Compound Microlens Spectacle Lens for Peripheral Defocus Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spectacle lenses do not effectively address the progression of myopia and other visual impairments by failing to manage peripheral defocus, which contributes to eye elongation and growth.

Innovation Solution

A compound microlens design incorporating on-axis microlenslets and off-axis sub-lenslets with varying optical functionalities, including different shapes and powers, is integrated into spectacle lenses to manage peripheral defocus and reduce accommodative lag.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional single vision lenses are used to correct myopia, then central vision is improved, but peripheral defocus remains uncorrected leading to continued eye elongation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentral vision correctionVSAvoidperipheral defocus

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lens is divided into multiple functional zones: central area for myopia correction and peripheral annular regions for hyperopic defocus. Each zone independently addresses specific visual needs, with the peripheral zones creating positive defocus to counteract eye elongation while the central zone provides standard myopic correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the lens have different optical powers and functions. The central region has negative power for myopia correction while the peripheral annular regions have positive power for hyperopic defocus. This local differentiation allows simultaneous correction of central vision and control of peripheral defocus effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If corrective spectacles are worn to correct myopia, then vision clarity is improved, but emmetropization process may be hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevision clarityVSAvoidemmetropization process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lens design dynamically adapts to different viewing conditions through its multi-zone structure. The peripheral annular regions provide hyperopic defocus that actively counteracts myopic progression, while the central region provides clear vision. This dynamic optical control supports both vision clarity and healthy eye development.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lens changes optical parameters across different zones: central region has negative diopter value for myopia correction while peripheral regions have positive diopter values for hyperopic defocus. This parameter variation allows the lens to simultaneously support vision clarity and emmetropization by providing appropriate defocus signals to the eye's emmetropization mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If peripheral hyperopic defocus is allowed to occur, then eye growth is stimulated, but uncorrected myopia progresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeye growth controlVSAvoidmyopia correction

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lens separates the functions of myopia correction and hyperopic defocus into distinct zones. The central zone corrects myopia while the peripheral annular zones create controlled hyperopic defocus to manage eye growth. This segmentation allows independent optimization of both functions without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different optical properties are assigned to different locations: the central area provides negative power for myopia correction while the peripheral annular areas provide positive power for controlling eye growth. This local quality differentiation enables simultaneous myopia management and eye growth control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 compound microlens design effectively reduces myopia progression by bringing images closer to the retina, minimizing eye elongation, and provides customized control over light distribution, addressing various visual impairments.

Implementation Method 1

the on-axis microlenslet is configured to focus light onto a macular region of the retina

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical focusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 2

the off-axis sub-lenslets are configured to create peripheral defocus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical defocus: Focusing

Data Source

PatentUS12474597B2Compound microlens design for hyperopic peripheral defocus reduction

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)

AI summary

A spectacle lens is disclosed that includes compound microlenses arranged in a pattern. A compound microlens includes an on-axis microlenslet and an off-axis sub-lenslet located on the on-axis microlenslet. The off-axis sub-lenslet has a different optical functionality than the on-axis microlenslet. By selecting the appropriate compound microlens design, the addition of microlenslets with sub-lenslets around the periphery of the main structure optimizes the spectacle lens for myopia prevention, vertigo prevention, or any other visual related condition.