Hyperchromatic IOL Diffractive Structure

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) suffer from reduced visual acuity due to light splitting for different vision distances, requiring high centration accuracy and energy distribution variability with pupil size, which adversely impacts presbyopia correction.

Innovation Solution

A hyperchromatic ophthalmic device featuring a lens with a diffractive structure that introduces significant chromatic aberration, allowing for improved near vision correction without the need for precise centration accuracy and energy distribution independence from pupil size, achieved through a combination of refractive and diffractive elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional multifocal IOLs are used to provide presbyopia correction with multiple focal points, then near vision and distance vision are improved, but visual acuity is reduced due to light splitting for different vision distances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepresbyopia correction capabilityVSAvoidvisual acuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameter by introducing controlled chromatic aberration (a wavelength-dependent optical property) to create multiple focal points. Instead of using conventional refractive multifocality that splits light equally, this invention uses the wavelength-dependent focusing property to achieve presbyopia correction while maintaining better visual acuity through differential wavelength utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts chromatic aberration, traditionally considered an optical defect or harmful phenomenon, into a beneficial mechanism for presbyopia correction. By intentionally designing the lens to exploit chromatic aberration, the invention transforms what was previously a source of visual degradation into the primary mechanism for achieving multiple focal points and improving near vision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional multifocal IOLs are used to provide near vision, then presbyopia correction is achieved, but high centration accuracy is required (less than one minute of angle) which is technically challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenear vision correctionVSAvoidcentration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameter by introducing controlled chromatic aberration (a wavelength-dependent optical property) to create multiple focal points. Instead of using conventional refractive multifocality that splits light equally, this invention uses the wavelength-dependent focusing property to achieve presbyopia correction while maintaining better visual acuity through differential wavelength utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts chromatic aberration, traditionally considered an optical defect or harmful phenomenon, into a beneficial mechanism for presbyopia correction. By intentionally designing the lens to exploit chromatic aberration, the invention transforms what was previously a source of visual degradation into the primary mechanism for achieving multiple focal points and improving near vision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional multifocal IOLs are used for presbyopia correction, then near and far vision are provided, but visual acuity is again sacrificed due to light distribution requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-distance vision capabilityVSAvoidvisual acuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameter by introducing controlled chromatic aberration (a wavelength-dependent optical property) to create multiple focal points. Instead of using conventional refractive multifocality that splits light equally, this invention uses the wavelength-dependent focusing property to achieve presbyopia correction while maintaining better visual acuity through differential wavelength utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts chromatic aberration, traditionally considered an optical defect or harmful phenomenon, into a beneficial mechanism for presbyopia correction. By intentionally designing the lens to exploit chromatic aberration, the invention transforms what was previously a source of visual degradation into the primary mechanism for achieving multiple focal points and improving near vision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional multifocal IOLs are used to provide presbyopia correction, then near vision is improved, but energy distribution between near and far vision varies with pupil size which is undesirable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepresbyopia correctionVSAvoidenergy distribution stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameter by introducing controlled chromatic aberration (a wavelength-dependent optical property) to create multiple focal points. Instead of using conventional refractive multifocality that splits light equally, this invention uses the wavelength-dependent focusing property to achieve presbyopia correction while maintaining better visual acuity through differential wavelength utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts chromatic aberration, traditionally considered an optical defect or harmful phenomenon, into a beneficial mechanism for presbyopia correction. By intentionally designing the lens to exploit chromatic aberration, the invention transforms what was previously a source of visual degradation into the primary mechanism for achieving multiple focal points and improving near vision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 hyperchromatic lens enhances visual acuity and extends the depth of focus for presbyopia correction, providing improved performance and reduced dependency on pupil size, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional multifocal IOLs.

Implementation Method 1

The diffractive structure(s) have a chromatic aberration such that the diffractive structure(s) have a first power for the first wavelength of visible light and a second power for a second wavelength of visible light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

The ophthalmic lens(es) have at least one base focal length and a base power for a first wavelength of visible light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS10945834B2Hyperchromatic presybyopia-correcting intraocular lenses

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 ALCON INC

AI summary

An ophthalmic device includes at least one ophthalmic lens and at least one diffractive structure for the at least one ophthalmic lens. The ophthalmic lens(es) have at least one base focal length and a base power for a first wavelength of visible light. The diffractive structure(s) have a chromatic aberration such that the diffractive structure(s) have a first power for the first wavelength of visible light and a second power for a second wavelength of visible light. A difference between the first power and the second power is at least two diopters.