Activable Optical Element Lens for Myopia Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical lenses for correcting myopia often cause focusing defects during near vision, leading to increased myopia progression, especially in children, and existing solutions with micro lenses or light scattering structures result in discomfort due to dazzling effects, particularly in bright light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A lens element with an activable optical element that switches between focusing and light scattering functions, using electro-active, thermo-optical, or photo-active materials to adapt optical diffusion based on wearer needs, allowing customization of haze levels and duration, and integration with refractive areas for precise correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If micro lenses or light scattering structures are used to slow down myopia progression, then the abnormal refraction progression is reduced, but visual acuity in the periphery is reduced and dazzling occurs in bright light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic approach by using switchable optical elements that can change their light scattering properties on demand. The optical elements can be activated or deactivated based on lighting conditions and viewing requirements, allowing the lens to adapt between providing myopia control (when activated) and maintaining clear peripheral vision (when deactivated), thus resolving the contradiction between myopia progression control and visual comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the lens elements by using materials whose refractive index or scattering properties can be modified. By adjusting parameters such as the scattering coefficient or refractive index difference between the optical element and surrounding medium, the lens can transition between a state that provides strong light scattering for myopia control and a state that allows clear vision, thereby eliminating the permanent visual acuity loss and dazzling effects
2Reliability
If light scattering structures are used to prevent myopia progression, then refraction control is improved, but comfort is reduced due to haze and dazzling in bright light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The switchable optical elements enable the lens to dynamically adjust its light scattering function based on environmental conditions and user needs. In bright light conditions or when clear peripheral vision is required, the elements can be deactivated to eliminate haze and dazzling. When myopia control is the priority (e.g., during near work), the elements are activated to provide the necessary light scattering, thus resolving the contradiction between refraction control and visual comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by positioning optical elements with different scattering properties in different zones of the lens. The switchable optical elements can be selectively activated in specific regions (e.g., peripheral zones) to provide myopia control where needed, while leaving central vision areas clear for comfortable viewing, thereby balancing refraction control with visual comfort across different spatial regions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The lens element effectively slows down myopia progression while minimizing discomfort by controlling haze and adapting to different lighting conditions, ensuring clear vision and reduced eye strain.
Implementation Method 1
in a second state the at least one activable optical element has a second optical function of scattering light so as to slow down the progression of the abnormal refraction of the eye
Implementation Method 2
in a first state the at least one activable optical element contributes with the rest of the lens to focus the image of an object at distance on the retina of the wearer
Data Source
AI summary
A lens element intended to be worn in front of an eye of a wearer having a first optical function, and comprising at least one activable optical element, wherein in a first state the at least one activable optical element contributes with the rest of the lens to focus the image of an object at distance on the retina of the wearer, and in a second state the at least one activable optical element has a second optical function of scattering light so as to slow down the progression of the abnormal refraction of the eye.