Diffractive lenses for vision correction are provided on a lens body
having a first diffractive structure for splitting light into two or more diffractive
orders to different focal distances or ranges, and a second diffractive structure,
referred to as a multiorder diffractive (MOD) structure, for diffracting light
at different wavelengths into a plurality of different diffractive orders to a
common focal distance or range. In a bifocal application, the first and second
diffractive structures in combination define the base power for distance vision
correction and add power for near vision correction of the lens. The first and
second diffractive structures may be combined on the same surface or located on
different surfaces of the lens. An optical element, such as a substrate or coating,
may be integrated along one or both surfaces of the lens to provide the lens with
smooth outer surface(s).