Asymmetric Ophthalmic Lens Myopia Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack an effective way to predict and control the progression of myopia, as the mechanisms regulating eye development and refractive error progression are not well understood, leading to increasing visual impairment despite corrective lenses.
Innovation Solution
The use of ophthalmic devices with asymmetric refractive powers or curvatures to modify the ocular characteristics, particularly by creating or maintaining asymmetry between the nasal and temporal retinas, to slow down myopia progression by altering the focal points and refractive errors across the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional corrective lenses are used to correct myopia, then visual impairment is addressed, but the progression of myopia continues unchecked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different refractive powers to different zones of the lens - the central zone has one refractive power while the peripheral zones have different refractive powers. This local differentiation creates asymmetric peripheral defocus that specifically targets myopia progression control without compromising central vision correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent deliberately creates asymmetric peripheral refractive error profiles by designing lenses with non-uniform peripheral defocus. The asymmetric design causes different amounts of myopic defocus in nasal versus temporal peripheral regions, which according to the patent's findings, slows myopia progression more effectively than symmetric designs.
2Ease of operation
If symmetric peripheral refractive error profiles are maintained, then regular corrective vision is achieved, but myopia progression accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry into the peripheral refractive error profile through lens design. By creating asymmetric peripheral defocus (different defocus amounts in nasal versus temporal regions), the patent leverages the finding that asymmetric profiles slow myopia progression while maintaining adequate central vision.
3Productivity
If asymmetric refractive error profiles are created through lens design, then myopia progression is controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lens into distinct functional zones (central zone and peripheral zones) with different refractive powers. This zonal differentiation is implemented through standard lens manufacturing techniques and creates the necessary asymmetric peripheral defocus without requiring complex custom optics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the refractive power parameters across different lens zones to achieve asymmetric peripheral defocus. By adjusting the refractive power distribution rather than using complex lens geometries, the patent achieves myopia control with relatively simple lens designs that can be manufactured using conventional methods.
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
This approach effectively predicts and controls myopia progression by creating or enhancing asymmetry in the refractive error profiles, reducing the rate of myopia advancement and maintaining clear vision, as demonstrated by studies showing lower progression rates in eyes with more asymmetric peripheral refractive error profiles.
Implementation Method 1
The use of ophthalmic devices with asymmetric refractive powers or curvatures to modify the ocular characteristics, particularly by creating or maintaining asymmetry between the nasal and temporal retinas, to slow down myopia progression by altering the focal points and refractive errors across the eye.
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic lens system for reducing the risk of progression of a myopic eye by selectively maintaining, inducing or creating asymmetry of the peripheral retinal profile for the eye. A method for reducing the risk of progression of myopia comprising determining the magnitude of asymmetry of the on-axis/off-axis refractive error profile or eye length profile of the eye and providing an ophthalmic lens system that corrects for and provides acceptable on-axis vision and simultaneously controls the position of the off-axis refractive error profile or eye length profile such that resultant profile of the eye is asymmetric.