LENS SYSTEM FOR INSPECTION OF AN EYE
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNIQUE
The disclosed technique relates to a lens for the surgical field, in
general, and to methods and systems for observing a retina of an eye by
employing a retinal-surgery lens incorporating a mirror arranged to reflect
light onto the retina, in particular.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNIQUE
In the human vision system, the retina is a light-sensitive layer of
tissue, covering the inner surface of the eye. An image of a viewed scene
is created on the retina (i.e., through the eye lens). Light impinging on the
retina triggers nerve impulses sent to visual areas of the brain.
Retinal surgeries, as known in the art, involve the placement of
a macular lens on the eye and insertion of an illumination optical fiber into
the eye ball for illuminating the retina. For example, one surgeon (or a
fixture) holds the macular lens on the top surface of the eye, the cornea,
while another holds the illumination fiber and other surgical tools. Thus,
the illumination fibers are aimed manually. Additionally, the distribution
angle of the illuminating fiber beam (i.e., or the illuminated spot generated
thereby) is relatively narrow. Therefore, the surgeon holding the fiber has
to constantly redirect the illumination fiber for illuminating the area of
interest investigated under a microscope.
Reference is now made to US Patent Application Publication
No. 2012/0050683 to Yates, entitled "Self-Illuminated Handheld Lens for
Retinal Examination and Photography and Related Method thereof. This
publication is directed to a handheld fundus lens with integrated lighting
fibers. The hand held fundus lens of this publication provides illumination
to the patient's retina from a point source of light through fiber optics
strands. The light source is positioned outside the lens and is directly
coupled to the fiber optic strands. A light channel is ground into the
contact lens, and the fiber optic strands are inserted into this light channel.
The fiber optic strands are formed into an illumination ring abutting the
contact lens.
WO 95/14254 to Donald A. Volk entitled "Indirect
ophthalmoscopy lens system and adapter lenses" is directed to an
ophthalmoscopic or gonioscopic lens system. The indirect
ophthalmoscopy lens comprises a hand-held, pre-set or fixed system
having at least two lens elements each having first and second surfaces.
The at least two lens elements are positioned adjacent one another in a
housing, such that the refractive properties of each are combined to
converge light from an illumination light source to the entrance pupil of the
patient's eye to illuminate the fundus thereof and form a fundus image to
be viewed. The adapter lens systems of this invention are designed for
use with an associated ophthalmoscopic lens, enabling selective
modification of the optical characteristics of the ophthalmoscopic lens
system in a predetermined manner.
US 2009/0185135 to Donald A. Volk entitled "Real image
forming eye examination lens utilizing two reflective surfaces providing
upright image" describes a diagnostic and therapeutic contact lens for use
with biomicroscopes for the examination and treatment of structures of the
eye. The lens comprises a contacting surface adapted for placement on
the cornea of an eye, two reflecting surfaces, and a refracting surface. A
light ray emanating from the structure of the eye enters the lens and
contributes to the formation of a correctly oriented real image. The light
ray is reflected in an ordered sequence of reflections, first as a negative
reflection in a posterior direction from an anterior reflecting surface and
next as a positive reflection in an anterior direction from a posterior
reflecting surface. The light ray contributes to forming the image of the
structure of the eye either anterior to the lens or within the lens and
proceeds along a pathway to the objective lens of the biomicroscope used
for stereoscopic viewing and image scanning.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSED TECHNIQUE
It is an object of the disclosed technique to provide a novel
surgical lens system including a lens and a reflective element The lens is
placed on, or above, a cornea of an eye of a subject for enabling
inspection of the eye. The reflective element is incorporated into the lens.
The reflective element reflects a light beam toward the eye of the subject.
The reflective element increases the divergence of the light beam, such
that the divergence of the reflected light beam is larger than the
divergence of the light beam. The light beam is emitted by a non-invasive
light source positioned externally to the eye.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The disclosed technique will be understood and appreciated
more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with
the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a surgical lens system,
constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosed technique;
Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a surgical lens system,
constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the
disclosed technique;
Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a surgical lens system,
constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the
disclosed technique; and
Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a surgical lens system,
constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the
disclosed technique.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
The disclosed technique overcomes the disadvantages of the
prior art by providing a macular lens incorporating a mirror and a light
guide. The light guide directs an illumination light beam from a light source
to the mirror. The mirror reflects the light beam toward the eye of a subject
to illuminate the eye (e.g., to illuminate the retina of the subject for
inspection). Additionally, the mirror may have optical power and be
configured to increase the divergence of the reflected light beam. In
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technique, the reflected
light beam passes through the macular lens, which further increases the
divergence of the reflected light beam. In other words, the mirror (and
possibly also the macular lens) increases the diameter of the illumination
light beam on the retina of the subject.
