Patent Description:
Methods of determining optical quality of lenses have been provided. Such methods include determining total power in air, in which the focus of an incident plane wavefront in air is located, which can be directly correlated to power in water and therefore power in the eye.

Other methods include determining image quality in air, which is determined through imaging of fixed target and evaluating parameters in a CCD image for (e.g.) resolution and contrast. Such a system might inadequately represent quality in the eye (for an intraocular lens), since diffraction efficiency and spherical aberration differ.

Other methods include determining image quality in water, which is determined by placing the lens in a wet cell and determining the image quality on a CCD. The resultant image can be translated to various image quality metrics, such as MTF. This measurement adequately represents image quality, but is cumbersome and time consuming.

Other methods include wavefront aberrations in air or water. Using a Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor, the Zernike coefficients of a lens can be determined. This can be compared against the expected wavefront aberrations for any design, and for refractive designs the deviations are a good predictor of image quality.

These methods, however, all measure the total quality of the lens, and not a particular surface of the lens. Methods have been developed to measure quality of a surface of the lens, but they are all time-consuming and cumbersome and suffer from substantial uncertainties (e.g., confocal microscopy or interferometry).

In addition, difficulties arise when testing optical quality of diffractive lenses. Wavefront testing is difficult when applied to diffractive lenses. Diffractive lenses direct light to a plurality of diffractive orders. The distribution of light to different orders differs between a lens implanted in the eye with water surrounding it and the same lens measured in air. Additionally, adverse effects such as "spot doubling" may occur when performing wavefront testing on a lens, due to the lens' light being directed to multiple diffractive orders.

Methods have been developed to address the difficulties of wavefront testing in diffractive lenses. One such method is to test in-vitro in water. The testing method assumes that a diffractive lens will have a clear distance peak, and it is hoped for that the distance spot patterns will dominate and light from other diffractive orders will not affect the test. This is risky, and requires the use of water. Further, many aberrometers operate at a different wavelength than the peak one for which lenses (particularly intraocular lenses) are designed.

Another method is to tilt the diffractive lens during wavefront testing, to attempt to avoid the presence of "spot doubling. " This method, however, requires manipulation of the lens and may affect the accuracy of the wavefront test.

<CIT> discusses methods for inspecting ophthalmic lenses with different wavelengths of radiation.

There is accordingly a need in the art to measure optical quality of particular surfaces of lenses, in addition to the total quality of the lens.

Improvements in wavefront testing of diffractive lenses are also desired.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses disclosed herein are intended to enhance the quality and efficiency of testing a lens surface. The total quality of the lens may also be tested.

The systems, methods, and apparatuses disclosed herein are also intended to comprise improvements in the field of wavefront testing for diffractive lenses. The methods of testing diffractive lenses may be performed in air, which provides an improvement over water-based methods of wavefront testing.

A system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes one or more light sources configured to emit a plurality of wavelengths of light for diffraction by a diffractive intraocular lens. A wavefront sensor is configured to receive the light that is diffracted by the diffractive intraocular lens. A processor is configured to determine one or more of the plurality of wavelengths that have a peak diffraction efficiency for the diffractive intraocular lens based on the light received by the wavefront sensor.

A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes applying a plurality of wavelengths of light to a diffractive intraocular lens. The method includes receiving light that is diffracted by the diffractive intraocular lens with a wavefront sensor. The method includes determining one or more of the plurality of wavelengths of light that have a peak diffraction efficiency for the diffractive intraocular lens based on the light received by the wavefront sensor.

Features and advantages of the systems, apparatuses, and methods as disclosed herein will become appreciated as the same become better understood with reference to the specification, claims, and appended drawings wherein:.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of an intraocular lens surface measurement system. The system may include a light source <NUM> and a sensor <NUM>. The light source <NUM> may comprise a device configured to emit light that is reflected off an optical surface of a lens. The light source <NUM> may comprise a laser, a super luminescent diode, or other form of light source. Preferably, the light source <NUM> may emit a single wavelength of light. In embodiments, the light source <NUM> may emit multiple wavelengths of light and may comprise a multi-wavelength lamp, or another form of light source.

The sensor <NUM> may comprise a light sensor. The sensor <NUM> may be configured as a wavefront sensor that can measure aberrations of a wavefront incident on the sensor <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be configured to receive light that is reflected off an optical surface of a lens. In one embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may comprise a Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor, or a wavefront curvature sensor, one or more interferometers, or a Ronchi test, or other forms of sensors.

