Diffractive IOL Order Shift for Chromatic Aberration Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multifocal ophthalmic lenses, such as diffractive IOLs, often fail to adequately compensate for chromatic aberrations, leading to diminished optical performance and the need for additional corrections like spectacles for near and intermediate vision.
Innovation Solution
Shift the distance focus of a diffractive profile by modifying the diffractive order using a linear function in r-squared space to improve chromatic correction, allowing the distance focus to correspond to a diffractive order other than the 0th order, thereby redistributing light energy to enhance optical performance across different focal distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional diffractive multifocal IOLs are used to provide multiple focal points, then vision at near and distance is improved, but chromatic aberrations are not adequately compensated leading to diminished optical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the diffractive profile by changing the diffractive order parameter. Specifically, it shifts the distance focus from the 0th diffractive order to a higher diffractive order (1st, 2nd, or 3rd order), which fundamentally alters how light is distributed across different wavelengths and focal points, thereby improving chromatic correction while maintaining multifocality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the light energy distribution by creating distinct focal points at different diffractive orders. The modified diffractive profile directs different portions of light energy to different diffractive orders, with each order corresponding to a specific focal distance, thereby providing segmented vision correction for near, intermediate, and distance vision
2Device complexity
If the distance focus is set at the 0th diffractive order in conventional diffractive IOLs, then the lens structure is simpler, but chromatic correction is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the diffractive order parameter from 0th order to higher orders (1st, 2nd, or 3rd order) for the distance focus. This parameter change fundamentally improves chromatic correction by utilizing the wavelength-dependent diffraction properties of higher orders, which naturally separate different wavelengths more effectively than the 0th order
3Power
If light energy is concentrated at a single focal point in monofocal IOLs, then optical power is maximized, but vision at other distances requires additional corrections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical power by distributing light energy across multiple diffractive orders, with each order providing a specific focal point. This segmentation allows the lens to maintain significant optical power while simultaneously providing vision correction at multiple distances (near, intermediate, and distance) through the different diffractive orders
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes diffractive order parameters to create multiple focal points from a single optical element. By designing the diffractive profile to produce foci at different orders (0th, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd order), the lens maintains high optical power while providing adaptability for vision at various distances
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 modified diffractive profile provides improved chromatic correction and balanced light distribution, enhancing vision clarity at distance, near, and intermediate distances without the need for additional optical aids.
Implementation Method 1
Multifocal IOLs may, for example, rely on a diffractive optical surface to direct portions of the light energy toward differing focal distances
Implementation Method 2
Current state of the art diffractive monofocal, extended depth of focus (EDOF), and multifocal lenses can make use of a material having a given refractive index and a surface curvature which provide a refractive power. Diffractive lenses have a diffractive profile which confers the lens with diffractive powers that may contribute to the overall optical power of the lens.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems and methods for providing improved ophthalmic lenses, particularly intraocular lenses (IOLs). Embodiments may include a shift of a diffractive order.