In accordance with another embodiment of the disclosed
technique the macular lens (including the incorporated mirror) is
disposable. In this manner, a physician can inspect the eye of a subject
via such a disposable macular lens and dispose of the macular lens
afterwards, employing another such macular for inspecting another
subject.
The term "beam diameter" as referred to herein below relates to
the diameter of the cross section of a light beam on a plane perpendicular
to the beam axis. That is, the beam diameter is the diameter of the spot
the beam lights on a plane perpendicular to the beam axis. The term
"beam divergence,' as referred to herein below relates to the increase in
beam diameter with distance (i.e., the beam angular distribution). The
term "inspection" as referred to herein with respect to inspection of the eye
of a subject, relates to inspection of the eye or of different portions of the
eye for various purposes. For example, the inspection can relate to
observation by a physician for medical diagnostic, for retinal surgery or for
imaging in general. The inspection can further relate to other purposes,
such retinal scan for biometric identification, and any other purpose which
requires inspecting the eye or various portions thereof.
Reference is now made to Figure 1, which is a schematic illustration
of a surgical lens system, generally referenced 100, constructed and
operative in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technique.
Lens system 100 includes a surgical lens 102, a mirror 104 and a light
source 106. In general, light source 106 is positioned outside the field of
view (FOV) of the lens. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 light source
106 is positioned perpendicular to the FOV of lens 102. In other
embodiments, light source 106 can be positioned also substantially
perpendicular to the FOV of the lens (i.e. in a range of -/+ 10 degrees).
Mirror 104 is incorporated into lens 102, for example, at the center of
surgical lens 102 (i.e., the center on a plane perpendicular to the optical
axis of surgical lens 102). The position of mirror 104 relative to the center
of surgical lens 102 can affect the illumination characteristics
(characteristics like illumination uniformity, stray lights reflected to the
optical system or camera, illumination field of view coverage etc.) In
general, mirror 104 can be placed at different positions relative to lens 102
as long as it is located at the central region of lens 102 away from the
periphery thereof. Light source 106 is optically coupled with mirror 104.
Lens system 100 may further include a waveguide (not shown) optically
coupled between light source 106 and mirror 104.
As used in this disclosure the term Optically coupled' describes an
aspect of the optical relations between light source 106 and mirror 104.
Light emitted from light source 106 is conveyed to mirror 104 by using
different techniques. As an example, an exit aperture located in light
source 106 is placed near a specific location on the lens (an entrance
aperture). A mechanical fixture can be used in order to correctly position
the exit aperture near the entrance aperture. The light then exits the light
source exit aperture and enters directly into the lens through the entrance
aperture. Subsequently to entering the lens, the light travels through a
waveguide that directs the light to the mirror. The waveguide is optionally
selected from a recess, a depression, a change in the lens index of
refraction or an implantation of different material in the lens, etc. The light
source aperture size, the divergence angle, the entrance aperture in the
lens and waveguide can be designed according to the user's
requirements. In a further embodiment of the disclosed technique, a small
light fiber is tunneled through the lens to reach a point located a short
distance from the mirror and thus illuminate the mirror directly. In an
additional embodiment of the disclosed technique, the light can be
illuminated directly towards the mirror (with no waveguide), using a laser
source (or other) with a very narrow angle of divergence.
Surgical lens 102 is attached to an eye 110 of a subject and in
particular is placed on a cornea 114 of eye 110 similarly to a contact lens,
or at a short distance from the cornea. Therefore, lens 102 can be of
various sizes to fit various subjects. For example, for inspecting the eye of
a child, a user would use a smaller lens than for an adult. The eyes of
different users can vary by size, cornea convexity, and the like. Surgical
lens 102 is also referred to herein below as macular lens 102 or simply
lens 102.