The light source <NUM> and sensor <NUM> are utilized to measure a lens <NUM>. The lens <NUM> may have an anterior optical surface <NUM> and a posterior optical surface <NUM>. The optical surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may face opposite each other such that the posterior optical surface <NUM> is an opposite optical surface of the anterior optical surface <NUM>, and the anterior optical surface <NUM> is an opposite optical surface of the posterior optical surface <NUM>. The lens <NUM> may be centered upon an optical axis <NUM>.

The optical surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the lens <NUM> may have convex shapes (as shown in <FIG>), and in other embodiments may have combinations of concave, planar, cylindrical, aspheric, or other shapes.

The lens <NUM> may comprise an intraocular lens. The intraocular lens may be configured to be inserted into the eye of a patient to replace the natural lens of the patient, or to be utilized in combination with the natural lens of the patient. The intraocular lens may comprise a monofocal, or multifocal intraocular lens, and may be configured to correct the vision of a patient.

The system is configured to determine one or more characteristics of an optical surface of the lens <NUM>. These characteristics may include aberrations of the optical surface of the lens. Such aberrations may include the physical shape of the surface deviating from an intended shape. The profile of the surface may deviate from the intended shape. Such aberrations may include surface deformities produced during the manufacturing process of the lens.

The system is configured to determine the one or more characteristics of an optical surface of the lens <NUM> by reflecting light off the optical surface of the lens <NUM> and receiving the reflected light with the sensor <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be configured such that it does not receive light that is transmitted through the lens <NUM>. This process allows the sensor <NUM> to detect the one or more characteristics of the optical surface without taking into account the characteristics of the opposite optical surface, and without taking into account any variations in the wavefront that may be caused by light transmitted through the internal body of the lens <NUM>.

The light source <NUM> may be utilized to emit the light that is reflected off the optical surface of the lens <NUM>. The light may be applied at an on-axis angle of incidence to the lens <NUM>. In other embodiments, another angle of incidence may be applied. For example, an angle of incidence ranging between zero and <NUM> degrees of incidence may be applied in certain embodiments. In other embodiments, other angles of incidence may be applied.

In <FIG>, light is emitted from the light source <NUM> and is reflected off the anterior optical surface <NUM> of the lens <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> is positioned such that it receives the light reflected off the anterior optical surface <NUM> of the lens <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be positioned such that it does not receive light that is transmitted through the lens <NUM>. Accordingly, the characteristics of only the anterior optical surface <NUM> may vary the wavefront of the reflected light received by the sensor <NUM>.

In an embodiment in which the sensor <NUM> is a wavefront sensor, the sensor <NUM> may detect the aberrations in the wavefront of light reflected by the anterior optical surface <NUM>.

The position of the light source <NUM>, the direction of the light emitted by the light source <NUM>, and the position of the sensor <NUM> may be varied to account for the particular surface profile of the anterior optical surface <NUM>. In one embodiment, the angle of the emitted light and the position of the sensor <NUM> may be varied during the measurement process to account for aspheric or other shapes of the surface of the lens <NUM>. In one embodiment, an automatic feedback system to determine proper angle of the light source <NUM> and/or sensor <NUM> may be utilized. In one embodiment, an automatic feedback system may be utilized to rotate the lens <NUM> to vary the relative angle of the light source <NUM> and/or sensor <NUM>. In one embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may be screened or filtered or otherwise blocked such that it does not receive the light that passes through the lens <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the system may be utilized to determine one or more characteristics of the opposite optical surface, or posterior optical surface <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, of the lens <NUM>. The lens <NUM> may be rotated to allow the posterior optical surface <NUM> to reflect the light emitted by the light source <NUM>. In one embodiment, the light source <NUM> and sensor <NUM> may be moved relative to the lens <NUM> such that they emit and receive light reflected by the posterior optical surface <NUM>. In one embodiment, a second light source <NUM> and a second sensor <NUM> may be positioned on the posterior side of the lens <NUM> to emit and receive light reflected by the posterior optical surface <NUM>. In one embodiment, the path of the light emitted by the light source <NUM> may be diverted such that it reflects off the opposite optical surface of the lens <NUM>. The path of the light reflected off the opposite optical surface of the lens <NUM> may also be diverted such that it is received by the sensor <NUM> after being reflected off the opposite optical surface. The diversion may occur through use of mirrors or the like to divert the light path. The use of mirrors may avoid physical movement of the light source <NUM>, sensor <NUM>, or lens <NUM>.

