Ophthalmic Lenses with Dynamic Optical Properties for Reducing Myopia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Myopia development is not effectively mitigated by existing technologies, as they fail to address the behavioral and genetic factors contributing to the condition, particularly in children, where the axial length of the eye continues to increase beyond optimal focusing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of ophthalmic lenses with dynamic optical properties, featuring an optically-switchable component that can change between transparent and scattering states, allowing for adjustable light scattering and optical power distribution to reduce myopic defocus, using electro-optic materials like polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, and an electronic controller to manage these changes based on user activity and environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing therapeutic devices are used to treat myopia, then some behavioral factors are addressed, but the devices fail to effectively mitigate myopia progression due to inability to dynamically adapt to changing visual conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing an optically-switchable component that can dynamically change between transparent and scattering states in response to different visual conditions. This allows the lens to adapt its optical properties in real-time, transitioning from a static therapeutic device to a dynamic system that responds to changing environmental and visual demands, thereby effectively mitigating myopia progression while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the optical properties of the lens material through electro-optic effects. The optically-switchable component changes its light scattering properties based on applied electrical signals, allowing the lens to adjust its optical power and light distribution characteristics. This enables the device to effectively address myopia progression by changing optical parameters in response to different viewing conditions.
2Reliability
If the entire lens area scatters light to reduce myopic defocus, then peripheral vision contrast is reduced, but central visual acuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the local quality principle by creating distinct optical zones within the lens: a central first region with an optically-switchable component that can transition between transparent and scattering states, and a peripheral second region that provides continuous light scattering. This local differentiation allows the central vision to maintain high acuity when needed while the peripheral regions provide myopic defocus reduction, resolving the contradiction between peripheral contrast reduction and central visual acuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the lens into functionally distinct regions: a central optically-switchable component and peripheral scattering zones. This segmentation allows independent control of light scattering in different areas, enabling the system to reduce myopic defocus in peripheral vision while preserving central visual acuity through selective transparency in the central region.
3Measurement precision
If the optically-switchable component remains in transparent state, then central visual acuity is maintained, but myopic defocus is not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the optically-switchable component to transition between transparent and scattering states based on detected visual conditions. When myopia mitigation is needed, the component switches to a scattering state to reduce myopic defocus; when central acuity is prioritized, it transitions to transparent. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between maintaining central visual acuity and effectively mitigating myopia progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through controlled switching between optical states in response to changing visual demands. The system alternates between transparent and scattering states based on environmental conditions and visual tasks, allowing it to periodically provide myopic defocus reduction while maintaining central visual acuity when required, thus resolving the contradiction between these two objectives.
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 lenses effectively mitigate myopia progression by reducing contrast in peripheral vision, adapting to environmental and visual stimuli, while maintaining optimal visual acuity, thereby slowing the development of nearsightedness in children.
Implementation Method 1
using electro-optic materials like polymer-dispersed liquid crystals
Implementation Method 2
the second region partially scatters or defocuses light incident on the second area
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic lens includes a first region corresponding to a first area of an optical surface of the ophthalmic lens and a second region corresponding to a second area of the optical surface of the ophthalmic lens different from the first area. The second region has an optically-switchable component switchable between a first optical state and a second optical state different from the first optical state. In the first optical state the second region partially scatters or defocuses light incident on the second area.