Lens 102 is employed for inspection of eye 110 or of portions
thereof, such as the retina, the eye lens, and the like. The inspection can
be performed by employing the macular lens alone or employing the
macular lens as a component of an inspection system including additional
components. For example, lens 102 is employed for retinal diagnostic and
surgical operations, and enables a surgical microscope (e.g., ophthalmic
microscope) to image a retina 112 via cornea 114 and eye lens 116.
When inspecting the subject's retina via a microscope, one should add a
relay component to the microscope for adapting the microscope to
compensate for light divergence by the eye lens of subject. The macular
lens of the disclosed technique serves as such relay component. For
example, macular lens 102 is an aspheric fundus lens.
Lens 102 can be of varying optical power, as required by the
inspection task at hand. For example, a lens for inspecting the retina
might differ from a lens for inspective the eye lens of the subject. The
differences can relate to the focal distance, the optical power, the field of
view (FOV), and other optical and physical parameters of the lens.
Mirror 104 is a reflective element, also referred to herein below
as reflective element 104. Mirror 104 may be partially reflective as a
function of power or wavelength (e.g., reflecting only a selected
waveband). Mirror 104 is configured to reflect (i.e., redirect) light received
from light source 106 toward eye 110. That is, mirror 104 is constructed,
positioned and coupled with the other components of surgical lens system
100 in such a way that it reflects the light produced by light source 106
toward eye 110.
Mirror 104 may further be configured to increase the divergence
of the light reflected thereby. The divergence increase of mirror 104 is
adapted to the inspection task at hand. For example, the user can use a
different lens system having a different mirror (differing by its beam
divergence increase) for different inspection tasks. Generally, mirror 104
increases the divergence of the light beam, such that the FOV of lens 102
would be illuminated. It is noted that the divergence of the light beam may
further be increased by lens 102 and by the eye lens, which should be
considered when configuring the divergence increase of mirror 104.
Mirror 104 can be composed of several elements. For example,
mirror 104 can include several reflecting surfaces, each with different
optical power (or with no optical power). Mirror 104 can include a flat
mirror (i.e., a reflecting component) and a lens (i.e., a divergence
increasing component) coupled therewith. Alternatively, reflective element
104 can be replaced by other optical elements for changing the direction
of light, such as a prism, a diffraction grating, or a beam splitter. Generally
speaking, the reflective element should redirect the illumination beam
toward the eye of the subject. Additionally, the reflective element may be
configured to increase the beam divergence of the illumination beam as
detailed above.
As mentioned above the mirror (i.e., the reflective element) can
be coupled with other optical elements. The optical elements are
employed for augmenting the function of the mirror (e.g., flat mirror
coupled with a lens), or for complementing it (e.g., both the mirror and the
lens increase the beam divergence). The optical element coupled with the
mirror can serve other functions as well, such as improving the light
uniformity.
The beam divergence angle of the reflected light covers the field
of view (FOV) of macular lens 102. In this manner, an inspected area,
inspected via lens 102, is illuminated. Moreover, the reflected light
illuminates the FOV of macular lens 102 in a uniform manner. It is noted
that, non-uniform illumination may affect images of the retina and may
lead to erroneous diagnostics.
Mirror 104 can be incorporated into lens 102, located within a
niche within lens 102 or coupled with lens 102 on either side of lens 102.
In case mirror 104 is located within lens 102 or coupled to the side of lens
102 further from the eye, the light reflected by the mirror passes through
at least a portion of lens 102. In this case, lens 102 increases the
divergence of the reflected light beam, thereby augmenting the beam
divergence increase of mirror 104. Additionally, mirror 104 is configured
such that eye lens 116 further increases the divergence of the reflected
light beam. It is noted that mirror 104 partially occludes the FOV of lens
system 100. Therefore, mirror 104 should be small enough such that the
occlusion would not adversely affect the inspection of the eye. For
example, mirror 104 can have a diameter ranging between 1-3
millimeters. Mirror 104 can be positioned at different heights along the
optical axis. The occlusion severity and type is a function of the mirror
height. According to the disclosed technique, the occlusion of a mirror
positioned outside of the focal plane, will cause certain effects like
decreasing the illumination level, the sharpness of the image etc. but will
not cause complete obstruction of portions of the perceived image.
Contrary to the disclosed technique, the occlusion of a mirror positioned in
the focal plane, will cause obstruction of the perceived image.