A determination may be made of the one or more characteristics of the optical surface of the lens <NUM> based on the wavefront of the reflected light that is received by the sensor <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, a processor <NUM> may be used in combination with a memory <NUM> and an input <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may store data for use by the processor <NUM> in the operation of the system. The input <NUM> may comprise an interface between the sensor <NUM> and the processor <NUM> (e.g., a port or connector or the like). The processor <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) may be configured to make the determination of the one or more characteristics of the optical surface of the lens <NUM> based on the wavefront of the reflected light that is received by the sensor <NUM>. The processor may make such a determination by processing the information produced by the sensor <NUM> regarding the wavefront of the light reflected off the optical surface of the lens. The processor <NUM> may be configured to determine, based on the wavefront information, the type and extent of optical aberrations of the optical surface. The processor may be configured to reconstruct the profile of the optical surface and provide the profile as an output. For example, the processor <NUM> may operate to determine Zernike polynomials. The processor <NUM> may perform a reconstruction step based on the wavefront of the reflected light that is received by the sensor <NUM> to determine the surface properties of optical surface of the lens <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may combine the reflection wavefront with information regarding the defocus of the incident wavefront. The processor <NUM> may perform the reconstruction step on both optical surfaces of the lens <NUM> to reconstruct the surface shape of both optical surfaces. The processor <NUM> may determine the one or more characteristics of the optical surface of the lens <NUM> in an iterative process, searching for a surface shape with the highest likelihood of yielding the measured wavefronts. In addition, the processor <NUM> may calculate the thickness of the lens <NUM> when combined with the total aberrations of the lens <NUM> as a whole.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be configured to determine the type and extent of optical aberrations based on comparison with wavefront data that is stored in the memory <NUM>. The wavefront data may reflect a variety of deviations from a desired profile of the optical surface. A comparison of the wavefront received by the sensor <NUM> with the wavefront data may indicate the type and extent of optical aberrations of the optical surface. In one embodiment, the wavefront data may reflect a desired profile of the optical surface. The processor <NUM> may compare the wavefront received by the sensor <NUM> with the wavefront data to determine the degree to which the wavefront received by the sensor <NUM> deviates from the desired profile of the optical surface.

The processor <NUM> may be configured to make the determination of the one or more characteristics of the optical surface of the lens <NUM> on the opposite optical surface of the lens <NUM> as well, in a similar manner as described above. In a similar manner as with the first optical surface, the processor may be configured to reconstruct the profile of the opposite optical surface and provide the profile as an output.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be a component separate from the sensor <NUM>. The processing by the processor <NUM> may be provided in a remote system, such as in a cloud computing configuration. In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be configured as a part of the sensor <NUM>.

The system may be configured to transmit light through the lens <NUM>. The light may be transmitted through the anterior optical surface <NUM> and the posterior optical surface <NUM>. The transmitted light may be received by the sensor <NUM>. In this manner, the one or more characteristics of the lens may be determined based on the wavefront of the light that is transmitted through the lens <NUM>. The one or more characteristics may comprise aberrations of the entire lens, which may include a misalignment of the optical surface (anterior surface <NUM>) with the opposite optical surface (posterior surface <NUM>) (e.g., due decentration). Other aberrations of the entire lens include defects arising due to anterior surface defects, posterior surface defects, anterior or posterior decentration, anterior or posterior tilt, inhomogeneities (such as microvacuoles) inside the media, a variation in refractive index, and a different thickness than intended, among other aberrations.

In one embodiment, the light may be transmitted through the lens <NUM> by decreasing the intensity of the light lower than the intensity of light used to reflect off surface <NUM> and/or surface <NUM>.

The one or more characteristics of the lens may be determined in a similar manner as with the optical surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>). Namely, the processor <NUM> may be configured to make the determination of the one or more characteristics of the lens <NUM> based on the wavefront of the transmitted light that is received by the sensor <NUM>. The processor may be configured to provide the wavefront quality of the lens <NUM>.

The system accordingly may be utilized to determine one or more characteristics of the anterior optical surface <NUM> of the lens, and the posterior optical surface <NUM> of the lens, and the lens <NUM> as a whole. The one or more characteristics of the anterior optical surface <NUM> of the lens, and the posterior optical surface <NUM> of the lens, and the lens <NUM> as a whole, may be determined separately and output separately. The profile of the anterior optical surface <NUM>, the posterior optical surface <NUM>, and the characteristics of the lens <NUM> as a whole may be provided. A user may accordingly determine if one or more of the surfaces of the lens <NUM>, or the lens as a whole, is suitable for use, has had manufacturing defects, and/or needs to be corrected for desired use. The source of deviations in the lens may accordingly be pinpointed.

