Adjustable Optics for Spherocylindrical Refraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining spherocylindrical refraction of the eye, particularly in resource-limited areas, are inefficient due to the need for skilled personnel and expensive equipment, and often only measure spherical equivalent, which is less accurate than determining separate parameters for spherical, cylindrical refractive power, and axis position.
Innovation Solution
A system with an optical unit having adjustable refractive power, a refractive power setting device, and a computer program that displays optotypes at three different orientations to calculate spherical, cylindrical refractive power, and axis position, allowing for independent determination of spherocylindrical refraction by users with reduced complexity and skill dependency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional subjective refraction determination using trial frames and trial lenses is used, then accurate spherocylindrical refraction can be determined, but it requires skilled personnel and is bound to premises of opticians or ophthalmologists
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to perform their own refraction determination through automated presentation of optotypes at different orientations and computational analysis of responses. The computer program automatically calculates spherical, cylindrical, and axis parameters from user responses to oriented optotypes, eliminating the need for skilled personnel to manually adjust trial lenses while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical trial frame and trial lens system with a digital/computational system. Instead of physically inserting different trial lenses, the system uses a computer program to present optotypes at various orientations and computationally determine refraction parameters, substituting mechanical adjustment with automated digital processing.
2Ease of operation
If simplified spectacle lenses are used for approximate measurement over broad population, then examinations can be carried out without trained staff, but only spherical equivalent is determined which is less accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds the dimension of optotype orientation to the measurement process. By presenting optotypes at different orientations (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) and analyzing user responses to each orientation, the system can separately determine spherical, cylindrical, and axis parameters, transforming a single-parameter measurement into a multi-dimensional analysis that captures full spherocylindrical refraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies the orientation parameter of presented optotypes to extract different refraction information. By changing the orientation of optotypes and analyzing how users perceive them at different angles, the system can separate and quantify spherical and cylindrical components along with axis position, transforming a simple spherical measurement into a comprehensive spherocylindrical analysis.
3Measurement precision
If manual or digital phoropter is used, then refraction determination can be performed, but it requires appropriately schooled optician or ophthalmologist and is substantially stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the refraction determination process into independent computational steps: presenting optotypes at specific orientations, recording user responses for each orientation, and separately calculating spherical, cylindrical, and axis parameters. This segmentation allows the complex task to be broken down into manageable automated steps that don't require skilled operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a single optical unit with variable refractive power that can perform multiple functions: presenting optotypes, varying orientations, and determining all three refraction parameters (sphere, cylinder, axis) through one integrated process, replacing the need for multiple specialized devices and trained personnel.
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
Enables faster, easier, and more accurate calculation of spherocylindrical refraction, improving accessibility and accuracy for users, especially those with pronounced astigmatism, by reducing the complexity of adjustment options and reliance on skilled personnel.
Implementation Method 1
an optical unit (13; 20) with an adjustable refractive power
Data Source
AI summary
A device and computer program for determining the spherocylindrical refraction of an eye are disclosed. A component having adjustable optics is provided, the refractive power of which can be adjusted via a refractive power adjustment device. The spherocylindrical refraction is then determined from the adjustment of the refractive power adjustment device at different orientations of a typical direction of the optics or a typical direction of eye test characters.