In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technique,
mirror 104 is positioned at the center of lens 102 along the optical axis of
lens 102. In such a case, the reflected light beam and the FOV of macular
lens 102 are coaxial. Put another way, reflected light beam 120 provides
zero-angle illumination. In accordance with another embodiment mirror
104 is positioned off-axis. For example, mirror 104 is positioned off the
axis of macular lens 102 but is still located in the central region of macular
lens 102 away from the periphery of lens 102.
In accordance with another embodiment of the disclosed
technique, mirror 104 can have various optical properties, for affecting the
reflected light beam. For example, mirror 104 can affect the polarity, the
wavelength (e.g., by blocking a selected waveband), or other properties of
the light beam. Mirror 104 can be coated with various coatings for
inducing these optical properties.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosed
technique, mirror 104 can be coupled to lens 102 via a mounting
mechanism which allows mirror 104 to be moved. Thereby, mirror 104 can
be employed as a scanning mirror for illuminating different areas of the
eye of the subject.
Light source 106, including an output port of light source 106
(not referenced), is positioned externally to the eye. In other words, light
source 106 is a noninvasive light source. Light source 106 is configured to
generate illumination light beam 118. Light source projects light beam 118
toward mirror 104 (or toward a waveguide of surgical lens system 100
leading to mirror 104 and incorporated into macular lens 102). In
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technique, light source
106 produces a narrow light beam 118, which is thereafter diverged by
mirror 104, macular lens 102 and eye lens 106 to illuminate the FOV of
macular lens 102.
Light source 106 can produce illumination light at any desired
light wavelength, or other illumination characteristics (e.g., wavelength,
polarization, intensity and the like), as required by the user and the task at
hand. Additionally, the illumination beam can be modulated. The light
source can produce light pulses instead of a continuous beam. The
illumination can be synchronized with, or otherwise controlled, by an
external device, such as an imaging device. Generally, the light source
produces the illumination required to the task at hand, and the mirror
directs the illumination beam (or pulse) toward the inspected area.
It is noted that the light source can be coupled with the lens
system of the disclosed technique via intermediate elements such as a
fiber and a connector. For example, the light source can be a Light
Emitting Diode (LED) mechanically (or opto-mechanically) connected to
the lens.
During operation, a user (e.g., an ophthalmologist) places
macular lens 102 on cornea 114 and turns on light source 106. Light
source 106 directs light beam 118 toward reflective element 104.
Reflective element 104 reflects tight beam 118 toward eye 110. In other
words, reflective element directs a reflected light beam 120 toward eye
110. The user inspects eye 110 (illuminated by reflected light beam 120)
via macular lens 102.
As can be seen in Figure 1, reflective element 104 increases the
divergence of reflected light beam 120. That is, the divergence of reflected
light beam 120 is larger than that of light beam 118. As can further be
seen in Figure 1, each of macular lens 102 and eye lens 116 further
increases the divergence of reflected light beam 120. It is noted that the
divergence angle of reflected light beam 120 covers the FOV of macular
lens 102, such that the inspected portion of retina 112 is illuminated.
Additionally, reflected light beam 120 illuminates the inspected portion of
retina 112 in a uniform manner.
In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technique,
the user can hold the lens via a holder (not shown). The light source can
be incorporated into (or connected to) the holder. Alternatively, the lens
can be held in place by a mechanical fixture (not shown). The light source
can be incorporated into (or connected to) the mechanical fixture.
In accordance with another embodiment of the disclosed
technique, macular lens 102 (including incorporated mirror 104 and the
optional incorporated waveguide) is disposable. In this manner, the user
places lens 102 over cornea 114 of the subject, and couples it to light
source 106. The user inspects eye 110 via lens 102, and thereafter
disposes of lens 102. The user employs a new disposable lens 102 for the
next subject. Light source 106 can be reused. As the lens system is
disposable and is employed for a single subject, different lens systems
can be of different sizes for adapting to various users. Additionally, the
reflective elements can be of various optical properties, such as various
degrees of divergence increase, for different inspection tasks. In
accordance with an alternative embodiment, the macular lens can be
reused (after being sanitized) for a plurality of subjects. Further
alternatively, some elements of the macular lens system are reusable and
some are disposable. For example the light source and the lens holder are
reusable, while the lens and the incorporated mirror and waveguide, are
disposable.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosed
technique, the lens system includes a zooming mechanism for controlling
the zoom of the light beam. For example, the mirror is coupled with lenses
which serve as a zoom mechanism for the illumination light beam.