The optical quality of the anterior surface of the lens, the posterior surface of the lens, and the combined total lens can be provided.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a system described above. <FIG> illustrates the light source <NUM> emitting light that is reflected off the anterior optical surface <NUM> of the lens <NUM>. The reflected light is received by the sensor <NUM> for processing by the processor. The light source <NUM> may be configured as a point source, such as a laser. The light source <NUM> may be coupled to a rail <NUM>. The rail <NUM> may allow for one-dimensional movement. In other embodiments, other degrees of movement (two-dimensional, three-dimensional) may be utilized. The light source <NUM> may move along the rail <NUM> to vary the position of the light source <NUM> relative to the lens <NUM>. The varied position of the light source <NUM> may vary the angle of incidence of the light emitted by the light source <NUM> on the anterior optical surface <NUM> of the lens <NUM>. The system may therefore account for varied shapes of the optical surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of various lenses <NUM> and different powers of lenses <NUM>, and may result in the desired reflection of light based on the shape of those surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. Preferably the light source <NUM> is a point source formed at a focal distance to the lens. For example, if the lens <NUM> is more curved, then the light source <NUM> should be closer to the lens <NUM>.

The position of the light source <NUM> may be varied such that the light after reflection is close to a planar wave. This may give a higher validity of aberration measurements. The defocus induced by having a point source may be readily estimated by the positioning of the point source. In one embodiment, a point source may be created by, for example, having an incoming planar wave focused by a lens with a variable position, or two lenses (allowing close to planar wavefronts).

A lens <NUM> (which may be referred to as auxiliary lens <NUM>) may be provided optically between the light source <NUM> and the lens <NUM>. The auxiliary lens <NUM> may serve to refract or otherwise direct the light emitted by the light source <NUM> such that the light is incident on the surface <NUM> at a desired angle of incidence. In one embodiment shown in <FIG>, the auxiliary lens <NUM> serves to converge the wavefront of the light emitted by the light source <NUM> optically prior to the light being reflected off the optical surface <NUM> of the lens <NUM>. The convergence of the wavefront accounts for the convex shape of the anterior optical surface <NUM> of the lens <NUM>. In one embodiment, the auxiliary lens <NUM> may serve to diverge the wavefront in an embodiment in which the surface <NUM> is concave. In one embodiment, the auxiliary lens <NUM> may be excluded. For example, if the shape of the surface <NUM> is planar, the auxiliary lens <NUM> may not be utilized.

The lens <NUM> may be coupled to a retainer <NUM>. The retainer <NUM> may hold the lens <NUM> in a desired position during the measurement process. The retainer <NUM> may comprise a clamp, a housing, a clip, or other form of retainer. In one embodiment, the retainer <NUM> may comprise a wet cell. In one embodiment, the retainer <NUM> may be configured to rotate the lens <NUM> relative to the light emitted by the light source <NUM> such that the posterior optical surface <NUM> faces and reflects the light emitted by the light source <NUM>. This would allow the characteristics of the posterior optical surface <NUM> to be measured in the manner described above. In one embodiment, the lens <NUM> may be held upright, or may be laying down (with the path of the light coming from above).

In one embodiment, a plurality of lenses may be held in a tray (the tray comprising the retainer) for large-scale measurement of each lens. <FIG> illustrates such an embodiment with multiple lenses <NUM> coupled to a retainer in the form of tray <NUM>. The lenses <NUM> may include optics <NUM> and haptics <NUM> coupled thereto. The whole tray may be moved to reposition each individual lens into the measurement system. The light source and sensor may be combined into a single housing <NUM> for measuring the properties of the lenses. The embodiment shown in <FIG> may incorporate any of the features disclosed in regard to the other embodiments of this application.

Referring back to <FIG>, the lens <NUM> may be coupled to the rail <NUM>. The rail <NUM> may allow for one-dimensional movement. In other embodiments, other degrees of movement (two-dimensional, three-dimensional) may be utilized. The lens <NUM> may move along the rail <NUM> to vary the shape of the wavefront of the reflected light. Preferably, the lens <NUM> is positioned such that a plane reflected wave (having eliminated defocus) is provided by the lens <NUM> to be received by the sensor <NUM>. In an embodiment in which tray testing of the lenses is performed, the system may be configured such that three dimensional movement of the tray and lenses therein (z direction for appropriate defocus, x and y for shifting between different lenses) may be performed.

A beam splitter <NUM> may be provided to reflect the light that is reflected by the anterior optical surface <NUM> to the sensor <NUM>. The beam splitter <NUM> may be positioned in the optical path between the light emitted by the light source <NUM> and the lens <NUM>.

