Contact lens utilizing stiles-crawford effect

Abstract

The present apparatus comprises a lens body of conventional soft contact lens composition, having a generally spherical concave back surface adapted to fit the cornea of the eye, and a generally convex front surface. The lens preferably includes a prism ballast to ensure correct orientation. The lens of the present invention is made of opaque or other substances which generally do not transmit light. In the process, the eye is mapped with a conventional field test to determine the diseased portion of the eye and those portions of the eye having optical perception. Through the lens surface, circular channels or 'pinholes' which traverse the entire thickness of the lens are placed in an area which maps and therefore corresponds to the portion of the retina having optical perception. Light incident on the underlying portion of the retina having optical perception through the pinholes provides improved vision. These pinholes can be made in the form of channels. Such channels further increase tear distribution under the lens with improved comfort to the wearer. The channels additionally provide increased oxygen flow to the cornea and lens, thereby diminishing the physiological burden occasioned by standard soft contact lens.