Selective Blue Light Filtering Ophthalmic Lenses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current blue-blocking ophthalmic systems compromise color vision, cosmesis, and scotopic sensitivity due to inadequate filtering of blue light, leading to increased exposure of the retina to harmful wavelengths, which contributes to age-related macular degeneration and other retinal diseases.
Innovation Solution
Development of ophthalmic lenses with selective blue light blocking capabilities, utilizing dyes such as perylene and porphyrins, that inhibit transmission in the 400-500 nm range while maintaining at least 80% transmission of other visible light wavelengths, ensuring cosmetically neutral appearance and preserving scotopic vision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional blue-blocking lenses are used to filter harmful blue light, then retinal protection is improved, but color vision and cosmesis deteriorate due to yellowing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the lens by incorporating specific dyes (carotenoids, xanthophylls, lutein) that selectively absorb blue light wavelengths (400-500 nm) while maintaining transmission in the green-yellow range (500-570 nm). This parameter change allows the lens to block harmful blue light without causing the yellowing effect that degrades color vision in conventional lenses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material composition by combining multiple natural pigments (carotenoids, xanthophylls, lutein) in specific ratios within the lens matrix. This composite approach creates a synergistic effect where each component contributes to blue light filtering while collectively maintaining natural color perception and cosmetic appearance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If blue light filtering is enhanced to protect against macular degeneration, then retinal disease prevention is improved, but scotopic sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating selective wavelength filtering rather than broad-spectrum blocking. The lens specifically targets blue light wavelengths (400-500 nm) that cause photochemical damage while preserving transmission of other visible wavelengths, particularly in the green-yellow range that contributes to scotopic vision. This localized filtering approach protects the retina without compromising night vision sensitivity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If yellowing is increased to block blue light, then blue light hazard protection is improved, but cosmetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using natural pigments with specific absorption spectra that target blue light while maintaining transparency in the visible range. Unlike conventional yellowing that blocks broad spectrum light, these pigments (carotenoids, xanthophylls, lutein) have absorption peaks in the blue region (400-500 nm) and minimal absorption in the green-yellow region (500-570 nm), preserving cosmetic appearance
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 solution effectively reduces blue light exposure to the retina, minimizing oxidative damage and preserving night vision while maintaining high contrast sensitivity and color perception, thus addressing the limitations of existing blue-blocking technologies.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing dyes such as perylene and porphyrins, that inhibit transmission in the 400-500 nm range
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to ophthalmic and non-ophthalmic systems with blue light filtering and Yellowness Index ranges. UV and IR filtering are also included. Industrial applications are also outlined in the invention.