The sensor <NUM> is positioned such that it does not receive any light that may be transmitted through the lens <NUM>, to allow for measurement of one or more optical characteristics of the optical surface <NUM>.

The posterior optical surface <NUM> of the lens <NUM> may be measured in a similar manner as described above. The lens <NUM> may rotate such that the posterior optical surface <NUM> faces the light emitted by the light source <NUM> to reflect light. The light source <NUM> may also be moved to emit light that is reflected off the posterior optical surface <NUM>. Other methods (multiple light sources <NUM> and/or sensors <NUM>, or varying the optical path of the light source's <NUM> light (via mirrors or the like), among others) may be utilized.

The processor may be configured to determine one or more characteristics of the anterior optical surface <NUM> of the lens <NUM> and/or of the posterior optical surface <NUM> of the lens <NUM> based on the wavefront of the reflected light that is received by the sensor <NUM>, in the manner described above.

The system shown in <FIG> may be configured to transmit light through the lens <NUM>. The light source <NUM> may transmit light through the lens <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be configured to receive the light transmitted through the lens <NUM>. In this manner, the system may produce a determination of one or more characteristics of the lens <NUM> based on the wavefront of the transmitted light that is received by the sensor <NUM>, in the manner described above. The same system may perform both the reflection and transmission aberrometry. The sensor <NUM> may be moved or the light path may otherwise be diverted such that the sensor <NUM> receives the light transmitted through the lens <NUM>.

The system accordingly may provide the profile of the anterior optical surface <NUM>, the posterior optical surface <NUM>, and the characteristics of the lens <NUM> as a whole.

Upon the lens <NUM> being tested, it may be removed from the system. Another lens may be placed in the system for testing.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be configured to utilize an algorithm to automatically position the lens <NUM> or a component of the system to account for a shape of either surface of the lens <NUM>. The algorithm may operate on a feedback system based on the amount of light received by the sensor <NUM>. The algorithm may be stored in memory <NUM> for use by the processor <NUM>. In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be coupled to motors or servos or the like for automatically moving one or more of the components disclosed herein to perform a process, such as a measurement process, disclosed herein. For example, processor <NUM> may be configured to move one or more of the light source <NUM>, lens <NUM>, sensor <NUM>, or light path between such components by operation of a motor or servo. The processor <NUM> may be configured to move one or more components along a rail or may be configured to move a tray such as the tray shown in <FIG>. The measurement processes disclosed herein may be automated through use of a processor.

The measurements disclosed herein may be performed in air.

In one embodiment, the apparatuses, systems, and methods disclosed herein may be utilized to perform in vivo testing of lenses. The proper vergence of the incident wavefront may be provided for the anterior side.

The scope of this disclosure additionally extends to methods of determining optical characteristics of diffractive lenses. Wavefront sensors have been used to characterize optical quality of diffractive lenses. One such sensor is a Hartmann-Shack sensor including a plurality of lenslets (the Hartmann-Shack sensor and its operation may be used to perform the wavefront aberrometry disclosed herein). Properties of such a sensor are shown in <FIG>. The lenslets <NUM> pass a wavefront therethrough. If the wavefront is a plane wave, then each lenslet <NUM> focal point is directly behind the lenslet. For an aberrated wavefront, the focus will deviate based on the slope, as shown in <FIG>. The deviation may be translated into a slope, which is then integrated to a wavefront map that can be decomposed into (e.g.) Zernike polynomials. This method may be used both in vivo to characterize patients, and in vitro to characterize optical quality of (e.g.) intraocular lenses.

Referring to <FIG>, diffractive lenses have been developed that diffract incident light to diffractive orders. Such diffractive lenses <NUM> may have a plurality of diffractive zones or echelettes <NUM> that extend around an optical axis <NUM> of the lens <NUM>. A central portion <NUM> of the lens <NUM> may be centered on the optical axis <NUM>. The diffractive profile produced by the echelettes may be disposed on the posterior optical surface <NUM> of the lens <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or the anterior optical surface <NUM> of the lens <NUM>, or both surfaces.

The presence of diffractive orders with diffractive lenses may increase the difficulty of wavefront aberrometry (such as the wavefront aberrometry described in regard to <FIG>). Referring to <FIG>, if the diffractive lens <NUM> has more than a single diffractive order, then multiple spots may be produced on the wavefront sensor. The multiple spots may make it difficult to accurately measure the wavefront and characterize the aberrations of the diffractive lens <NUM>.

