Contact Lenses with Concentric Light Blocking Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional contact lenses that block UV and blue light often result in visual disturbances, such as a solid structure in the field of vision or light scattering, degrading the image quality.
Innovation Solution
Contact lenses with multiple concentric rings of specific materials that substantially block UV and blue light transmission without degrading vision, using materials like polymerizable colorants, photochromic compounds, and organic/inorganic pigments to achieve less than 50% light transmittance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a solid area of light absorbing material is used in contact lenses, then UV light blocking is improved, but visual clarity deteriorates due to solid structure blockage in field of vision
Solution Approach 1:
The light absorbing material is divided into multiple discrete concentric rings instead of a solid continuous area. This segmentation allows light to pass through the spaces between rings while still providing sufficient UV blocking through the distributed ring structures, thereby maintaining visual clarity while protecting against UV damage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens are assigned different optical properties: the concentric rings contain light-absorbing material for UV blocking, while the spaces between rings remain transparent for clear vision. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of UV protection and visual clarity in different parts of the lens.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a graded zone of light absorbing material is used in contact lenses, then UV light blocking is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to light scattering from gradation
Solution Approach 1:
The graded zone is replaced by discrete concentric rings with abrupt boundaries rather than gradual transitions. This segmentation eliminates the light scattering caused by gradation while maintaining effective UV blocking through the distributed ring structures that absorb ultraviolet light.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple concentric rings of light blocking material are used, then UV and blue light blocking is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The concentric ring structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks UV light, blocks blue light, and maintains visual clarity. This multi-functionality is achieved through the strategic design of ring materials and spacing that address multiple spectral ranges and optical requirements within a single integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different concentric rings contain light-absorbing materials with different spectral absorption characteristics. Some rings are designed to absorb UV wavelengths while others target blue light wavelengths, creating a multi-layered spectral filtration system that provides comprehensive protection across different light ranges.
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 blocks UV and blue light while maintaining clear vision, using concentric rings to minimize visual disturbances and ensure high light blocking efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
multiple concentric rings of certain materials on or in the lens, the amount of selected wavelengths of light may be decreased or substantially eliminated
Implementation Method 2
photochromic compounds
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides contact lenses that substantially block either or both UV and blue light from entering the lens wearer's pupil by providing multiple concentric areas of certain materials that decrease or substantially eliminate the UV and blue light transmission. The lenses of the invention accomplish the light blocking without degrading the lens wearer's vision.