Alternatively, the light source can be moved with respect to the mirror for
varying the zoom of the illumination beam.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosed
technique, system 100 is employed for inspection of other body cavities
which require illumination, such as the ears of the subject. System 100 is
placed over the body cavity, the mirror reflects the illumination beam
toward the cavity, and the user inspects the illuminated cavity via the lens.
Reference is now made to Figure 2, which is a schematic
illustration of a surgical lens system, generally referenced 200,
constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the
disclosed technique. Figure 2, depicts a cross section of surgical lens
system 200 along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens.
Lens system 200 includes a lens 202, a mirror 204, a light source 206 and
a waveguide 208 (or a light guide 210). Mirror 204 and waveguide 208 are
incorporated into lens 202. Mirror 204 is optically coupled with light source
206 via waveguide 208. That is, a light beam 210 irradiated by light source
206 enter waveguide 208 and is directed thereby toward mirror 204. Each
of lens 202, mirror 204 and light source 206 is substantially similar to lens
102, mirror 104, and light source 106, of Figure 1, respectively.
Waveguide 208 (also referred to herein as light guide 208) is an optical
element for directing light from one end of waveguide 208 (coupled with
light source 206) to the opposite end of waveguide 208 (coupled with
mirror 204). For example, waveguide 208 can be an optical fiber, a
dedicated structure within lens 102, a series of mirrors or other optical
elements that can guide light, and the like.
A user holds (or places) lens 102 over a cornea of an eye of a
subject. Light source 206 irradiates illumination beam 210 into waveguide
208. Waveguide 208 guides illumination beam 210 toward mirror 204.
Mirror 204 reflects illumination beam 210 toward the eye of the subject,
illuminating the eye for inspection via lens 202. As can be seen in Figure
2, mirror 204 is positioned at the center of lens 202 (i.e., along the optical
axis of lens 202). Thereby, the reflected light beam and the FOV of lens
202 are coaxial (i.e., zero-angle illumination). Alternatively, mirror 204 can
be located off-axis.
Reference is now made to Figure 3, which is a schematic
illustration of a surgical lens system, generally referenced 300,
constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the
disclosed technique. Lens system 300 includes a surgical lens 302, a first
mirror 304A, a second mirror 304B, and a light source 306. Mirrors 304A
and 304B are incorporated into lens 302. Light source 306 is optically
coupled with mirror 304. Lens system 300 can further include a waveguide
(not shown) coupled between light source 306 and each of mirrors 304A
and 304B for guiding light irradiated by light source 306 toward mirrors
304A and 304B.
Light source produces a light beam composed of a first light
beam portion 318A and a second light beam portion 3 18B (light beams
3 18A and 3 18B). First light beam portion 318A impinges on the reflective
surface of mirror 304A and is reflected thereby as first reflected light beam
320A. Second light beam portion 3 18B impinges on the reflective surface
of mirror 304B and is reflected thereby as second reflected light beam
320B. Each of mirrors 304A and 304B also increases the divergence of
the respective reflected light beam. That is, mirror 304A increases the
divergence of reflected light beam 320A, and mirror 304B increases the
divergence of reflected light beam 320B. Each of lens 302 and eye lens
316 further increases the divergence of reflected light beams 320A and
320B. Reflected light beams 320A and 320B illuminate the FOV of lens
302, thereby allowing inspection of eye 310 via lens 302.
In the example set forth in Figure 3, there are two mirrors.
Alternatively, there could be any number of mirrors each reflecting a
portion of the illumination beam irradiated by the light source toward the
eye. Each of the mirrors increases the divergence of the beam portion it
reflects.
Reference is now made to Figure 4, which is a schematic
illustration of a surgical lens system, generally referenced 400,
constructed and operative in accordance with yet another embodiment of
the disclosed technique. Figure 4, depicts a cross section of surgical lens
system 400 along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens.
Lens system 400 includes a lens 402, a mirror 404, a light source 406, a
holder 408 and a fiber 410. Holder 408 is mechanically connected to lens
402. Mirror 404 and fiber 410 are incorporated into lens 402. Light source
406 is incorporated into holder 408. Mirror 404 is optically coupled with
light source 406 via fiber 410. Each of lens 402, mirror 404 and light
source 406 is substantially similar to lens 102, mirror 104, and light source
106, of Figure 1, respectively.