A system is disclosed herein to address the difficulties in determining wavefront aberrations of diffractive lenses.

Referring to <FIG>, a system may include one or more light sources <NUM> and may include a light sensor in the form of wavefront sensor <NUM>. The one or more light sources <NUM> may comprise a laser, a multi-wavelength lamp, a light emitting diode (LED), a super-luminescent diode, a tungsten source, a halogen lamp, a plasma light source, or other form of light source. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, a single light source <NUM> is utilized. The single light source <NUM> may comprise a multi-wavelength lamp. In other embodiments, multiple light sources may be utilized, each emitting light at a different wavelength. The multiple light sources may comprise lasers or the like, each emitting light at a different wavelength.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, one or more filters <NUM> may be utilized to filter wavelengths of light provided by the single light source <NUM>. The filters <NUM> may allow a desired wavelength of light to pass to the diffractive lens <NUM>. Reference number <NUM>, for example, represents a wavelength of light that does not pass through the filter <NUM>. Different filters <NUM> allowing different wavelengths of light to pass through may be substituted for each other or used in combination with each other in accordance with the operation of the system.

The wavefront sensor <NUM> may comprise a Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor, or a wavefront curvature sensor, one or more interferometers, or a Ronchi test, or other forms of sensors.

The wavefront sensor <NUM> may be positioned such that the wavefront sensor <NUM> receives the light emitted by the light source <NUM> that is diffracted by the lens <NUM>. The light may pass through the lens <NUM>. In other embodiments, the light may be diffracted and reflected off the diffractive surface of the lens <NUM>. The wavefront sensor <NUM> may be configured to receive the light that is reflected off the diffractive surface of the lens <NUM>. The wavefront sensor <NUM> may utilize the systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed in regard to <FIG> to receive light that is reflected off the diffractive surface of the lens <NUM>.

A diffractive lens <NUM> may be positioned such that it diffracts the light emitted by the light source <NUM>.

The one or more light sources <NUM> may be configured to apply a plurality of wavelengths of light to the diffractive lens <NUM>. The plurality of wavelengths of light are preferably applied to the diffractive lens <NUM> such that a single wavelength or range of wavelengths is applied at any given time. The applied wavelengths may be selected to test the diffractive efficiency of the diffractive lens <NUM> at those wavelengths. For example, a wavelength of <NUM> nanometers (nm) may be selected to be applied to the diffractive lens <NUM>. The <NUM> wavelength may be applied to the diffractive lens <NUM> to the exclusion of other wavelengths. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, one or more filters <NUM> may be utilized such that the <NUM> wavelength is applied to the diffractive lens <NUM> to the exclusion of other wavelengths. In another embodiment, a light source only emitting <NUM> may be applied to the diffractive lens <NUM>. A defined range of wavelengths (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>) may also be applied to the exclusion of other wavelengths.

The wavefront sensor <NUM> may be configured to detect that only a single spot is produced by the lenslet, and the intensity of these spots, from the light diffracted by the diffractive lens <NUM> at the single wavelength or range of wavelengths. The sensor <NUM> accordingly provides a measure of the diffractive efficiency of the diffractive lens <NUM> at the single wavelength or range of wavelengths.

The one or more light sources <NUM> may then apply a single wavelength or range of wavelengths to the diffractive lens <NUM> that differs from the previously applied single wavelength or range of wavelengths. The wavefront sensor <NUM> may correspondingly detect the pattern (e.g., number of spots) and intensity of the light diffracted by the diffractive lens <NUM> at the single wavelength or range of wavelengths. This method may iteratively proceed at a plurality of different wavelengths. In this manner, the diffractive efficiency of the diffractive lens <NUM> may be determined at a plurality of wavelengths. The diffractive order corresponding to the wavelength may be determined. If the design of the diffractive lens <NUM> is known, then theoretical prediction may be used to select an initial wavelength, whereafter fine-tuning may be used to find the optimum wavelength. Then the diffractive order may be known. In an situation where the diffractive order is initially not known, then an algorithm may be utiltized. The algorithm may utilize the pattern (e.g., number of spots) and intensity of the light. If readings were performed at multiple wavelengths, then all peaks in the curve may be found, and may be matched with potential theoretical levels, to determine the diffractive order.

