The optic may be configured to produce light scattering or composed of a light reflective material. Alternatively, the optic may increase the depth of focus via a combination of light interference, light scattering, light reflection and/or light absorption. The optic may also be configured as a series of concentric circles, a weave, a pattern of particles, or a pattern of curvatures. One method involves screening a patient for an ophthalmic lens using a pinhole screening device in the lens to increase the patient's depth of focus. Another method comprises surgically implanting a mask in the patient's eye to increase the depth of focus.
1. An ophthalmic device for application to an eye of a patient comprising:
an optic configured to produce negative interference of diverging light reaching the optic; and
an aperture disposed within the optic;
wherein the ophthalmic device increases the depth of focus of the eye.
2. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , wherein the optic is further configured to spread out the diverging light passing through the optic.
3. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , wherein the optic is configured as a series of concentric circles.
4. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , wherein the optic is configured as a weave.
5. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , wherein the optic is configured as a pattern of particles.
6. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , wherein the aperture comprises an optical power.
7. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , wherein the aperture has a diameter in range of about 0.05 mm to about 5.0 mm.
8. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , wherein the optic has an outer diameter in the range of about 1.0 mm to about 8.0 mm.
9. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , wherein the optic comprises a material having varying degrees of opacity.
10. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the ophthalmic device and the optic comprises a bio-compatible material.
11. The ophthalmic device of claim 10 , wherein the bio-compatible material comprises polymethyl methacrylate.
12. The ophthalmic device of claim 10 , wherein the optic comprises a non-dissolving material.
13. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , wherein the ophthalmic device comprises polymethyl methacrylate.
14. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , wherein the ophthalmic device comprises a medical polymer.
15. The ophthalmic device of claim 14 , wherein the medical polymer is polymethyl methacrylate.
16. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , wherein the optic comprises an opaque bio-compatible material.
17. An ophthalmic device configured to be applied to an eye of a patient, the device comprising:
an optic comprising a weave, the optic being configured to produced light interference; and
an aperture substantially in the center of the optic.
18. The ophthalmic device of claim 17 , wherein the aperture is a pinhole-like optical aperture.
19. A method for increasing the depth of focus of a human eye, the method comprising:
providing an ophthalmic device of claim 1 ; and fitting the ophthalmic device.
20. A method for increasing the depth of focus of a human eye, the method comprising:
providing an ophthalmic device of claim 17 ; and
fitting the ophthalmic device.