Holder 408 is employed for holding lens system 400. That is, a
user holds lens system 400 via holder 408 and positions lens 402 over the
eye of a patient. Light source 406 is incorporated into holder 418 for
reducing the size of lens system 400. Additionally, by incorporating the
light source into the holder, the light source is maintained mechanically
connected to the lens, and thereby maintained optically aligned with the
lens. In case lens 402 is a disposable lens, holder 408 (and incorporated
light source 406) are either disposable as well, or are reused and coupled
with a new lens for each subject. As opposed to the embodiments shown
in Figures 1 through 3, light source 406 which is mechanically connected
to the lens, can be positioned in any desired direction and is not limited to
being positioned perpendicular to the FOV of the lens.
As can be seen in Figure 4, mirror 404 is positioned off-axis (i.e.,
away from a center 412 of lens 402). It is noted though, that mirror 404 is
located at the central region of lens 402 away from the periphery thereof.
In the examples set forth herein above the mirror incorporating
lens of the disclosed technique was exemplified as a retinal surgical lens.
However, the lens of the disclosed technique can be adapted to, and
employed for, every scenario at which inspection of a darkened area (i.e.,
requiring illumination) is required, such as other body cavities as, for
example, an ear of a subject. In particular, where zero-angle illumination is
required, such as for dilated fundus examination or for Optical Coherence
Tomography (OCT) applications.
It is noted that the retinal vision mechanism is common among
vertebrates. Thus, the lens system of the disclosed technique can also be
employed for retinal surgeries of non-human subjects, such as other
mammals (e.g., horses or apes), or non-mammals vertebrates (e.g.,
reptiles or birds).
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the
disclosed technique is not limited to what has been particularly shown and
described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the disclosed technique is
defined only by the claims, which follow.
CLAIMS
1.
A lens system for inspection of an eye of a subject comprising:
a lens arranged to be placed on or above a cornea of said eye
and configured to form an image of said eye; and
a reflective element placed away from the periphery of said lens
and partially occludes a FOV of said lens and is coupled to said lens
in at least one of the selected modes:
a) incorporated into said lens;
b) coupled with one side of said lens; and
c) coupled with the other side of said lens,
wherein said reflective element being configured to reflect a light
beam, emitted by a non-invasive light source positioned externally to
said eye, and thereby to direct a reflected light beam toward said eye
of said subject, said reflective element being further configured to
increase the divergence of said light beam, such that the divergence
of said reflected light beam is larger than the divergence of said light
beam.
2. The lens system of claim 1, wherein said reflected light beam passes
through said lens, and wherein said lens has optical power and is
configured to increase the divergence of said reflected light beam.
3. The lens system of claim 1, wherein a beam diameter of said
reflected light beam covers a field of view of said lens on a retina of
said eye.
4. The lens system of claim 1, wherein said reflective element is
positioned along an optical axis of said lens.
5. The lens system of claim 1, further comprising a waveguide
incorporated into said tens, said waveguide arranged to receive said
light beam from said light source and to guide said light beam via
said lens toward said reflective element.
6. The lens system of claim 5, wherein said waveguide being an optical
fiber.
7. The lens system of claim 1, wherein said reflective element includes
a plurality of reflective elements positioned such that each of said
reflective elements occlude a portion of a FOV of said lens, each of
said reflective elements being configured to reflect a portion of said
light beam.
8. The lens system of claim 1, further comprising a holder by which a
user can hold said lens system.
9. The lens system of claim 8, wherein said light source is incorporated
into said holder.
10. The lens system of claim 1, wherein said reflective element is not
incorporated into said lens, and wherein said reflective element is
located within a field of view of said lens.
11. The lens system of claim 1, wherein said reflective element is not
incorporated into said lens, and wherein said lens is located within
said reflected light beam.
12. The lens system of claim 1, wherein said reflective element is
composed of a reflective component and a divergence increase
component having optical power.
13. The lens system of claim 1, further comprising a zooming mechanism
for controlling the zoom of said light beam.
14. The lens system of claim 1, wherein said lens being a disposable lens
by being configured to be coupled with and to be decoupled from
said light source.