The diffractive efficiency of the diffractive lens <NUM> at a plurality of wavelengths may be utilized to determine a peak diffraction efficiency for the diffractive lens <NUM>. The peak diffractive efficiency is a diffractive efficiency at a peak. The peak diffractive efficiency may be at a wavelength that reduces the presence of light from the other diffractive orders such that aberrometry may be effectively performed. The peak may be at or close to <NUM>% for a single diffractive order. A best possible wavelength to perform aberrometry at may be determined. In one embodiment, the peak diffraction efficiency may be determined by the light source <NUM> scanning through the plurality of wavelengths, with only a single wavelength or range of wavelengths applied to the diffractive lens <NUM> at one time.

In an embodiment involving multifocal diffractive lenses, the position of the wavefront sensor <NUM> may be moved relative to the lens <NUM> according to the position of the focal length of the diffractive order. The wavefront sensor <NUM> and/or lens <NUM> may be coupled to a rail, such as a rail disclosed in regard to <FIG>, or another structure, to move the wavefront sensor <NUM> and/or lens <NUM>.

The peak diffraction efficiency may be presented in a chart, as shown in <FIG> illustrates diffraction efficiency <NUM> on the vertical axis of the chart, and wavelength <NUM> on the horizontal axis of the chart. The diffraction efficiency is shown for a plurality of diffractive orders of the diffractive lens <NUM> (e.g., m = -<NUM> through m = <NUM>). The diffractive efficiency is shown to peak at <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an alternative representative chart of diffraction efficiency. <FIG> illustrates diffraction efficiency <NUM> on the vertical axis of the chart, and wavelength <NUM> on the horizontal axis of the chart. The diffraction efficiency is shown for a plurality of diffractive orders of a monofocal achromat diffractive lens (e.g., m = -<NUM> through m = <NUM>). The diffractive efficiency is shown to peak at <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

A processor may be utilized to determine one or more of the plurality of wavelengths applied to the diffractive lens <NUM> that have a peak diffraction efficiency for the diffractive lens <NUM> based on the light received by the wavefront sensor <NUM>. The processor may comprise the processor <NUM> shown in <FIG> (although it may be a separate processor, or the same processor, as used in the embodiments of <FIG>). Referring to <FIG>, the processor <NUM> may be used in combination with a memory <NUM> and an input <NUM> (each of which may be a separate memory and input, or the same memory and input, as used in the embodiments of <FIG>). The memory <NUM> may store data for use by the processor <NUM> in the operation of the system. The input <NUM> may comprise an interface between the wavefront sensor <NUM> and the processor <NUM> (e.g., a port or connector or the like). The processor <NUM> may determine the one or more of the plurality of wavelengths applied to the diffractive lens <NUM> that have a peak diffraction efficiency by processing the information produced by the wavefront sensor <NUM> regarding the intensity of light received. The processor <NUM> may be configured to produce a chart or other form of output indicating the peak diffraction efficiencies.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be a component separate from the sensor <NUM>. In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be configured as a part of the sensor <NUM>. The processing by the processor <NUM> may be provided in a remote system, such as in a cloud computing configuration.

The processor <NUM> may be configured to perform the steps disclosed in regard to <FIG>.

The peak diffraction efficiencies may be utilized to determine a wavelength at which to perform aberrometry for the diffractive lens <NUM>. The problems inherent in performing aberrometry for a diffractive lens are reduced if the aberrometry is performed at a wavelength that produces intense light at only one diffractive order. Thus, the likelihood of measuring double spots (as represented in <FIG>) is reduced. Preferably, a single spot is produced.

In one embodiment, the determination of the peak diffraction efficiencies may be determined through calculation alone, without physical measurement of the diffractive lens <NUM>. In one embodiment, the determination of the peak diffraction efficiencies may be determined by reference to theoretical peak diffractive efficiencies based on known optical design. In one embodiment, a Bayesian method may be used to determine the peak diffraction efficiencies.

Multiple peak diffractive efficiencies may be determined. For example, in <FIG>, peaks occur at <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The selection of the wavelength at which to perform aberrometry may be selected from the peaks as desired. The determination of peak diffraction efficiencies may occur through testing in air.

A wavefront aberration of the diffractive lens <NUM> may be determined via wavefront testing of the diffractive lens <NUM> at a wavelength corresponding to the peak diffraction efficiency. The corresponding wavelength utilized may vary slightly from the wavelength of peak diffractive efficiency. The wavefront testing may performed such that all light from the light source <NUM> may go into a single diffractive order. The wavefront testing is preferably is performed in air.

In one embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may be configured as a wavefront sensor, to perform the wavefront aberration testing. The light source <NUM> may be used as the light source for the wavefront aberration testing. The processor <NUM> may be used to determine the wavefront aberration of the diffractive intraocular lens based on the light received by the sensor <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the wavefront testing may occur at multiple peak diffraction efficiency wavelengths, with the final wavefront determined at the varied peak diffraction efficiency wavelengths. This method may be preferred if different parts of the diffractive lens have different diffraction profiles.

