Fused Tricyclic Compounds for UV and HEV Absorption in Ophthalmic Lenses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ophthalmic devices fail to effectively absorb high energy visible light without compromising vision, as they either absorb too much radiation, leading to eye strain, or do not absorb enough UV and high energy visible light, which can cause ocular disorders and circadian rhythm disruption.

Innovation Solution

Development of high energy light absorbing compounds that are polymerizable and can be incorporated into ophthalmic devices, specifically designed to absorb UV and high energy visible light while maintaining transparency in the visible spectrum, allowing for targeted protection without affecting vision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional UV absorbing materials are used in ophthalmic devices, then UV radiation absorption is improved, but visible light transmission is compromised causing eye strain and reduced vision quality

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV radiation absorptionVSAvoidvisible light transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the light absorption function by using two distinct compounds: Compound A (benzotriazole derivative) absorbs UV radiation (280-380 nm) while Compound B (indoline derivative) absorbs HEV light (400-450 nm). This segmentation allows each compound to target specific harmful wavelength ranges while preserving transmission in other visible spectrum ranges, resolving the contradiction between UV protection and visible light transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by designing compounds with specific molecular structures that absorb light at particular wavelengths. Compound A with its benzotriazole core provides UV absorption, while Compound B with its indoline structure provides HEV absorption. Each compound's local chemical structure is optimized to absorb specific harmful wavelengths while allowing other wavelengths to pass through, enabling targeted protection without compromising overall vision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If high energy visible light absorption is increased to protect against circadian rhythm disruption, then protection efficacy is improved, but visual clarity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHEV light absorptionVSAvoidvisual clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using Compound B to absorb only the problematic HEV portion (400-450 nm) of the visible spectrum rather than absorbing all visible light. This partial absorption provides protection against circadian rhythm disruption while leaving the rest of the visible spectrum (450-780 nm) fully transmitted, thereby maintaining visual clarity. The absorption is targeted and selective rather than comprehensive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the absorption parameters by selecting compounds with specific spectral absorption characteristics. Compound B is chosen with its particular indoline structure and substituents to absorb HEV light at 400-450 nm while maintaining high transmission above 450 nm. This parameter optimization ensures that protection against circadian disruption is achieved without sacrificing visual acuity or brightness perception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If polymerizable compounds are incorporated into ophthalmic devices, then processing compatibility is improved, but compound stability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing compatibilityVSAvoidcompound stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating the polymerizable groups into the molecular structures of Compounds A and B before device manufacturing. The compounds are designed with methacrylate or acrylate groups that enable them to participate in polymerization reactions during lens fabrication. This preliminary incorporation ensures that the compounds become permanently integrated into the lens matrix during processing, eliminating the need for separate incorporation steps and ensuring long-term stability in the final product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite materials by combining the light-absorbing compounds with polymerizable monomers and crosslinkers to form a integrated polymeric matrix. The compounds with polymerizable groups become part of the crosslinked network structure, ensuring they remain stably embedded in the lens material. This composite approach enhances both processing compatibility (through co-polymerization) and long-term stability (through covalent bonding to the matrix).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

These compounds effectively absorb UV and high energy visible light, providing protection against ocular damage and circadian rhythm disruption while ensuring clear visibility, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

The compounds effectively absorb UV and high energy visible light, providing protection against ocular damage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The compounds are also polymerizable and are generally compatible with other raw materials, as well as the polymerization and processing conditions that are typically used for making ophthalmic devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20230117655A1Polymerizable fused tricyclic compounds as absorbers of UV and visible light
Publication Date: 2023.04.20 JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION CARE INC
  • US20230117655A1 patent drawing
  • US20230117655A1 patent drawing
  • US20230117655A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Described are polymerizable fused tricyclic compounds of formula I:wherein R1, R2, R3, m, n, t, and rings B, C, and D are as defined herein. The compounds absorb various wavelengths of ultraviolet and/or visible light (such as high energy visible light) and are suitable for incorporation in a variety of products, such as biomedical devices and ophthalmic devices.