The wavefront testing may occur either in vivo or in vitro as desired. The measurement in vivo however, may differ from those determined in vitro, and thus separate testing may be necessary in vivo compared to in vitro.

In one embodiment, the wavefront testing may be utilized to plan refractive surgery for a patient already implanted with a diffractive lens.

In one embodiment, the apparatuses, systems, and processes disclosed in regard to <FIG> may be combined with or used in lieu of the apparatuses, systems, and processes disclosed in regard to <FIG>. For example, in an embodiment in which the diffractive lens <NUM> includes a refractive optical surface (e.g., opposite the diffractive optical surface), then the apparatuses, systems, and processes disclosed in regard to <FIG> may be utilized to characterize the refractive optical surface via the disclosed reflection testing. In addition, the characteristics of the lens <NUM> as a whole may be determined by transmitting light through the diffractive lens <NUM> at a wavelength corresponding to peak diffractive efficiency, which may be determined via a process disclosed in regard to <FIG>. The characteristics of the diffractive surface, the refractive surface, and the lens <NUM> as a whole may accordingly be provided and determined separately. In one embodiment, aberrometry may be performed by reflecting light off of a diffractive surface of the lens <NUM> in a manner disclosed in regard to <FIG>. The diffractive techniques disclosed in regard to <FIG> may accordingly be combined with the reflection techniques disclosed in regard to <FIG> to determine optical quality of the lens.

In one embodiment, the apparatuses, systems, and processes disclosed in regard to <FIG> may be utilized in large-scale testing of lenses, which may include a tray embodiment disclosed in regard to <FIG>.

The apparatuses, systems, and methods disclosed herein are not limited to being applied to or used with an intraocular lens. Other forms of lenses, including ophthalmic lenses, may be utilized, including contact lenses or spectacle lenses, among other forms of lenses.

The apparatuses, systems, and methods disclosed herein may be combined, or performed separately from each other as desired to produce a desired result. For example, the methods of <FIG> may be performed separately from the methods of <FIG>.

The processor <NUM> disclosed herein may be utilized to perform or automate the processes disclosed herein. The processor <NUM> may include computer hardware and/or software, which may include one or more programmable processor units running machine readable program instructions or code for implementing some or all of one or more of the methods described herein. In one embodiment, the code is embodied in a tangible media such as a memory (optically a read only memory, a random access memory, a non-volatile memory, or the like) and/or a recording media (such as a floppy disk, a hard drive, a CD, a DVD, a memory stick, or the like). The code and/or associated data and signals may also be transmitted to or from the processor <NUM> via a network connection (such as a wireless network, an Ethernet, an internet, an intranet, or the like), and some or all of the code may also be transmitted between components of the system and within the processor <NUM> via one or more bus, and appropriate standard or proprietary communications cards, connector, cables, and the like can be included in the processor <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> is preferably configured to perform the calculations and signal transmission steps described herein at least in part by programming the processor <NUM> with the software code, which may be written as a single program, a series of separate subroutines or related programs, or the like. The processor <NUM> may include standard or proprietary digital and/or analog signal processor hardware, software, and/or firmware, and has sufficient processing power to perform the calculations described herein. The processor <NUM> optionally includes a personal computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a proprietary processing unit, or a combination thereof. Standard or proprietary input devices (such as a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen, joystick, etc.) and output devices (such as a printer, speakers, display screen, etc.) associated with computer systems may also be included in the system, and additional processors having a plurality of processing units (or even separate computers) may be employed in a wide range of centralized or distributed data processing architectures.

Certain embodiments of systems, apparatuses, and methods are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the same. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The subject matter of the invention being solely defined by the appended claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in the present specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about. " As used herein, the term "about" means that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term so qualified encompasses an approximation that may vary. The terms "approximate[ly]" and "substantial[ly]" represent an amount that may vary from the stated amount, yet is capable of performing the desired operation or process discussed herein.

Claim 1:
A system configured to measure diffractive intraocular lenses (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
one or more light sources (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to emit a plurality of wavelengths of light for diffraction by a diffractive intraocular lens (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a wavefront sensor (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to receive the light that is diffracted by the diffractive intraocular lens (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
a processor (<NUM>) configured to determine one or more of the plurality of wavelengths that have a peak diffraction efficiency for the diffractive intraocular lens (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) based on the light received by the wavefront sensor (<NUM>, <NUM>).